A Bold Beginning
When Akash Joshi decided to step into entrepreneurship at the age of 30, he wasn’t armed with massive funding or a readymade team. What he had was clarity, conviction, and the determination to solve problems he had witnessed up close during his years in sales and marketing. In 2016, with an initial capital of just ₹5 lakhs, he launched IMAST Operations Private Limited, a venture built to transform how businesses handle loyalty, distribution, and after-sales service.
Turning Challenges into Lessons
The early phase tested him on every front—funding was scarce, attracting the right talent was difficult, and convincing clients to adopt a new technology platform was a constant uphill battle. Many would have given up, but Akash chose persistence over doubt. He leaned on trust-building with early clients, focused on building robust systems, and slowly created a foundation that could scale. His outlook was clear: every problem carried within it an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow.
Building a Scalable SaaS Enterprise
Over the years, what started as a small experiment has turned into a thriving business. Today, IMAST records an annual turnover of ₹20 Cr and holds a valuation of ₹200 Cr. With 100+ clients across sectors and a team of 300+ employees, the company has become a trusted name in SaaS solutions. Its offerings—spanning loyalty management, sales force automation (SFA), dealer management systems (DMS), and after-sales service automation—are designed to simplify complex processes and empower organizations to perform better.
Impact Beyond Numbers
For Akash, success is not measured only in figures but in the difference his solutions create. IMAST’s integrated platforms have given businesses real-time visibility, strengthened customer loyalty, and improved sales productivity. By connecting every stakeholder in the supply chain on a single digital platform, IMAST has enabled companies to achieve smoother operations and greater transparency. The social impact is equally significant, as businesses empowered with these tools can provide better service and build long-term customer trust.
Philosophy and Leadership Style
Ask Akash what drives him, and his answer is rooted in a simple philosophy: systems drive scale, people drive loyalty, and persistence drives results. These three principles define not just his approach to entrepreneurship but also the culture at IMAST. His leadership style combines emotional intelligence with process orientation. On one hand, he believes in nurturing strong relationships with his team and clients; on the other, he is highly disciplined in ensuring scalable, process-driven growth. This unique balance has been key to IMAST’s success.
Inspirations and Role Models
Akash finds inspiration in Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys, who built a global enterprise while remaining grounded in Indian values. To him, Murthy’s story is proof that Indian companies can compete with the best in the world while staying true to their roots. It is this belief that motivates Akash to expand IMAST beyond India and showcase Indian SaaS innovation on a global stage.
Recognition and Milestones
Over the years, IMAST’s achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the India Business Excellence Award, StartUp 77 Recognition, and the Red FM Leadership Award. These accolades not only acknowledge the company’s impressive growth but also validate its role in shaping India’s digital transformation landscape.
The Road to Global Expansion
Looking ahead, Akash’s vision for IMAST is bold and ambitious. He wants the company to lead India’s exportable SaaS ecosystem and establish itself as a global player in loyalty and distribution solutions. With innovation at its core and a strong focus on scalability, he believes IMAST is well-positioned to compete internationally and make Indian SaaS products a global benchmark.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Having walked the tough path of entrepreneurship himself, Akash offers practical advice to those looking to start their journey: “Start small, think big, solve a real problem, and keep building value.” He emphasizes that clarity of vision, discipline with finances, and persistence through setbacks are the keys to long-term success. Above all, he encourages young entrepreneurs to focus on solving genuine problems rather than chasing trends.
A Journey of Impact and Inspiration
From a modest beginning in Indore to building a company now valued at ₹200 Cr, Akash Joshi’s story is one of courage, clarity, and unwavering commitment. In less than a decade, he has created not only a thriving business but also a platform that is reshaping industries and empowering countless businesses to grow. His journey proves that with vision and persistence, challenges can be transformed into stepping stones, and ordinary beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Website : https://www.imast.in/
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