Author: Aditya Pareek | EQMint | Founder Stories
In an age where innovation defines success, few entrepreneurs embody multidimensional leadership like Rahul H. Kakkad — the young visionary behind TruSense TV. A name increasingly associated with India’s new generation of tech-driven founders, Rahul’s entrepreneurial story spans industries — from automotive and FMCG to consumer electronics.
Rahul’s professional DNA was shaped early. Coming from a family rooted in industrial distribution and manufacturing — with his father, Harish Kakkad, steering UltraMile Tyres — he grew up immersed in the mechanics of business, brand-building, and market expansion.
But Rahul always had a larger ambition: to blend technology and consumer experience in a way that redefines how Indians live, work, and connect.
Early Life and Education: Building a Global Perspective
Rahul H. Kakkad holds a degree in Engineering and Business from the University of Southern California (USC) — one of the world’s most prestigious innovation-driven institutions. His time in the U.S. exposed him to the culture of design thinking, product innovation, and consumer-first technology.
During his USC years, Rahul was not just an academic achiever but also a national-level swimmer, a discipline that shaped his leadership traits — resilience, focus, and a relentless drive for precision.
His education in both engineering and business gave him a rare dual perspective: the technical understanding of how products work and the business insight into how markets grow.
First Ventures: The Entrepreneurial Foundation
Before venturing into consumer technology, Rahul cut his teeth in the automotive sector. Alongside his family, he was instrumental in driving UltraMile Tyres into one of India’s fastest-growing tyre brands. His contributions focused on innovation, branding, and product diversification, ensuring that UltraMile wasn’t just a tyre manufacturer but a mobility solutions brand.
Through UltraMile, Rahul learned to navigate supply chains, retail partnerships, and the importance of creating value-led products.
But even as the company grew, Rahul felt a pull toward something more personal — something closer to the everyday life of consumers. He envisioned products that merged technology, emotion, and lifestyle — leading to the birth of his next ventures.
POSHN: A Step Toward Consumer Wellness
Before founding TruSense TV, Rahul launched POSHN Functional SuperJuice, a premium wellness beverage brand designed to meet the nutritional needs of India’s urban youth.
POSHN was his first independent step as a founder. The brand reflected his understanding of India’s evolving health and lifestyle preferences — focusing on natural, functional, and ready-to-drink formats.
This experience not only strengthened his operational foundation but also taught him how to position a brand in a crowded consumer market. It gave him deep insight into digital marketing, product design, and building a narrative that connects emotionally with audiences.
The Spark Behind TruSense TV
By 2022, Rahul saw a massive gap in India’s home entertainment market. While global smart TV brands dominated shelves, there was little innovation in experience. He realized that most TVs were still being marketed as “screens,” not as interactive, adaptive devices that could enhance users’ lives.
That insight led to the creation of TruSense TV, a brand built on three core principles:
- Intuitive Technology: TVs powered by AI and webOS ThinQ that understand user preferences and simplify interaction.
- Smart Aesthetics: Sleek, modern designs crafted for contemporary Indian homes.
- Meaningful Innovation: Bringing premium features like 4K UHD, HDR10, and Dolby Digital to accessible price points.
Rahul didn’t just want to compete with existing global brands — he wanted to redefine what a smart TV means in India.
As he puts it: “Technology should feel instinctive — not intimidating. A true smart device should make your home feel more human.”
Building TruSense: Innovation Meets Insight
Under Rahul’s leadership, TruSense TV quickly positioned itself as a next-generation entertainment brand. From its intuitive UI to its voice-assistant integration, every element was designed around how people actually watch TV today.
The brand’s webOS ThinQ AI interface — powered by artificial intelligence — enables seamless navigation, voice control, and cross-platform content curation. Beyond features, TruSense focuses on creating an emotional connection with its users — making the experience feel personal, adaptive, and effortless.
By the end of its first year, TruSense had established strong digital distribution, built partnerships with retail networks, and developed a loyal user base — a remarkable feat in a segment dominated by multinational giants.
The brand is now gearing up to launch a new line of premium acoustic devices — including portable speakers, home speakers, and soundbars — designed to deliver studio-grade sound with the same philosophy of simplicity, intelligence, and design elegance.
Leadership Philosophy: The ‘Tru’ in TruSense
At the core of Rahul’s leadership lies one simple philosophy — Empathy through Design. He believes every great product begins with understanding the human behind the user.
Whether it’s a TV, a tyre, or a juice bottle, Rahul’s design-first mindset ensures that every product is functional, aesthetic, and emotionally intelligent.
He often speaks about the need for purposeful innovation: “If technology doesn’t simplify lives, it’s not innovation — it’s noise. At TruSense, we build for experience, not specs.”
Challenges and Resilience
Launching a consumer-tech brand in India is no small feat. Rahul faced several hurdles — from sourcing reliable components amid global chip shortages to differentiating in a price-sensitive market.
But his resilience, honed through years of cross-industry experience, kept him focused. By combining engineering discipline with brand empathy, Rahul created a company culture that thrives on agility and collaboration.
TruSense’s early success stands as proof that even in competitive markets, vision and execution can outperform scale.
A Broader Vision for India’s Smart Future
Looking ahead, Rahul envisions TruSense not merely as a TV brand but as a smart living ecosystem. The company is already exploring integration with IoT devices, home automation systems, and AI-driven personalization — laying the foundation for a truly connected home experience.
At the same time, he continues to mentor young entrepreneurs, advocate for Indian product innovation, and invest in local manufacturing.
His story — from the tyre tracks of UltraMile to the AI screens of TruSense — is not just about diversification; it’s about evolution.
Founder Lessons from Rahul H. Kakkad
- Innovation begins with empathy. Understand your user before you engineer your product.
- Cross-industry thinking breeds creativity. Insights from one field can revolutionize another.
- Technology must humanize, not complicate.
- Build for impact, not applause. Focus on value creation over visibility.
- Keep evolving. Reinvention is the only way to stay relevant.
Closing Line
From building tyres that move India’s highways to creating TVs that connect India’s homes, Rahul H. Kakkad’s journey is a masterclass in vision, versatility, and value creation.
He represents a new generation of Indian entrepreneurs who believe innovation is not confined to one industry — it’s a mindset. And with TruSense TV, Rahul is not just changing how India watches television — he’s reimagining how India experiences technology.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on information available from public sources. It has not been reported by EQMint journalists. EQMint has compiled and presented the content for informational purposes only and does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Readers are advised to verify details independently before relying on them.
