KSP Conversations with Rina Nathani of Findurclass.com

Each new day there are several entrepreneurs who are working on a big idea that will simplify our lives even more. We caught up with Rina Nathani, CEO and Founder of Findurclass.com

Findurclass.com is a new web platform that helps you pursue your passion. FindURClass provides comprehensive information on all extracurricular activity and hobby classes, in and around your area, in just a few clicks! You can select from over 4500 classes across 10 different categories of classes for ALL ages– Art & Craft, Beauty & Fashion, Photography, Cooking, Dance, Film & Acting, Fitness & Health, Sports & Adventure, Music & Singing and Languages & Education.

We caught up with Rina to understand about her journey with Findurclass.com

1. From 12 years with KPMG to FindURClass.com – how did that happen?

Rina: I was a Director at KPMG in NY and moved back to India to set up a few of their offshoring businesses in Delhi. Moving back to India was not easy, working full time, running a house and managing my two beautiful daughters consumed my every waking minute. So I began my search for a class, yoga for myself, and music, dance and art for my girls. I spent hours calling people to see what options were available, whether the teachers were good, whether the timings worked. Eventually I just settled for the one that seemed to meet any of the criteria above. Sometimes I got lucky with the class, and other times I was extremely disappointed. Being the type “Aâ€_x009d_ personality and consultant that I am, I thought to myself, why is it so hard to find a class? Why does it take so much time? And even then I’m not convinced that it’s the best option for me? What’s missing here? So, was born the idea of FindURClass.com. I quit KPMG after 12 years to set up the company.

2. The objective of FindUrclass.com is?

Rina: I really want people to think of us whenever they are looking to pursue a passion, improve a skill or follow an interest. FindURClass.com is a search and discovery platform for users to be able to make an informed decision when it comes to selecting a class. We aim to provide the class seeker with all the information that they would need to select (and book) a class that is right for them. All through a user friendly interface with robust search capabilities. We are aggressively working every day to add new classes to the site so that we cover the breadth and depth of classes out there in this space. We currently operate only in Mumbai but will be targeting tier 1 and tier 2 cities in the next few months. Our vision is to be the national online leader for extracurricular activities and hobbies not only for kids but also for youth and adults.

3. Your take on classes for kids in India?

Rina: I think classes for kids in India have come a long way. You not only have the usual Art and Craft, Music, Singing and Dance Classes etc but there are so many new hobbies, specialized areas that are being offered – whether that be Eco Friendly Gardening, Aero modelling, Forensics, Game application development (for kids)! In addition there are many providers offering these classes – so you don’t have to trek from one part of the city to another to get a class of your interest. I think the challenge is knowing and finding them.

4. Does Findurclass.com also help parents get reviews on the classes that are listed?

Rina: Yes – there is a “Reviewsâ€_x009d_ tab for each class provider where the class seeker can see and or review a class. Just like restaurants, assessment of a class is very subjective – what I find good may not be the same for you – that too at a particular price point. We want the market place to give you the information so that you can make a more informed decision – we will support this with more images, videos etc over time.

5. Other players and how is FindURClass.com different?

Rina: The main objective for FindURClass is to provide comprehensive information for all extracurricular activities and hobbies happening near you so that you can search shortlist and make an informed decision about which class is right for you. In this objective itself lies our differentiation. Most players in this space tend to be targeted at specific age groups or categories of classes – we provide information on all classes across all ages – from infants to senior citizens. In addition these players will list only the classes that have “paidâ€_x009d_ them to advertise. Our intent is to give you comprehensive information on all the classes of your interest in your area – so that you can choose the class that is RIGHT for you.

6. India is a fairly unorganized market and a lot of class providers for kids work out of homes or do not have the know-how about the online model. How do you plan to reach out to them?

Rina: The very intent of FindURClass.com is to bring organization to this market. For that we have to collect information at the grass- root level. My research team continuously looks for classes – online, offline and through word of mouth to build the database. Even now if I am driving by a hoarding of a class, I take a picture and send it to the team to add to our listings. Since the listings are free, our providers are more than happy to get exposure online.

7. Accuracy and changes?

 Rina: We handle this in a couple of ways – Class providers are given a login where they can update their information real time, the tech savvy ones realize the importance of this and are very diligent in doing this. For the rest, we are constant touch over the phone, via email, through our newsletters etc – so more often than not we know of any changes.

8. In one word: –

a. Being an entrepreneur is – CHALLENGING YET REWARDING

b. Finding a class in Mumbai is – TIME CONSUMING

c. Findurclass.com is – SEARCH AND DISCOVERY PLATFORM FOR CLASSES

d. Pursue your passion because – LIFE IS TOO SHORT!

e. Be on a digital platform because – ITS EASY

f. Parents in Mumbai – BUSY

Connect: FindUrclass.com 

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