From building sites to digital marketing, how this Kolkata-based venture helps SMEs create an online presence

Kolkata-based entrepreneur Indrashish Chatterjee had a dream to start his own venture. He resigned from his profile job with a leading MNC to follow this dream and in 2013, he incorporated Need-Websites. The platform had a humble beginning with a four-member team. His journey from running the venture in the storeroom of a building in a non-IT zone to acquiring an office in a prime location in the IT hub of the city has been nothing short of incredible.

Indrashish, Co-founder, Need-Websites, says, “Need-Websites is a B2B platform which focusses on serving clients on a global platform and helping all startups, small to medium business avail themselves of superior online presence within an affordable pricing range. We not only specialise in developing professional websites in various platforms but also specialise in digital marketing along with application development.”

Need-Websites recently launched a wing for developing software for customer relation management and enterprise resource planning. The platform claims to have a scientific method of product and service delivery and a section dedicated for research work on the latest updates.

The platform is self-funded till date. Need-Websites recently started its operations in Georgia, USA. Discussions are on with a few US-based MNCs who have expressed their interest to tie-up with the venture as outsourcing partner.

Indrashish says, “Most of the investors are looking to invest in e-commerce or product-based platforms. Till date, we were counted as a service-based company but with the launch of new products and software, we will also be interested to generate a platform to brand products on a global platform.”

He adds that India is a growing market and is welcoming of new concepts in recent times. Online players like Oyo Rooms, Voodoo, Mubble, Grab House Scoops and many others have recently got funded with unique concepts. With the launch of the first concept app, Need-Websites will also look forward to joining the group by 2016.

Registering growth

From four people to 16 people in the team in India now, the company aims to grow into a 30-member organisation by the beginning of 2016. The platform has four people in its US office as well.

“We did start our journey in the service industry. However, we recently launched our product section which focusses on software and application development. By the year 2016, with an investment of USD two million, we look forward to taking the next leap. With an existing client database of above 350, Need-Websites is targeting 1,000 clients in the coming year. By 2016-2017, we are looking forward to generating revenue of USD five million,” says Indrashish.

Impending challenges

The market is highly competitive and no product or service can be successful without proper branding and marketing. “Our journey has been really challenging. However, proper financial planning and growth structuring have helped us accomplish whatever we have achieved till date,” says Indrashish.

Website