Interview with Mayank Shekhar, Founder, Legal Bites
Content :
Interviewer - Ayushi Gurnani
1. Can you share a bit about your background? When and what inspired you to start your venture?
I come from a strong legal background, currently pursuing my PhD from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. My journey in law began with a deep fascination for justice, ethics, and the legal systems that uphold our society. The idea for Legal Bites was born out of a realization during my early legal education—there was a gap in the availability of affordable, high-quality legal resources that could help students and young professionals alike. The inspiration to start Legal Bites came from my desire to bridge this gap and make legal education accessible to a wider audience. I envisioned a platform that not only provided study materials but also fostered a sense of legal awareness and community.
2. Could you explain the mission and vision of your organization? What are some of the key programs and initiatives that Legal Bites offers to students and young professionals?
The mission of Legal Bites is to democratize legal education by making it accessible, affordable, and of the highest quality. Our vision is to become the leading platform for legal education in India and beyond, nurturing a generation of well-informed legal professionals and scholars. We aim to instill a sense of legal awareness in society, making legal knowledge more approachable and actionable for everyone.
Some of the key programs and initiatives we offer include:
1. Comprehensive Online Law Library: Covering a wide array of subjects that are essential for judiciary entrances and other competitive exams.
2. Monthly Legal Updates and Case Analyses: Keeping our users informed about the latest developments in the legal world.
3. Interviews with Leading Legal Professionals: Providing insights from experienced practitioners to inspire and guide our audience.
4. Legal General Knowledge Resources: Helping students and professionals stay updated with essential legal knowledge and current affairs.
3. As you know, every success comes with challenges. What were the challenges you faced and still face? How did you overcome them?
The journey of building Legal Bites has been filled with challenges. One of the major challenges was ensuring that our content remained up-to-date and relevant, given the ever-evolving nature of law. Another challenge was making our platform widely accessible while maintaining affordability. We also faced the hurdle of building credibility in a crowded market.
To overcome these challenges, we focused on building a strong team of passionate and knowledgeable individuals. Our strategy involved a commitment to quality—ensuring that every piece of content we produce is well-researched and meticulously curated. We also embraced technology to improve accessibility and user experience, constantly innovating to meet the needs of our users.
4. What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur? Who was your inspiration?
My key driving force was the desire to create something impactful—something that could make a real difference in the legal education landscape. I wanted to empower students and young professionals with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed. My inspiration comes from the many educators, legal professionals, and entrepreneurs who have dedicated their lives to making education more accessible and meaningful. The work of pioneers like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and modern-day entrepreneurs like Ramanuj Mukherjee and Tanuj Kalia in the legal ed-tech space has been particularly influential.
5. How did you raise funding for your venture?
Legal Bites was initially bootstrapped with personal savings and revenue generated from our early services. As the platform grew and its potential became evident, we attracted interest from institutions on national repute who shared our vision of transforming legal education. We are fortunate to secure few B2B partnerships at this nascent stage.
6. What is the definition of success for you? Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
For me, success is not just about financial growth or recognition; it's about creating a positive impact. Success means seeing our users benefit from the resources we provide and knowing that we’ve contributed to their professional journeys. I believe that while there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success, certain principles are essential—such as perseverance, a clear vision, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the market you serve. Being passionate about your work and staying committed to your mission, even in the face of challenges, is key.
7. How has your journey with your company impacted your personal and professional growth?
The journey with Legal Bites has been incredibly enriching on both personal and professional fronts. On a personal level, it has taught me the value of resilience, patience, and continuous learning. I have grown as a leader, learning to navigate the complexities of managing a team, driving innovation, and making strategic decisions. Professionally, it has expanded my horizons, giving me a deeper understanding of the legal education landscape and the challenges faced by students and young professionals. It has also provided me with numerous opportunities to network with and learn from industry leaders.
8. What has been your most satisfying moment in your own business?
One of the most satisfying moments was when Legal Bites was recognized as the 'Best Legal Edtech Platform 2023 - India' under the Legal Awards 2023 by APAC Insider. This recognition validated the hard work and dedication of our team and reinforced our belief in our mission. However, beyond awards, the most fulfilling moments are when I receive messages from students and professionals who credit Legal Bites with helping them succeed in their exams or careers. Knowing that we’ve made a tangible difference in someone’s life is incredibly rewarding.
This version reflects the correct award recognition. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to adjust!
9. What strategies do you use to stay motivated and focused?
Staying motivated and focused requires a combination of passion, discipline, and a clear vision. I set short-term and long-term goals for myself and the company, regularly reviewing our progress and adjusting our strategies as needed. Surrounding myself with a passionate and driven team also keeps me energized. I find motivation in the success stories of our users and the positive feedback we receive. Additionally, I make it a point to stay connected with the latest trends and developments in both the legal and educational sectors, which helps me stay focused on our mission.
10. What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who are looking to start their own ventures? What qualities do you think are essential for an entrepreneur to succeed?
My advice to young entrepreneurs would be to start with a clear vision of what you want to achieve and be prepared for a challenging yet rewarding journey. It’s important to be passionate about your venture because that passion will carry you through the tough times. Resilience is key—there will be setbacks, but each one is an opportunity to learn and grow. Also, never underestimate the importance of building a strong network of mentors, advisors, and peers who can provide guidance and support.
Essential qualities for success include:
• Adaptability: The ability to pivot when necessary and respond to changing market conditions.
• Persistence: Sticking with your vision, even when things get tough.
• Continuous Learning: Always be open to new ideas and never stop learning.
• Empathy: Understand the needs of your customers and your team. Building a venture is not just about profit; it’s about creating value for others.
By embracing these qualities, young entrepreneurs can increase their chances of building a successful and impactful venture.
For more details visit www.legalbites.in