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Aditya Mani
Founder, YOLOgram - (Your Hologram) ▫️ Have fun Styling yourself with Brands ▫️ Share playful animated stories to Social AR & the Metaverse ▫️ Playable Commerce ▫️ Immersive Storytelling ▫️ Phygital NFTs ▫️ AR VR XR WEB3
Professional Background
Aditya Mani is a trailblazer in the digital fashion landscape and the innovative mind behind YOLOgram, a groundbreaking direct-to-avatar platform where consumers can style their avatars with branded wearables. Aditya has a remarkable ability to blend technology and creativity, allowing users to share immersive stories across their social networks. With decades of experience that spans multiple industries, Aditya's venture into digital fashion spotlights a unique intersection where branding and consumer creativity coexist.
As the founder of YOLOgram, Aditya is at the forefront of the evolving digital fashion scene, pioneering methods that enhance consumer engagement. His approach to digital fashion is underpinned by a profound understanding of Augmented Reality (AR), the metaverse, and 3D commerce. Aditya places immense importance on the role of avatars as brand ambassadors, facilitating a new form of storytelling that resonates in our increasingly digital world.
In addition to his role at YOLOgram, Aditya serves as an advisor for the Retail Industry at the Academy of International Extended Reality (AIXR) and is on the advisory board of the Metaverse Standards Forum. His influence stretches far beyond mere fashion; he's also actively involved with the Metaverse Fashion Council, showcasing his commitment to setting standards and driving innovative practices in the intersection of technology and style.
Education and Achievements
Aditya's exemplary educational background has laid the groundwork for his multifaceted career. He earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of California, Irvine, providing him with a strong technical foundation. In addition, he has an associate's degree in Computer Engineering from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and his educational journey began at Delhi Public School - R. K. Puram.
Throughout his career, Aditya has pursued continuous learning to stay ahead in the fast-paced technological landscape. He has completed multiple professional development programs from prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, IIM Ahmedabad, and the Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad. This dedication to education not only showcases his drive for personal growth but also equips him with knowledge and skills to make impactful contributions to his ventures.
With a successful entrepreneurial background characterized by numerous exits over two decades, Aditya has demonstrated excellence in consulting, design thinking, and strategy. At Acuis, where he served as Managing Partner, his leadership in the mobility and cloud sectors was noteworthy. He was pivotal in defining various industry 'firsts' in Asian healthcare by creating interoperable medical apps that facilitated standardized interfaces and seamless integration within healthcare systems.
One of Aditya's major accomplishments at Acuis was leading the sales of acuVena, where he achieved an impressive 100% year-over-year growth. His ability to drive business success through innovative technological solutions underscores his prowess as a serial entrepreneur.
Notable Contributions to Organizations
Aditya has held numerous positions of influence in various organizations, showcasing his extensive network and commitment to enhancing the digital commerce landscape. His roles have included:
- Formerly Co-Chair for Retail at AIXR, where he led initiatives focused on integrating immersive technology into retail practices.
- Formerly Co-Chair for India at the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), exemplifying his dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in India.
- Formerly Co-Chair for Retail at the VR/AR Association (VRARA), supporting the interplay of virtual and augmented reality in retail experiences.
- Chair of the Digital Fashion Wearables Working Group at the Metaverse Standards Forum, where he contributed to establishing norms and standards in digital fashion.
- Advisory Board member of the Metaverse Fashion Council, influencing the future of fashion in digital realms.
Aditya's role as a Founding Member of the Executive Council Network (ECN) and The Fashion DAO indicates his active participation in shaping the future of digital fashion and its implications in broader contexts. His previous advisory role in the Entertainment Group at AIXR illustrates a commitment to integrating different aspects of digital experience in entertainment and fashion. His versatile experience makes him a versatile leader capable of navigating the complexities of emerging technologies in fashion and retail.
Vision for the Future
Aditya Mani envisions a future where the digital and physical worlds meld seamlessly through the use of avatars in self-expression. His understanding of digital fashion goes beyond aesthetics; it merges commerce with creativity, challenging the current paradigms of shopping. He believes that D2A (Direct-to-Avatar) platforms will redefine consumer interaction, making shopping an enjoyable experience rather than a transactional one. Aditya asserts that as the Metaverse evolves, our engagement will hinge on digital humans that allow individuals to explore identities and creativity in unprecedented ways.
Aditya's vision positions him as a thought leader in shaping how we will shop and create in virtual spaces. By focusing on the integration of AR, gaming, and social networking, he strives to ensure that digital fashion is not merely a trend but a transformative force that empowers consumers to express themselves in novel ways. The future of fashion, as he sees it, will be one where purpose and play converge, providing a unique blend of commerce, creativity, and community.
As digital realities continue to unfold, Aditya's contributions in the arena of digital fashion and technology will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the industry landscape.
Conclusion
In summary, Aditya Mani is not just a founder but a visionary changing the way we perceive and interact with fashion in the digital age. His extensive experience, educational background, and unyielding passion for innovation make him a standout figure in the fashion technology sector. With his finger firmly on the pulse of the latest trends and technologies, Aditya Mani is poised to lead the charge in creating a vibrant, engaging, and sustainable future for digital fashion.
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