thefoundersstory

Streamlining IT Solutions: A Conversation with Atul Bansal

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Atul Bansal, the co-founder and CEO of LivLyt. Alongside his co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Mr. Arvind Einstein, LivLyt is making waves in IT management by simplifying and automating IT processes for growing SMEs. Mr. Bansal shares insights into his journey from Careem to founding LivLyt and discusses how his company, together with Mr. Einstein, is transforming IT management.

TFS: Welcome, Mr. Atul Bansal. We are excited to hear about your journey from Careem to founding LivLyt. It will be great to learn more about your experiences and how LivLyt is revolutionising IT management for SMEs.

Atul Bansal: Thank you for having me. I am eager to share the story of LivLyt and how we are transforming IT management for SMEs.

TFS: First things first, what was your inspiration for starting your own business, and how did the idea come to you? 

Atul Bansal: For me, starting a business was never about if but more about when, with whom, and what. During my time at Careem, we witnessed first-hand how COVID-19 shifted the workplace towards remote work and distributed teams. This shift presented new challenges for IT and admin teams, especially when it came to managing the IT and software needs of this dispersed workforce.

We saw how many productive hours were being wasted by IT managers who were manually handling the IT onboarding and offboarding process. Finance teams were also raising concerns about rising software and IT costs, often with little clarity on the return on investment in their IT portfolio. This issue was even more prominent in SMEs across the region. On the one hand, they were increasing their investment in upgrading their tech infrastructure, but on the other, they were struggling to manage this growing IT portfolio due to a lack of the right tools and knowledge, particularly in the absence of dedicated in-house IT teams.

That is when we identified a unique opportunity to make IT simpler for the fast-growing SME segment in the region, positioning ourselves as their IT partners in their digital transformation journey. Along with Mr. Arvind Einstein, who is also my co-founder, we conceived the idea for LivLyt—simplifying IT management for growing SMEs by leveraging automation, allowing business owners to focus on what truly matters.

TFS: Since you have already mentioned how your time at Careem helped shape LivLyt, could you share more about how those experiences influenced its development? What specific challenges in managing SaaS, IT, and devices were you looking to solve with the platform?

Atul Bansal: I would say there were a few key things that led to the creation of LivLyt. Our time at Careem played a huge role in helping us understand what it takes to work in a startup, build the right mindset, and recognise the importance of being part of a great team. It also taught us the value of building a strong company culture and having a constant hustling mindset. I actually met my co-founder at Careem as well, so that was another major influence.

Careem did two big things for us. First, it prepared us to build the startup we are working on now, both in terms of the skills and the mindset needed. Second, it gave us the idea for LivLyt, especially in our category, where we are simplifying IT management for fast-growing teams that do not always have access to the right resources. We noticed that employees often faced challenges with onboarding and offboarding, as well as managing software subscriptions and devices.

We felt LivLyt could really be a solution for SMEs and mid-market companies, making IT management easier, particularly when teams struggle with these sorts of issues, just like we saw happen at Careem.

TFS: Could you walk us through how LivLyt’s platform helps businesses optimise their SaaS spending and manage inactive licenses? What are some of the common inefficiencies you tend to find and fix for your clients?

Atul Bansal: Let me break this down for you. When it comes to managing SaaS spending, it is a bit of a challenge these days because, if you think about it, almost everything runs on SaaS now. From tools like Google Workspace, Asana, Zoom, to Slack – they are all SaaS-based apps. The big issue HR, IT, and finance teams often face is that the procurement process for these apps is so decentralised. Anyone can go online, add a card, and start using a service without much control or visibility over the entire SaaS portfolio.

Take Zoom, for example. You might know that you are paying for 50 Zoom licenses, but you do not have real-time information on how many of those are actually being used. This is where LivLyt comes in. We integrate directly with over 100 of the most commonly used SaaS tools, like Google Workspace, Salesforce, HubSpot, and many more. Through these API integrations, we help companies monitor user activity on these tools. For instance, if your company uses HubSpot and pays per user per month, we integrate with HubSpot to track the licenses you have. Out of, say, 30 licenses, we can show you exactly which users are actively using the tool, and which ones are not.

This helps identify active versus inactive users. For example, we helped one client cut their Zoom bill by 30% simply by identifying that 25% of the users they were paying for had not used Zoom in the last two months. In some cases, the users had even left the company, and their licenses were still active, which they were unknowingly paying for. This is exactly what we address when it comes to managing SaaS spending and inactive licenses.

Another common inefficiency we see is surprise renewals. SaaS apps often have monthly or quarterly renewal cycles, and many times business owners or app managers forget when renewals are coming up. LivLyt helps track and manage these renewal dates, giving companies alerts ahead of time so they know which apps are up for renewal, how much they cost, and when the renewal date is. This gives them the opportunity to either cancel an app or downgrade a plan before the renewal happens. We have essentially automated the whole process for both SaaS management and renewal tracking.

