Highlights

• Piyush’s personal journey inspires the inception of Khul Ke, emphasizing depth in interactions.
• More than a social media platform, Khul Ke aims at fostering value-driven ecosystems for students.
• Cutting-edge AI and ML tools to address privacy and minimize content censorship on Khul Ke.
• A dual-revenue model with advertising and ecosystem-centric approaches to drive profitability.

Q: Piyush, could you share what inspired you to create the Khul Ke app?

A: Of course. My journey with social networking platforms was once filled with enthusiasm.

I spent considerable hours, sometimes stretching to 10-12 hours a day, engaging and posting content over a span of five years.

Yet, upon introspection, I felt there was a lack of depth in these interactions. Despite being virtual communities connecting millions, the genuine connection and meaningfulness seemed amiss. This void drove my motivation for Khul Ke.

Looking at the staggering user numbers, I questioned the societal impact of these platforms.

From an economics perspective, I firmly believe in the principle that an enterprise needs to serve a tangible societal benefit to remain relevant and enduring.

With this ethos, my vision for Khul Ke was to bring Indians from diverse backgrounds together, emphasizing depth, value, and substance in their interactions.

Q: How would you describe Khul Ke in your own words?

A: Khul Ke is more than just another social media platform; it’s a call to action, inviting users to actively contribute and partake in the creation of unique and value-driven ecosystems.

Our primary outreach is towards educational institutions.
By providing a platform for students to dive into meaningful debates and gain exposure to the myriad cultures and languages of India, we aim to enrich their holistic growth.

Just as a stone loses its rough edges and becomes smooth with the continuous flow of a river, we aspire for students, through varied and rich interactions on Khul Ke, to evolve into well-rounded, informed individuals.

Q: Privacy and censorship are significant concerns for any social media platform. How does Khul Ke address these issues?

A: Indeed, these are pivotal issues in today’s digital age. Censorship, while necessary in some cases, can often be a double-edged sword.

However, by fostering a platform ethos that champions meaningful and responsible discourse, the reliance on censorship can be considerably diminished.

While eliminating the need for censorship entirely might be a tall order, its necessity can be minimized to specific instances.

By leveraging cutting-edge AI and ML tools, we aim to have a more surgical approach in identifying and addressing content concerns, rather than blanketed measures that might curb genuine expressions.

Q: Every social media platform aims for profitability. You’ve mentioned fundraising, but could you clarify Khul Ke’s future revenue streams?

A: Certainly. We envision a dual-revenue model. About 40% will stem from advertising.

However, unlike many platforms where advertising dictates content direction, our commitment to platform integrity is unwavering.

Drawing from my experiences as an advertiser, I can attest that content direction and advertising spend are, in most instances, mutually exclusive.

The remaining 60% of our revenue is expected to arise from opportunities presented by our unique ecosystem-centric approach.

This approach is akin to community-building, where value is derived from interconnected ecosystems working in synergy.

Q: In the coming five years, where do you envision Khul Ke’s position in the Indian market?

A: Five years down the line, I see Khul Ke as a beacon in the educational space, offering a harmonious blend of learning and interaction.

Our goal is to foster a nationwide ecosystem where students and academics converge, sharing knowledge, ideas, and cultures.

This educational core will serve as the foundational pillar, catalysing the formation of other ecosystems, such as ones dedicated to scientific discourse, artistic collaborations, and more.

With India’s youth demographic, this focus on education, combined with purpose-driven interactions, will resonate with the next generation, steering them towards meaningful digital interactions.

FAQs

What drove Piyush to create the Khul Ke app?

Piyush’s extensive experience with social media platforms made him realize the lack of depth in online interactions. Khul Ke was his response to this void, intending to foster genuine connections and meaningful discourse.

How does Khul Ke stand apart from other social media platforms?

Khul Ke focuses on creating value-driven ecosystems, especially targeting educational institutions. It aims to enrich students’ growth through diverse interactions, debates, and exposure to India’s myriad cultures.

How does Khul Ke tackle concerns of privacy and censorship?

Khul Ke emphasizes meaningful and responsible discourse, minimizing the need for broad censorship. It uses AI and ML tools for a more precise approach to content concerns.

What is Khul Ke’s envisioned revenue model?

Khul Ke plans a dual-revenue model, with 40% from advertising and 60% from its unique ecosystem-centric approach. This strategy aims to derive value from interconnected ecosystems working in harmony.

Also Read: Khul Ke: The New Indian App Revolutionising Open Expression