A software professional, Gaurav transitioned from a career in software development to becoming the CEO. Fueled by parental concerns for child safety, he founded his startup in 2017, specializing in GPS-based tracking devices. Despite initial challenges and setbacks during COVID, Gaurav remained dedicated, emphasizing the importance of passion and innovation for startup success.

Gaurav Vaishnav is a software professional. He used to work at a company called Slumergy, which provided services to the oil and gas sector. He has 15 years of experience in software development. Currently, he is the CEO of his startup, ‘iChild Guard Pvt. Ltd.’

Gaurav did his schooling in a place called Kankroli in Rajasthan and then went to Kota for coaching for the pre-engineering test. He passed the test and did engineering in electronics and communication from Jaipur. Since his childhood, he has always been passionate about computers. He also learned several computer languages. He graduated in 2005 and went to Delhi, where he worked for various MNCs.

In 2017, he quit his job and launched his startup, ‘iChild Guard Pvt. Ltd.’ Before that, he attended training for entrepreneurship at Symbiosis, Pune. Child Guard works for child safety. They produce GPS-based tracking devices that can track your child when they go out. They can also alert you when your child crosses a safety range. These devices are wearable on the hand, concealed in pockets, or could be worn as lockets.

Gaurav got this idea because he himself felt worried when his kids went out to play. He studied the problem and came up with the idea of a tracking device. He imports GPS devices from China and puts his own software on the devices. These devices are marketed on his own e-commerce site and are also available on major platforms. He is getting a good response and selling about 30–40 devices every month.

Gaurav is still learning from this idea, as according to him, the margin is low, and due to competition, the market size is also not large. He says developing a distribution channel for the product is a challenge. That needs investment too. He is trying to attract funding for his startup.

Gaurav says his company provides excellent after-sales service. And because of that, he gets a lot of praise from his customers.

The COVID lockdown was a tough time for him and his company, as sales plummeted. He also had to lose some of his trusted employees. But now things are getting normal, and business is looking up.

His suggestion for new startups is that you must be passionate about your idea. Just don’t do anything because others are doing it. Have patience for a couple of years in the beginning, and then you will find success. You must go for different, revolutionary ideas and not the traditional ones.

Gaurav has been inspired in life by the books of famous authors like Shiv Khera, Dev Gadvi, and Ranjeet Patil.

In his opinion, education gives you a skill for a 9-to-5 job, but it is experience that drives you to do something of your own.

Gaurav feels leadership is when people follow you and think of you as their role model.

In his free time, Gaurav plays with his kids and reads motivational books.

He follows Swami Vivekananda’s famous quote in his life: “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached."