Aiming at $200 billion defense business, Mysore-based ConnectCo targets defense manufacturing companies
During the past few years, defense business has grown manifold in the country and is set to grow to USD 200 billion in the next decade. In the wake of this growth, the industry has also witnessed an increase in defense product manufacturing companies in the country. Amidst the growing business, Krishna Karedla, Bharati K., and Sarada J. decided to launch a platform for those who wish to leverage the booming defense business.
Along the line of Justdial, Sulekha, Asklaila, Getit, Zatse, and Askme among others, Krishna launched ConnectCo, a free directory for defense manufacturing companies.
“ConnectCo is a comprehensive resource for defense manufacturing business. This is a search tool which helps users to search and list companies on a particular criteria. On this platform, users simply need to type in the phrase which defines what they are looking for. Auto-suggest feature is included to help new visitors know the depth of database. “Unlike other listing websites, it also describes the core competency of companies,” says Krishna, the Co-Founder of ConnectCo.
He explains that many small and medium engineering companies do not know whom to approach or find alternatives for marketing their product and services. This defense manufacturing search engine motivates to search and browse defense manufacturing company details for possible opportunities. The Indian companies who wish to upgrade their technologies can use the search engine to filter and list all military manufacturing companies in the USA or Europe or Australia. They can contact them directly for opportunities. Although Google does a pretty good job of listing companies, it also includes articles, LinkedIn pages, Facebook pages, etc., making the exercise laborious.
The platform also lists all the skill institutes and software companies, which offer its skills and products, respectively, to the manufacturing industries. In addition, the platform also has a segment for students where they can upload their projects and companies can access them. On the basis of these projects, related companies also give internship calls to students.
The venture offers two types of listings: Free listing and premium listing. In premium listing, it charges Rs 7500 every year from companies headquartered in India and $150 per year from foreign-basedcompanies.
The platform offers various benefits to companies registered under premium listing. The benefits include display services, jobs, products, people multiple data, ERP computing, telemarketing, consulting in disposal of second hand machinery and scrap and industrial land acquisitions, among others.
“We are building a network of franchisees that will provide business enquiries. Defense business is very prominent in USA, Sweden, Germany, UK, Japan, and Israel; and we are scouting for partners from these countries. We provide consultation on how to market for defense orders by small and medium companies. We are in talks with leading directories in the USA and Europe to share virtual presence,” says Krishna.
He believes that being the first mover in this niche area of defense manufacturing makes the platform unique. However, he feels it is just the beginning in the segment and is looking forward to play a bigger role in USD 200 billion business.