The Co-Founders' Journey: Building DrukSmart with a Passion for IT
In 2017, two friends, Avinash (affectionately known as Avi) and Pema, set out on a journey fueled by their passion for IT and a shared vision to empower young minds. Their goal was clear yet ambitious: to create a company in Bhutan that would leverage local talent to deliver cutting-edge IT services, both within the country and on the international stage.
The idea for DrukSmart was born from casual conversations and shared dreams. Avi vividly recalls a pivotal discussion with Pema, whom he fondly calls Dasho. The conversation centered on the potential of establishing an IT company in Bhutan. They both believed in Bhutan's talent pool and the market potential to support such an endeavor. Their shared vision was to transform the local IT landscape and make a meaningful impact.
Building the Company
In the years that followed, DrukSmart undertook numerous projects both locally and internationally, experiencing remarkable growth. The company's sales soared from Nu. 68.69 million in 2018 to an impressive Nu. 128.75 million by 2023, a testament to their hard work and strategic planning.
DrukSmart's focus has always been on skill development and expanding its export business. They built strategic alliances, expanded their team, and continuously improved their services. With the achievement of their goal to generate 80% of their business from exports within five years, they have made significant strides, consistently reporting their progress to the government. Looking ahead, their dream is to engage at least 50 Bhutanese professionals in international assignments within the next 10 years.
DrukSmart's success story is about more than just numbers. Avi and Pema have always prioritized their people. They increased staff salaries by 60% within a year and focused on creating opportunities for local talent. Their team, which includes a mix of regular employees and project-based consultants, reflects their commitment to building a strong, skilled workforce.
As DrukSmart continues to grow, their vision remains unwavering: to harness Bhutanese talent for global projects while contributing to the local economy. They aim to capture more of the export market, build stronger strategic alliances, and continue their trajectory of impressive growth.