Transforming Lifestyles with Technology: Insights from Sauvik Banerjjee on Ziki, sirrus.ai, and Yukio
CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Sauvik Banerjjee, MD & CEO, Yukio, Ziki, and Sirrus.ai at First Livingspaces
- We have heard that there is something exciting brewing in the technology space. Tell us about your ventures in depth.
Sauvik Banerjjee: Yes, given that technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace — from AI-powered data analysis to predicting market trends and customising sales efforts — the future is brimming with possibilities. For our three groundbreaking products, Ziki, sirrus.ai and Yukio, we will be leveraging latest technologies to connect people with shared interests, and also facilitate premium and comfortable lifestyle.
2. How did this idea come about? Whose brainchild was it?
SB: Well, the idea behind all three ventures — Ziki, Yukio, and Sirrus.ai — was born out of a collective effort of The Chatterjee Group (TCG) leadership.
3. Could you share more details?
We were on the lookout for a solution that could foster real-world connections in this digitally-connected-yet-physically-distant world. That is how Ziki was conceived.
Yukio, a managed rental platform, emerged from the desire to provide premium and hassle-free living solutions to Gen Z and Millennials relocating to new cities for education and jobs.
The board also wanted to streamline business operations for all its companies. That is how sirrus.ai got made, an app that could optimise operational efficiencies for various businesses.
4. What is the unique proposition that you are offering?
SB: Never before have you seen a company adopting a holistic approach to take care of your overall living experience by harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology. With a target spectrum that spans diverse age groups, our mission is to raise living standards in India.
5. Yukio, as you said, aims to redefine living experiences of Gen Z and Millennials. How does Yukio address common pain points in shared accommodation?
SB: Well, here you have an app that can match residents based on shared interests, ensuring compatibility from the start. Our towers offer premium facilities, allowing residents to focus on their journey in a new city. In our attempt to provide a fulfilling living experience, we also curate networking events and weekend programmes to foster community engagement.
6. What challenges do you foresee coming your way in managing the operations of the three ventures?
SB: To start with, organic user adoption of Ziki, sirrus.ai, and Yukio may present challenges as people may require basic knowledge for optimum usage.
Our challenge also lies in creating awareness about the availability of a super-premium living facility, coupled with a curated community experience.
7. Considering the dynamic nature of the industry, how do you plan your evolution for the future?
SB: We have a forward-thinking approach to make our way through the dynamic industrial landscape. Our strategy to stay relevant in the market primarily hinges on four pillars:
Embracing innovation and technology for smarter and sustainable design solutions, besides plugging the existing gaps that often mar urban community living experiences.
Customer-centricity, which means keep the customers at the heart of all that we do. By using data analytics and feedback mechanisms, we can gauge their changing needs and demands.
Simultaneously, we are agile in our response to market shifts and consumer preferences. This involves fostering a culture of flexibility within the teams.
Add to that, investing in people and nurturing talent and leadership can take any organisation a long way, with employees thriving in a culture of continuous learning band development.
8. Which emerging technologies and industry trends do you see as potential game-changers?
SB: Gen AI for sure, when it comes to technology. AI is changing the way we interact, work or function in our daily lives. With its personalisation and predictive features, AI will soon influence decision making across industries.
AR and VR are also revolutionising customer engagement and training in industries by offering immersive experiences and real-time simulations. Besides, advanced robotics can improve precision, scalability and safety by enhancing human-machine interaction.
When we talk of industry trends, there’s also a sharp focus on DEI (diversity, equality and inclusivity) initiatives, driven by various social movements and regulatory frameworks.
9. How does the new ventures plan to prioritise cybersecurity and data privacy across its platforms?
SB: Our tech team employs stringent measures to protect against potential threats, including encryption protocols, regular security audits, and compliance with industry standards. We monitor and update our systems from time to time to mitigate risks and enhance resilience against evolving cybersecurity challenges.
10. Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the three ventures?
SB: Our goals include expanding our sustainable footprint, enhancing customer experiences with hyper-personalised solutions and fostering a dynamic culture to redefine community living experiences. We aim to lead by example in delivering excellence in every facet of our operations. By forging strategic partnerships, we aim to not just expand our market presence but also contribute positively to the communities we serve.
