Open to exciting opportunities

Hi, I'm Anup.

Product Owner

I build products that people love and businesses rely on. From bootstrapping an OTT platform to 5 million users, to leading enterprise AI automation at American Express, to composing music that reaches 80K+ YouTube subscribers — I turn complex problems into elegant, scalable solutions.

MBA from IIM Shillong · B.Tech from NIT Agartala · Based in Gurugram, India

anup_sarkar.profile
const anup = {
  role: "Product Owner",
  company: "American Express",
  experience: "5+ years",
  usersImpacted: "5,000,000+",
  youtubeSubscribers: "80,000+",
  education: [
    "MBA — IIM Shillong",
    "B.Tech — NIT Agartala"
  ],
  passions: [
    "Building Products",
    "AI & Automation",
    "Music Composition",
    "Cricket"
  ],
  superpower: "Turning 0 → 1"
};
0
Users Impacted
0
YouTube Subscribers
0
People Led (NGO)
0
Hours Saved / Year
0
NGO Projects
0
Releases Shipped

The Story So Far

I'm a product builder at heart — someone who sees gaps in the world and can't resist filling them with technology, music, or community action.

My journey started at NIT Agartala, where I studied Electronics & Instrumentation but spent most of my time building software and composing music. That dual perspective — understanding both hardware constraints and software possibilities, blended with a creative mind — shaped how I think about products today.

While still in college, I spotted a massive gap in India's live TV streaming space. That observation became DTH Live TV — an OTT platform I bootstrapped from literally nothing to 5 million users. I led a team of 13+ engineers, onboarded 50+ media partners, integrated 20+ ad networks, and shipped over 90 releases. The platform handled 100K+ concurrent users with 99.9% uptime.

Parallel to my tech career, I was building a Section 8 company (NGO) where I led 70+ people across 15+ projects in revenue generation, rural development, and education — because I believe technology and business should serve communities, not just shareholders.

After four years of startup life, I pursued my MBA at IIM Shillong to sharpen my strategic thinking and analytical toolkit. There, I specialized in Data Analytics and Product Management, served as an Office Bearer at bITeSys — the Product Management & Analytics Club — where I managed a budget of 5L+, organized 10+ events with 1.2K+ registrations on Unstop, hosted 5 CXOs and analytics heads for 300+ MBA students, and fostered collaborations with PM School, Product Folks, and Product Space. I also won national-level case competitions and was recognized as the Most Promising Incoming MBA Student by InsideIIM out of 1,500+ candidates nationwide.

Post-MBA, I consulted for Reliance Jio through Takshashila Consulting, where I identified new revenue verticals for JioGames (projecting 12x first-year uplift), pioneered idle resource monetization on feature phones ($0.9–1.0M/month), and led ad SDK integrations across 20+ partner games.

Today, I'm a Product Owner at American Express, where I build enterprise automation and AI-powered solutions that save hundreds of hours annually. I'm currently architecting a no-code automation platform with LLM-driven workflow creation, an AI-powered tax law tracker, and a global e-invoicing compliance system sponsored by the CFO's office.

And when I'm not building products? I'm composing music in Hindi, Bengali, and other languages, publishing original tracks on streaming platforms, and growing my YouTube channel to 80K+ subscribers. Oh, and I was a state-level cricket player too — an all-rounder who knows a thing or two about performing under pressure.

"I'm focused on a future where I can launch innovative products that address unmet needs and solve real pain points for people."

I believe the best products come from deeply understanding people's frustrations and building solutions so intuitive they feel invisible. Whether it's automating a 250-hour annual workflow, making live TV accessible to millions, or composing a song that moves someone — impact is measured by the lives you touch.

🎵

Music Composer & Artist

80K+ YouTube subscribers. Original songs published on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms. I compose in Hindi, Bengali, and more.

🏏

State-Level Cricketer

All-rounder who competed at the state level. Cricket taught me teamwork, grit, and performing under pressure — skills I carry into every product I build.

🏛️

NGO Founder (Section 8)

Founded a Section 8 company, led 70+ people across 15+ projects in rural development, education, and revenue generation for communities.

🚀

Serial Entrepreneur

Built DTH Live TV to 5M users, founded a tech company, and now working on 5 stealth-mode ventures across FinTech, Creator Economy, OTT, and more.

🚀

0 → 1 Mindset

I thrive in ambiguity. Whether it's a startup MVP or an enterprise platform, I obsess over finding the core problem and shipping the first version fast.

