I am Gaurav Sharma, the managing partner and CEO of VSTOGi FINANCIALS, a prominent wealth management firm in Rajasthan. Growing up in a disciplined and creative family, I have always been motivated to push my boundaries and overcome challenges. My vision of promoting informed investments stems from personal experiences as an investor, where I faced challenges due to a lack of transparency and knowledge. This drive led me to empower society through financial literacy and reliable investment advice.
Business Overview:
Inception Year/Date: August 2017
Current Business Status:
- 70 Crore+ AUM
- PAN India Services
- 20+ Business Associates
- 2000+ Clients
- In-house investment advisors and tax planners
Impact on Market/Society:
Our business significantly contributes to the investment industry by channeling AUM into various asset management firms, thereby boosting the Indian investment market. We also invest in government bonds and shares, create employment opportunities, and encourage financial students to enter the investment market. Our commitment to social responsibilities includes sponsoring initiatives like the POCSO Act awareness program in schools and cultural events like Ardour 4.0, promoting arts, culture, and sports among students and researchers. These efforts help bridge digital, communal, social, and cultural divides, empowering individuals with previously inaccessible tools and resources.
Business Activities:
VSTOGi FINANCIALS empowers citizens to understand and manage their finances. We educate clients on various investment options in the Indian market, offering true and transparent information. Our services include:
- Mutual Funds
- Insurance Solutions
- Goal-Based Planning
- Retirement/Financial Planning
- Tax Planning
- Capital Gains
- Bonds, Stocks, IPOs, and more
Problem Solved:
The investment market often suffers from greedy brokerage practices, where financial agents prioritize high-commission products over clients’ best interests. We address this by educating investors, maintaining transparency with commission disclosures, and providing our services free of charge. This approach helps clients make informed financial decisions, fostering trust and long-term relationships.
USP:
Our unique selling proposition lies in prioritizing clients’ needs at every step of their investment journey. We offer customized financial plans and responsive customer support, ensuring high-quality service. Unlike many competitors, we maintain clear terms and product offerings, staying well-equipped with the latest industry trends to keep our clients updated.
Future Prospects:
The future of VSTOGi FINANCIALS looks promising. We aim to expand our market presence by integrating strategic, honest, and skilled business associates. Our client-centric approach will be further optimized to better understand clients’ needs, offering tailored solutions. We are committed to adapting to the latest trends and regulations, ensuring uninterrupted service and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Every client is unique at VSTOGi, and we ensure personalized service rather than generic approaches.
Motivation for Starting the Business:
The motivation to start VSTOGi FINANCIALS came from a personal experience of mine. Seven years ago, I invested in a SIP of ₹2000, only to realize the salesperson couldn’t answer my questions and misled me into a high-commission fund. This experience highlighted the need for informed investing in society. I educated myself on financial markets and decided to empower individuals through my business, aiming to make a positive societal impact.
Professional Inspiration/Idol:
Dr. Balasubramanian, under whom I trained during my Masters, is my professional inspiration. His approach to challenges, spontaneity, and quiet strength have profoundly influenced me. His encouragement and recognition of my potential in literature analysis have been pivotal in my journey. I consider Dr. Balasubramanian as my true inspiration, teaching me resilience and guiding me through my professional path.
Struggles and Learning:
Starting VSTOGi FINANCIALS came with numerous challenges. Gaining trust was a significant hurdle, which I overcame through perseverance and successful projects. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a major challenge, halting operations due to courier delays and clients’ financial uncertainties. We adapted by digitizing our processes, enabling clients to execute transactions independently. This experience underscored the importance of resilience and innovation in overcoming obstacles. I have always prioritized my clients, ensuring their needs are met despite personal challenges.
Essentials for Starting the Business:
The essentials for starting VSTOGi FINANCIALS included a mindset focused on gaining trust and a passion for financial education. We began with a capital of ₹1 Lakh, supported by my father’s initial investment of ₹5000. With a rented office, a Chartered Accountant, and an investment advisor, we systematically built our network and trust. Today, we stand as one of the achievers in the industry.
Opportunity Identification:
Rather than identifying market opportunities, we create them by continuously educating people about financial management. Our primary focus is on raising awareness rather than aggressively selling products. We analyze financial market trends and movements through our skilled team of analysts to identify opportunities for direct financial market investments.
Unique Entrepreneurial Traits:
My resilience sets me apart as an entrepreneur. I view challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. My background in science has instilled a practical approach to business, embracing innovation beyond theoretical knowledge. Visionary leadership and a commitment to educating my team ensure we stay ahead of industry trends.
Learnings from Entrepreneurship:
Entrepreneurship has taught me the value of connections. Building systematic relationships with business associates, informed employees, and maintaining operational efficiency are crucial for success. Availability to clients is essential, as their trust and engagement depend on it. Maintaining good connections and being consistently available are key learnings from my entrepreneurial journey.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
To budding entrepreneurs, I advise against letting success inflate your ego. It can lead to downfall. Stay grounded, continuously identify areas for improvement, and maintain humility. Reinstate yourself when challenges arise, and never lose sight of your core values and goals.
Awards:
- Top 10 Promising Mutual Funds & Financial Products Distributor – 2023
Through resilience, innovation, and a client-centric approach, VSTOGi FINANCIALS has grown from a small investment firm to a leading player in the wealth management industry. Our commitment to transparency, financial education, and personalized service continues to drive our success and impact on society.
