Poolside Insights for Sustainable Impact with Ravi Kurani (#22)

In this episode of the Everyday Innovation podcast, I explore the entrepreneurial journey of Ravi Kurani, founder of Sutro, a company that has redefined water monitoring through cutting-edge technology.

[Link to InnovatorOS companion guide, Product Market Fit & Sustainable ROI exercises: https://go.everydayinnovation.io/insightsforimpact]

We discuss how his unique background inspired Sutro and how he has expanded his impact through the Liquid Assets podcast, which explores water-related issues, and through his role as an entrepreneur-in-residence.

Ravi shares insights on building an ecosystem of impact, leveraging networks like founder groups, and scaling ventures that drive meaningful change in sustainability and beyond.Ravi’s commitment to water extends beyond business; he serves as a Board Member of Friends of the River, advocating for the preservation of California’s waterways.

His dedication to sustainable business models is also reflected in his work as a Frontier Market Scout Fellow with Sanghata Global.

A TEDx speaker and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Ravi remains grounded in the experiences that have shaped his journey, including his active role in the Hampton community, supporting digital-first founders.Books and Resources Mentioned: - “Armada” by Ernest Cline - Sci-Fi novel exploring futuristic technologies. - “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu - Classic work on military strategy and philosophy. - “The Medium is the Massage” by Marshall McLuhan - An exploration of how media shapes human experience.Key Takeaways as Advice: 1. Incorporate Diverse Inspiration: Draw innovation from unexpected sources, like Sci-Fi, to inspire creative solutions in your entrepreneurial journey. 2. Stay Humble: Keep your ego in check to remain open to learning and growth. 3. Validate Early and Often: Use low-cost MVPs to test ideas and gather real-world feedback before heavy investment. 4. Embrace Challenges: Understand that building products (especially hardware and IoT )is tough, but focus on the user experience and data insights. 5. Leverage Feedback: Actively seek and implement user feedback to continuously improve your product. 6. Think Beyond Your Product: Consider how your technology can expand into other industries for greater impact. 7. Reconnect In-Person: Don’t underestimate the power of face-to-face networking and community building at any stage of entrepreneurship. 8. Focus on Sustainability: Recognize the critical role of water and energy in sustainability efforts, and aim to contribute positively. 9. Start and Refine: Begin creating content, like podcasts or blogs, even if it’s not perfect—refinement comes with practice. 10. Engage with Communities: Build and engage with communities around your brand or mission to amplify your impact and learn from others.Chapter Timestamps • The Value of Sci-Fi in Innovation (00:01:30) • Ravi’s Morning and Evening Reading Habits (00:03:10) • Humility and Ego in Innovation (00:05:20) • From Pool Boy to Sutro (00:07:05) • Validating the Sutro Idea (00:10:00) • The Challenges of Hardware and IoT (00:12:40) • Using PMF Surveys for Product Improvement (00:15:10) • Sutro’s Impact on Water and Sustainability (00:18:30) • Expansion into Agriculture and Food Industries (00:20:50) • Transitioning from Founder to Acquired (00:24:00) • The Power of Networking Post-Pandemic (00:26:20) • Liquid Assets Podcast (00:29:40) • Lessons Learned from Podcasting (00:32:00) • Water Misuse and Recycling (00:34:50) • The Role of Energy in Water Sustainability (00:37:10) • Entrepreneur in Residence Role (00:39:20) • What Everyday Innovation Means to Ravi (00:41:00) • Final Thoughts and Where to Find Ravi (00:43:00)Connect with RaviLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuraniravi/