GRASSDEW: WHERE KNOWLEDGE, INTEGRITY AND COMMITMENT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

“Entrepreneurship is not at all an easy journey; lots of things can go wrong and you need to learn to keep calm in each phase. Make a detailed plan before taking this path, yet with my own experience your team, best wishers and your family’s support is important as it will help you to keep going. You should take ownership of your journey – never blame others – keep smiling and be down to earth in each failure and success.” SHEKHAR ASHOK PAWAR Founder & CEO

We sat down for a virtual coffee session with Shekhar Ashok Pawar, the Founder- CEO of GrassDew IT Solutions that has been revamping the IT industry with its extraordinary services. Striking up the conversation, Shekhar started explaining the inspiration behind his venture’s unique name, i.e. GrassDew. He asserts that all the letters are derived from their core values that have been the motive force behind the company’s success— Gratitude, Respect, Accountability, Spirit, Social Awareness, Determination, Efficiency and Wisdom.

Headquartered in Mumbai, GrassDew IT Solutions began its journey in January 2016, by focussing on three primary business streams – Cybersecurity services, Software Solution Development and Telecom Solutions. GrassDewPanther is the name of its cybersecurity team that allows enterprises in the US, UK, UAE, India and Europe to identify security gaps in their mobile apps, websites, ERP, network devices, end-points etc. by hosting Cybersecurity audits.

The exemplary services offered by GrassDew are — Source code security review and Virtual CISO. It also provides cost less ‘Cyber Threat Alert Email Notification’ service to hundreds of organizations that help in reducing the number of cybercrimes.

Today, GrassDew takes immense delight in its software delivery team that comprises extensive experience in delivering enterprise software development — from design to deployment and maintenance. GrassDew is also a PAN India Channel Partner as well as a Certified Solution Partner of TATA Teleservices Ltd. selling Internet Leased Line (ILL), P2P, MPLS, PRI, Cloud Telephony, GPS- based solutions, End- Point Protection and considerably more. Always focussed on agile methodologies and processes, the company justifies its commitment to the quality assurance cycle.

THE INCEPTION STORY
Shekhar Ashok Pawar was working as a manager in Capgemini where he supervised a big team and major projects for some eminent clients of Europe and the USA. To everyone’s surprise, he called off from his well settled job to start his business venture from scratch. His entrepreneurial journey has been a roller coaster ride for sure, as establishing a brand from a budding venture wasn’t a cakewalk.

But, he claims that management studies he did from SJMSOM, IIT Bombay and he was offered unwavering support by his better half Mrs Poonam Pawar, his parents and the core teammates, splendidly helped him grow as a businessman. When he commenced this venture, he aspired to formulate a team that can take ownership of the business operations while being committed to the exclusive vision of the company. Today, his adept team possesses passionate and talented individuals who strain every nerve to be substantial to the company’s core objectives.

SIGNIFICANCE OF R & D
In line with their software development processes, they always perform Proof of Concept (POC) by leveraging advanced technology, that helps them ameliorate their offerings sophistically. In terms of cybersecurity, their R&D teams invest a majority of their time in performing research to identify new security threats & vulnerabilities utilised in the latest cyber attack vectors. Shekhar claims that R&D has always been their focal point and soon, the company will invest a considerable amount of sum in this direction.

A GLANCE OVER THE WORK CULTURE
Under Shekhar’s auspices thrives a conducive and collaborative culture where each teammate is encouraged to take ownership of each assignment they do. To ensure the flow of positivity in the environment, the team often indulges in fun games like chess or carom, and many times also perform meditation altogether. Even before the pandemic hit the world, the management used to conduct outstation trips once a four-month to refresh the minds of the workforce. “I guess if you as a leader or organization, trust your employees – they feel responsible due to this,” says the exemplary leader while addressing his work culture.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND FUTURE OUTLOOKS
The phenomenality of the GrassDew has grabbed eyeballs across the business fraternity allowing it to bag several awards and accolades. Recently, it became a proud recipient of the Indian Achiever’s Award as an emerging company. Along with this, it was recognised by CIO Review India as the Top 10 Cybersecurity consulting Startups in 2021, speaking of the impact scale of the venture.

Talking of the future endeavours, the tycoon reveals, “Cybersecurity is one of the areas which will have huge scope in India and across Globe. And we are committed to making a heavy investment towards it.”