As we share more of our lives online, one question looms larger than ever: Is our technology truly safe? Mahathaan, a bold new player in IT, is here to change that. In September 2023, a breakthrough venture emerged from the tech epicentres of Chennai and Bangalore. Mahathaan, an independent IT services agency founded by Hari Prasanth S known as Nammahari, set out with a powerful mission: to make technology both safer and more user-friendly for those solving the world’s toughest problems. 

This is Mahathaan’s story, one of perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to advancing Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).

Founded by Hari Prasanth S, also known as Nammahari, Mahathaan began with a simple yet ambitious mission: to assist problem solvers by making technology safer and/or more usable. This is the story of Mahathaan, a struggle, experience, and dedication to get Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).

The Origins: A Meeting of Minds

Hari Prasanth – A data scientist having his touch in a wide-scale startup in Bangladesh with many SaaS product developments met his partner, Navaneethan S during college days. They both had the interest in web development and the goal of utilising it for the betterment of society. 

After numerous efforts they realised the need to set money aside which should be equivalent to at least three months’ worth of revenues, a fact that was so important during the first few months of the business venture.

Building Mahathaan: The Challenges and Growth

Mahathaan officially launched their service targeting Indian startups and local small brands. But they soon discovered that the domestic market could not support them, as they most of the time were underpaid or not paid at all. 

They resolved it by withdrawing from the Indian market completely and instead concentrated on the international clientele, mainly from the USA, England, and the UAE.

However, it has not been a peaceful opening. It therefore tried to increase the marketing of the products in the market but rather resulted in few leads and nearly depleted cash.

A Vision for the Future: Moving Beyond Services

Mahathaan runs on a subscription basis, meaning startups and the brand can let go of the services if they feel that the job is not being done well enough. However, the company goals do not stop at simply delivering IT services. Their goal is based on advocating for the use of FOSS, and they are still in the process of creating open-source counterparts of many software applications.

Further, Mahathaan has recently appeared on the market and will develop product development, especially in the SaaS market, aiming to create reliable and available technologies for everybody and those communities where the infrastructure is still missing.

Another rather specific feature of Mahathaan is that it strives to remain rather close to its users and as clear as possible. Whereas most companies have had to adapt to the AI approach to customer services, Mahathaan is an exception. Clients can easily have direct access to the founders, which helps in maintaining mutual communications as truthful. This has the advantage of creating a more intimate connection with the clients that they are working with.

Powering Startups and FOSS advocacy

Mahathaan has goals for the future that are not merely focused on the company itself. It is exceptional love by the company for other startups; the company is ready to provide funding to help the startups grow and also assist in recruiting the best team for the startups. It is also seen that the people are providing support to various FOSS projects and communities lying in India as well as abroad.

Hari’s participation in those organisations, such as FOSS United and Google Developers Group in Chennai shows the company’s commitment toward the development of open source. Even Mahathaan supports FOSS due to the same reasons as those summed up above, which are to make technology more secure and shared amongst all people.

Looking Forward: A B2C Expansion

Now, Mahathaan serves in the B2B model, although its management has started preparing for the B2C market’s penetration. Proxies for their future products are people for different continents, with a focus on security and open source. About two decades ago, Mahathaan dreamt of the internet as a harmless place for everyone.

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Conclusion: A Journey of Persistence and Purpose

Thus, Mahathaan’s journey is an example of consistency and a purpose. Founders remain dedicated towards their vision of making the technology more secure for the people.

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