Think NorthBecause 'Going South' isn't an option
Think NorthPicture it: the year is 2019, and I, fresh off a superhero stint at Niyo, had just revolutionized banking with India’s first zero forex markup card and a suite of empathetic financial tools for the blue-collared masses. This wasn’t just any upgrade; it skyrocketed Niyo 12.5 times to its first million users and bagged $35 million Series B funding. After setting the company on its ambitious path towards a Series C, I felt that itch—the 0 to 1 kind, the kind that gets you up in the morning. So, I dove back into the startup scene, tinkering with ideas in the data privacy arena.
Meanwhile, as fate (or LinkedIn) would have it, a couple of companies from my Niyo days reached out. They weren’t looking to reminisce about the good old days. No, they had problems. Big, startup-threatening problems. One was a service biz staring down the barrel of a revenue plateau with startups nipping at its heels; the other, a payroll startup eager to beef up its offerings. So, I strapped on my fractional CxO cape, ready to tackle these challenges head-on. This often meant getting stranded in Bengaluru and walking 12-14 km back home—because who needs cabs when you’ve got startup ideas to incubate?
This walking turned out to be quite the brainstorm. The world needed more than just another consultant; it needed a direction, a North Star. And just like that, a little before the pandemic, Think North Consulting was born.
Here’s a fun fact: many businesses wander around aimlessly, like opening Google Maps and typing in “somewhere fun.” This isn’t a game of pin the tail on the donkey; it’s the real world, where having a clear goal can be the difference between soaring success and spectacular failure. At Think North, we don’t just set a North Star; we strap a rocket to it. Our approach has proven that aligning companies with the right metric—beyond just cold hard cash—can be transformative. And thus, Think North isn’t just a name; it’s a mission statement.
Fast forward five years, and Think North has morphed into a veritable lab of business experimentation. We’ve partnered with over 30 entities, from spritely startups to seasoned accelerators, from impact funds brimming with purpose to corporate giants looking to incubate the next big thing. Across more than 17 industries, we’ve dabbled in everything: product development, strategy overhaul, fundraising escapades, cross-border expansions, and even the nitty-gritty of M&A. This isn’t just consultancy; it’s a full-scale, cross-industry innovation spree.
We don’t just preach external innovation; we practice what we preach internally too. Think unlimited leaves (yes, really), apprenticeship models that mix learning with doing, and curated internship projects that might just be the highlight of a resume. We’ve become something of a career transformer—helping people find their calling while delivering clutch results for clients.
Founder
In a world often crowded with complexity, my name, which means 'meaning,' guides my mission: to add significance and clarity to lives and companies alike. I embarked on a straightforward mission—to simplify the next step for both people and companies alike, viewing challenges through a dual lens of empathy and logic, kind of like those 3D glasses that make movie scenes pop. And yes, in a crisis, I’m your go-to for turning big, scary problems into a manageable roadmap. Outside of work, I’m on a mission to be a self-taught musician (20+ instruments and counting) and express myself through art, which ended up teaching me lateral application and learning how to learn; skills you’ll see me and all our partner consultants frequently apply when we work with you.
Product and Strategy Consultant
Imagine a consultant who’s as comfortable in a lab coat as she is in a strategy meeting. That’s Milred for you—our very own mitochondria. With a Bachelor’s in Microbiology and Biochemistry and a Master's in Medical Biotechnology under her belt, Milred has worked on sectors like healthcare, the creator economy, fitness, and insurtech on problems ranging from 0 to 1 journey, UX/UI design, Core R&D, pricing strategy, and M&A strategy. Her analytical prowess, customer empathy and strategic insights have significantly impacted each sector she has touched.
"We envision a future where companies operate not just for profit but for purpose. Imagine businesses moving forward with clarity and a bit of cleverness, like having the smartest guy in the room on your side, only it’s your whole company."
"Think North Consulting is here to help companies figure out what they’re really about, kind of like a GPS for business strategy, but without the annoying recalculating voice. We’re here to dig through the chaos and unlock what your company can truly do."
"Think North - because 'Going South' isn't an option, and winging it isn't a strategy."