TFS: Given the growing focus on data security, how does LivLyt’s Mobile Device Management feature protect company devices and sensitive information, particularly in a remote work setting?

Atul Bansal: When it comes to managing the security of company devices, especially in a remote work environment, there are three key steps in the IT lifecycle: procurement, management, and security.

Procurement involves getting the software and devices you need. Management covers everything from tracking inventory to handling software renewals. The third step is ensuring safety and security, which includes dealing with IT support issues, fixing problems, and protecting against security threats.

LivLyt’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) plays a crucial role in this security aspect. In today’s world, where teams and hardware are spread out, the security of your business is only as strong as the weakest link in your hardware and laptops. MDM helps address this by allowing IT and admin teams to set specific policies for each mobile device or laptop used by employees. This includes restricting access to only authorised apps and websites, controlling data securely, and even wiping data remotely if a device is lost or stolen.

Think of it like the “Find My iPhone” feature but tailored for a business setting with multiple employees working from various locations. It ensures that even when companies cannot directly control the work environment, they can still maintain a high level of security.

TFS: What are the benefits of LivLyt’s device leasing model compared to buying devices outright, and how does it help companies manage their technology budgets more effectively?

Atul Bansal: When it comes to device leasing, LivLyt offers a compelling alternative to traditional device purchasing. The beauty of what we provide is that LivLyt centralises the entire IT lifecycle, from procurement to management to security.

Device leasing is quite an interesting option for us. It acts like a strategic advantage for businesses. As companies grow, they often face the challenge of investing in new devices such as laptops, iPhones, and monitors. Purchasing these outright can strain cash flow and put pressure on your bank balance.

This is where our device leasing solution comes in. We allow companies to obtain the latest devices through a CapEx to OpEx model with our leasing partners. This approach provides three key benefits.

Firstly, it alleviates the strain on cash flow by allowing companies to make more manageable monthly payments rather than a large upfront sum. Secondly, it simplifies the procurement process. For example, if a client needs MacBooks for their team, we handle everything from sourcing the devices to setting up financial leasing. The result is that the client receives ready-to-use MacBooks within three to four days of placing the order.

Thirdly, device leasing offers peace of mind. Any issues with the device are covered by insurance, which helps manage additional costs from external damage. So, in short, device leasing saves capital, reduces time spent on procurement, and helps manage overhead costs effectively.

TFS: How does LivLyt make the onboarding and offboarding of employees more efficient, and what effect does this have on reducing operational downtime and avoiding manual errors? 

Atul Bansal: When it comes to onboarding and offboarding employees, LivLyt makes the process much smoother. As an automation platform, we handle all the IT workflows with ease.

For instance, when you bring a new employee on board, you usually need to set up a device and various software licenses. Traditionally, this meant an IT manager or admin would order a laptop, then manually set up accounts for each software like Microsoft, Zoom, Slack, and Asana.

With LivLyt, we automate this entire process. You can request a laptop through our leasing solutions, and once it arrives, our platform takes care of the software setup with just a single click. For example, if you hire someone for the engineering team, they typically need access to tools like GitHub, Twilio, AWS, and others. Instead of setting up each account manually, you can select all the necessary software from our list, and the system automatically creates the accounts and sends the employee an email with their login details.

Similarly, when offboarding, you can simply open the employee’s IT profile and select the software and devices to be deactivated. The platform handles the removal of accounts and data from all those applications, so you do not need to manually delete each one.

In short, LivLyt significantly reduces the time and effort involved in managing these processes, cutting down on manual errors and minimising operational downtime.

TFS: Can you provide an example of how LivLyt’s real-time insights into tech spending per employee have helped a client save money or improve operational efficiency? 

Atul Bansal: When it comes to real-time insights, LivLyt provides a detailed view of tech spending at the employee level. We track each employee’s activity across the software they use, ensuring everything is GDPR compliant meaning we only monitor software usage and not personal data.

For example, our platform shows the total monthly software costs associated with each employee, which is often one of the highest expenses after insurance. With this information, HR, IT, and finance teams can see which software an employee is actually using. If an employee is not using certain software, teams can reassess the necessity and potentially save money by eliminating unused licenses.

What is more, finance teams benefit from month-by-month insights into how software expenses are trending. If the overall software bill rises by 20% in a given month, our platform can pinpoint the cause. For instance, it might reveal increased costs due to extra subscriptions for new hires, like Google Workspace or Zoom. This helps finance teams stay on top of their budget and make informed decisions about software expenses, ensuring they remain within their annual budget and adjust forecasts as needed.

