The Journey of VSTOGi FINANCIALS
- January 3, 2024
- Brandz Editor Team
- 2
Gaurav Sharma ,CEO , VSTOGi FINANCIALS
Website: https://www.vstogionline.com
About the Founder
My name is Gaurav Sharma, and I am the managing partner and CEO of VSTOGi FINANCIALS, a premier wealth management firm based in Rajasthan. My journey as an entrepreneur began at a young age, fueled by a deep-seated passion for the investment industry and a drive to make a positive impact. Growing up in a disciplined and creative family, I was instilled with values of resilience and ambition. These values have been my guiding light as I navigated the challenges of the entrepreneurial world.
I am driven by a vision to promote informed investing within society, a mission that was inspired by my own experiences as a novice investor. Encountering untrustworthy financial agents and opaque investment options, I was motivated to create a business that prioritizes transparency and education. Today, my greatest motivation comes from the satisfied faces of my clients, knowing that I have helped them achieve financial security and peace of mind.
Business Overview
Inception Year/Date: August 2017
Present Status:
- Assets Under Management (AUM): ₹70 Crore+
- PAN India Services
- 20+ Business Associates
- 2000+ Clients
- In-house Investment Advisors and Tax Planners
Market and Social Impact:
VSTOGi FINANCIALS significantly contributes to the Indian investment market by channeling AUM into various asset management avenues, including government bonds and shares. We create employment opportunities, particularly for students who wish to gain work experience while studying. Additionally, we sponsor educational and cultural initiatives, such as the POCSO awareness programs in schools and the Ardour 4.0 event by CSIR-CSIO, fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.
Core Business Activities:
We empower individuals to manage their finances and make informed investment decisions. Our services encompass Mutual Funds, Insurance Solutions, Goal-Based Planning, Retirement/Financial Planning, Tax Planning, Capital Gains Bonds, Stocks, IPOs, and more, excluding real estate. Our goal is to protect clients from profit-driven financial agents by providing transparent and honest financial advice.
Services Offered
At VSTOGi FINANCIALS, we offer a wide range of financial services including:
- Mutual Funds: Guiding clients through investment options with comprehensive factsheets and true information.
- Insurance Solutions: Providing tailored insurance products to meet diverse needs.
- Goal-Based Planning: Assisting clients in achieving specific financial goals through strategic planning.
- Retirement and Financial Planning: Ensuring a secure financial future for our clients.
- Tax Planning: Optimizing tax liabilities through expert advice.
- Capital Gains and Bonds: Offering opportunities in various bonds and capital gain instruments.
- Stocks and IPOs: Enabling clients to invest in the stock market and initial public offerings.
Problem Solved:
The investment market is plagued by agents who prioritize high-commission products over client suitability. VSTOGi FINANCIALS addresses this issue by educating clients about their financial options and maintaining transparency regarding our commissions. We do not charge fees for our services, ensuring that our clients’ best interests are always at the forefront.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP):
Our USP lies in our client-centric approach. We offer customized financial plans, responsive customer support, and clear product offerings, setting us apart from competitors. Our commitment to transparency and quality service ensures that clients trust us with their financial journeys.
Future Prospects
The future of VSTOGi FINANCIALS is bright and promising. We aim to expand our market reach through strategic partnerships and enhanced client-centric approaches. By staying abreast of industry trends and regulations, we ensure uninterrupted, high-quality service for our clients. Our vision is to treat each client uniquely, offering tailored solutions to meet their specific needs.
Motivation Behind the Business
The idea for VSTOGi FINANCIALS emerged from a personal experience. When I first invested in a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) with ₹2,000, I encountered financial agents who could not adequately explain their products. Realizing that many investors were similarly uninformed, I decided to create a business that would educate and empower individuals about their finances. This vision has driven me to build a company that makes a tangible difference in the investment landscape.
Inspirations and Idols
My professional inspiration is Dr. Balasubramanian, under whom I trained during my Masters. His approach to problem-solving, resilience, and insightful thinking have profoundly influenced my professional life. He instilled in me the importance of perseverance and strategic thinking, qualities that have been crucial in my entrepreneurial journey.
Challenges and Learnings
Starting VSTOGi FINANCIALS came with its share of challenges. Building trust was a significant hurdle, but through consistent delivery and client success stories, we overcame this within 1.5 years. The COVID-19 pandemic posed another challenge, halting operations due to courier delays and causing client transactions to pause. We swiftly adapted by digitizing our processes, enabling clients to execute transactions online. This shift not only addressed the immediate crisis but also positioned us for greater efficiency in the long term.
Essentials for Starting the Business
The essentials for starting VSTOGi FINANCIALS included a passion for financial education and a modest initial capital of ₹1 Lakh. With support from my father, who was my first client, we rented an office, hired a Chartered Accountant (CA), and brought an investment advisor on board. Through systematic efforts and a commitment to transparency, our business grew rapidly.
Market Opportunities
At VSTOGi FINANCIALS, we do not merely identify market opportunities; we create them. Our focus on financial education rather than aggressive selling has built a loyal client base. We analyze market trends and financial sentiments with the help of our skilled team of financial analysts to stay ahead in the industry.
Unique Traits as an Entrepreneur
What sets me apart as an entrepreneur is my resilience. I view failures as learning opportunities and challenges as stepping stones. My scientific background fosters a practical approach to problem-solving, and my commitment to visionary leadership ensures that my team is well-informed and proactive.
Learnings from Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship has taught me the importance of connections. Building and maintaining a network of business associates, informed employees, and efficient operations is crucial for success. Availability and reliability are key factors in sustaining client relationships and business growth.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to stay grounded and avoid letting success inflate your ego. Constantly re-evaluate your approach, identify areas for improvement, and remain humble. This mindset will help you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and achieve long-term success.
Awards and Recognition
VSTOGi FINANCIALS has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Promising Mutual Funds & Financial Products Distributors in 2023, a testament to our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.
The journey of VSTOGi FINANCIALS, under the leadership of Gaurav Sharma, exemplifies the power of resilience, transparency, and client-centricity in building a successful business. From humble beginnings to a thriving enterprise with ₹70 Crore+ AUM, VSTOGi FINANCIALS continues to make a significant impact on the Indian investment market, empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures.