StartUps

Revolutionizing Leadership: Virtual CFO services by Holistic Corporate Advisors

Holistic Corporate Advisors Pvt Ltd, founded by seasoned professionals CA Rajesh Donkeshwar and CA Sandeep Das, is an innovative and dynamic consulting firm with over 15-20 years of corporate experience. Apart from offering financial services, they also specialize in Virtual CFO services, revolutionizing leadership. Rajesh Donkeshwar shares their journey with Surabhi Goel.

The firm’s leadership includes three directors: CA Rajesh (Founder and Managing Director), CA Sandeep (Director), and BTECH and MBA Deepti (Director), together, this dynamic team is committed to providing diverse clients like Caps Gold, Manepally Jewellers, Vijaya Diagnostic Centre, Vasavi Group and many more with optimal financial structures and holistic services.

Rajesh’s passion for finance and business was evident from his early days at Nirmal, but due to family circumstances and financial considerations, he initially veered towards employment in the corporate world. Nonetheless, his heart always longed for the thrill of entrepreneurship and making a difference both at home and in society. Despite a successful career and a comfortable life, he sensed a lingering void, leading him to introspect deeply about his true calling.

The partners of HCAPL derived their expertise from extensive professional experience in corporate settings. Rajesh gained valuable insights from his work at Dr. Reddy’s Lab and Maytas Properties, handling large real estate projects. Meanwhile, Sandeep Das’s tenure at Deloitte and Middle East companies exposed him to major corporations and their growth strategies. Drawing from these experiences, they aim to educate and provide clients with successful organizational philosophies and strategic advisory services.

GAINED VALUABLE INSIGHTS FROM HIS WORK AT DR. REDDY’S LAB AND MAYTAS PROPERTIES, HANDLING LARGE REAL ESTATE PROJECTS

In 2016, Rajesh decided to take a leap of faith and pursued his dream of venturing into corporate finance and management consulting, ultimately co-founding SBS and Company, where he spearheaded the investment banking division. As the years passed, Rajesh realized that the ideologies and strategies at his previous firm didn’t entirely align with his vision for building a holistic approach to corporate advisory services. The year 2019 became a turning point, as he made the bold decision to establish Holistic Corporate Advisors Pvt Ltd, a firm that epitomizes his values and aspirations. The auspicious day of Basant Panchami on 20^th Feb 2020 marked the official incorporation of the company.

The initial steps to establish the company were challenging yet driven by their desire for independence and soul satisfaction. With a small team of just three employees, they focused on investment banking, corporate finance, and virtual CFO services. Despite the initial struggles, their dedication and perseverance helped them secure deals and gain visibility, gradually paving the way for growth and success in the years to come.

Rajesh said, “Our team identified a specific gap in the market that we aimed to address. We noticed that while big corporate firms had well-qualified Chartered Accountants on their teams, small and medium-sized companies often faced challenges in retaining such high-quality professionals due to budget constraints. As a result, these companies lacked experienced and qualified CFOs or management advisors to guide them strategically.”

To bridge this gap, Holistic Corporate Advisors recognized the need for virtual CFO services, where companies could avail of advisory support on a part-time basis. By offering periodic visits and consultations, the firm could address the strategic and financial concerns of these businesses, helping them grow, raise finance, and plan for the future. Moreover, they observed that many successful companies lacked a succession plan or strategy for unlocking their value, leading to potential disruptions in the long run. Holistic Corporate Advisors sought to assist such MSMEs in structuring their companies and protecting their assets, while also providing investment banking solutions to aid their growth and expansion.

THE COMPANY’S VISION INCLUDE EXPANDING INTO INTERNATIONAL FINANCE, PARTICULARLY IN INVESTMENT BANKING, TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT ON CLIENTS GROTH AND VALUE UNLOCKING.

Holistic Corporate Advisors Pvt Ltd is guided by a vision to empower entrepreneurs, achieve sustainable growth, and unlock business value. Differentiating itself with a holistic approach, the firm prioritizes innovation, employee support, and stakeholder value creation. They offer comprehensive services, going beyond audits, to provide strategic guidance for business success.

