Hyderabad-based Sipper launches personalized communication on IVR for political parties
Technology has become very important in Indian politics over the last two-three years. Politicians across various parties are using IVR (cloud telephony), social networks and email marketing to lure young and technology-savvy voters. Besides Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers and supporters, some startups are also celebrating Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP’s success. Delhi-based MyOperator claims to power more than 500,000 toll-free calls for AAP while InviteReferral, another startup has successfully launched referral programmes over social networks for AAP.Besides these two startups, Hyderabad-based Sipper Global Informatics, a political process outsourcing company, empowered political leaders in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to connect and engage their target groups through personalized communication on IVR and outbound calling platforms.
Evolution of the idea
Like many Indians who love to discuss politics, Abhijeet Shesh and his cousin Nitin Tanksale loved to debate political developments in the country. “We were discussing how a particular political leader from our native place in Chhattisgarh is popular among people for his contributions,” says Abhijeet. At the same time, the duo also wondered about other politicians who did good work but were unable to create awareness about his/her work. “This was when we realized technology could help bridge the gap and decided to launch our venture, Sipper Global Informatics, to meet this demand,” he adds.
Team behind Sipper and USPs
Before they launched the venture, Abhijeet worked for the German shipping giant, Hapag Lloyd and Al Dastoor group, Oman. Nitin has spent over 15 years in marketing and brand activations of various companies, including Reliance Broadcast and Chicago- based creative communication major Leo Burnett where he handled key accounts like Coca Cola and Godfrey Philips.
The duo claims that Sipper Global Informatics is the first Indian company to create a space for personalized communication on IVR and outbound calling platforms between political parties or leaders and their target groups. It offers personalized outbound calling feature along with customized response system and database management.
Traction and competition
So far the startup has executed customized communication campaigns for five politicians (three in Chhattisgarh, one in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan) in the recently-concluded Assembly elections in five states. “In terms of pricing, Sipper is sensitive to the scope of work and each campaign executed by us is customized to suit the needs of political leaders taking his/her constituency’s overall profile into consideration. Size of the constituency is one of the key determining factors in pricing the package for clients,” reveals Abhijeet.
Abhijeet believes that Sipper doesn’t compete with MyOperator, Knowlarity, including other players in cloud telephony market because it focuses on creating a niche operational space. “Each customer is offered customized solutions depending on the constituency profile and the need identified,” he adds.
