Jahnavi Kurapati

Provide board level oversight on business strategy for an early stage IoT (Internet of Things) PaaS startup.

• Market Research:

  - Assisted with researching existing IoT platforms to identify the key feature requirements.
  - Conducted customer research interviews with IoT application developers
  

• Product Strategy:

  - Advised on MVP and product strategy based on the founding team’s technical strengths and market opportunities.
  - Created scalable pricing model based on key distinguishing features and competition.
  - Researched and compared various payment processors and tax compliance software such as, Stripe, PayPal, Avalara, and Quarderno to setup channel for recurring payments.
  

• Business Model:

  - Developed business model for MVP launch and customer acquisition.
  - Create promotional GTM material such as, website, brochure and customer slide deck.
  

Led a team of Engineers and Industrial Designers to develop "SmartShield", an innovative low-cost power-efficient wireless Smart Lock product and digital app for a large construction manufacturer.

• Business Analysis:

  - Implemented extensive analysis on the client’s product portfolio, market standing, and market potential to enter and expand into a new technology industry
  - Presented the client with various options and business rationale for creating a product with the potential to enter the smart home and electronics market
  

• Concept Validation:

  - Conducted market research and user research to identify target market, user pain points and competition.
  - Interviewed buyers, influencers, as well as sales people to understand consumer behaviour and buyer's decision process.
  - Collaborated closely with Designers to create prototype and validate design.
  - Demonstrated prototypes to client and focus groups to gather feedback.
  

• Prioritization:

  - Defined feature scope and MVP based on market research as well as client’s product portfolio and market standing
  - Led project execution from idea creation and validation to prototype development
  - Led regular client meetings covering project updates, milestones and client concerns
  

• Business Model:

  - Developed marketing plan (Download here.) covering launch and growth - including market positioning, targeting, marketing and distribution channels
  - Created product and pricing strategy, performance metrics, and financial projections