Revolutionizing Mobile Data Affordability: The Visionaries Behind Gigato

India’s rapid adoption of smartphones, driven by affordability and accessibility, has been a game-changer. With a projected 314 million mobile internet users by 2017, the potential for the digital revolution is immense. However, the high cost of mobile data remains a significant hurdle in emerging markets like India. Shailesh Nalawadi, a former Google employee, is on a mission to tackle this problem head-on with his innovative mobile app, Gigato.

Gigato, developed by Mavin Inc., is a groundbreaking data sponsoring platform that offers users the opportunity to explore various mobile apps while receiving additional mobile data as a reward. What sets Gigato apart is its user-centric approach, allowing individuals to utilize the additional mobile data as they see fit. This flexibility empowers users to make the most of their mobile devices without data restrictions. Mavin Inc., based in Silicon Valley and Gurgaon, launched Gigato in India to address the challenge of making mobile internet more accessible and affordable in emerging markets. The app quickly gained traction, crossing over 100,000 downloads on Android within its first month of launch. The startup aims to create a more inclusive digital ecosystem, benefiting both users and app publishers.

Mavin Inc. was co-founded by Shailesh Nalawadi and Raina Kumra. Shailesh, who now leads the product direction at the startup, brings a wealth of experience from his time at Google, where he contributed to the launch of features on Google Maps, Google Glass, and Gmail. His academic background includes an MBA from the University of Chicago and a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan. Raina Kumra, responsible for UX/UI, brand, and marketing strategy at Mavin, boasts an impressive career that includes founding Juggernaut, serving as Co-director of Innovation for The BBG under the Obama administration, and leading digital strategy at Wieden+Kennedy. Her academic credentials include degrees from BU, NYU, and Harvard University. Raina is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a prestigious non-profit think tank in the US.

The inspiration for Gigato began about three years ago when Shailesh was at Google. During his extensive interactions in emerging markets, especially India, he realized the immense potential of the smartphone revolution. However, he also observed a common challenge among prepaid users – the need to ration mobile data usage to avoid exceeding monthly limits. Many users would turn off their mobile data for extended periods due to the high cost of internet. Shailesh recognized the untapped potential of smartphones, primarily their power and utility when consistently connected to the internet. Background data consumption, essential for functionalities like push notifications and real-time updates, was often underutilized. To address this challenge in emerging markets, Shailesh, Raina, and their colleagues embarked on the journey that led to the development of Gigato.

Gigato’s unique approach to data sponsorship provides a win-win solution for both users and businesses. Prepaid users across all major telecom operators in India can now enjoy cost-effective mobile internet. Users benefit from various data promotions, while app publishers experience increased user engagement. Unlike certain platforms that faced criticism for potentially violating net neutrality, Gigato operates with unwavering support for net neutrality. The sponsored data returned to users comes with no strings attached, offering freedom in its usage. The platform maintains fairness, with all users paying the same data cost, ensuring no discrimination or exclusive deals.

Gigato’s well-designed and user-friendly platform offers a seamless experience. Users can easily sign up and explore various promotions from brands like Jabong, Saavn, TrulMadly, and OLX. The app’s clear interface and push notifications keep users informed of their progress and achievements. The app’s offerings are already intriguing, with plenty of room for growth. Gigato is just the beginning of Mavin’s journey to address mobile data affordability. As smartphone and mobile internet usage continue to surge in India, the company aims to expand its reach across other emerging markets, including Indonesia, Brazil, Malaysia, and South Africa.

With a seasoned team spread across two countries and a strong foundation, Mavin is well-positioned to make mobile internet more accessible and affordable for the masses. The journey of Shailesh Nalawadi, Raina Kumra, and their team serves as a testament to their commitment to transforming the digital landscape in emerging markets.

In the quest to make the smartphone revolution accessible to all, Gigato emerges as a pioneering solution, offering users the freedom to explore the digital world without constraints.