Atul Arora: Delivering Innovative Software Solutions Through Analytical Intelligence
Atul Arora
Managing Director
He is an expert in building high-performing analytics science teams, formulating hiring strategies, defining onshore/offshore engagement models, budget planning & managing risk. He is an energetic, enthusiastic, tenacious individual who thrives in a highly challenging working environment. The innovative leader, over the last two years in Equipped AI, has nurtured every aspect of the business by empowering people and promoting innovation. His ability to look at problems from a solution-oriented mindset has helped the company to become one of the leading analytical intelligence companies across the world. Let’s hear it from him.
Tell us about your professional experiences. What inspired you to take up the leadership role at Equipped Analytical Intelligence?
Prior to ISB, I did my engineering at BITS Pilani. Over the last two decades of my professional journey, I have held multiple leadership positions across verticals with some of the largest companies in India. Before joining Equipped AI, I was leading a team of 150 within RBS India. On receiving the opportunity at Equipped AI, I
realized that the erstwhile team had significant operational issues, which in themselves were opportunities. I took the plunge, and despite covid in 2020, we were able to not only grow the business but also significantly enhance the quality of delivery.
What are the learnings and experiences that you acquired from ISB Hyderabad, and how do you apply them in your current role?
ISB Hyderabad is an excellent temple of learning which gave me an opportunity to introspect and build upon my practical knowledge through the rigors of time-tested application focused frameworks. While I value the overall experience at ISB, the two most valuable takeaways for me were my enhanced ability to multitask and staying much calmer under pressure. The need to prioritize at ISB allowed me to balance within myself, leading to much better management of critical tasks while remaining calm.
Tell us about the unique services that make Equipped AI stand out from the rest in the market.
We have three distinct offerings. First, Minerva, which is an industry-first end-to-end deal flow management system that caters to the requirements of the investment management industry. Second is our Data Management Solution. Our data services range from data ingestion to visualization. We utilize the Microsoft Azure cloud to provide investment managers with a more granular view of their investments. Third is our Professional Services offerings for the buy-side. We offer analytics, investment research, and business research services that provide support to asset managers desirous of greater analytical rigor in analysis and a deeper understanding of the markets.
While I value the overall experience at ISB, the two most valuable takeaways for me were my enhanced ability to multitask and staying much calmer under pressure
What are the learnings and experiences that you acquired from ISB Hyderabad, and how do you apply them in your current role?
ISB Hyderabad is an excellent temple of learning which gave me an opportunity to introspect and build upon my practical knowledge through the rigors of time-tested application focused frameworks. While I value the overall experience at ISB, the two most valuable takeaways for me were my enhanced ability to multitask and staying much calmer under pressure. The need to prioritize at ISB allowed me to balance within myself, leading to much better management of critical tasks while remaining calm.
Tell us about the unique services that make Equipped AI stand out from the rest in the market.
We have three distinct offerings. First, Minerva, which is an industry-first end-to-end deal flow management system that caters to the requirements of the investment management industry. Second is our Data Management Solution. Our data services range from data ingestion to visualization. We utilize the Microsoft Azure cloud to provide investment managers with a more granular view of their investments. Third is our Professional Services offerings for the buy-side. We offer analytics, investment research, and business research services that provide support to asset managers desirous of greater analytical rigor in analysis and a deeper understanding of the markets.
What are the goals that you wish to invest in, and how do you plan to take them further?
At present, I am focused on growing Equipped AI five times our current size. We have a lot of interest from potential customers and to service the pipeline in the most efficient manner we choose judiciously. Also, given the current macro environment, we have seen sales cycles getting extended, and we are looking to invest more to spruce up our sales firepower.
What is the philosophy that you follow and what would be your suggestion for future professionals?
When I look back, what has helped me wade through difficult times is a mix of patience and the ability to solve problems. I believe we have a fabulous opportunity ahead here in India with a bunch of talented professionals all around us. All that remains to be done is delivery, which needs patience to perfect. Once this acceptance grows, most things tend to fall in place.
Atul Arora, Managing Director, Equipped Analytical Intelligence
An alumnus of ISB Hyderabad, Atul is a proficient leader with more than 20 years of strong experience at global levels in managing & motivating versatile teams and leading them to achieve demonstrable business results.
•Hobbies:Cricket
•Favourite Cuisine: Mediterranean
•Favourite Book:Gleanings from Rig Veda
•Favourite Travel Destination: Greece
•Awards & Recognition:Featured in the coveted Dean’s list (4th rank) of Executive Program in Business Analytics Class of 2016 at Indian School of Business Hyderabad, Accredited DTL (Determined to Lead) Coach, Certified Scrum Master and a strong advocate of Agile delivery methodologies, and PMP certified.
At present, I am focused on growing Equipped AI five times our current size. We have a lot of interest from potential customers and to service the pipeline in the most efficient manner we choose judiciously. Also, given the current macro environment, we have seen sales cycles getting extended, and we are looking to invest more to spruce up our sales firepower.
What is the philosophy that you follow and what would be your suggestion for future professionals?
When I look back, what has helped me wade through difficult times is a mix of patience and the ability to solve problems. I believe we have a fabulous opportunity ahead here in India with a bunch of talented professionals all around us. All that remains to be done is delivery, which needs patience to perfect. Once this acceptance grows, most things tend to fall in place.
Atul Arora, Managing Director, Equipped Analytical Intelligence
An alumnus of ISB Hyderabad, Atul is a proficient leader with more than 20 years of strong experience at global levels in managing & motivating versatile teams and leading them to achieve demonstrable business results.
•Hobbies:Cricket
•Favourite Cuisine: Mediterranean
•Favourite Book:Gleanings from Rig Veda
•Favourite Travel Destination: Greece
•Awards & Recognition:Featured in the coveted Dean’s list (4th rank) of Executive Program in Business Analytics Class of 2016 at Indian School of Business Hyderabad, Accredited DTL (Determined to Lead) Coach, Certified Scrum Master and a strong advocate of Agile delivery methodologies, and PMP certified.