New Delhi: At the age of 16, when teenagers are focused on enjoying life, Devita Saraf dedicated herself to mastering the knowledge of business. She studied international market from California and honed her understanding of the business world. She returned to her country and ventured into establishing her own company. At the young age of 25, she was included in Fortune India’s list of 50 Most Powerful Women of India. Devita Saraf is the CEO and Chairperson of the VU Group. 

Devita Saraf’s background

Devita Saraf’s father, Rajkumar Saraf is the owner of the company Zenith Computers. She was born and brought up in Mumbai. Devita along with her siblings, attended company offices and meetings from a young age. Balancing her studies, she delved into the business world with assistance from her father. Her father’s technology related business, sparked an early inspiration to make a mark in the same industry. 

Launch of the company

During her time in California, Devita Saraf learned that India can compete with top global companies in the sector of technology. She earned a degree from Harvard University. Devita embarked on her entrepreneurial journey when tech giants like Google and Apple aimed to bridge the gap between mobile and computer. She launched VU TV, offering a unique blend of TV and computers, that supports various streaming services like Hotstar and YouTube. 

Increasing demand

Devita Saraf’s VU TVs are more like advanced computers than TVs. The company also makes high-definition TVs that are compatible with Android devices. She had laid the foundation of the company at the age of 24, and the venture turned profitable in 2012 with a turnover of Rs 540 crore. Today, VU TV products are available in 60 countries globally, boasting a customer base in India of more than 10 lakh. 

Overcoming challenges

Establishing a business as a woman was challenging for Devita Saraf. Initially, she faced scepticism due to gender bias, with people not taking her seriously as a girl. She did not pay heed to the discrimination and worked hard to launch her company. Her success in the business world changed the perceptions of people. Notably, she participated in the 2017 meeting of Young CEOs with Prime Minister Modi.