Uthaya Kumar's journey from a PhD statistician to an entrepreneur reads like a movie script. From the locales of Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu, to the technological heights of ISRO, India’s space agency, Uthaya’s career trajectory took a unique turn towards entrepreneurship, debunking the conventional path often tread by scientists.
What Happened: As revealed in a conversation during an Uber ride, after earning his M.Phil and PhD, Uthaya began his career at ISRO, where his expertise in ensuring the precision of liquid fuel densities was crucial for safe satellite launches. His stint at ISRO was followed by a role as an Assistant Professor. However, the lure of entrepreneurship was too compelling to resist.
In 2017, leveraging pooled resources from friends, he launched S T Cabs, a cab service named affectionately after his parents, Sukumaran and Thulasi.
Today, Uthaya and his brother manage a fleet of 37 cars, boasting an annual revenue of approximately ₹2 crore. But it's not just the financial success that defines his venture. Uthaya’s business model is a testament to his values. At S T Cabs, drivers aren't just employees but partners enjoying a 70-30 revenue share. This empowering model has encouraged drivers to invest back into the business, further expanding the fleet.
Uthaya’s leadership philosophy extends beyond business operations. He invests in the welfare of his team, setting aside funds for accommodations for migrant drivers and educational expenses for children in his hometown.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, but Uthaya's resilience shone as he personally undertook long-haul drives in hazmat suits to keep the business afloat.
Read next: Disillusioned By Tech, How This Punjab-Born Entrepreneur Found His Calling In The Stars, Literally
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