Living the dream: Founders of MVM Entertainment and Thinkerbell Labs let us in on what it takes to build a brand

Entrepreneurship is experiencing a significant surge, driven by a desire for greater autonomy and a departure from the traditional nine-to-five grind. This generation seeks to forge their path and create something unique, transcending the mundane routines of corporate life. For those embarking on the journey of starting their own businesses, seeking advice from seasoned entrepreneurs is invaluable.

We turned to Vedant Mahajan, the Founder of MVM Entertainment, a pioneering party entertainment service, as well as Aman Srivastava, Sanskriti Dawle, Dilip Ramesh, and Saif Shaikh, the collaborative minds behind Thinkerbells Labs, a tech-based organization, to glean insights and wisdom.

Vedant Mahajan, Founder, Mvm Entertainment 

Cosmo: What inspired you to start your event company?

Vedant Mahajan: In Mumbai, going out would mean you’re likely to bump into half the city. London, however, presented a stark contrast. Despite the steep entry fees at Mayfair clubs, the experience often fell short with average service, indifferent staff, and music that didn’t resonate with South Asians. More than just the disconnect of musical taste, it was the lack of familiarity and community that struck me the most. Unlike Mumbai, where you know where to find ‘your’ crowd, London’s nightlife felt fragmented; you didn’t necessarily know where the vibe was.

The gap in the [latter] market for quality Bollywood-themed nightlife experience that could bring together the South Asian community in a sophisticated yet familiar environment was glaringly obvious. Existing Bollywood nights lacked the allure to draw us in, akin to commercial dance bars than the vibrant, chic club nights one craved. I envisioned a place where like-minded individuals could meet without inhibitions, enjoy top-notch service, and truly feel at home. MVM was born out of this vision, aiming to bridge that gap and offer a slice of that Mumbai familiarity in the heart of Mayfair, London.

C: Why did you decide to raise the stakes post-pandemic?

VM: Breaking into London’s entertainment industry was no walk in the park—it involved countless meetings in which I tried to convince the high-end clubs of Mayfair to take a chance on an MVM event, all while dodging the hurdles thrown by established players in the industry who weren’t too thrilled about the new competition. Despite initial success, the pandemic halted
everything. However, during my time in Mumbai, I strategised our comeback. As the world started to re-open, I seized the opportunity, capitalising on the pent-up desire for socialisation post lockdown.

C: When did you realise you were building a community through MVM’s platform and experiences?

VM: After resuming events post-pandemic, it became evident that MVM was evolving into more than just a series of events—it was fostering a unique community, offering a sense of belonging in London. This was particularly noticeable among Indian students finding solace and connections at our events, exemplifying our impact beyond mere entertainment.

C: Can you share a memory that you’ll always cherish from one of your events?

VM: The most rewarding part is witnessing hundreds of people enjoying themselves at our events, leaving their worries behind. Proposals and heartwarming stories—like a couple who first met at our event and later got engaged at the same venue—truly highlight the joy we bring to people’s lives.

C: How does it feel to be making it big on your merit in London, one of the biggest cities in the world?

VM: The feeling of MVM becoming a name in such a significant city, and carving out a niche where we’ve become the go-to in our field, surpasses anything I could have imagined just five years ago. Yet, as much as this milestone fills me with pride, it is also a reminder of the vast potential that lies ahead. The sensation of “making it” has become a driving force, pushing me to explore what more we can achieve. It is clear now that we’re at the beginning of an even greater adventure, not at its peak. The path forward is filled with untapped opportunities and uncharted territories waiting to be explored.

C: What’s the next big thing for MVM Entertainment?

VM: Global domination.We kicked things off in Dubai this year, and even though it’s just the start, the vibe and reception has been unreal. There’s a whole world out there for
us to dive into, and I truly believe we’ve got what it takes to rock cities worldwide.

C: What’s your advice to entrepreneurs looking to get into the entertainment space?

VM: Focus on originality. The challenge and opportunity lies in spotting what’s missing in the current landscape, developing a fresh idea around that gap, and truly believing in its worth. It is about making your mark with something distinct and valuable, creating a space that’s uniquely yours.

Aman Srivastava, Sanskriti Dawle, Dilip Ramesh, and Saif Shaikh, co-founders, Thinkerbells Labs 

Cosmo: What inspired you to venture into the realm of assistive technology for the visually impaired?

Thinkerbell Labs: My inspiration stemmed from a visit to a blind school in Hyderabad during my time at BITS Pilani. Witnessing a student struggling with learning Braille while I had access to education was a profound moment. Recognising the need for advancements in assistive technology for the visually impaired, especially in education, motivated me to co-found
Thinkerbell Labs.

C: What were the key challenges you faced while building the company, and how did you navigate through them?

TL: Securing capital and finding committed team members were significant challenges in the early stages. We needed individuals who shared our vision and were willing to navigate the uncertainties that come with a start-up. Despite these challenges, through strategic networking and a commitment to our vision, we successfully navigated these
hurdles, laying the foundation for Thinkerbell Labs’ growth and success.

C: What strategies have Thinkerbell Labs implemented to ensure that its solutions are not only technologically advanced but also culturally sensitive and inclusive of diverse learning
needs?

TL: Firstly, we offer content on Annie [the world’s first self-learning Braille literacy device] in more than 15 languages and are continuously working on providing more languages, making it accessible to a wide range of users. This commitment extends to localised content tailored to specific regions in India, enabling children to learn Braille in their mother tongue. Furthermore, we incorporate self-enabled learning as a core feature, so that the student can learn Braille at their own pace.

This accessibility feature ensures that no learner is left behind. We are on a mission to reach every child, so we have strategically established over 50 per cent of Annie centres in remote and non-metropolitan cities. This approach ensures that children, regardless of their socio-economic background, have access to high-quality Braille learning resources. By prioritising inclusivity and accessibility, we not only advance technological innovation but also foster a more inclusive educational landscape, empowering all children to thrive. 

C: How do you balance your roles as a leader in the tech industry and as a social advocate for inclusive education?

TL: Thinkerbell Labs is the fruition of my vision to create social impact, and with the support of a great team, we have been able to realise this vision. By integrating technological innovation with a commitment to social advocacy, we ensure that our work not only advances the field of education technology but also contributes positively to society by promoting inclusivity and accessibility in education.

C: What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs who are passionate about pursuing a career in mission-driven tech enterprises?

TL: I draw inspiration from the legacy of Savitribai Phule, who, around 150 years ago, revolutionised literacy for women by starting the first schools. Her dedication laid the foundation for women’s education, empowering them to contribute to nation-building. Similarly, I encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to strive to create solutions that help a larger audience and those in need, as success and money will naturally follow.

C: Share that one defining moment of your business journey.

TL: Annie, equipped with my personalised audio, was deployed in blind schools across Maharashtra. During a visit to one such school in Mumbai, a heartwarming encounter unfolded. This decision sparked a chain of events that shaped the trajectory of our company. A child, with whom I had no prior interaction, recognised my voice as Annie’s. It was a major realisation of the impact our device was having. This moment showed that our device was more than just a tool. It reaffirmed our mission and inspired us to continue empowering communities through
inclusive education.

C: What’s the next big thing for Thinkerbell Labs?

TL: Our next goal is international expansion, with plans to establish presence in 10 countries within the next two years. This expansion will further our mission of making education inclusive globally. 

Also read: What does it take launch a business? The experts at Cosmix and Fae Beauty tell us...

Also read: #LivingTheDream: The forces behind Comet and Anatina tell us what it takes to successfully build a brand