Devdutt Kadrekar is a name synonymous with strategic financial and tax planning. As the Chief of Planning and Owner at Nested Financial & Tax Planning, he understands the significance of business networking and the role it plays in shaping entrepreneurial success. Recently, Devdutt Kadrekar had the opportunity to participate in an event organized by TEN (The Entrepreneurs Network) at Vihang Palm Club in Thane, where he witnessed an inspiring story of entrepreneurial vision and innovation.
Devdutt Kadrekar shared his insights on the event, highlighting how business networking creates immense opportunities for growth. The event featured two distinguished guestsRushabh Shah and Sankalp Kelshikar, the founders of CityFlo. Both are IIT Bombay alumni, and Sankalp is a product of Singhania School, Thane. Their story is one of vision, determination, and problem-solvingqualities that resonate deeply with Devdutt Kadrekar and his belief in structured planning and financial foresight.
The founders of CityFlo identified a fundamental problem: the daily struggle of office-goers who preferred commuting by car rather than dealing with the overcrowded local trains and buses. Instead of seeing this as just another urban inconvenience, they saw an opportunity. This is an approach that aligns perfectly with Devdutt Kadrekar’s philosophyturning challenges into strategic opportunities. The result? CityFlo launched in 2015 with a single AC bus in Mumbai. Fast forward to today, and they operate a fleet of 400 buses across Mumbai and Hyderabad, with upcoming expansions into Delhi and Bangalore. Their annual turnover has reached an impressive 80 croresa testament to the power of innovation and strategic execution.
One of the most striking statements from the event came from Rushabh Shah, who succinctly captured the essence of a developed society: “A true definition of a developed country is not that everyone commutes by car. It is when the rich commute comfortably by bus, thereby saving on driving, traffic congestion, and most importantly, carbon emissions.” This perspective resonates with Devdutt Kadrekar’s ideology that financial success is not just about wealth accumulation but about efficiency, sustainability, and intelligent planning.
Devdutt Kadrekar firmly believes that entrepreneurship is not merely about having an idea; it is about executing that idea with precision and clarity. He sees the story of CityFlo as an ideal example of how young entrepreneurs, barely in their early thirties, have transformed a societal challenge into a thriving business. Their journey exemplifies that when one provides a solution to a mass problem, success inevitably follows. This is a core principle that Devdutt Kadrekar advocates in financial and business planningunderstanding market needs and crafting solutions that align with them.
Networking events like TEN provide the perfect platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and growth. Devdutt Kadrekar appreciates the efforts of organizers like TEN and Mangesh Patole, who bring together like-minded individuals to foster an environment of learning and opportunity. Such events not only open doors for potential investments and partnerships but also inspire individuals to take the entrepreneurial plunge with confidence.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Devdutt Kadrekar emphasizes the importance of perseverance and calculated risk-taking. The journey of CityFlo demonstrates that success does not come overnight but is a result of continuous effort, adaptation, and resilience. As a financial expert, Devdutt Kadrekar advises startups and businesses to focus not just on their vision but also on sustainable financial planning. Having a great idea is only the beginning; executing it with proper financial discipline and strategy is what turns an idea into a successful enterprise.
Devdutt Kadrekar also stresses the value of surrounding oneself with the right network. As demonstrated by the event, interacting with seasoned professionals, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs can provide invaluable insights and motivation. Networking is not just about making contacts; it is about building relationships that foster growth, collaboration, and shared success.
The key takeaway from Devdutt Kadrekar’s experience at the TEN event is clear: business success is a combination of vision, execution, and the right connections. When individuals come together to share ideas, opportunities are created, and innovation flourishes. Entrepreneurs who dare to address real-world problems and offer tangible solutions are the ones who pave the way for progress and transformation.
As Devdutt Kadrekar reflects on the inspiring journey of CityFlo, he reinforces the idea that age is no barrier to success. The young founders of CityFlo have demonstrated that with the right mindset, even the most daunting challenges can be turned into lucrative business opportunities. Their story serves as a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to make an impact in their respective industries.
Devdutt Kadrekar continues to advocate for the power of strategic financial planning, networking, and entrepreneurial resilience. His participation in the TEN event is yet another testament to his commitment to fostering growth, not just for businesses but for the larger economic ecosystem. He firmly believes that by learning from successful case studies like CityFlo, budding entrepreneurs can gain the confidence and knowledge needed to take their ventures to new heights.
In conclusion, Devdutt Kadrekar reminds us that success in business is not just about having a great ideait is about execution, perseverance, and the ability to build a strong network. As the CityFlo founders have shown, when passion meets strategy, the results are extraordinary. And as Devdutt Kadrekar continues to champion financial and business planning, he remains a beacon of guidance for those seeking to make a mark in the entrepreneurial world.