The firm distinguishes itself through its industry expertise, drawing from over 15-20 years of experience in corporate transactions. The firm takes a systematic approach to solutions, providing clients with structured learning and holistic advisory services. Their reasonable charges and continuous engagement with clients set them apart from traditional audit-focused firms. Additionally, they have a division called Vasavi Holistic Corporate Services, managed by Rajesh’s wife Deepti Donkeshwar, which handles a large portfolio of residential units and provides housing loan solutions. The company’s vision includes expanding into international finance, particularly in investment banking, to make a meaningful impact on clients’ growth and value unlocking. Ultimately, the firm’s success lies in contributing to society and making a positive difference in clients’ businesses.

Quick takes-

What helps your de-stress when not working?

Apart from work, I find joy and relaxation in walking, watching movies, travelling, and practising yoga and meditation. These activities serve as refreshing breaks for me.

Aside from being a workaholic, what gives you satisfaction?

I find immense satisfaction in accomplishing specific tasks and achieving goals, especially when they make a positive impact on employees, clients, and society. Making a meaningful contribution that benefits the community is deeply fulfilling for me.

Do you prefer solo travel or travelling with family? What is your favourite travel destination?

I absolutely love to travel, both alone and with family and friends. With family, I prefer destinations with greenery and serene spaces. For trips with friends, Goa is always a favourite choice. Internationally, Spain is a place I have always wanted to visit, and my kids are excited about going to Disneyland. There are still a few destinations on my bucket list that I hope to explore in the future.

What are your health objectives?

I prioritize discipline in my daily routine and enjoy starting my day with a morning walk or run, as well as engaging in yoga and meditation. Health is of utmost importance to me, as I firmly believe that without good health, wealth loses its significance. Additionally, I find pleasure in reading books to nourish my mind and soul.

Enhance your financial success with specialized investment banking and virtual CFO services. Reach out to CA Rajesh Donkeshwar at 9849304255 or [email protected].

August 1, 2023

House of Creativity: Sinha Brothers Redefine India’s Art Scene with a Legacy-Fuelled Vision

In a world where creativity often competes with commerce, LUV and KUSSH SINHA are merging both purpose and passion. Drawing from their rich cinematic heritage and a lifelong connection to the arts, the Sinha twins have launched The House of Creativity (HOC) a platform dedicated to showcasing and supporting contemporary Indian artists. Their goal is to democratize access to visual art, giving emerging talents a space to thrive while also expanding the reach of Indian artistry on a global stage. In conversation with SINDURI VUPPALA, the duo shares how their entrepreneurial journey is not just about art, but about creating a movement that celebrates originality, honours legacy, and nurtures the future of India’s creative community. 1. Can you take us back to when your relationship with visual art truly began? Luv: My relationship with visual art began at a very young age. I was deeply influenced by Hindi cinema the films my father acted in, those of Mr. Bachchan, and other legends. As I grew older, Japanese animation, video games, and comic books also left a huge impression on me. Each artist, every inker, has their own style those differences fascinated me. Film too, being a moving image, played a huge role. Pause it, and it becomes a photograph. That connection influenced me tremendously. 2. What led to the birth of the House of Creativity? Was there a defining moment or conversation? Luv: It started with conversations at home during the lockdown. I kept thinking about the number of immensely talented artists who just don’t have a platform. Art can be an exclusive world, but coming from the film industry, I felt we could help expand its reach. The idea of starting digital-first made sense due to restrictions, but our long-term vision is definitely to open physical galleries and make

