In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Co-Founder & CEO of Beaconstac, Sharat Potharaju. Sharat Potharaju shared Beaconstac's vision of connecting the physical and digital worlds. Their primary tool? QR codes. These simple yet powerful codes are the core technology behind many large brands and businesses that use Beaconstac's platform to deploy innovative marketing techniques. These codes have been around since the 90s, initially used for supply chain purposes. However, they experienced a renaissance about ten years ago when iOS and Android made it easier to scan QR codes using a phone's camera. The recent pandemic further propelled the use of QR codes, providing a safe, contactless interaction method. Sharat explained that creating a simple QR code is free and can be done using various free QR code generators available online. However, Beaconstac offers more than just simple QR code generation. Their robust marketing automation platform allows for more sophisticated features like retargeting, analytics, and persona building. Sharat drew a parallel between the evolution of email marketing and what Beaconstac aims to achieve with QR code-based marketing. Just as email started as a communication tool and transformed into a robust customer engagement platform, Beaconstac aims to democratize the use of technologies like QR codes. They provide building blocks for marketers and developers to create unique use cases.

Key Points from the Episode:

Explanation of Beaconstac's vision and use of QR codes for digital customer engagement
History of QR codes and their resurgence in popularity
Process of generating a QR code and the additional features offered by Beaconstac's platform
Comparison of Beaconstac's technology to the evolution of email marketing
Beaconstac's approach to working with larger companies and customization
Examples of notable companies Beaconstac has worked with
Emphasis on the suitability of Beaconstac's platform for businesses of all sizes

About Sharat Potharaju:

Sharat Potharaju is the Co-founder and CEO of Beaconstac, responsible for crafting the overall strategy and execution. Sharat is dedicated to achieving Beaconstac’s vision to enable digital connection with every physical object and place on the planet. Before his entrepreneurial career, Sharat spent a few years working in investment banking at Merrill Lynch in New York. Sharat holds a master’s degree in engineering management from...

1628 – Connecting the Real World and the Digital World with Beaconstac’s Sharat Potharaju

The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

1628 – Connecting the Real World and the Digital World with Beaconstac’s Sharat Potharaju