Bhumika Chauhan
Entrepreneurship often begins with a question—what problem can I solve? For Akash Joshi, that question became the seed of an idea that grew into IMAST Operations Private Limited, a SaaS company from Indore that today stands valued at ₹200 Cr. His journey from a modest ₹5 lakh investment to building one of India’s most impactful technology ventures is a story of vision, resilience, and a relentless drive to create value.
A Leap of Faith at 30
At 30, when most professionals look for stability in their careers, Akash decided to take a leap of faith. With a background in sales and marketing, he had spent years observing the challenges faced by large manufacturing and distribution networks. He noticed inefficiencies in post-sales engagement and distribution visibility, problems that affected both businesses and customers.
Instead of waiting for someone else to solve them, Akash founded IMAST in 2016, with the clear goal of creating technology that could simplify complex distribution and loyalty processes.
Building a Scalable SaaS Venture
The early days were far from easy. Raising funds, hiring the right team, and convincing clients to adopt a new SaaS platform tested both his patience and conviction. But Akash had a belief that persistence pays off. By staying focused on system-building and client trust, he slowly turned challenges into stepping stones.
Fast forward to today—IMAST has become a ₹20 Cr turnover company, serving 100+ clients across industries and employing a talented team of 300+ professionals. From loyalty management and sales force automation to dealer management systems and after-sales service automation, IMAST now offers a full suite of integrated SaaS solutions that are redefining how businesses manage their growth.
Impacting Businesses and Society
What makes IMAST different is its ability to connect stakeholders across the supply chain on one digital platform. This not only improves efficiency but also drives customer loyalty, sales productivity, and service quality. In a world where digital transformation is no longer optional, IMAST has positioned itself as a trusted partner for businesses seeking scalable impact.
Akash believes that technology should solve real problems, and IMAST’s solutions reflect that philosophy. By streamlining processes, the company empowers organizations to grow faster, stay competitive, and serve their customers better.
Guiding Principles and Learnings
For Akash, entrepreneurship has been as much about personal growth as it has been about building a business. His guiding principle is simple yet powerful:
- Systems drive scale
- People drive loyalty
- Persistence drives results
These lessons, shaped by his own struggles, continue to guide both him and IMAST. He often says that what helped him succeed was not avoiding challenges but learning from them and adapting quickly.
Inspired by Visionaries
When asked about his inspiration, Akash names Narayana Murthy, the Infosys co-founder who built a global enterprise while staying true to Indian values. Akash sees him as proof that Indian companies can compete globally without compromising on integrity and culture. That belief now drives IMAST’s own ambitions of expanding internationally.
Recognition and Achievements
Over the years, IMAST’s impact has been recognized with several awards, including the India Business Excellence Award, StartUp 77 Recognition, and the Red FM Leadership Award. These accolades serve as reminders of how far the company has come from its humble beginnings.
The Human Side of Entrepreneurship
What sets Akash apart as a leader is his personality. He describes himself as emotionally driven yet process-oriented—a combination that helps him build strong relationships while ensuring scalability. His ability to balance empathy with discipline has been crucial in building not just a company, but a culture of trust and innovation at IMAST.
Looking Ahead: A Global Vision
The future holds exciting possibilities for Akash and IMAST. With a strong base in India, the company now aims to expand globally and become a leader in exportable SaaS solutions. For Akash, this isn’t just about business growth—it’s about putting India’s SaaS capabilities on the global map.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Having built a successful company from the ground up, Akash has straightforward advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:
“Start small, think big, solve a real problem, and keep building value.”
It’s a philosophy he has lived by, and one that continues to guide him as he builds the next chapter of IMAST’s journey.
Conclusion
From a ₹5 lakh startup to a ₹200 Cr valued SaaS company, Akash Joshi’s story is one of courage, clarity, and commitment. In less than a decade, he has transformed IMAST into a trusted name that empowers businesses and redefines digital transformation.
His journey proves that with persistence, vision, and the right systems in place, entrepreneurs can do more than just build companies—they can reshape industries and create lasting impact.
Website : https://www.imast.in/