StartUps

Why Piyush Goyal’s Note Strikes a Chord with Many

In a fast-paced economy where entrepreneurship is often glamorized and unicorn status is considered the ultimate goal, Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s recent cautionary note to start-ups has sparked conversation across boardrooms, social media feeds, and co-working spaces alike. At a time when headlines celebrate billion-dollar valuations and multi-million funding rounds, Goyal’s reminder to prioritize sustainability over vanity metrics comes as both a wake-up call and a much-needed dose of realism. What Did Piyush Goyal Say? While addressing a forum of young entrepreneurs and start-up founders, the Commerce and Industry Minister highlighted the growing trend of start-ups focusing more on valuation than value creation. He advised founders to stay grounded, reminding them that real impact lies in solving problems, building sustainable models, and creating employment — not just in raising capital or reaching the next funding milestone. Why It Resonates 1. The Valuation Bubble India has witnessed a boom in the start-up ecosystem over the last decade, becoming the third-largest start-up hub in the world. However, this rapid rise has also led to the emergence of overvalued unicorns, many of which struggle to generate profits or even break even. Goyal’s words hit home because several start-ups that once shone brightly have now either shut down or drastically downsized. 2. Funding Winter & Layoffs In the past year, a noticeable funding winter has taken a toll on many start-ups. With VC purse strings tightening, companies have been forced to lay off thousands of employees, scale back operations, and rethink their business models. Goyal’s comment serves as a timely reminder that blind growth can be dangerous without a stable foundation. 3. Founders Facing Burnout The hustle culture in start-up circles often glorifies 20-hour workdays and constant “grind” mentality. However, a growing number of founders are speaking out about mental health challenges, anxiety, and burnout. Goyal’s emphasis on sustainable growth also indirectly supports a healthier entrepreneurial mindset — one that doesn’t chase

StartUps

Water Warriors

The harsh summer of 2024 is a stark reminder that there is an urgent need to conserve the elixir of life: water. So, what is causing the water crisis, and how does one mitigate its impact? Climate change, high contamination of water, over-exploitation of groundwater, deforestation, reduced rainfall, and increased agricultural demand are some of the main reasons for water shortage. However, while the water situation seems stark, there is a silver lining on the cloud as many water-saving ventures seek to make a difference. Bindu Gopal Rao highlights several of these impactful initiatives. Water Warriors Bala Vikasa, Telangana Bala Vikasa is an NGO pioneering community-driven sustainable development activities in seven states, impacting about eight million people. A significant initiative they have is to provide access to safe drinking water at an affordable price of Rs 3-5 per 20 litres to rural communities suffering from high fluoride content in the available groundwater. Most small and marginal farmers rely heavily on natural freshwater resources for irrigation. However, groundwater depletion and low rainfall in urban and suburban areas have led to severe water scarcity, pushing farmers into a vicious cycle of debt due to reduced crop quality and yield. “In response to the struggles of farmers in rural Telangana, Bala Vikasa, founded by André Gingras (90) and Bala T. Singareddy (83), launched a pioneering farm pond construction program in 2015. This initiative, supported by CSR partners, aims to help farmers conserve rainwater, meet their irrigation needs, and replenish groundwater,” says Shoury Reddy Singareddy, Executive Director, Bala Vikasa. The program began in Ontimamidipally village, Warangal District, in 2015. In 2019, Bala Vikasa extended support to farmers in the suburbs of Hyderabad, following requests from the farmers of Upplingapur village, Medchal. This expansion underscores the program’s success and vital role in promoting sustainable agricultural

StartUps

The Timeless Allure of Crystals: Do they help?

Crystals have captivated humanity for millennia, their ethereal beauty and purported mystical properties drawing people from all walks of life. These natural treasures, long admired for their beauty, are experiencing a global resurgence. Let’s explore the reasons behind this trend and dive deep into the world of crystals, examining their allure and purported properties through the eyes of Akshay Gund, a passionate crystal collector in India and founder of Kaivalya—House of Crystals. Mehak Walia, in conversation with Akshay Gund, the founder of Kaivalya – House of Crystals and the passionate crystal collector, about the essence and reason crystals are trending. Crystals Journey Discovering a New Path Akshay Gund hails from Pune, where his academic journey began with a fascination for animals, leading him to study zoology at Wadia College. This interest in the natural world evolved into a more profound curiosity about digital mapping, which he pursued at the Symbiosis Institute through a postgraduate degree in Geo-Informatics. However, his true calling emerged in a rather unexpected domain—crystals. “Initially, I started making videos on YouTube, educating people about crystals and minerals and showing them how to find these beauties in nature,” Akshay shares. The positive response and the feedback he received highlighted a disturbing trend in the Indian crystal market: exorbitant prices and counterfeit products. This realization sparked the creation of Kaivalya – House of Crystals in 2022, a venture aimed at providing genuine, affordable crystals while educating the public about their true nature. The Essence of Crystals As Akshay explains, crystals are semi-precious rocks formed over millions of years through crystallization. This natural phenomenon results in unique structures and formations, much like diamonds. Crystals’ allure lies in their beauty, which is why they are trending today. From holistic health and alternative medicine to spiritual practices and aesthetics, crystals have found