In our new "Alumni Impact Series," we shine a spotlight on the inspiring journeys of MBET alumni. Today, we feature Swati Singh, founder of SehYogi, a dynamic entrepreneur whose journey exemplifies the power of innovation and community support gained through the University of Waterloo's Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) program. Swati’s entrepreneurial aspirations were ignited during her search for a business program focused on innovation and launching new ventures. With a background in product marketing and sales, she was drawn to the MBET program at Waterloo for its unique emphasis on entrepreneurship.
I wanted a program that would equip me with the skills to start my own business. MBET was the perfect fit
During her time in MBET, Swati benefited greatly from the insights of faculty members like Dean Pacey, who taught her the value of rapid experimentation: “It's always better to get a 'no' than a maybe. Stay in the fail zone.” Armed with tools like the Business Model Canvas, Swati was able to effectively analyze and refine her startup ideas. Her coursework, especially in marketing with Harvir Bansal, provided her with unmatched mentorship and practical skills that she applied directly to her work. During MBET, Swati was able to collaborate with the founder of Qord, Ameya Kale, to gain hands on startup experience. Qord is a digital platform for couples in long distance relationships to stay connected and strengthen their relationship.
The MBET program also facilitated valuable connections. Swati credits her classmates, including Ayswarya Ashok and Ameya Kale, with inspiring determination, and mentors like John Dick from Velocity, who broadened her exposure to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Connections also included Tom Hunter and Radhika Vaidyanathan from Gowling WLG who offered guidance on critical matters and strategies. “The support network I gained through MBET was crucial. It opened doors to resources I didn't even know existed,” she shares.
“MBET taught me to validate problems, understand the customer’s pain points, and build effective solutions,” Swati explains. The hands-on experience I gained with MBET and Qord—developing marketing plans, pitching ideas, and exploring financial strategies—equipped me to launch my own yoga wear brand SehYogi, a freestyle yoga wear brand that focuses on creating comfortable, inclusive, and sustainable yoga pants for all body types, inspired from the traditional science of Yoga. “The program pushed us to engage with the Kitchener-Waterloo entrepreneurial community. It introduced me to key organizations that support startups,” she adds.
Swati emphasizes the credibility her degree from the Conrad School brings when approaching B2B partners, especially for her newest venture SehYogi. “Being a UWaterloo Conrad School alum adds trust to my name. It’s a significant advantage when pitching to investors,” she asserts. The skills she honed during her studies have equipped her to navigate the funding landscape effectively, allowing her to pursue opportunities like the Waterloo Small Business Grants.
Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is straightforward: “If you want to be a founder, go for it. MBET is the program for entrepreneurs. You will learn the fundamentals, no matter your starting point.”
Swati is expanding her entrepreneurial journey with the launch of SehYogi, a comfortable yoga apparel.“Yoga is a way of life, it is not just an exercise. I want to promote inclusivity and comfort through my SehYogi,” she emphasizes. Reflecting on her journey, she credits her MBET cohort for their continuous encouragement and motivation. “Hearing the success stories of my classmates inspired me to pursue my own ideas,” she says. Swati’s journey is a testament to the transformative impact of the MBET program, empowering graduates to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Her story embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines the University of Waterloo's entrepreneurial community.