On the 76th episode of Jam with Sam, Sampath Iyengar sat down with Qussai H. Daginawala, the visionary founder of Avotima Technologies. From growing up in South Mumbai to building a multi-crore IT business, Qussai’s journey is a compelling tale of grit, growth, and passion for creating opportunities.
Humble Beginnings: Learning the Value of Hard Work
Born and raised in Mumbai, Qussai’s childhood was filled with lively memories, including the one time he fought over a vada pav—a moment that taught him the importance of standing up for himself. Educated at St. Mary’s School and Bhurani College, he was introduced to the family jewellery business at the young age of 15. His father made sure he learned the ropes by starting at the grassroots level, handling everything from housekeeping to sales.
This hands-on experience instilled in him the value of hard work and respect for all roles in a business. “It’s not just about knowing the business; it’s about knowing the people,” Qussai shared.
The Leap to Real Estate
After gaining extensive knowledge in the jewellery business, Qussai pivoted to real estate. As a savvy investor, he began with affordable housing projects in areas like Neral, starting small but scaling up to own 36 properties. This phase of his career showcased his opportunistic mindset, a trait that has been his hallmark.
“I’m not greedy; I just want to be rich,” he said with refreshing honesty. This relentless drive led him to pursue ventures that aligned with his vision of success.
Building Avotima Technologies: Ahead of Time
Qussai’s foray into the IT world began serendipitously but quickly turned into a thriving enterprise. The name Avotima—derived from French words meaning “ahead of time”—encapsulates the company’s mission to lead in IT infrastructure and solutions.
In just two years, Avotima achieved a staggering turnover of ₹55 crore by delivering innovative IT services like LAN/WAN deployment, access point integration, and consulting projects for major corporations, including top banks. “Our biggest project was an API consulting deal where we beat IT giants by offering better solutions at one-fourth of their price,” Qussai proudly shared.
His ability to spot opportunities and execute them with precision has been the cornerstone of Avotima’s success.
Landmark Education: A Turning Point
The death of his father in 2010 was a pivotal moment in Qussai’s life. To cope with the stress and rediscover his purpose, he turned to Landmark Education, which proved transformative. Through Landmark, he overcame a lifelong struggle with stammering, improved his communication skills, and deepened his relationships with his family.
This experience not only made him a better entrepreneur but also a more empathetic individual, driving his passion to give back to society.n.”
Navigating Challenges: Red Tape and Government Projects
Dealing with government projects often comes with its own set of challenges. When asked about navigating red tape, Qussai emphasized the importance of choosing the right partnerships and maintaining a strong cash flow. “Not all government departments have money in their kitty. You have to be strategic and ensure you’re working with reliable entities,” he explained.
His disciplined approach and focus on relationship-building have helped Avotima excel in sectors others find daunting.
The Road Ahead
Looking to the future, Qussai envisions Avotima expanding globally, with operations in India, the US, Singapore, and the Gulf. In five years, his goal is to step away from the day-to-day operations and focus on creating societal impact. “It’s not just about money; it’s about doing something meaningful for others,” he remarked.
About Qussai H. Daginawala:
Qussai H. Daginawala is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Avotima Technologies, an IT service company specializing in infrastructure and consulting. From his roots in jewelry and real estate to leading a cutting-edge IT firm, Qussai’s journey reflects his relentless drive to succeed and contribute to society. A family man and avid Netflix fan, he credits his wife Maria, his son Ibrahim, and his mother for being his strongest pillars of support.