In the world of startups, some founders chase trends. Others build where no clear path exists.
For Srinivasan Yagnanarayanan, the journey began not with opportunity but with rejection.
Denied roles due to rigid policies rather than lack of skill, he chose not to conform to the system but to challenge it. Today, through Square Comp and its brand GRAHAS VR, he is redefining how industries train, learn, and evolve.
Solving a Billion-Dollar Inefficiency
Industrial training has remained largely unchanged for decades, slow, expensive, and often ineffective.
- Training cycles: 12–18 months
- Costs: 3–5% of company turnover
- Dependency: External trainers and inconsistent outcomes
Srinivasan saw a broken system.
“We realized that industries needed something scalable, efficient, and immersive. That’s where VR came in.”
By leveraging spatial computing and virtual reality, Square Comp reduces:
- Training time by 40–50%
- Costs significantly
- Human error through simulation-based learning
A Founder Driven by Purpose, Not Just Profit
Unlike many startup stories, this one didn’t start with a grand vision, it started with frustration.
“I didn’t want talent to be rejected because of rules. I wanted to create something where capability matters.”
What began as a solo effort evolved with the addition of a co-founder and a dedicated team turning a personal challenge into a scalable business.
Srinivasan is joined by his Co-Founder Sriram Kesavan, who is his childhood friend and joined GRAHAs VR to transform the Industrial Computing landscape, with his years of Automotive Industry background.
Building Before the Market Was Ready
When Srinivasan started, India’s VR ecosystem was still emerging.
There were:
- No affordable entry-level solutions
- Limited enterprise adoption
- High hardware costs
So instead of waiting, the team built their own.
From designing VR headsets to creating immersive training modules, they tackled both hardware and software challenges head-on.
But the real evolution came later.
From hardware-first
To content and platform-led innovation
Today, their strength lies in:
- VR training libraries
- Industry-specific modules
- Productized immersive solutions
The Hardest Part: Not Technology, But Adoption
One of the most critical insights:
“Not every company is ready for structured training.”
The challenge wasn’t just innovation it was:
- Finding the right customers
- Educating industries about VR
- Bridging the gap between need and readiness
Yet, persistence paid off.
With global deployments and clients like TVS Group integrating their systems, the company has moved from convincing the market to serving demand.
Funding the Unconventional Path
Unlike mainstream startups, deep-tech and hardware ventures face unique hurdles.
Srinivasan’s journey reflects that reality.
Key milestones:
- Early backing from Veltech TBI
- Initial funding of ₹9.5 lakhs
- Equity funding Support from IIT Mandi Catalyst and IIT Mandi iHub and HCi Foundation
“Fundraising is about patience and relationships, not just pitching.”
He also points out a larger gap:
India still needs stronger ecosystems for deep-tech and hardware innovation.
Growth That Came with Belief
Every year, the company has grown stronger not just in numbers, but in market acceptance.
“Earlier, we had to explain VR. Now, companies are approaching us.”
This shift marks a key milestone from education to adoption.
What’s Next: Building for Scale
Currently service-driven, GRAHAs VR is now transitioning toward a product-first future.
Upcoming Innovations:
Canvas
A tool to simplify VR content creation
Spaces
A platform to convert 2D websites into 3D and AR experiences
With AI integration and spatial computing:
“The future will move beyond screens into immersive digital environments.”
The Mindset Behind the Mission
If there’s one word that defines Srinivasan’s journey:
Resilience
He doesn’t regret failures; he values them.
“If I could go back, I wouldn’t change anything. Failure teaches you what success never can.”
Advice to the Next Generation
- Don’t start just to escape a job
- Build with vision and purpose
- Focus on solving real problems
- Continuously evolve yourself
“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a company, it’s about transforming who you are.”
Quick Insights
- Journey in one word: Resilience
- Biggest mistake: Getting overly excited
- Success habit: Discipline
- Company he admires: Apple
- Inspiration: Steve Jobs
The Team Behind the Vision
Behind GRAHAS VR is a growing team committed to reshaping enterprise training through immersive technology.
Sriram Kesavan is the Co-Founder and COO of GRAHAs VR (Square Comp Solutions), who brings his decade long experience working with leading Automotive brands like Honda, Volkswagen & Mercedes Benz. He is the subject matter expert responsible for understanding user problems and implementing solutions specific to their needs.
Dr. Rajaram Venkataraman, Adviser & Mentor to GRAHAs VR, formerly Innovation Culture Practice Head, at Infosys, currently Convenor of FICCI Technology Panel, FICCI TNSC advises and guides the entire team on strategic decisions, key activities and has played a pivotal role in the growth of the organization.
The technical team headed by Kishore and ably supported by Kavin, Vignesh and others play a crucial role in the growth and success of the organization. They are the key pillars behind all the breakthrough technological implementations.
Final Word
In a startup ecosystem often driven by speed and hype, Srinivasan Yagnanarayanan is building something far more meaningful impact-driven innovation.
From rejection to global deployments, his journey proves one thing:
The strongest ideas don’t follow the system. They redefine it.
Interview by : Kashish Srivastava
