Revolutionizing EdTech Industry with Unflinching Positivity
In an era where data science has skyrocketed to another space with the world relying heavily on technology, Kartik Somasundaram is tapping into its full potential. His Ed-tech startup’ Data Skience’ is a firm testimony of his brilliance and never giving up attitude, which is the reason he was featured in the ’10 Best CFOs in India 2023′ list by Trade Flock. He says, “The most rewarding achievement has been the impact my educational initiatives have made on the lives of aspiring data scientists and the communities we support.”
With humble beginnings, Kartik had a very supportive family and friends who always encouraged him to reach for the stars. With their firm belief in his potential, he became a Chartered Accountant and subsequently delved into the world of data science. During his formative years, he was faced with a lot of setbacks and challenges, which served as fuel to the powerful rocket within him that was getting ready for a full-throttled launch. Those years for him were filled with hard work, late-night study sessions, and moments of doubt, but he was able to overcome all hurdles with a positive outlook and supportive loved ones.
Amalgamating two of his passion which was data science and a strong desire to share his knowledge, he started his ed-tech company called ‘Data Skience’. He remarks, “I noticed a lack of easily accessible and comprehensive resources on data science for students. The idea was to create easy-to-understand video tutorials on topics like matplotlib, pandas, and data science terminologies, making them accessible to aspiring data scientists worldwide.” This venture is making strides to impart valuable skills to disadvantaged persons in collaboration with an NGO, along with sponsoring education for underprivileged children.
Though COVID-19 bought its own set of challenges, he turned the tide towards his favour by building an even solid foundation for his business. With the world shifting to virtual platforms, he seized the opportunity to expand the online presence of his startup. He felt that this crucial move opened up new avenues for growth while simultaneously increasing accessibility to students across the globe. This, in turn, became a safe haven for students as their learning was not hindered due to the pandemic.
Kartik feels balances his professional and personal life is a continuous learning experience. With a busy schedule, with a thriving career while running his startup, he makes sure to prioritise his family with effective time management, productive delegation of tasks, setting clear boundaries, and maintaining open communication with his family and team. He regularly reassesses his priorities in order to fully enjoy both aspects of his life.
Kartik feels his strength lies in his adaptability, problem-solving, and collaborative leadership style. This, coupled with a strong analytical mindset, makes him handle complex challenges seamlessly. He discloses that his weakness is that he takes on multiple responsibilities, which can make him slightly overwhelmed at times. He remarks, “Recognising this, I actively build a reliable team and delegate tasks to create a more balanced and sustainable work environment.”
Kartik’s thirst for innovation and growth is the key behind his unwavering determination to revolutionise data science education. He is looking forward to creating an advanced mobile application with comprehensive video tutorials on data science, making them accessible to students worldwide. To make this a reality, he is constantly on the lookout for collaboration with investors and exceptional faculties who harbour this same passion for teaching and empowering learners.
He remarks about his passion by stating, “The passion that drives me stems from my genuine love for teaching and learning. I find immense joy in acquiring new knowledge and empowering others with that knowledge. Witnessing my students’ growth and success, knowing that I played a part in shaping their future, brings immense satisfaction and fuels my drive to excel in both my profession and my ventures. This unwavering dedication propels me towards achieving my goal of revolutionising data science education.”
Reflecting on his journey, he shares his views by saying, “To our esteemed viewers, I want to emphasise that success is not merely a destination. It is a continuous journey of growth and development. Embrace challenges with an open mind, for they present invaluable opportunities to learn and evolve. Never be afraid to dream big because it is through aspirations that remarkable accomplishments are born. Together, we can forge a brighter future, where every individual’s pursuit of knowledge and purposeful action fosters a positive impact on society.”
