Inspiring a Nation: The Dynamic Duo Behind Josh Talks, Supriya Paul and Shobhit Banga

Frustration, for Shobhit Banga, became a catalyst for motivation rather than a roadblock. As a first-generation entrepreneur, Banga’s journey took an unexpected turn at the age of 15 when he decided to drop out of school to pursue his passion for tennis. Fuelled by his father’s wisdom, who quoted Steve Jobs on the importance of loving what you do, Banga’s life initially pivoted around sports. However, a shift from tennis to professional cycling marked the beginning of a new chapter and, subsequently, the birth of a ground-breaking start-up.

In 2015, Shobhit Banga, now 25, co-founded Josh Talks with Supriya Paul, 26, and the backing of angel investors like Girish Mathrubootham, the founder of Freshworks. The platform utilizes storytelling as a powerful tool to inspire and motivate youths, urging them to unlock their full potential. What started with modest revenues of ₹40 lakh in March 2017 has evolved into a significant player, with revenues reaching ₹5.58 crore in FY19 and a projected ₹13.5 crore for the current year.

The frustration that lingered after Banga’s exit from professional sports found its resolution in the inception of Josh Talks. Banga’s dissatisfaction had two facets—he questioned the sense of purpose in his pursuits, and a desire to make a positive impact on the less privileged. Josh Talks emerged as a medium to bridge these gaps, curating inspiring stories and providing a platform for individuals to share their challenging journeys.

Josh Talks has become an inspirational force with a far-reaching impact. Available in eight vernacular languages and boasting 5.5 million subscribers, the platform primarily targets audiences in Tier II cities and beyond. The content comprises over 1,500 talks, garnering 30 million monthly views and extending its influence through more than 350 offline events attended by 1.5 lakh people.

In a country where the potential of youths in smaller towns and villages remains untapped, Josh Talks is viewed as a catalyst for social change. N Chandramouli, CEO of TRA Research, emphasizes the immense potential in these areas. If provided with the same access to advice and inspiration as urban counterparts, the latent potential in Bharat could fuel another social revolution. Josh Talks, with its inspirational content, serves as a missing link that mobilizes this latent potential, offering hope—an infectious attitude.

The journey for Josh Talks was not without its challenges. Initially bootstrapped with ₹20 lakh pooled by Banga, Paul, and their friends, the duo faced skepticism and struggled to find takers for their motivational content. The turning point came in November 2016 with a video featuring Sonam Wangchuk, triggering a surge in subscribers and attracting funding. The startup’s collaboration with Facebook further propelled its growth.

However, monetizing a business centered on motivation and inspiration posed its own set of challenges. While Josh Talks diversified its revenue streams with products like Josh Kosh for career guidance and Josh Skills for soft skills development, building repeat attendance and brand loyalty in a market where paid programs are viewed as indulgences remains a significant hurdle.

Undeterred by challenges, Banga and Paul are pushing the boundaries. They’ve expanded their product offerings with Josh Kosh and Josh Skills, and they’re eyeing international expansion in Bangladesh, China, and African countries like Congo. The focus remains on the core product—inspirational talks, which Jessie Paul, founder of Paul Writer, deems imperative for sustained success.

Banga, undeterred by skepticism, draws parallels with history, emphasizing that great things often begin with a spark of inspiration. As they plan overseas ventures and navigate the complexities of a diverse market, the dynamic duo of Supriya Paul and Shobhit Banga continues to elevate the josh, making a profound impact on India’s aspirational landscape.