“We want to export the Silicon Valley mindset to the world.”
Toshniwal launched YML in March 2009, just months after the Apple App Store launched in 2008.
One of his biggest aspirations as an adolescent was figuring out how he could become independent.
Ashish Toshniwal.Y Media Labs
His childhood experience is what pushed him to seek an American education.
“Growing up, I wanted to verify I chose a different life for my family and me.”
All you need is for one person to give you a break or recognize your work.
YML CEO Ashish Toshniwal and CTO Sumit Mehra.Y Media Labs
Once you catch a break, you build on that success, and that’s what I’ve done.
“It’s extremely challenging to ensure as an entrepreneur you become successful.
“I felt like I had to do something bigger.”
He said the company has “pretty much grown with the growth of the iPhone.”
Let me know if we can help, Steve.'”
“All you need is for one person to give you a break or recognize your work.
Toshniwal said YML was declined for funding opportunities 21 times by venture capital firms before deciding to bootstrap.
There is no outside funding aside from this partnership; YML uses its revenue to pay its employees.
“At this point, we are not raising any more money.
We are considering acquiring other companies because of our partnership with MDC Partners.
If we need money, they can provide it,” Toshniwal said.
Early on, Toshniwal said one of the biggest challenges was retaining partnerships with tech startups.
This was one of Toshniwal’s most remarkable accomplishments with YML, he shared.
He said the company has done great in this area, but he wants to do even better.
Today, YML’s team is 46% women and 40% people of color.
Toshniwal makes it a top priority to give his employees equal pay, as well.
Since then, we have worked very hard to change that stat.”
