The countdown has begun for Tamil Nadu Story 2024, YourStory’s flagship event that strives to empower startups and homegrown brands of Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu Story 2024 presents a stellar line-up of speakers who will deliver impactful keynotes and engage in invigorating panel discussions and fireside chats on the hottest topics and trends shaping the startup and industrial ecosystem of the state.
The speakers include stalwart business leaders, key investors, and change-makers of Tamil Nadu.
Here are the prominent speakers who will share their valuable insights and wisdom at Tamil Nadu Story 2024.
CK Kumaravel, Co-founder & CMD, Naturals Salon & Spa
From pioneering women’s entrepreneurship to advocating their financial independence, CK Kumaravel has persistently championed the cause of women’s empowerment.
Kumaravel, who was born into a humble family, is India’s salon pioneer who grew a small entity to an empire of over 650 outlets across the country. In 2000, with just Rs 30 lakh and a burning passion for entrepreneurship, Kumaravel co-founded Naturals Salon with his wife, Veena Kumaravel. Today, Naturals has grown into one of India’s largest and most-loved salon chains.
Kumaravel’s phenomenal growth is a testament to perseverance and ambition in the face of adversity and challenges. His story is a tale of resilience, determination, and the belief that dreams do come true if one works hard. His journey continues to inspire countless entrepreneurs to follow their passions and never give up, no matter how tough the circumstances are.
Lakshmi Narayanan, Chancellor, Krea University
Lakshmi Narayanan is a leading technology industry professional, who has spent over 35 years in the IT industry. The last several years were spent in a leadership and governance role at Cognizant’s board.
He plays an active role in the higher education space, finding new ways to promote technology literacy, data literacy, and people skills. He is the chancellor of Krea University, which follows a new paradigm of interwoven arts and science education and management education, thereby preparing leaders of the future.
His association with ICT Academy, Chennai Mathematical Institute, and Thiagarajar School of Management are aimed at promoting excellence in higher education.
Lakshmi Narayanan is also actively involved in non-profits, such as CHILDS Trust Hospital, and foundations to advance the cause of disadvantaged people and creating meaningful livelihood opportunities in the areas of agriculture, skills development, and the IT industry. He supports young entrepreneurs through angel investments as part of The Chennai Angels and the TiE organisation.
TC Meenakshisundaram, Founder & Vice Chairman, Chiratae Ventures
TC Meenakshisundaram is a visionary leader and the driving force behind Chiratae Ventures, a leading venture capital firm in India.
Known as TC, Meenakshisundaram started his career in finance and has held key positions in companies including Wipro and Walden International. His deep understanding of the financial landscape in the country set the stage for his entrepreneurial journey later.
In 2006, TC founded Chiratae Ventures to support and fund innovative startups in India. His vision is to create a platform that nurtures entrepreneurial talent and drives technological advancements across various sectors. Under TC’s leadership, Chiratae Ventures has invested in over 130 startups, including notable names such as Flipkart, Myntra, FirstCry, Lenskart, and Cure.fit.
TC also actively participates in mentorship programmes and speaks at various industry forums, sharing his knowledge and experiences with the next generation of entrepreneurs. He believes in the power of persistence and learning from failures. His advice to budding entrepreneurs: stay focused on your vision, be resilient, and always be willing to adapt and learn.
Suresh Kalpathi, CEO, Veranda Learning; Director, AGS Cinemas; Chairman & CEO, Kalpathi Investments
Suresh Kalpathi is an entertainment mogul and entrepreneur who is shaping diverse industries in Tamil Nadu with innovation and far-sighted vision.
He has significantly impacted the Indian IT and education sectors, co-founding IT training firm SSI Ltd with his brothers Kalpathi S. Aghoram and Kalpathi S. Ganesh. He is also the CEO of Veranda Learning Solutions, a Chennai-based education technology company.
The Kalpathi Group fosters young entrepreneurs through Kalpathi Investments, a Chennai-based VC fund. Its entertainment business, under the AGS brand, encompasses production, distribution and exhibition.
Srinath Ravichandran, Co-founder & CEO of AgniKul Cosmos
Srinath Ravichandran is the founder of the history-making startup Agnikul Cosmos, which build the world’s first rocket with a fully 3D printed engine.
Founded in 2017 by Ravichandran and Moin SPM, AgniKul Cosmos is a trailblazer in the new space era, and aims to make space accessible and affordable for everyone.
AgniKul’s flagship innovation is the Agnibaan rocket, a highly customisable, 2-stage launch vehicle capable of carrying up to 100 kg of payload to low Earth orbit—a game-changer for the satellite industry.
AgniKul has earned Ravichandran several accolades and recognition in the global space community. He is not just building rockets, but is also building a new generation of innovators in India and beyond. Ravichandran actively engages with students and young entrepreneurs, encouraging them to hitch their wagon to the stars.
Madan Gowri, Founder & CEO, mCholas
One of the biggest content creators from South India, Madan Gowri is the founder and CEO of mCholas, a digital marketing agency based in Chennai.
Gowri has been demystifying many issues that resonate with the youth through his YouTube channel. He has taken the South Indian social media world by storm, redefining over 500 brands.
Known for his ability to turn complex topics in history, technology, and current affairs into fun conversations, Gowri’s mission is to spark curiosity with a dash of humour. He has built a community of over 10 million digital followers.
Other key speakers
· Kuppulakshmi Krishnamoorthy, Global Head – Zoho for Startups, is a fan of the ‘explain-it-like-I’m-five’ concept. She heads the startups initiative at Zoho, along with strategic alliances.
· Suresh Radhakrishnan is the Founder & CEO, Mypreneur, a startup that provides personalised coaching and mentorship solutions.
· Prabhu Ramachandran, Founder & CEO, Facilio Inc, is helping solve the burning problem of inefficient and manual maintenance operations in buildings.
· Dharaneetharan GD, Founder & CEO, Social Eagle, and Founder, 21DC Community, is helping build brands that are data-driven, p Prabhu Ramachandran erformance-based, and customer-led.
Listen to these inspiring business leaders, founders and innovators at Tamil Nadu Story 2024 on July 19, at Hyatt Regency, Chennai.
