We celebrate Saiprasad Shankar effectively juxtaposing technology and creativity to make an impact.
Pragati Leadership leads in inspirational leadership training through its thoughtfully designed learning and development journeys. Pragati Leadership creates customized programs for organizations seeking to build Emotional Intelligence training for leaders, negotiation skills training, Women Leadership Programs and many other specific objectives.
With the goal of recognizing outstanding leadership and inspiring others to follow their lead, Pragati Leadership instituted the Inspiring and Successful Leadership Awards. In September 2024, the awards reached their third edition, where a select group of exceptional leaders was honored for their contributions to their respective industries. These awards celebrate innovation, resilience, and the leadership qualities that drive organizations forward in an ever-changing business landscape.
At the 2024 edition of the Inspiring and Successful Leadership Awards (ISLA), Saiprasad Shankar, CTO of Deciml, was awarded the prestigious Startup Innovator Award. Deciml, a first-of-its-kind app that enables round-up investments, is creating a ripple of change in the fintech space by making investing more accessible and intuitive.
In his acceptance speech, Saiprasad began by sharing an intriguing insight into the Indian market. He noted that while there are around 40 million active mutual fund subscribers in India, there are 100 million active paid TV subscriptions. “Entertainment is truly king,” he remarked, reflecting on the unexpected priority many people place on entertainment over financial freedom. This fun fact, he said, underlines the need for innovative financial solutions that are as engaging as they are empowering.
Simplifying Investments for the Next Generation
Saiprasad explained the simple yet powerful concept behind Deciml, which was born out of his own early struggles with managing personal finances. Fresh out of college and into his first job, Saiprasad, like many young professionals, was suddenly expected to understand financial management. Recognizing this gap, Deciml was designed to help people start investing effortlessly by rounding up small, everyday transactions. “You pay for a coffee, 245 for a coffee. All I do is I just round that up to the closest ten, and we invest that in a mutual fund,” Saiprasad explained. This straightforward yet impactful idea makes investing more accessible to young individuals who may not yet have the knowledge or capital to make larger financial decisions.
Innovation at the Intersection of Finance and Technology
Saiprasad emphasized that this kind of innovation comes from recognizing real-world problems and creating simple solutions that resonate with people. “We are at the cusp of technology and innovation,” he noted, underscoring how fintech companies like Deciml are revolutionizing the way people think about investments, bringing the power of financial planning into everyday actions.
He concluded his speech with heartfelt thanks to the Pragati Leadership team and the jury for recognizing Deciml’s contribution to the fintech space. “It’s great being present amongst so many stalwarts and industry leaders here today,” he said, acknowledging the spirit of leadership and innovation that defined the awards night.
Saiprasad’s journey with Deciml is a testament to how the right mix of technology, innovation, and customer-centric thinking can transform industries. His recognition at ISLA 2024 highlights the ongoing impact of fintech in India and beyond, offering a glimpse into the future of how technology can simplify financial freedom for all.
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