Startups

Pioneering Digital Reputation Management: The Journey of Rannkly

• ByStartupStory     |    July 17, 2024

In the dynamic realm of digital business, managing online reputation and customer engagement is paramount. Vishnu Sharma, a visionary with a passion for technology and entrepreneurship, recognized this critical need and embarked on a transformative journey with the establishment of Rannkly.

About the Founder

Vishnu Sharma hails from a background rich in technological prowess and entrepreneurial spirit. Armed with a degree in Computer Application, Vishnu has always been driven by a deep-seated passion for technology and innovation. His professional journey spans various roles within the tech industry, where he honed his skills in software development, project management, and business strategy. These experiences laid the foundation for his future endeavors and fueled his vision for Rannkly.

Inspiration Behind Rannkly

The inception of Rannkly was driven by a significant problem the trio encountered while working at a fintech startup. During the launch of a startup app, they faced massive traffic, server overloads, and a surge of customer reviews and feedback, which highlighted the inefficiency of existing tools and manual processes. This firsthand experience of chaos inspired them to create a comprehensive solution to streamline review management and enhance customer engagement.

Market Realization and Launch

Realizing the market’s dire need for an efficient online reputation management tool, Vishnu, Mihir, and Shobhit dedicated themselves to developing Rannkly. After three years of relentless effort, they launched Rannkly in 2021, a SaaS product designed to help businesses manage customer feedback and reviews effectively.

Navigating Challenges During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, impacting Rannkly’s operations. However, the startup demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. By swiftly transitioning to remote work and focusing on digital marketing strategies, Rannkly not only sustained its operations but also managed to grow during these challenging times. Flexible pricing plans were introduced to support businesses grappling with the pandemic’s economic impact, preventing significant monetary losses and ensuring continued growth.

Unique Offerings and Market Position

Rannkly offers a comprehensive platform for online review management, customer engagement, social media management, campaign management, and bulk messaging. A standout feature is the AI-powered automation mode, which reads customer reviews, assesses them, generates responses, and publishes replies automatically without human intervention. This unique approach sets Rannkly apart as a cost-effective solution, allowing businesses to avoid the expense of purchasing separate tools for each function.

The Team Behind Rannkly

Starting with just the three co-founders, Vishnu Sharma, Mihir Bhardwaj, and Shobhit Singh in a coworking space and an initial investment of Rs 10 lakh from their savings, Rannkly has grown significantly. Today, the company boasts a team of 35 members and is headquartered in Noida. This diverse and talented team, comprising software developers, marketing experts, customer support specialists, and data analysts, is the backbone of Rannkly’s success.

Product Development and Growth

Since its launch, Rannkly has made significant strides in understanding customer needs and continuously improving its product based on feedback. Initially focusing on review management, the platform quickly expanded its features to include social media management, campaign management, and bulk messaging. The startup’s commitment to innovation has led to an expanded feature set, a growing customer base, and a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to enhance their online reputation and customer engagement.

Clientele and Market Expansion

Rannkly initially worked with a few beta clients, including Radisson Sector 55 Noida and Nazeer Foods. The Noida-based startup quickly scaled, onboarding over 500 brands and 1,500 clients. With a monthly growth rate of 10% and a 1-2% churn rate in the last quarter, Rannkly achieved over ₹1 Cr in revenue.

Investment and Funding

Rannkly’s financial journey began with an angel investment of ₹25 lakhs during the initial product-building phase. This was followed by a successful funding round of ₹1.25 Cr from 100x.vc. Currently, the startup is in the process of raising a seed round of ₹8 crore to further fuel its growth and development.

Future Plans and Expansion

Currently, Rannkly focuses on the hospitality industry but plans to expand into other sectors like healthcare and education. While the startup already has a few clients in these sectors, direct engagement is not yet active. The goal is to explore additional categories and broaden its market presence in the future.

Customer Experience and Overcoming Challenges

Rannkly’s journey has been marked by positive customer feedback and a commitment to innovation. While the startup has faced challenges, including market competition and the need for continuous improvement, staying close to customers and understanding their needs has been key to overcoming these obstacles.

Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Vishnu Sharma’s advice to young entrepreneurs is to stay committed to their vision, be adaptable, and never stop learning. The entrepreneurial journey is filled with ups and downs, but persistence and a willingness to embrace change are crucial for success. Building a great team and listening to customers are essential for driving meaningful change and making a lasting impact.

Conclusion

Rannkly epitomizes a commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions in the digital reputation management space. Through visionary leadership and a dedicated team, Rannkly continues to pave the way for businesses to enhance their online presence and customer engagement, ultimately driving growth and success in an increasingly digital world.

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