Born entrepreneurs are a different breed. Imagine launching a business at 18! Gurpreet Singh Bhasin, co-founder and COO of One Digital Entertainment, is a visionary entrepreneur who has revolutionized the digital creator economy with his innovative leadership and industry expertise.
From launching flagship mobile services at just 18 years of age while pursuing his B.Tech to co-founding a global digital video and creator network, One Digital Entertainment, Gurpreet Singh Bhasin has charted an extraordinary journey. Hailing from Punjab, his career began with entrepreneurship, eventually leading him to spearhead digital initiatives for global giants like Viacom18, Hungama, Disney, and du (UAE).
In 2012, he returned to his entrepreneurial roots by co-founding One Digital Entertainment (ODE), now a trailblazer in the creator economy. Gurpreet Singh Bhasin’s inspiring leap from corporate to entrepreneurship exemplifies bold decision-making and a relentless drive to innovate in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Also Read: From The Creator-Verse: Celebrating Big Milestones
Given that it is International Men’s Day and National Entrepreneur Day today, it’s the perfect occasion to uncover Gurpreet Singh Bhasin’s inspiring career. This thought leader’s outlook towards digital media and the creator economy will surely motivate you to realise your true potential. Let’s take a peek into this genius entrepreneur’s brain:
You began your entrepreneurial journey at 18. What inspired you to start so young, and how did those early experiences shape your perspective on business?
I have always believed in the power of action over hesitation. In 2002, India and the world was opening up to mobile content, and we saw an opportunity to create something impactful with one of India’s first mobile content services platform. It wasn’t just a venture; it was a learning ground where I understood the fundamentals of building something from scratch while pursuing my engineering degree on the side. The experience taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying ahead of the curve – values that have remained with me throughout my career.
After working with prestigious companies like Viacom18, Disney, and Hungama, what made you take that leap of faith to leave your corporate career and return to entrepreneurship?
While working with giants like Viacom18, Disney, and Hungama, I gained invaluable experience in media and digital entertainment. At the same time, I was fortunate to be a part of the digital content consumption evolution from early days of SMS based content to live video streaming.
However, I always felt the urge to create something that would leave a lasting legacy and also give me freedom to experiment. Entrepreneurship offers a unique freedom to innovate, adapt, and make a difference on your terms. The potential I saw in the digital content ecosystem combined with my early college days of entrepreneurial passion, drove me to take the leap of faith and co-found One Digital Entertainment. It was about building something transformative in the digital content and creator space.
How did the idea of founding One Digital Entertainment come about? Could you tell us about the initial vision?
The idea for One Digital Entertainment was born out of a realization that artists needed a platform that could empower them to monetize and grow their content and brand sustainably. Back in 2012, the digital creator economy in India was nascent, and we saw an opportunity to create a network that bridged the gap between content creators and the growing digital audience.
A lot of musician friends of mine as well were struggling to put their music out. Our initial vision was to provide creators and artists with the tools, resources, and partnerships they needed to thrive, and to help brands connect authentically with their audiences through digital storytelling.
What were the biggest challenges you faced while running ODE, and how did you overcome them to build one of Asia’s largest digital creator networks?
Starting out, the biggest challenge was educating the market about the value of digital content. Brands were skeptical about investing in digital creators, and creators themselves were either unsure of navigating an unstructured ecosystem. To overcome this, we focused on building trust by delivering results, creating meaningful partnerships, and helping creators grow professionally.
We literally used to scout potential creators on the street and in our daily walk of life. There were not many success digital creators in India at that time that audiences were looking up to for inspiration. Another challenge was scalability, which we addressed by developing robust systems, hiring the right talent, and continuously innovating to stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.
Having transitioned from structured corporate roles to the dynamic & fast-paced environment of building a business from scratch, what were the most significant differences in mindset or approach that you had to adopt?
In a corporate setup, there’s a defined hierarchy and access to resources. In entrepreneurship, you often have to wear multiple hats and make quick decisions with limited data and resources. The mindset shift was about embracing uncertainty, fostering a culture of experimentation, and being deeply hands-on. I learned the importance of agility, persistence, focusing on long-term impact over short-term gains and the unmatchable power of your relationships.
As a leader, especially in the creative digital space, what values and qualities do you prioritize when building and leading teams at One Digital Entertainment?
Collaboration and creativity are at the heart of everything we do at One Digital Entertainment. I prioritize creating a culture of trust where ideas can flourish. I also encourage a strong sense of ownership, where everyone feels responsible for the collective vision. Lastly, adaptability is critical, as the digital space evolves rapidly.
With the rapid evolution of digital content and the creator economy, where do you see the industry heading in the next few years? What role do you envision ODE playing in the future?
The creator economy is set to grow exponentially with technology like AI and Web 3.0 reshaping how content is created, distributed, and consumed. I believe the future lies in hyper-personalized content, immersive experiences, and a stronger emphasis on community-building. At One Digital Entertainment, we aim to stay at the forefront of these changes, empowering creators to harness new technologies, expand their global reach, and build sustainable revenue models. Our goal is to remain a leader in innovation and a trusted partner for creators worldwide.
According to Gurpreet Singh Bhasin, what are the parameters of success for the modern man?
Success for the modern man isn’t just about professional achievements; it’s about balance and impact. It’s about staying true to your values, maintaining meaningful relationships, and giving back to society. The ability to adapt, remain curious, and embrace continuous learning are also key parameters. Most importantly, success is about finding purpose and ensuring that your work contributes to something larger than yourself.
Gurpreet Singh Bhasin’s professional journey highlights the power of vision, resilience, and a deep passion for creativity & innovation. From pioneering mobile services as a teenager to contributing to the digital creator economy with One Digital Entertainment, he has consistently broken new ground. As he continues to empower creators and drive the industry forward, Gurpreet Singh Bhasin’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs to take risks, embrace change, and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination!
