At the heart of every successful business lies the ability to cultivate a dynamic and passionate team, each idea and action a testament to dedication and vision. One such luminary in the tech industry is Saurabh Sharma, Founder & CTO of Sqaby Technologies. Reflecting on a prevalent issue within IT, particularly project deployment, Saurabh identified two common archetypes in the market.
Firstly, there are big brands which tend to charge exorbitant fees even for relatively simple project deployments. This pricing model often presents a barrier for smaller entities or individuals seeking efficient and cost-effective solutions.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are freelancers who offer their services at varying levels of quality assurance. While some freelancers deliver commendable work, others may fall short of expectations, lacking consistency in their output.
Recognizing the need for a middle ground, Saurabh and his team founded Sqaby Technologies. Their vision was to create a platform that not only provided opportunities for freshers and mid-level developers but also ensured consistent quality and affordability for clients. This commitment to offering high-quality solutions at reasonable prices became the driving force behind the establishment of Sqaby Technologies.
Currently, the company boasts two partners at its helm. Saurabh serves as both the founder and CEO, bringing his expertise as the Chief Technology Officer to the forefront. Alongside him is Mohammad Zabee Khan, who plays a pivotal role as the tech lead of Sqaby Technologies, contributing to the company’s growth and success.
Entrepreneurial Leap
Since his school days, Saurabh had been drawn to technology, a passion that stemmed from his early years. His fascination with the tech world was ignited by none other than Facebook, now known as Meta. In those formative years, he delved into the backstory of the platform, intrigued by the narrative of its creator, Mark Zuckerberg, and the journey of building such a colossal platform from scratch.
Inspired by these stories, Saurabh began his journey into the realm of information technology. He turned to online resources like YouTube to hone his skills, starting with the basics like programming languages such as C and gradually expanding his knowledge base. By 2016, he took his first steps into the IT industry, initially dipping his toes into freelancing gigs, tackling small tasks and learning the ropes of the trade.
By 2020, Saurabh took a leap of faith and established Sqaby Technologies as a full-fledged company, marking a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey. Reflecting on his path as the company’s founder, Saurabh shared some of the most rewarding moments he has experienced.
One such highlight was being recognized as one of the top 10 inspiring Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) in 2024 by Prime Inside magazine. This accolade served as validation not just for Saurabh but for his entire team, acknowledging their collective efforts and dedication. Saurabh emphasized that this recognition was not solely his achievement but a testament to the hard work and collaboration of his team.
Another pivotal moment came when Sqaby Technologies secured a monumental project from a client based in Ethiopia. This project, worth millions, was the largest Saurabh had ever undertaken, pushing the boundaries of what they had previously achieved. It opened doors to new possibilities and expanded their vision beyond anything they had imagined before. Saurabh noted that this project, with its vast scale and impact, reaffirmed their mission and inspired them to continually strive for excellence.
For Saurabh, these milestones served as constant reminders of why he embarked on this journey in the first place. They fueled his passion and determination to make a difference in the market, driving him and his team forward in their pursuit of innovation and success.
Hands-On Leadership
From day one, Saurabh embraced the entrepreneurial spirit, immersing himself in the intricacies of entrepreneurship and studying the structures of successful companies. His journey has been one of continuous learning, constantly seeking ways to automate and optimize company processes. Reflecting on his leadership style and its evolution since the company’s inception, Saurabh emphasized a hands-on approach rooted in collaboration and teamwork.
Describing his leadership style, Saurabh highlighted the importance of leading by example and working alongside his team rather than simply issuing directives. He emphasized the value of collective effort, acknowledging the expertise of his team members while also being actively involved in various aspects of the company’s operations. While he admitted to having a knack for design, he credited senior team members like tech lead Mohammad Zabee Khan and UI/UX designer Anurag Gupta play pivotal roles. Saurabh credits the collaborative efforts of his senior team, particularly Anurag Gupta, in areas like crafting engaging social media posters.
Saurabh underscored the significance of collaborative decision-making, often engaging in discussions with his team to determine the best course of action. Rather than imposing orders, he believed in fostering an environment where everyone’s input is valued, recognizing that true leadership involves not only guiding but also actively participating in the work alongside the team.
His leadership style has evolved to prioritize collaboration and inclusivity, understanding that effective leadership is not about dictating tasks but about working together towards common goals. Saurabh’s approach underscores the importance of synergy and mutual respect within the team, ensuring that everyone feels empowered to contribute their ideas and expertise.
Building Camaraderie and Support
Saurabh understands the nuances of motivating and inspiring team members, especially in a remote work setting with its unique set of challenges and advantages. For him, the key lies in fostering a sense of unity and purpose within the team, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the company’s goals and feels valued for their contributions.
