Author: Kunwer Sachdev

Kunwer Sachdev: A Pioneer of India's Power Backup Industry Kunwer Sachdev, a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of Su-kam Power Systems, is widely recognized as the "Inverter Man of India" for his revolutionary contributions to the country's power backup industry. His journey from a humble background to building a multi-crore enterprise is a testament to his resilience, innovative spirit, and unwavering determination. Born on November 16, 1962, in a middle-class family in Delhi, Sachdev's early life was marked by financial challenges. He attended a government school in Punjabi Bagh and initially aspired to become a doctor. However, after failing to secure a spot in medical college, he pursued a degree in Statistics from Hindu College, Delhi University, and later a Bachelor of Laws degree. From a young age, he displayed an entrepreneurial streak, helping his elder brother sell pens door-to-door. This early exposure to business ignited his ambition to create something of his own. Sachdev began his professional career in the cable TV industry, where he founded a company in 1988. While his cable business was profitable, a personal experience with a malfunctioning inverter sparked a new idea. He identified a significant gap in the market for reliable and efficient power backup solutions. This insight led him to pivot his career and delve into the nascent inverter manufacturing business. In 1998, with a modest investment, Kunwer Sachdev founded Su-kam Power Systems. He set out to solve the problem of frequent power outages in India by creating high-quality, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing inverters. Under his leadership, Su-kam pioneered several groundbreaking innovations in the sector, including the introduction of the country's first plastic-body inverter and DSP sinewave inverters. The company quickly became a household name, expanding its footprint not only across India but also to more than 90 countries, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. At its peak, Su-kam's annual turnover reached a remarkable Rs. 1,100 crore, establishing it as a leader in the power backup and solar energy markets. Despite its success, Su-kam's journey was not without significant challenges. The company faced a series of financial difficulties, eventually leading to a default on a substantial bank loan. This triggered a corporate insolvency process which led to the company's liquidation. As a result, Kunwer Sachdev was forced to part ways with the company he founded and was no longer associated with Su-kam Power Systems Ltd. This marked the end of an era for the pioneering company and severely impacted its distributors and customers. Following this setback, Sachdev's entrepreneurial spirit remained undeterred. He embarked on a new chapter, founding Su-vastika Systems Pvt. Ltd. This new company, referred to as the "Solar Man of India," is focused on the future of energy storage, including lithium-ion batteries and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). His new venture continues his legacy of innovation and commitment to providing sustainable energy solutions. Kunwwer Sachdev's story is an inspiring one of an individuals who saw a problem and worked tirelessly to create a solution, forever changing the landscape of the Indian power backup industry.