Read about Yash's start-up, an International Student Mobility startup support international students on their study abroad journeys.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and describe your current business.
I'm Yash Gulati, founder of Inforens, an International Student Mobility startup endorsed by UK Government that is transforming the international student experience. Our platform connects aspiring international students with current students and alumni from top global universities, providing personalized guidance throughout their study abroad journey.
How did you come up with the idea, and what problem does it address?
The idea for Inforens came from my own experiences as an international student. I realized that while there was a lot of generic advice available, what prospective international students truly needed was personalized help from those who had recently navigated the same path. Inforens addresses this gap by using the power of lived experiences, connecting prospective students with mentors who can offer practical, unbiased advice on university selection, program choices, and adapting to life in a new country. Additionally, we provide support to current international students through memberships which include career workshops, social events and Pocket friendly Travel.
What inspired you to pursue entrepreneurship while or after your education at Queen Mary?
My time at Queen Mary University of London was transformative. It exposed me to a diverse, international community and highlighted the challenges faced by students pursuing education abroad. This experience, combined with my passion for making a difference, inspired me to turn Inforens from a project into a full-fledged business. I saw an opportunity to make quality advice through current students and scholarship opportunities accessible to talented students from all backgrounds. We are proud to be the bridge for thousands of international students, making their international mobility easier.
What were your goals at the beginning of your journey and how did they change/evolve throughout time?
Initially, my goal, delivered through Inforens, was simply to provide better guidance for university applications. However, as we grew, I realized the potential to support students throughout their entire international education journey. This led me to expand our services to include mentoring, career guidance, and community building.
How do you deal with fear, doubts?
One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to unexpected global events, such as political tensions between countries. We've had to quickly change our approach to address student concerns about safety and geopolitical issues, in addition to academic advice. Overcoming these challenges has required constant learning, flexibility, and a deep commitment to our mission. Dealing with fear and doubts is part of the entrepreneurial journey. I've learned to accept these feelings as opportunities for growth. Surrounding myself with a supportive network, including mentors and fellow entrepreneurs, has been crucial in navigating uncertain times.
How have you used entrepreneurship for positive social change, and what impact have you seen in your community or industry, if any?
I've created a platform that not only helps students access international education but also provides opportunities for current international students to gain valuable work experience as mentors. This dual impact creates a cycle of support and empowerment within the international student community. Our community engagement initiatives focus on career development, social connections, travel opportunities, and financial rewards. These are designed to give students a well-rounded experience during their time abroad. I am particularly proud of our efforts to support students in navigating post-study work opportunities, including the PSW route and sponsored visas, ensuring they can build successful careers after graduation. To date, we've supported over 800 students with making scholarship accessible, and we're seeing a ripple effect of positive change as these students go on to inspire and support others in their communities.
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates who are interested in pursuing entrepreneurship?
To current students and recent graduates considering entrepreneurship, I would say: