In today's Alumni Impact Series where we highlight the inspiring paths of our Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) graduates, we are showcasing Rashi Jaising.
Rashi, a 2022 MBET graduate, is an entrepreneur whose journey has been shaped by visionary leadership, a drive for technological innovation, and a deep dedication to creating lasting social impact.
Meet Rashi Jaising
Rashi Jaising’s journey as a third-generation leader at Teknic Euchner and founder of a women’s healthcare startup in India exemplifies the power of combining business acumen with a deep commitment to social impact.
As an MBET (Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology) graduate from the University of Waterloo, Rashi has leveraged her entrepreneurial background and the hands-on learning from the program to drive change in both her family business and her startup ventures.
A Vision for Impact-Driven Entrepreneurship
Through my startup, I saw firsthand the challenges of scaling impact-driven solutions. The MBET program stood out to me because of its strong focus on bridging business and technology and the opportunity it offered to refine my business acumen while gaining access to mentorship.
Gaining Essential Skills for Scaling Ventures
The MBET program equipped Rashi with the tools necessary to succeed in both her family business and her startup. With courses on entrepreneurial strategy, financial management, and technology-driven innovation, she was able to develop a comprehensive understanding of how to scale ventures and build sustainable business models.
“I learned how to validate business models, scale ventures, and implement lean startup methodologies,” Rashi explained. “The program also gave me in-depth knowledge of financial modelling, fundraising, and supply chain optimization—skills I’ve applied directly to both Teknic Euchner and my healthcare startup.”
One of the most valuable aspects of the MBET experience, according to Rashi, was the exposure to emerging technologies like AI and IoT, which she integrated into her family business to drive automation and digital transformation. This combination of technical expertise and entrepreneurial strategy laid a solid foundation for her ventures’ success.
Networking and Mentorship: Key Drivers of Success
Networking played a critical role in Rashi’s MBET experience, providing opportunities to connect with professors, peers, investors, and industry leaders. Through interactions with these key figures, Rashi refined her startup’s business model and identified strategies to overcome challenges like market adoption and investor hesitancy.
“I vividly remember working with Professor David Rose, who helped me pivot my startup’s business model. His insights on scalability and market positioning were invaluable,” Rashi noted. “Collaborating with peers who brought expertise in areas like finance and product development was also incredibly beneficial. The diverse perspectives challenged me to think more creatively and adapt my approach to problem-solving.”
The networking opportunities within the MBET program also allowed Rashi to connect with investors and mentors who helped her navigate the complexities of securing early-stage funding for her healthcare startup. She credits these relationships with helping her fine-tune her approach to impact investing and alternative funding strategies, which were essential for attracting the right stakeholders.
Real-World Application: Briding Healthcare Gaps in India
Rashi’s startup, focused on improving women’s healthcare in India, became the perfect testing ground for the skills she gained during the MBET program. Her initial vision—to create a tech-enabled platform that provided affordable and reliable healthcare services—was met with strong demand, but the challenge lay in building trust and driving user adoption.
“With the help of my mentors, I realized that community-driven education and partnerships with local healthcare providers were critical to building credibility,” Rashi said. “The MBET program taught me how to pivot and refine my business model, ensuring we could scale while staying true to our mission of improving healthcare access for women.”
Although the startup is still a work in progress, Rashi’s ability to apply lean startup principles and financial modelling techniques has positioned the venture for future success. “While it’s not fully operational yet, the program’s lessons on sustainability, scalability, and impact-driven entrepreneurship continue to shape my vision for the future.”
Driving Change in Industry 4.0 and Automation
Back at Teknic Euchner, Rashi has been instrumental in driving digital transformation within the family business. The MBET program’s focus on Industry 4.0 technologies, lean methodologies, and strategic leadership has directly influenced her approach to optimizing operations, integrating automation, and improving customer satisfaction.
“I’ve been able to implement data-driven decision-making and streamline our supply chain,” Rashi shared. “The program gave me the tools to innovate and scale more effectively, and those tools have been invaluable in helping Teknic Euchner remain competitive in an evolving industry.”
Future Aspirations: Scaling Both Business and Impact
Looking ahead, Rashi’s long-term aspirations include scaling both her family business and her healthcare startup, with a continued focus on driving automation, sustainability, and social impact. Her experience in the MBET program has shaped her vision of creating ventures that not only generate economic value but also deliver positive societal outcomes.
“My goal is to lead Teknic Euchner to the forefront of smart manufacturing and sustainable practices while also building a scalable, impact-driven solution in women’s healthcare,” Rashi said. “The MBET program gave me the confidence and strategic mindset to tackle these ambitious goals.”
In addition to her professional aspirations, Rashi is committed to giving back to the MBET community. She plans to stay actively engaged by mentoring future students, speaking at industry events, and collaborating on startup initiatives. “I want to help others leverage the same tools and networks I gained during the program to build meaningful ventures of their own,” she explained.
Advice for Future Entrepreneurs
Reflecting on her MBET journey, Rashi emphasized the importance of resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
“The entrepreneurial path is not always linear, but the MBET program teaches you to stay resilient, stay curious, and keep pushing forward,” she advised. “Embrace every opportunity for hands-on learning, and don’t be afraid to test new ideas. The resources, mentorship, and networking you gain will be invaluable as you grow as an entrepreneur.”
Rashi’s journey is a powerful reminder of how entrepreneurship can not only drive innovation but also create lasting, positive change in the world. Her path continues to inspire future generations of MBET students to pursue their passions, overcome challenges, and use their businesses as vehicles for both economic and social impact.