Interview with Payal Jain, Founder & CEO of Funngro, a pioneering teenlancer firm

A exclusive interview with Payal Jain, woman entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of Funngro, a pioneering teenlancer firm

Meet Payal Jain, the visionary Founder and CEO of Funngro, a groundbreaking teenlancer firm that emerged on the scene in 2021 with a compelling mission. With a commitment to empower teenagers, Funngro aims to nurture financial independence and cultivate responsible citizenship among the youth.

Payal Jain’s journey reflects a passion for harnessing the potential of young minds and channeling their creativity towards meaningful endeavors. Established as a platform bridging astute companies with ingenious teenage talent, Funngro has become a trailblazer in the realm of teen entrepreneurship.

Recently, the company achieved a significant milestone by securing a substantial funding of Rs. 50 lakhs from Shark Tank India, a testament to the dedication and impact of Funngro in realizing its mission.

Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to establish Funngro?

Payal Jain: I was raised in a modest household in the charming town of Nimach, which is close to Udaipur, and I was given the opportunity to follow my ambitions. My parents were there for me at every turn, and their encouragement helped me develop into a self-assured person.

Even though I worked for two decades in prestigious firms as an engineer and analyst, my entrepreneurial spirit—which comes from my family’s business—made me want more, particularly when it came to children’s education.

Observing my daughter’s admirable traits—intelligence, sensitivity, and brilliance—inspired me to write Funngro. Even though my spouse and I are responsible parents, we realised we hadn’t given her financial education. This discovery led to the founding of Funngro, whose goal is to empower every 12 to 18-year-old with comprehensive insights into the world of money, particularly the intricacies of earning it. Since that moment, there’s been no looking back on this fulfilling journey.

What motivated you to focus specifically on empowering teenagers through   Funngro?

Payal Jain: The major reason I started Funngro was because of my daughter, as parents nowadays tend to give their kids everything, but they don’t always prepare them for the working world. While attending school makes you more diligent, it does not provide you with the practical skills necessary to succeed in all areas of life.

I’ve also worked in digital payments for three years, so I’ve seen firsthand how these generations are affected by financial exposure. That concerned me and got me to thinking about how we are forcing these younger generations to spend money before teaching them what it means to earn it.

What role does teenlancing play in the overall development of teenagers, and how does Funngro contribute to this aspect?

Payal Jain: Funngro provides a dependable and effective platform for businesses and teen freelancers (ages 14 to 22) to interact, work together, and prosper in the freelancing market. It guarantees the teenagers’ holistic development and helps youngsters realise their potential by providing them with a rare chance to work with various companies and obtain real-world experience. 

Teens succeed in the future when they receive the proper exposure. 

How does Funngro identify and nurture the skills of teenagers, and what kind of opportunities do you provide for them to showcase and enhance their talents?

Payal Jain: Funngro encourages teenagers to assess themselves and identify their skills. It encourages them to follow their passion and assists them in discovering it. We support students in developing these abilities by having them work on actual projects, comprehend the difficulties and specifics, and be given the clarity to choose their own path. In order to enhance their abilities and set them apart, we also provide study programmes centred around these concepts.

All of the hands-on learning helps them become strong, self-assured, and clear about the job and further education paths they want to take.

In promoting financial independence, what strategies or tools does Funngro employ to ensure a responsible approach among teenagers?

Payal Jain: Funngro focuses on getting people to work and create money, which is a relatively straightforward method. As you begin your financial journey, you learn what abilities are necessary to do the job, effective communication techniques, time management techniques, and the consequences of not being devoted to your profession. This realistic strategy increases accountability and responsibility. All of our young freelancers have noticed a significant shift in their lives once they began making money. 

What are the future plans for Funngro, both in terms of expanding its reach and introducing new initiatives?

Payal Jain: Funngro aspires to be the Future of Teens’ Synonym. Everybody between the ages of 14 and 22 will have access to our platform in order to learn first and then earn. We have a strategy in place to thoroughly cover every skill needed by every working person in order to prepare them for success.

Encouraging education programmes focused on hard skills, partnerships with large corporations to provide opportunities for on-the-job training, and top-notch coaches assisting teen freelancers with their soft skill development.

Funngro will be a parallel platform running along with the school for practical learning and identifying their career path at an early age.

If you could give one piece of advice to teenagers aspiring to be a part of Funngro or pursue their passions, what would it be?

Payal Jain: Act now! There are many distractions in today’s world, so if you can train your mind to focus on your dream, you will have an advantage over the competition. While everyone else is occupied with OTT and social media platforms, you will excel in all areas if you start concentrating on yourself.

Is there anything else you would like to share about Funngro, its mission, or the impact it has had on teenagers’ lives?

Payal Jain: Funngro has an amazing community of over a million teenlancers that use the platform regularly. The effect has been enormous, providing thousands of teenagers with worthwhile opportunities. They have not only found their passions through Funngro, but they have also learned valuable lessons about time management, commitment, and the transformational power of perseverance.

It is more than just a platform; it is a driving force behind positive transformation in the lives of young people, influencing their futures one chance at a time.

What message would you like to convey to those who are interested in the work Funngro is doing or are considering getting involved?

Payal Jain: “To those who are interested in participating in the meaningful work that Funngro is promoting or who are thinking about doing so, don’t pass up the chance to be a part of a life-changing experience! Funngro is more than just a platform; it’s a community that’s changing the way teenagers see the world by giving them opportunities, skills, and priceless life lessons.

Come along with us as we cultivate a generation of self-assured, adept, and empowered people. Your participation can have a big impact on how these teenagers’ futures turn out. Together, let’s create something amazing at Funngro!”

What is your success tips for women entrepreneurs

Payal Jain: Have faith in your skills and your vision. The cornerstone of success is self-confidence. Embrace a network of fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and advisors who will support you. Ask for advice and remain inquisitive and dedicated to lifelong learning.

Establish attainable short- and long-term goals. Having a plan will help you stay focused and direct your efforts. You have to develop resilience to overcome obstacles and adjust to change

In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, Payal Jain stands as a beacon of innovation and empowerment. As the Founder and CEO of Funngro, her commitment to fostering financial independence and responsible citizenship among teenagers has not only shaped the trajectory of young lives but has also garnered recognition and support.

The recent infusion of Rs. 50 lakhs from Shark Tank India solidifies Funngro’s position as a transformative force in the teenlancer space. Payal Jain’s leadership continues to steer Funngro towards new horizons, where the platform serves as a dynamic conduit for companies seeking fresh, inventive perspectives from the brightest teenage talents.

The story of Funngro is not just one of entrepreneurial success but a testament to the profound impact that can be achieved when visionary leadership meets the boundless potential of youth.

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