Innovation

Varun's innovation lies in his commitment to building startups that serve a dual purpose: financial success and positive societal and environmental impact. "Build3" is his latest venture, aligning business expertise with a vision for startups prioritising sustainability and mindful consumption. It has been a certified B Corporation since June 2023, and that speaks highly about their practices.

"Build3" represents a paradigm shift in startup creation, emphasizing the need for ventures that are both financially successful and environmentally and socially responsible.

Varun's disillusionment with the traditional corporate world, particularly his experience at Goldman Sachs, prompted him to seek a deeper purpose. His return to India began a series of startups, culminating in "Build3" – a conscious effort to use business skills for the greater good.

Varun Chawla is the visionary behind "Build3." His journey involves experiences at Goldman Sachs, multiple startup ventures, and a realization that startups should contribute positively to the world. The innovation stems from Varun's personal journey and commitment.

"Build3" is deeply rooted in a sense of mission and purpose. Varun's dissatisfaction with profit-centric corporate culture led him to seek a higher calling. He identified a gap in the startup landscape, steering away from mindless consumption and towards ventures that align with societal and environmental well-being.

Varun shares, "I knew I loved building startups and I was good at it. But I also knew the world didn't need more startups encouraging mindless consumption. What if I could use my business expertise to help build startups that were actually good for us and the environment? And that's how 'Build3' came to life!"

They provide access to expertise in various functional areas, community engagement programs, startup capital (up to INR 10 Crores or approximately USD 1.25 Million), and the engineering and manufacturing capabilities of Pennar Industries. Their focus areas include rapid prototyping, automation & robotics, automobiles and EVs, space and drones, big data, AI, ML, hydraulics & pneumatics, specialty chemicals, and construction materials.

Inspiration

The inspiration for "Build3" stems from Varun's discontent with the lack of purpose in his previous corporate roles. His realization that life's purpose extended beyond personal financial gain prompted him to channel his passion for building startups into ventures that contribute positively to society and the environment.

His inspiration was sparked by his dissatisfaction with the profit-driven nature of traditional corporate environments. The desire to work beyond personal financial gain and make a meaningful contribution to the world led to the birth of "Build3."

His motivation was rooted in a quest for a deeper purpose. He sought to use his entrepreneurial skills to build startups that were not just financially successful but also addressed larger societal and environmental concerns.

Varun reflects, "Towards the end of my time at 91, I felt like we were servicing large enterprises just in their infrastructure needs versus helping early-stage founders holistically. It felt like we had moved away from that (the original vision of 91 springboard). I was also disillusioned with my life's purpose."

Overall impact

"Build3" has the potential to redefine the startup landscape by emphasizing positive impact alongside financial success.

The societal impact lies in Varun's commitment to startups that go beyond profit, addressing societal needs and promoting holistic development. "Build3" signifies a commitment to environmentally responsible startups, aligning with a vision for businesses that prioritize sustainable practices.

In the short term, "Build3" introduces a novel approach to startup creation. In the long term, its success could reshape the entrepreneurial landscape, promoting sustainable and socially responsible ventures. Their website clearly says that they provide access to strategic and advisory support, capital and quality business frameworks, and a collaborative community of leaders and feeders.

Varun articulates, "I felt like there was this inner voice telling me it was time to work beyond my financial gain. Otherwise, I was not being true to myself."

Varun's track record of successful startups, coupled with his commitment to "Build3," provides tangible evidence of the impact on both businesses and societal values.

Business benefit

Varun Chawla's venture capitalizes on the growing demand for socially and environmentally conscious startups, positioning itself at the forefront of a market shift toward responsible business practices. By fostering startups aligned with sustainable and ethical principles, "Build3" not only attracts a new generation of entrepreneurs driven by purpose but also appeals to stakeholders seeking investments that align with a broader vision of success.

The business benefit of "Build3" extends beyond profit margins. Its unique value proposition lies in its ability to tap into a conscious consumer market, where customers increasingly prefer products and services that contribute positively to society and the environment. As businesses across industries grapple with the imperative to adopt sustainable practices, "Build3" emerges as a catalyst for transformative change, offering a platform for startups to thrive in an era where purpose-driven entrepreneurship is gaining prominence.

In addition to financial gains, "Build3" redefines success in the business world, proving that profitability can coexist with a genuine commitment to societal well-being and environmental sustainability. This innovative approach not only secures "Build3" a competitive edge but also positions it as a trailblazer in shaping the future landscape of entrepreneurship.

Social and environmental benefit

"Build3" contributes to societal and environmental well-being by fostering startups that prioritize sustainability and positive societal impact. Based on the B Impact Assessment, Birudo3 Pvt. Ltd. earned an overall score of 97.0 and is a B Corp Certified. We know that B Corp Certification is a designation that a business meets high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.

"Build3" addresses societal needs by promoting startups that go beyond profit, positively impacting communities. Environmentally, it aligns with sustainable practices, contributing to a healthier planet. Their Environmental score as per B Impact Assessment is 6.7

On the societal front, "Build3" contributes to community development by fostering startups that address pressing social issues. Whether it's healthcare, education, or community empowerment, the startups incubated by "Build3" become agents of positive change. By channelling entrepreneurial efforts toward social responsibility, "Build3" creates a ripple effect, elevating the quality of life for communities affected by the ventures it supports.

Environmental benefit is a cornerstone of "Build3's" ethos. By nurturing startups that adopt sustainable practices, the venture actively contributes to reducing businesses' ecological footprint. From resource-efficient production methods to waste reduction strategies, the startups under "Build3's" umbrella embody the principles of responsible environmental stewardship. This commitment aligns with global sustainability goals and positions "Build3" as a catalyst for fostering a new generation of eco-conscious entrepreneurs.

"Build3" stands as a testament to the idea that success can be redefined to encompass financial achievements and meaningful contributions to society and the environment.

Interview

Varun Chawla, Founder