A Conversation with Mr. Shylakumar Balu, the Business Head of Aastro Tech Electronics
Welcome to the second episode of our podcast series, where we explore the remarkable journey of veteran leaders who have been instrumental in shaping the AV industry. In this episode, we are honored to present a captivating conversation with Mr.Shylakumar Balu, the Business Head of Aastro Tech Electronics, a subsidiary of Sigma AVIT. Affectionately known as Genesis Balu or Balu Sir, he is a veteran in AV with over three decades of expertise in the industry. From launching Genesis IT Innovations (GITIL) in the early ‘90s to leading Aastro Tech today, Balu’s journey exemplifies the spirit of innovation, resilience, and dedication that has driven the audio-visual industry forward.
The desire to start something new often stems from a requirement from someone, serving as the spark that ignites the birth of a thriving business. In these pivotal moments, the seeds of innovation and ambition are sown, setting the stage for a remarkable success story that transforms an idea into a powerful and prosperous business.
Balu’s entrepreneurial journey began with Genesis IT Innovations, an IT firm that sold 8086 laptops with monochrome displays, a venture met with its fair share of challenges due to the high cost of Laptops then. A unique customer request for larger display projections prompted him to seek a solution. His determination took him to Singapore, where he sourced LCD panels to complement overhead projectors (OHPs). This moment marked the company’s shift into the AV market, eventually partnering with InFocus to introduce 170 lumens VGA projectors in India which featured a built-in floppy drive, a revolutionary technology that allowed presentations without a computer.
Building a team of passionate associates, Balu’s early team at Genesis embraced a flexible, all hands-on-deck approach, with everyone taking on multiple responsibilities, from sales to technical installations. This commitment to teamwork and passion became the foundation of their success. Despite having solid references, they invested considerable effort in securing clients, often conducting multiple presentations while carrying six to seven-kilogram projectors and their dedication and persistence led to major breakthroughs with top companies like ITC, Hindustan Lever, and Infosys.
In 1999, Balu recalls a notable project for SG Software, integrating audio and video projectors with AMX control panels—a testament to their capability to deliver comprehensive AV solutions. As they progressed, they built connections with consultants to create tailored AV solutions for multinational companies like KanBay (now Capgemini) and AstraZeneca in India. Additionally, they developed an experience center for IBM in Delhi.
As a first- generation entrepreneur in his family, a role that imparted valuable lessons and demanded significant effort to navigate the ups and downs of business. Shylakumar credits his success mainly to the passionate team he has built, which has enabled them to engage effectively with the AV industry across the Indian Army and government projects. In discussing work-life balance, he emphasized the critical support from his family, especially given his extensive travel for work and time spent away from home on customer sites.
Shylakumar concludes that today’s AV industry has evolved, offering robust products and support that reduce failure rates. This shift allows teams to focus more on understanding solutions than merely troubleshooting. While earlier challenges fostered innovation and adaptability, the current landscape empowers professionals to efficiently meet customer needs with confidence.
In this insightful podcast, Balu’s journey inspires and reminds us that the path to success is paved with innovation, teamwork, and unwavering dedication.
customer needs with confidence
