AstroTalk - This Astrology Start-up Saw Its Best Phase During Covid 19!

Astrology is science as well as an interesting and most accurate way to grab apprehension into what the time ahead holds. AstroTalk, an Indian start-up by Mr. Puneet Gupta, ranks amongst the most “in-demand” platforms for figuring out the answers to the future and owns more than 1500+ elite and expert astrologers not just from India but across the globe as well, available for 24*7 consultations. From detailed reports to daily, weekly, and yearly horoscopes, users can also take the privilege of one-on-one video sessions.

Let's have a look at the chat we had with him recently.

Q. Where did the idea for AstroTalk come from?

There is a very intriguing story behind how AstroTalk came into my frame of mind. Back in 2015, to be honest, I barely believed in astrology. I was working in Mumbai as a software engineer in a company after my first ever start-up failed. Just then, a friend of mine came up with a proposal of starting an IT services company. I wasn’t in a state of risking any money again. That is when a colleague of mine who was an astrologer as well offered her help. She provided me with future readings, which, due to my disbelief in astrology, I rejected at first. However, she was stubborn, and I saw no loss in having a little chit-chat to what she got to tell me, I agreed.

She predicted that I would start an IT firm soon, which would eventually shut down two years from now. After which, I would go for another start-up which would definitely be on the heights. Whatever she told me came true, from word to word! And obviously, I went to meet her. And, during my conversation with her, I got the idea of AstroTalk, to provide people genuine consultations and advice from astrologers who have outstanding knowledge. And interestingly, she became the first astrologer on AstroTalk.

Q. What strategy did you follow that helped you grow your business?

So, when it is about astrology, there is always just one bright chance you have to show what you got. If the predictions that are done don’t come true or works for the customers, they won’t come back and shall screw you with bad reviews that would totally influence the reputation of the firm.

To ensure this doesn't happen, we focus keenly on the fact the astrologers we are hiring are genuine, experienced, and have well-knowledge. And for the same, we keep three criteria in our mind.

First: Astrologers are hired just like any employee on AstroTalk, after a three-round interview which is conducted or taken by our most elite astrologers.

Second: Once they are hired, our best astrologers train them with the must-know figures and facts along with needful training.

Third: We totally work for the people. So, if any astrologer’s rating falls below 4-star (out of 5), we take that astrologer off-board. They are then either asked to quit or re-trained.

So, we basically follow this bar of desire and scrutiny to give the best that has shown us a recurring rate of 27+ which is even higher than Swiggy/Zomato (India’s top food delivery firms and top restaurant aggregator.)

Q. How would you keep your approach towards any new idea in life?

AstroTalk totally came out of a debate I never was ready to become a part of. So now, I never ignore or discard any idea just with the sound of it. If I am given suggestions by my team or something even stuck me, I definitely give things the best try possible. As you never know what miracle it might do.

Q. What other than your work, you like to do?

I love reading. I am into fictional books. Something I would love to recommend to everybody would be The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. If you believe in magic as well as romance, it is a book that you can read. It works great as my escape from my busy packed schedule in reality.

Q. Is there anything trendy that excites you?

In India, digital payment methods are still growing. And the same has excited me. All this while, with the advent of digitalization, payment methods have changed a lot. Before, we used to do online payments via Debit cards, involving a long process of OTP, CVV, etc. Now, UPI has been introduced, which has made things way easier than before. Also, the QR codes, which emerged in Europe, have made their great place in India. Even a vegetable vendor accepts payment via QR scans.

It helped AstroTalk as well. Without entering OTPs and following the long procedure of debit cards, users can easily confirm their payments in one go.

Q. Any quote that inspires or motivates you in life?

Well, yes, there is one. It is by Raymond (Men’s fashion brand)—

“Many things make the complete Man, knowing what’s real is one of those”

Q. You saw both the tough phase and the successful one while working on your start-ups and ideas. Any advice you would like to give the young entrepreneurs—like as to what they must remember or follow while executing their ideas?

Well, for the starters, don’t settle easily, even if you are failing again and again. And next, never settle for less. Success works like this only, if you think you have got something, you won’t even be contented with it for long. There will surely come a point when you will want to have more than now. So, keep your goals clean and clear and always grow out of your comfort zone, especially when you are young and active and can take risks.