Visible Founders puts a spotlight on migrant entrepreneurs

Enter the world of migrant entrepreneurs in “Visible Founders,” a groundbreaking docu-series by Anand Tamboli.

In this exclusive interview with Sydney-based Director Anand Tamboli, discover the inspiration behind the project, the challenges faced, and what the future holds.

In the bustling world of media and entertainment, there are those who dare to shine a light on the unsung heroes, the entrepreneurs who quietly shape our communities. “Visible Founders,” a documentary series produced by 3DOTS Studios, does just that. It unravels the human side of entrepreneurship, celebrating the journeys, thoughts, and insights of small business owners. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Anand Tamboli, the visionary director behind “Visible Founders,” to delve into the heart and soul of this remarkable project.

“Being an entrepreneur means having to start from zero, but for migrant entrepreneurs, it means starting from below zero.”

Q: Anand, tell us about the inception of “Visible Founders.” What inspired you to embark on this journey?

A: After the success of “On Air Down Under,” I felt a growing desire to harness the power of storytelling for social causes. I realised that there were countless untold stories within the entrepreneurial realm. Small businesses and their founders, often socially focused and community-oriented, deserved a spotlight that mainstream media often denied them. So, I thought, why not be the one to bring their stories to life? That’s when “Visible Founders” started taking shape as a documentary series.

Q: Anand, could you share some insights into the stories featured in the first season of “Visible Founders”?

A: Absolutely! In our first season, we have four compelling episodes, each shining a spotlight on remarkable individuals and their entrepreneurial journeys.

Episode 1: This episode delves into the commonalities shared by multicultural entrepreneurs. It’s a captivating exploration of why entrepreneurship remains a viable option, even in today’s uncertain environment. We uncover the essence of their success, highlighting the thread that binds them together.

Episode 2: In this episode, we introduce viewers to Joseph Oliver Yap and Shimroth John Thomas, co-founders of Zerotag. What began as a simple beach clean-up activity in the Philippines evolved into a sustainable startup journey. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of environmental consciousness and community-driven entrepreneurship.

Episode 3: Chirag Soni takes center stage in the third episode. As the founder and director of Soni Wealth, Chirag’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. Hailing from a humble background, Chirag’s dream brought him to Australia, where he embarked on a path that many overlook. This episode unravels the profound significance of his actions and choices.

Episode 4: Our fourth episode introduces Deepa P. Mani, a former 9-to-5 professional whose life took a pivotal turn due to a series of unfortunate events within her family. Deepa is not just an entrepreneur; she is the founder and artistic director of Chandralaya. What began as a creative outlet has now transformed into a remarkable journey, one that goes far beyond the realm of dance.

These stories, Anand explains, are not just about entrepreneurship; they are about the triumph of the human spirit, the pursuit of dreams, and the resilience that fuels these visible founders.

Q: How did you assemble the team to work on such a unique project?

A: Building a dedicated team for this project hinged on a few key principles. First, finding individuals who shared a similar background, experiences, or goals was crucial. Second, aligning team members with a common vision for the project and a shared objective was equally important. Lastly, identifying individuals who were currently facing similar challenges or operating in a similar environment helped bring the team together. This shared sense of connection and purpose made it relatively straightforward to gather support.

Q: The title “Visible Founders” is intriguing. Could you shed some light on its significance?

A: Certainly. “Visible Founders” is all about spotlighting individuals who often remain unseen or unknown in mainstream media. Through this documentary series, we provide a platform for these founders to tell their stories, share their journeys, and impart their insights. Essentially, we’re making them visible to the world, hence the name “Visible Founders.”

Q: Every project has its challenges. What proved to be the most challenging aspect of bringing “Visible Founders” to life?

A: Initially, one of the most daunting challenges was getting people to understand my vision and persuading them to be part of the first season. Convincing them to be the trailblazers of this project required a lot of patience and determination.

The second ongoing challenge revolves around the editing process. Each founder had a multitude of stories and experiences to share, making it a complex task to weave them into a coherent and compelling narrative. Failure in this aspect would have defeated the very purpose of the project. However, I’m pleased to say that we’ve successfully overcome these challenges, and the first season is now a reality.

Q: Exciting news for your viewers! Can we expect a second season of “Visible Founders”?

A: Very likely! Currently, I’m working on several other film and documentary projects. It’s heartening to see that people have already started asking about a second season. Given the interest and enthusiasm, it’s highly probable, but you’ll have to wait until 2024 for confirmation.

In a world where stories often go untold, “Visible Founders” shines a light on the resilience and passion of small business owners. Anand Tamboli’s commitment to storytelling as a medium for social change is not only admirable but also inspiring. As we eagerly await the future seasons, it’s clear that “Visible Founders” is a testament to the power of human narratives in the realm of entrepreneurship.

Check the premieres in your city from Visible Founders website.