TFS: With LivLyt supporting over 100 app integrations, how do you make sure the platform fits smoothly into a company’s current tech setup? Also, how much can businesses customise the platform to meet their specific needs? 

Atul Bansal: When it comes to integration and flexibility, LivLyt keeps things straightforward. Our platform is all about easy, single-click automation with the tools you need. IT teams don’t have to deal with any coding—just set up your tool using your admin credentials, and we handle the rest. We’ve already got integrations sorted with popular tools like Zoom, Slack, Figma, and Asana.

Onboarding is quick and simple. For any new client, we can get you set up on the platform within 30 minutes. This means you can connect up to 50 or 60 apps in under an hour, just by entering your admin credentials.

Flexibility is a big part of what we offer. While we have a broad catalogue of pre-integrated apps, we also handle custom integrations for more niche tools that may not yet be on our list. For instance, if a client needs integration with Intercom for customer support, we can quickly add that to our platform based on the client’s needs.

We also provide customisation options. Beyond just tracking and utilisation, our platform can be used for contract and license management. This means you can keep track of contract details, billing cycles, and renewal dates, helping you manage your software contracts effectively.

TFS: With support from investors like Hub71 and 500 Startups, how has this backing impacted LivLyt’s growth and expansion plans? What significant milestones have you reached thanks to their support? 

Atul Bansal: With support from investors like Hub71 and 500 Startups, LivLyt has seen several key benefits. First, being part of these notable ecosystems has greatly increased our visibility among both investors and potential customers. Second, we have gained access to capital on favourable terms, which is essential for any early-stage startup. Third, we have been introduced to valuable market opportunities. For instance, Hub71 has helped us connect with key partners in the UAE, while 500 Startups has opened doors to the Saudi market, allowing us to find the right partners, talent, and customers. These accelerators have truly been instrumental in our growth and expansion.

TFS: Looking ahead, what new features or technologies are you excited to add to LivLyt? How do you see these innovations boosting the platform’s value and benefits for your users? 

Atul Bansal: Looking towards the future, we are particularly excited about the potential of integrating conversational AI into LivLyt. We are exploring how this technology can take IT access management to the next level. Rather than just automating tasks, we aim to use AI to make smarter, more intuitive decisions. This could transform how we handle routine tasks like granting and removing access or even troubleshooting common issues. The goal is to make these processes more efficient and less repetitive, ultimately making life easier for everyone involved.

TFS: Looking at the impact of AI and automation, how does LivLyt use these technologies to enhance IT support and manage resources more effectively? What potential do you see for AI and automation in shaping workforce management in the future? 

Atul Bansal: AI is set to make a big difference in how IT functions within companies. Right now, many tasks are manual, which not only affects productivity but also creates a frustrating experience for employees. AI can tackle these issues effectively.

For instance, when someone new joins the company and needs access to specific software or has a request, the process can be cumbersome. You might struggle to figure out who to contact or end up raising a ticket that gets lost in a sea of approvals, leading to delays. We are exploring how AI can simplify and automate this process. By setting up predefined rules, AI can manage requests with a self-service option and decide whether a request needs approval or can be processed automatically. This approach aims to streamline IT management and improve the overall experience for employees.

TFS: I hope you do not mind answering a bit more about your personal life for our readers. Can you describe a typical day in your life as an entrepreneur? 

Atul Bansal: The truth is, no two days are ever the same, which is both the most thrilling and challenging aspect of being an entrepreneur. Each day brings a new set of problems to tackle, whether they involve customers, operations, team dynamics, or product development. One thing I can say for sure is that the days often seem shorter because there is always so much to accomplish. It is a constant whirlwind of activities, and that variety keeps things exciting.

TFS: What keeps you motivated and driven throughout your entrepreneurial journey, particularly when you face challenging times?

Atul Bansal: To be honest, it is not just about motivation but about perseverance. In this journey, what really matters is your ability to keep going, even when things get tough. If you are deeply passionate about the product you are building and the problems you are solving for your customers, you learn to push through every day, regardless of the ups and downs. While motivation can be fleeting, perseverance is what truly carries you through both the good times and the challenges. 

TFS: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their own business? 

Atul Bansal: Start for the right reasons and make sure you focus on building a great team from the beginning. Be prepared for the long journey ahead, as entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint.

TFS: What has been the most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur for you? 

Atul Bansal: The most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur for me is definitely the chance to make a real impact and build something that could become my legacy. Another significant aspect is the constant learning that comes with the journey, which not only sharpens your mindset but also transforms your personal growth.

TFS: This has been an incredibly insightful discussion, Mr. Bansal. We wish you and LivLyt all the best in your journey and continued success in revolutionising IT management for SMEs.
Atul Bansal:

Thank you very much. It has been a pleasure sharing the story of LivLyt, and I appreciate your good wishes.