By In a time when market success is frequently characterized by disruption or soaring valuations, Vineet Ramani, at the age of 29, shares a unique story. His narrative encompasses everything from consistency to sustainable growth, founded on a deep philosophy: educate before you sell. Vineet’s path from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to managing a 70-member team across five cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Gurugram, Pune, and Raipur—along with three successful ventures, including a flourishing podcast, is a testament to the effectiveness of this principle.
He is modernizing traditional markets not through drastic changes but through careful empowerment.
He holds a degree in Bachelor’s studies in marketing from Jai Hind College, Mumbai.
While his peers from the esteemed Jai Hind College opted for typical career paths, Vineet envisioned something different. He went for a digital marketing program at the IIDE institute. Thereafter, he noticed a significant gap: although internet access in India was expanding rapidly, businesses in Tier 2 cities largely ignored the digital transformation. They remained entrenched in outdated practices, lacking websites, social media engagement, or any strategic online presence.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which compelled businesses worldwide to establish an online footprint, served as his pivotal moment. “Everyone was focused on their phones. Businesses had to rethink how they interacted with customers,” he reflects, recognizing the chance to close this digital gap.
Equipped with nothing but a laptop and a forward-thinking perspective, Vineet founded Vaya Media from his living room. His strategy was distinct. Instead of merely pitching services, he took on the role of an educator. He collaborated with local business owners, analyzed competitor strategies, simplified campaign metrics, and illustrated how platforms like Instagram could directly turn prospects into customers, leading to increased sales and expanded reach.
This “education first” philosophy, rooted in traditional sales wisdom, proved to be successful, achieving an impressive 85% client retention rate. Today, Vaya Media operates as a comprehensive growth marketing agency, handling digital projects for a variety of brands across India, the UK, and the USA. This accomplishment was not solely about acquiring clients; it involved building enduring partnerships founded on shared understanding and trust.
As Vaya Media grew, a significant challenge arose: the shortage of skilled digital marketing professionals in Tier 2 cities such as Raipur. Instead of moving to larger talent centers, Vineet devised a solution. In 2022, he established VIDA Institute.
VIDA is not just a platform for selling courses; it functions as a practical, placement-guaranteed talent pipeline. From the very beginning, VIDA students engage in real Vaya Media projects, acquiring essential hands-on experience. The outcomes have been impressive: over 300 students have been trained, achieving a 100% placement rate, with many graduates earning salaries 40 to 60% higher than their peers in the city.
“If we can’t locate skilled individuals, let’s cultivate them. Provide them with thorough training, fair compensation, and abundant opportunities,” he states, reflecting his dedication to nurturing local talent and building a strong ecosystem. This illustrates his commitment to empowering those around him.
Vineet’s quest for knowledge and international experience further shaped his path. While Vaya Media thrived, he pursued an MBA at Birkbeck University in London. This endeavor for advanced education didn’t divert him from his entrepreneurial spirit; rather, it propelled him toward his next project.
From London, he effectively launched Vikings Real Estate online. By applying his established transparency-first methodology to a market known for its lack of clarity, Vikings Real Estate rapidly gained significant trust by clarifying the property transaction process.
Following the achievements of Vaya Media, VIDA, and, Vikings Real Estate, Vineet has expanded his business ventures to Gurugram. He serves as one of the directors of PSV ADVERTISERS LLP, which functions as a subsidiary of Vaya Media.
Recently, Vineet has broadened his reach into thought leadership with the Hijack Podcast. He hosts engaging discussions with leaders, policymakers, and founders, steadily contributing to the digital future of India. Recent participants include Minister Nitish Mishra, with upcoming episodes featuring unicorn founders and Tier 2 creators. For Vineet, the podcast transcends mere content creation; it embodies his fundamental belief that knowledge should be shared and not hoarded.
This people-centric approach, combined with his leadership capabilities and visionary outlook, influences every area of Vineet’s endeavors. He emphasizes motivation and principles over formal qualifications, regarding his team not merely as employees but as co-visionaries.
His decision-making framework remains unwavering: prioritizing purpose over profit, striving for sustainable growth rather than quick gains, and valuing lasting relationships over fleeting successes. “The underlying principles like purpose, mindset, and values remain unchanged,” he states. This reinforces the philosophy he embodies: it’s not merely about actions, but the manner of execution.
For Vineet, genuine success isn’t quantified by financial achievements or team size. It’s reflected in the VIDA graduate now flourishing, the local Raipur business that increased its revenue fourfold by adopting digital strategies, or the podcast discussion that sparked entrepreneurial inspiration in a listener. “Success has never been about recognition,” he contemplates. “It’s always centered on how many individuals you elevate throughout the journey.” In an environment often influenced by transient trends, Vineet Ramani serves as a compelling example of the significance of ongoing education, authentic connections, and establishing exemplary businesses that address genuine issues for real people, affirming that meaningful influence can arise from anywhere.
