In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, some leaders stand out not only for their business acumen but also for their ability to identify real-world problems and solve them through innovation. One such visionary is Akash Joshi, Founder and Director of IMAST Operations Private Limited, Indore. At just 38, Akash has steered IMAST from a modest beginning into a ₹200 Cr valued SaaS powerhouse that is transforming the way businesses approach loyalty management, distribution, and after-sales service.
Early Vision and Entrepreneurial Spark
Akash’s journey into entrepreneurship is rooted in his professional background in sales and marketing. His exposure to large manufacturing firms and distribution networks gave him a first-hand understanding of the inefficiencies in post-sales engagement and distribution visibility. These insights, coupled with a passion for technology-driven solutions, became the foundation of IMAST.
In 2016, at the age of 30, Akash took the leap to establish IMAST with an initial investment of ₹5 lakhs. What began as a bold step into the competitive SaaS market has today grown into a company with over 100+ clients and 300+ employees, serving industries across the country.
Growth Story: From ₹5 Lakhs to ₹200 Cr Valuation
The numbers speak volumes about IMAST’s trajectory. From its inception, the company has focused on creating integrated SaaS solutions that cater to loyalty management, sales force automation (SFA), dealer management systems (DMS), and after-sales service automation. By addressing multiple pain points in one seamless platform, IMAST has built a 95% client retention rate, a benchmark in the industry.
Currently, IMAST operates with a turnover of ₹20 Cr and a valuation of ₹200 Cr, cementing its position as a fast-scaling SaaS company from central India.
Impact on Market and Society
IMAST’s solutions go beyond software—they enable digital transformation across businesses by connecting supply chain stakeholders on a single platform. This integration not only enhances efficiency but also fosters stronger customer loyalty, sales performance, and post-sales service. By bridging these gaps, IMAST empowers organizations to scale sustainably and remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.
Struggles, Learnings, and Persistence
Like every entrepreneurial journey, Akash’s path was not without hurdles. Initial funding challenges, hiring the right talent, and onboarding clients tested his resolve in the early years. However, his persistence, focus on building client trust, and commitment to establishing robust systems became the cornerstones of overcoming these obstacles.
His belief is simple yet profound:
- Systems drive scale
- People drive loyalty
- Persistence drives results
This philosophy continues to guide IMAST’s growth story.
Inspiration and Values
When asked about his professional inspiration, Akash points to Narayana Murthy, a pioneer who built a global tech giant while staying rooted in Indian values. Akash resonates deeply with this ethos, aspiring to expand IMAST globally while maintaining a commitment to integrity, innovation, and impact.
Unique Entrepreneurial Edge
What makes Akash stand apart is his blend of emotional intelligence and process orientation. While his people-first approach allows him to build strong relationships, his structured and process-driven mindset ensures scalability. This unique balance has been instrumental in shaping IMAST into an organization that thrives on both trust and technology.
Awards and Recognition
Akash’s efforts and IMAST’s innovative impact have earned multiple recognitions, including the India Business Excellence Award, StartUp 77 Recognition, and the Red FM Leadership Award. These accolades are a testament to the company’s growing influence in India’s SaaS ecosystem.
Future Outlook: Taking India’s SaaS Global
Looking ahead, Akash envisions IMAST as a global leader in exportable SaaS solutions, taking India’s technological capabilities to international markets. His focus remains on continuous innovation, global expansion, and building an ecosystem where Indian SaaS products can compete with the best in the world.
Advice to Young Entrepreneurs
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Akash emphasizes the importance of clarity and persistence. His advice is straightforward:
“Start small, think big, solve a real problem, and keep building value.”
It is this mindset that has helped him transform a small idea into a thriving SaaS enterprise in less than a decade.
Conclusion
Akash Joshi’s journey is an inspiring example of how vision, persistence, and innovation can converge to create lasting impact. From a ₹5 lakh startup to a ₹200 Cr valued enterprise, IMAST is not just a story of business growth—it is a story of reshaping industries, empowering stakeholders, and building India’s presence in the global SaaS arena.
With leaders like Akash at the helm, the future of Indian technology looks not just promising, but truly transformative.
Website : https://www.imast.in/