Utsav Somani, founder of Offline, explains that his organisation builds exclusive communities for high-growth founders. By fostering deep peer-to-peer connections, Offline empowers members to navigate challenges, unlock new opportunities, and achieve tremendous success through shared learning and collaborative ventures.
Can you share the vision behind Offline and what inspired you to create a private members’ community for scaled-up founders?
Offline was born from the realization that scaling founders often lack a trusted network for honest conversations. Our vision is to create a close-knit community where founders can share insights, navigate challenges, and support one another. Inspired by platforms like Tiger 21, we wanted to foster a space focused on peer learning, personal growth, and meaningful connections. Offline bridges the gap between ambition and shared experience, offering founders a sanctuary to thrive, both professionally and personally.
How does Offline distinguish itself from other entrepreneur networks, and what unique value does it offer its members?
Offline prioritizes deep, peer-led connections over broad networking. Our small, curated groups (pods) are led by executive coaches, ensuring focused discussions. Unlike traditional networks, we emphasize personal growth alongside professional milestones through retreats, leadership treks, and expert resources. Members gain access to a high-trust environment where they can openly discuss challenges, collaborate on ideas, and build lifelong relationships. This holistic approach sets us apart.
What motivated the decision to expand Offline from India into the UAE, and why was this region a strategic choice?
The UAE is a global hub for innovation, with strong government support for entrepreneurship and a vibrant ecosystem of diverse founders. Its strategic location as a gateway to the Middle East and Africa aligns with our vision of creating cross-border synergies. Expanding here allows us to connect Indian founders with UAE entrepreneurs, fostering collaborations that can lead to transformative outcomes.
How does Offline plan to integrate local UAE entrepreneurs with its existing community of India’s top founders?
We’re fostering cross-border collaboration through joint events, curated pods, and retreats designed to encourage interaction. By pairing complementary founders based on industry and expertise, we ensure meaningful exchanges. Additionally, our focus on addressing shared challenges—like scaling globally and navigating regulations—helps bridge cultural and market differences, building a unified community.
What challenges did you face while bringing Offline to the UAE, and how did you overcome them?
Adapting our India-focused model to the UAE required understanding local cultural and business nuances. Building trust with UAE entrepreneurs was crucial, so we partnered with local ecosystem leaders to co-host events and establish credibility. We also tailored our offerings to align with the UAE’s entrepreneurial landscape, ensuring relevance and value for members.
Can you share some examples of the success stories or synergies achieved through Offline’s community in India? How do you envision replicating them in the UAE?
In India, Offline has facilitated partnerships, joint ventures, and even co-founder matches. One founder pivoted their business model based on pod discussions, achieving rapid growth. In the UAE, we aim to replicate this by creating spaces for open dialogue and structured collaborations, while leveraging the region’s strengths in global trade and innovation.
What kind of founders or businesses are you targeting in the UAE, and what criteria do you use to select members for the community?
We target founders with a proven track record—scaling startups, securing significant funding, or achieving impactful exits. Beyond metrics, we look for members with a collaborative mindset, openness to learning, and a commitment to community engagement. Founders in tech, fintech, and global trade-focused sectors are particularly aligned with our UAE goals.
Looking ahead, how do you plan to scale Offline further in the UAE and other regions, and what are your long-term goals for the initiative?
Our next phase involves expanding pods and hosting flagship events to engage local founders deeply. We’ll continue building cross-border initiatives between India, the UAE, and other innovation hubs. Long-term, our goal is to establish Offline as the go-to community for scaling founders worldwide, creating a global network of trust, growth, and collaboration.
