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When ‘Branch’, a Silicon Valley start-up that has raised over $50 million so far, wanted to open Indian operations to tap into the huge market here, it didn’t have to wait long. It didn’t have to pass through the painful process of identifying processes and people to kick start its operations.
It simply sent a mail to Kairos Society — a secret network that connects enterprising entrepreneurs and techies under the age of 25 across the globe — seeking its help. On receiving the letter, the society forwarded it to its Indian chapter that quickly flagged the request to its members.
In no time, the team was picked, including the leader, and the company started its operations, all with the help of Kairos’ member network. Branch, which provides deep-linking technology for mobile app developers, has 10 employees in India now.
A few more foreign firms have set up shop in India using the network. “It is an invite-only network. It is not a huge network and we don’t want it to be huge. We take 15-30 members that fit the bill,” Santosh Yellajosula, president of Kairos Society India, told BusinessLine .
What started as a recession-proofing measure for students and young entrepreneurs in the US in 2008, the society now has chapters in 54 countries. It has about 3,500 members globally and 140 in India. It brings in venture capitalists, mentors, influencers, angel investors, corporations and business leaders to the network, giving exposure to its members.
Support structure It was founded by Ankur Jain, now Vice-President (Product) of Tinder, when he was at Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. The idea was to provide support structure to those with good ideas but poor resources. Though initially focussed within the university, the idea soon caught the imagination of young entrepreneurs elsewhere.
“Because of the bonhomie and the confidence on the quality of resources, our members can quickly discuss business without having to waste time. Members of one country host their peers from other countries and provide help using the network,” said Govind Kavaturi, Vice-President of Kairos Society India.
After vetting the applications, the society inducts new members annually into the network. Their membership is valid for a year after which they will become part of the alumni.
The society is now trying to build a fund for investments and start exchange programmes among countries.
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