Suneil Chawla and Vikas Chawla burst on the digital marketing landscape ten years ago when they co-founded Social Beat in Chennai. Today, Social Beat is one of the country’s leading digital marketing companies, and the Chawla brothers have significantly impacted how businesses approach online marketing in India. This article delves into their career journeys, business ventures, educational background, early life, and insights into Social Beat’s rise to leadership.
Early Life and Education
Suneil and Vikas Chawla are brothers born and raised in Chennai, India, where they went to the reputed Don Bosco school. Both of them pursued a degree in Commerce from the well-known Loyola College, Madras, to begin with, before embarking on diverse paths for education and career.
Suneil enrolled in the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, one of India’s premier business schools, specializing in marketing and strategy. His time at IIM Ahmedabad equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex world of global business.
Vikas, on the other hand, completed his management education at the London School of Economics (LSE) with a Masters in Management, Organisation & Governance.
Career Beginnings
After completing his education, Suneil joined Bain Consulting, and worked with them in Mumbai, India, Bangkok, Thailand and Boston, USA, honing his skills in solving business challenges. However, Suneil’s interest in entrepreneurship soon took over, leading him to explore the start-up ecosystem. His early ventures included Koolkart, an online social shopping platform, where he gained significant experience that set the stage for his future endeavours. Vikas, on the other hand, was first with the Taj group in Chennai, then with the Murugappa Group where he rose to become Head of Digital at TI Cycles.
Founding Social Beat
In 2012, Suneil and Vikas Chawla co-founded Social Beat. Their vision was to create a digital marketing company that could help businesses leverage the power of online marketing to drive growth and engagement. Over the years, Social Beat has grown into one of India’s top digital marketing agencies, with a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from startups to established enterprises.
Under their leadership, Social Beat has expanded its services to include digital media management including brand and performance marketing, SEO & content marketing, social media management, video production, technology services, marketing automation, data analytics, and more. The agency is known for its innovative campaigns and data-driven approach, which have helped numerous brands achieve their marketing goals.
Business Growth and Revenue
Social Beat’s growth trajectory has been impressive. The agency has established offices in major Indian cities, including Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi, allowing it to serve clients across the country effectively. The company has also built a strong team of over 300 professionals who bring a wealth of expertise and creativity to the table.
The company has productised services for influencer marketing, D2C and marketplace promotions, and language content and promotions on digital. Their technology team has also developed a platform for monitoring & managing their digital campaigns live on dashboards for greater effectiveness and transparency.
Social Beat has seen consistent growth in revenue year on year. While specific figures are not publicly disclosed, industry estimates suggest that the agency’s annual revenue is in multi-million-dollars. This financial success is a testament to the value Social Beat delivers to its clients and the effective leadership of Suneil and Vikas Chawla.
Vision and Future Plans
The Chawla brothers are also passionate about nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and marketers. They frequently accept speaking engagements and mentorship programs, sharing Their insights and experiences to inspire others.
