In the bustling city of Bangalore, Syed Yunus, a budding entrepreneur, hails from a middle-class family. His parents, Syed Feroz, an electrical engineer, and Ayesha Begum, a dedicated homemaker, provided him with a nurturing environment that fueled his curiosity and love for creating things. Since childhood, Yunus displayed a keen interest in building, often turning ordinary toys into ingenious creations.
Yunus’s foray into the world of technology started when, at the age of seven, his uncle brought a computer into their home. Those weekends spent at his grandparents’ house turned into a journey of discovery in the fascinating realm of computer programs. The allure of software like Paint became a source of inspiration, igniting the spark of creativity within him. It was during these formative years that Yunus’s destiny with technology began to unfold.
The turning point came when Yunus received his first computer as a gift from his father. This marked the beginning of a relentless exploration into the vast landscape of technology. While attending computer classes at School, Yunus’s fascination with HTML laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
The arrival of smartphones marked a pivotal moment in Yunus’s technological journey. At the age of 14, fueled by determination and a quest for knowledge, he ventured into the unexplored realm of app development. With online tutorials and the wealth of resources available on YouTube, Yunus self-taught the intricacies of coding. The culmination of his efforts was his inaugural creation: an Android health app titled “Natural Medicines.” The positive feedback from users, coupled with the app’s subsequent publication on the Play Store and Amazon App Store, signified the early successes of Yunus’s budding career.
Keen to expand his technological expertise, Yunus explored the field of web design. At the age of 17, he started “Wideflare,” a web design firm focused on creating websites for small businesses. Despite facing initial challenges, Yunus persevered, driven by an unwavering passion for innovation. As technology evolved, Yunus observed shifts in market dynamics. The increasing demand for websites and apps prompted him to reassess his approach and adapt to the changing landscape.
Acknowledging the increasing demand for an online presence and the ease provided by platforms like WordPress and Wix, Yunus identified an opportunity. He envisioned a user-friendly platform that not only facilitated the creation of websites but also streamlined the process of developing Android and iOS apps. This vision served as the catalyst for what would eventually become “Plentra Sphere.”
Yunus’s academic pursuits led him to Presidency University, where he enrolled in B.Tech for Computer Science and Engineering. Simultaneously, he began working on transforming his vision into reality.
As fate would have it, the world witnessed an unprecedented event – the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ensuing lockdowns and restrictions underscored the critical need for businesses to embrace digitalization. Yunus keenly observed the landscape, realizing the immense potential for his platform in a world rapidly shifting towards online commerce.
During this challenging period, Yunus redoubled his efforts on the development of Plentra Sphere. The platform’s objective extended beyond merely creating websites and apps; it sought to empower individuals in seamlessly launching their e-commerce ventures. Yunus demonstrated extraordinary dedication during this time, investing over 17 hours a day in prototyping and developing the platform.
As the journey unfolded, Yunus encountered challenges and setbacks, yet his steadfast commitment to learning and growth propelled him forward. It was in the 6th semester of his university experience that he crossed paths with Mr. Bhaskar Chakravorti, his professor for the Digital Entrepreneurship course.
Mr. Bhaskar’s classes became a pivotal learning experience for Yunus, instilling in him the principles of entrepreneurship that nurtured the budding entrepreneur within. The platform underwent multiple iterations as Yunus worked to align it with market demands, with each setback serving as a stepping stone towards achieving perfection.
By late 2022, after relentless dedication and countless hours of hard work, Plentra Sphere was ready for testing. It was a momentous occasion for Yunus as he took the plunge into realizing his dream. On May 18th, 2023, Plentra Technologies Pvt Ltd was incorporated, marking the official establishment of Yunus’s technology company.
The initial roll-out involved testing the platform with a select group of startup companies. This period marked the culmination of everything Yunus had learned during his university days, applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
Yunus, along with his mentor, visited shops in Bangalore’s Commercial Street. His mentor guided him in understanding practical marketing aspects. This hands-on experience was crucial, giving Yunus a firsthand look at entrepreneurship in action. Market feedback and surveys became vital tools for Yunus to refine Plentra Sphere, ensuring it perfectly met user needs.
The turning point occurred when Presidency Launchpad reached out to Yunus after discovering his profile and activities on LinkedIn. There, he connected with Dr. K R Murali Mohan, Mr. Pramod, Mr. Harish Bg, and Mr. Suresh from the Presidency Launchpad team—a Technology Business Incubator and Section 8 Company associated with his alma mater, Presidency University. Impressed by Yunus’s product and business idea, they chose to incubate Plentra Technologies Pvt Ltd, offering crucial support through startup mentoring.
Emboldened by positive responses from potential users and after extensive testing by over a hundred users, Yunus showcased Plentra Sphere at the prestigious Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023. The platform received overwhelming acclaim, attracting collaboration requests from various companies.
The success at the Bengaluru Tech Summit marked a significant milestone for Plentra Technologies Pvt Ltd. Encouraged by the positive response, Yunus continued to refine and enhance Plentra Sphere, ensuring it remained at the forefront of technological innovation.
Today, Syed Yunus is devoted to transforming businesses through Plentra Sphere, empowering them to embrace digitalization with customized websites and apps for Android and iOS. His journey, from a passionate young enthusiast to the founder of Plentra Technologies Pvt Ltd, illustrates that dreams, coupled with perseverance and mentorship, can indeed evolve into a powerful reality. As he persists in working towards his vision, Syed Yunus stands as an inspiration for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs worldwide.