To achieve this, Saurabh and his team utilize regular scrum calls as a means of kickstarting each day. These calls serve as opportunities for the entire team to come together on Google Meet, mapping out the tasks for the day and assigning responsibilities accordingly. By collectively setting objectives and clarifying expectations, they lay a solid foundation for productive collaboration.
Moreover, maintaining open lines of communication is paramount. Saurabh emphasizes the importance of consistent follow-ups throughout the day, enabling team members to provide updates on their progress and seek assistance if needed. This transparent approach not only fosters accountability but also ensures that everyone remains on track towards achieving their goals.
Flexibility is another cornerstone of Saurabh’s approach to leadership. Recognizing the diverse needs and commitments of team members, such as Shoyab khan balancing work with academic pursuits, he advocates for accommodating individual circumstances whenever possible. By granting flexibility in work hours, Saurabh demonstrates empathy and understanding, empowering team members to manage their responsibilities effectively without compromising their personal well-being.
Saurabh’s vision is to cultivate a company culture characterized by camaraderie and support, akin to that of a close-knit family or group of friends. Through thoughtful gestures and a genuine commitment to each team member’s success, he strives to create an environment where everyone feels valued, motivated, and empowered to perform at their best.
Facilitating Collaboration
At Sqaby Technologies, Saurabh mentions the importance of a structured hierarchy management system to streamline decision-making processes and ensure effective communication within the organization. This hierarchy typically consists of 2-3 key members, including Saurabh himself and his co-founder, Mohammad Zabee Khan, who collectively oversee the company’s operations.
In addition to the core leadership team, there are also designated talking partners who participate in major meetings and discussions, contributing valuable insights and perspectives. These individuals play a pivotal role in shaping key decisions and strategies, particularly during critical junctures.
To facilitate collaboration and decision-making, Saurabh and his team employ a collaborative approach. They organize regular events where the hierarchy management team, comprising 3-4 members, convenes for one-on-one discussions. During these gatherings, each member shares their viewpoints and proposals, fostering an environment of open dialogue and mutual respect.
While each team member brings their unique perspective to the table, Saurabh emphasizes the importance of reaching a consensus by the end of the deliberation process. Despite differing opinions, the ultimate goal is to align on a unified direction that best serves the company’s interests and fosters growth.
By leveraging the collective wisdom and expertise of the hierarchy management team, Sqaby Technologies aims to chart a course for success, ensuring that decisions are well-informed and in line with the company’s overarching vision and objectives.
Ensuring Alignment with Capabilities and Objectives
At Sqaby Technologies, Saurabh highlights a commitment to custom development, eschewing pre-made scripts in favor of tailoring solutions to clients’ specific needs. This approach ensures that each project is uniquely crafted to meet the client’s vision and requirements. Saurabh illustrates this with an example of a client from Bangladesh seeking assistance in opening a grocery store. Despite lacking clarity on the features required, Sqaby Technologies stepped in to assist, collaborating closely with the client to define the necessary features, design the UI, and develop administrative functionalities. By providing personalized support and guidance, Sqaby Technologies ensures client satisfaction and project success.
Saurabh also stresses the importance of careful project selection, opting to analyze each opportunity to determine if it aligns with the company’s capabilities and objectives. Unlike other freelancers or new-age companies that may accept projects indiscriminately, Saurabh exercises discernment, rejecting projects that Sqaby Technologies cannot add value to or successfully execute. This selective approach underscores the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful solutions while avoiding overcommitment or potential pitfalls.
When it comes to maintaining work-life balance amidst the demands of leading Sqaby Technologies, Saurabh acknowledges the challenges he faces. With long work hours—often stretching from 12 to 16 hours a day—he and his co-founder dedicate themselves fully to the company’s growth and success. Despite their small team, they work tirelessly, united in their shared commitment to Sqaby Technologies’ mission. While they have yet to find a solution to achieving a balance between personal and professional life, Saurabh remains focused on driving the company forward, prioritizing Sqaby Technologies’ continued growth and success.
The Growth Roadmap
Saurabh envisions Sqaby Technologies expanding its scope to encompass a comprehensive array of tech services, adopting a 360-degree approach to meet diverse client needs. While the company currently focuses primarily on certain technologies, it remains flexible to provide insights and support across various domains. However, Saurabh emphasizes the importance of effective communication and understanding between Sqaby Technologies and its clients. A recent example illustrates this principle: despite the potential for providing input to an e-commerce client, the lack of clear communication led to the decision to decline the project. Saurabh believes that strong connections and mutual understanding are essential for delivering high-quality outcomes.
Looking ahead, Sqaby Technologies has a clear roadmap for growth. Within the next one to two years, the company aims to scale up its team significantly, aiming to onboard between 200 to 300 new members. This expansion plan underscores Sqaby Technologies’ ambition to enhance its capacity and capabilities, positioning itself for continued success in the dynamic tech landscape.
