Jagannathan Gopalakrishnan on His Journey, Innovations, and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs.
TheCconnects: Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Jagannathan Gopalakrishnan, a finance expert and entrepreneur with over three decades of experience. He’s the Managing Director of AARMS Value Chain Private Limited and MIISKY TECHNOVATION PVT LTD, and also serves as Head of Accounts Receivable at Kenstone Capital Debt Consulting Pvt Ltd. Welcome, Jagannathan! It’s an honor to have you with us.
Jagannathan Gopalakrishnan: Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m excited to share my story and insights with your readers.
TheCconnects: Let’s dive into your professional journey. How did you go from a finance professional to leading multiple innovative companies?
Jagannathan Gopalakrishnan: My career kicked off in 1986 as a management consultant and market research analyst with Projects and Systems in Bangalore. I then moved to Mumbai, working with the Shetron Group on corporate planning and MIS from 1990 to 1994. From 1994 to 2000, I was the Manufacturing Finance Manager at Godrej GE Appliances, followed by a stint as Commercial Finance Manager at GE Power Controls until 2004. Those years honed my skills in finance, operations, and strategic planning.
In 2004, I took the entrepreneurial leap and started AARMS Supply Chain Solutions, which evolved into AARMS Value Chain Private Limited in 2009. We focus on accounts receivables management, logistics, supply chain solutions, vehicle tracking, and indirect tax management. Today, we have about 50 employees across multiple cities, serving some of India’s top companies.
In 2016, I founded MIISKY TECHNOVATION PVT LTD to explore innovation in healthcare. Using near-infrared technology, we developed the SVASTH line of non-invasive health monitoring devices, including wearables for glucose and hemoglobin monitoring and a rapid test kit for infectious diseases during COVID-19. Since 2022, I’ve also been leading the Accounts Receivable team at Kenstone Capital, helping businesses optimize their collections.
TheCconnects: That’s an incredible trajectory. Who has been your biggest influence along the way?
Jagannathan Gopalakrishnan: My brother, G. Muralidhar, has been a profound influence. He founded the Gopal Educational and Social Charitable Trust, which runs a school for underprivileged children in rural Karnataka. His commitment to social good inspired me to take on the role of Principal Trustee in 2017. Managing the school and seeing its impact on 300 students has been humbling and motivating.
Professionally, my time at GE Power Controls was pivotal. I tackled a complex receivables challenge, which taught me financial discipline and introduced me to channel finance models that I later applied in my businesses.
TheCconnects: What are some of the toughest challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome them?
Jagannathan Gopalakrishnan: Starting AARMS in 2004 was a daunting challenge. Moving from a corporate role to entrepreneurship meant building everything from the ground up, processes, teams, and client relationships. It required relentless perseverance, but I overcame it by learning on the job, networking with industry peers, and staying focused on our mission.
Another hurdle was developing our SVASTH devices at MIISKY TECHNOVATION. Healthcare innovation demands rigorous testing, regulatory approvals, and significant funding. For example, our non-invasive ventilators are still awaiting patent approval, which has been a lengthy process. We’ve stayed the course by building a dedicated team and collaborating with institutions like the BEES Lab at the Indian Institute of Science. Passion for the potential impact keeps us going.
TheCconnects: What key lessons have shaped your career?
Jagannathan Gopalakrishnan: Adaptability is critical. The finance and tech landscapes change rapidly, and staying flexible is non-negotiable. Integrity is another cornerstone, building trust with clients and partners is the foundation of long-term success. Finally, deeply understanding customer pain points allows you to create solutions that truly matter. Whether it’s streamlining receivables or designing health devices, solving real problems drives impact.
TheCconnects: Speaking of challenges, what do you see as the biggest hurdles for brands in the digital space today?
Jagannathan Gopalakrishnan: Maintaining authenticity and trust is a major challenge. With countless digital platforms, brands can lose their unique voice or fall victim to misinformation. Data privacy is another concern, consumers expect personalized experiences, but brands must handle data ethically. The fast pace of technological change also demands constant innovation, which can strain resources. Brands can overcome these by being transparent, engaging directly with customers, and investing in robust cybersecurity.
TheCconnects: How do your companies address your customers’ pain points?
Jagannathan Gopalakrishnan: At AARMS Value Chain, we tackle the headache of accounts receivables management. By handling collections, we reduce days sales outstanding, improve cash flow, and let businesses focus on their core operations. Our supply chain solutions, like the fleet exchange model on SCM Junction, optimize logistics and cut costs.
MIISKY TECHNOVATION’s SVASTH devices address healthcare accessibility. Our wearable monitors glucose, hemoglobin, and other vitals non-invasively, making life easier for patients with chronic conditions. During COVID-19, our rapid test kit enabled quick screening, saving time and resources. These solutions prioritize affordability and convenience.
TheCconnects: What’s next for AARMS Value Chain and MIISKY TECHNOVATION?
Jagannathan Gopalakrishnan: For AARMS, we’re exploring AI and machine learning to enhance our supply chain solutions, offering predictive analytics for better decision-making. At MIISKY, we’re scaling our SVASTH Health Foods initiative, which connects patients, nutritionists, and micro-kitchens for personalized nutrition. We’re also refining our health devices and plan to ramp up ventilator production once patents are approved, targeting affordable respiratory care globally.
TheCconnects: Your work with the Gopal Educational Trust sounds inspiring. Can you share more about its impact?
Jagannathan Gopalakrishnan: The trust runs a school in rural Karnataka, offering education from nursery to 10th standard for about 300 students. We charge minimal fees to make it accessible to the poorest families, relying on CSR contributions to operate. Since 2017, I’ve overseen expansions, including new infrastructure for pre-university education. Watching these children gain opportunities through education is incredibly rewarding, it’s about breaking the cycle of poverty.
TheCconnects: What do you do to unwind in your free time?
Jagannathan Gopalakrishnan: I cherish time with my family and enjoy activities that promote wellness, like walking or yoga. Reading is a passion, books on business, technology, and personal growth keep me inspired. Managing the trust also fills my spare time, as it’s a meaningful way to give back to the community.
TheCconnects: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in finance or health tech?
Jagannathan Gopalakrishnan: Start with a clear vision and a deep understanding of the problem you’re solving. Take calculated risks, but be ready for setbacks, persistence is everything. Build a network of mentors and peers for support. Most importantly, stay curious and keep learning. Finance and health tech evolve constantly, so continuous education is your edge. Solve real problems, and success will follow.
TheCconnects: Thank you, Jagannathan, for this enlightening conversation. Your journey and commitment to innovation and social good are truly inspiring.
Jagannathan Gopalakrishnan: Thank you for having me. I hope my story encourages others to pursue their passions and make a difference.
You can connect with Jagannathan Gopalakrishnan in LinkedIn here
