Next-generation leader transforms family enterprise into billion-dollar vision through strategic international expansion
Suhas represents the ambitious evolution of Online Instruments, building upon three decades of entrepreneurial foundation established by his father, Shivanand Mahashetti. What began as an Indian system integrator has transformed under his influence into a globally-minded enterprise that seamlessly bridges traditional AV expertise with international market strategies across Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Holding a Master’s degree in Business and Management from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow (2022), Suhas’s entry into leading the company’s international expansion wasn’t predetermined by family legacy alone. His genuine passion for global business dynamics drove his decision to spearhead the enterprise’s next chapter, earning recognition through proven capability in challenging markets.
“When I returned from Glasgow, my first major test was the expansion into the Singapore market,” explains Suhas. “Acceptance was very low-they’ve seen system integrators from the U.S and Hong Kong, but suddenly an Indian SI is operating in Singapore. Even though we might be a relatively bigger operation in India, there in Singapore we function with an entrepreneurial mindset—like we are a startup.”
Strategic Vision
“In the five-year plan, we want to become a billion-dollar company,” states Suhas matter-of-factly. His vision fundamentally shifts Online Instruments’ strategic focus from regional Indian operations to global market leadership. “Most of our clients are based out of the U.S. and are headquartered out of there. The second you’re operating out of there and closing global projects—that’s how billion-dollar companies are built.”
His approach extends beyond geographic expansion to service diversification within AV foundations. “We are keeping AV as a base and how we can create beautiful experiences out of AV—be it merging with AI or IoT,” he explains. “We are getting into managed services now, sending our manpower to places like Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia to do commissioning for other clients.”
Looking ahead, Online Instruments is pursuing strategic acquisitions, particularly in IT networking. “Every client who is investing into AV and UC solutions definitely has a much larger networking infrastructure. We want to see how better we can serve the same existing clients under the whole umbrella of IT services,” Suhas explains.
Knowledge and Legacy
Growing up immersed in entrepreneurial conversations provided Suhas unique insights into international business dynamics. “Dinner conversations revolved around international projects, client relationships, and industry dynamics,” he reflects. “I witnessed my father build this company from the ground up. This entrepreneurial thinking became second nature to me.”
However, Suhas maintains realistic perspective about industry challenges ahead. “Hiring would be the biggest challenge. Even when I came as a graduate, I didn’t know much about AV industry. This challenge persists not only in India—it’s there globally as well.” To address this, Online Instruments has partnered with universities for industrial readiness programs.
Looking Forward
“The industry still lacks mainstream recognition,” Suhas acknowledges. “If I tell my friends about the AV industry who are working in IT companies, I have to start with the basics: explaining how every corporate meeting room they use daily represents our work behind the scenes.”
His advice to young professionals is direct: “I would insist them to become aware of this industry. Once you step in, you realize how vast and exciting it is. It has the potential to build global careers.”
Suhas embodies the AV integration industry’s future – globally educated and strategically focused while maintaining Online Instruments’ customer-first values that have defined the company for three decades. His approach combines international strategic thinking with proven technical expertise, representing India’s AV integration evolution through global expansion, managed service innovation, and billion-dollar ambitions on the global stage.
