Parikshit “Rumi” Guhabiswas and Kc Princess Guesdan, Bowr

What’s the inspiration behind Bowr?

Bowr came from our own personal frustration while buying furniture. We couldn't understand why brands controlled all the choices like color selection and size, instead of meeting the needs of their customers. We were also confused at why furniture designs and quality are set by price brackets; you can have cheap prices with limited designs and cheap quality, or pay exorbitant amounts for hyper marked-up products. This made us ask ourselves a simple question: “How does it work?" Who sets the prices, who makes the product, is logistics really that expensive, etc.

This started our journey into the furnishing industry, and opened our eyes to how inefficient and unfair the industry is. 

What’s your team's biggest motivator? 

We always keep in mind that what we do is finally empowering people who never had any power or access. Manufacturers are the ones who work hard to make furniture, but it's the brands and middlemen who reap the profits. Furniture designers who, for example, just finished university and have a dream to leave their mark in the design world end up being the unknowns whose designs bring millions of dollars to the intermediaries.

How did you meet your co-founder? How do you work together?

Me and my co-founder met in college and have been working together since. We work well together because we have complementary traits that create the perfect work machine.

I, on one hand, am the person with the vision and ideas for how to do things or how something should look. Kc is the realist, and finds a way to implement the ideas in my head.

This is not your first time founding a company. What do you think is the most important skill founders need to succeed?

Be stubborn, and I mean really stubborn. Never give up on something that you truly believe in. If your heart stands with the mission then it will succeed—you just need to learn how to take your punches and get back on your feet.

How do you see the startup landscape around tech and design in Southeast Asia today? Are there any unique challenges or opportunities that inform your approach to risk or competition?

The landscape is still in its infancy with huge potential, as it is the next big consumer base. The challenges we faced were finding early adopters, but once we overcame that the growth has been astronomical.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced while launching your company?

The biggest challenge is bringing together all the moving parts in a supply chain, while staying true to our mission of sustainability, fairness, and empowering creators. Once we saw the full scope of how broken the system is, it was challenging to build a next generation supply chain.

Kc, what’s your experience been like as a female founder? Any advice for women looking to start their own company?

It has been more challenging as a female founder—you need to rise above the stereotypes and be more assertive to be recognized.

My advice would be to never let any situation make you feel that you are unwelcomed, and don’t ever be scared or apologize for being strong and hungry for success.

Why did you decide to raise from the crowd via Republic?

We wanted to raise from people who believe in our mission and can be a part of our success. Republic aligns with our mission: the democratization that made Republic our first and only choice.

What is your superpower?

Being calm and clear-headed under pressure or when things go the wrong way.

Do you have any unusual routines or habits? 

I play The Simpsons in the background when I work. Somehow it helps me focus.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I am a huge lover of animals and the environment. Outside of work, I raise awareness and fundraise for animal shelters and reforestation.  

Are there any apps or gadgets that you can’t live without? 

Noise cancelling headphones. By putting them on I can be in my own world where my ideas come from.

If you could give yourself one piece of advice 5 years ago, what would it be?

People will call your idea crazy. Never let that slow you down—just show them what crazy can do.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

The best piece of advice I got was, never do something for money. Give your 100%, and always fight for fairness, and the money will come to you. 

Do you have a(ny) mentor(s)? If so, what have they taught you?

My parents. My moral compass, and pretty much everything I do, is based on the foundation of what they taught me.