🎯

Data-Informed, User-Obsessed

Numbers tell stories. I combine quantitative analytics with deep user empathy to make product decisions that move needles — retention, revenue, engagement.

👥

Cross-Functional Leadership

Great products are built by great teams. I've led engineers, designers, business stakeholders, and NGO volunteers across cultures and organizational boundaries.

💡

AI-First Thinking

From LLM-powered workflow engines to AI tax law trackers, I don't just use AI — I architect products that make AI practical, reliable, and impactful.

The Professional Journey

From building a startup from scratch to driving enterprise automation at one of the world's largest financial institutions — here's a detailed look at where I've been and what I've built.

American Express

Product Owner – Automation

Full-time Gurugram / Hybrid
Jun 2025 – Present

Leading the design, strategy, and delivery of enterprise-grade automation and AI solutions across global financial operations.

  • 01Owning the end-to-end product lifecycle for enterprise automation and AI-powered platforms — from discovery and strategy through delivery — enabling scalable, self-service solutions that drive operational efficiency at global scale.
  • 02Building and shipping LLM-integrated products and no-code/low-code platforms that empower non-technical teams to automate complex workflows independently, significantly reducing engineering dependency.
  • 03Leading cross-functional, multi-geography programs across compliance, finance, and operations — shaping product architecture, aligning stakeholders, and driving execution from ideation to production deployment.
Detailed highlights are confidential — reach out to learn more

250+ hours saved annually · 60% faster automation delivery · 40% faster audit cycles

Reliance Jio

Consultant / Program Manager

Full-time Mumbai / On-Site
May 2024 – Apr 2025 · 1 year

Strategic consultant embedded within Reliance Jio's gaming division, driving revenue growth, operational efficiency, and partner ecosystem optimization across JioGames.

  • 01Identified travel as a high-potential new growth vertical for JioGames and delivered 3 comprehensive implementation blueprints, projecting a 12x first-year revenue uplift and defining a detailed 5-year strategic roadmap for diversification.
  • 02Formulated and led the implementation of an Idle Resource Monetization strategy for Jio feature phones, establishing an entirely new revenue stream projected at $0.9–1.0 million per month through innovative resource utilization.
  • 03Led JioAds SDK integration across 20+ partner games, optimizing technical implementation processes and resolving cross-platform issues, achieving a 70% reduction in ready-to-go (R2G) time and a 25% boost in ad revenue.
  • 04Designed and led the development of an internal QA analytics pipeline portal, streamlining manual tracking processes across 300+ gaming partners, saving ~40% operational effort and eliminating data discrepancies that previously caused revenue leakage.

12x revenue uplift · $0.9–1.0M/month new stream · 70% faster R2G · 25% ad revenue boost

DTH Live TV (OTT Platform)

Founder & Product Manager

Startup · Bootstrapped India
May 2018 – Jun 2022 · 4 yrs

Founded and scaled India's emerging OTT streaming platform from zero to millions of users. Wore every hat — product strategy, engineering leadership, partner management, monetization, and growth.

  • 01Built the entire OTT platform from scratch, taking it from a raw idea (0-1) and scaling it to 5M+ registered users through relentless product iteration, user feedback loops, and data-driven decision making.
  • 02Led a team of 13+ engineers in developing a scalable streaming platform across web, Android mobile, Android TV, and smart TV apps, delivering with 99.9% uptime and seamlessly supporting 100K+ concurrent users during peak hours.
  • 03Drove an agile product development process across 90+ releases, shipping 100+ high-impact enhancements including ABR (Adaptive Bitrate) streaming, multilingual subtitle support, personalized content recommendations, and advanced search.
  • 04Onboarded 50+ media partners and secured 15+ direct ad partnerships, expanding content distribution to over 500K+ monthly active users and establishing the platform as a credible player in India's streaming ecosystem.
  • 05Boosted user retention by 30% and average session duration by 20% through ABR streaming optimization, multilingual content support, and ML-powered personalized recommendations.
  • 06Implemented comprehensive ad monetization with 20+ SSP integrations and both CSAI/SSAI using Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI), increasing in-stream ad revenue by 30% while maintaining user experience quality.

5M+ users · 99.9% uptime · 100K+ concurrent · 50+ partners · 30% retention boost

Tata Consultancy Services

Software Engineer)

Full-time Kolkata / On-Site
Feb 2020 – Feb 2021 · 1 year

Built the technical foundation that would later inform product decisions around scalability, performance, and data architecture at enterprise scale.

  • 01Developed over 15 Java data-access services and REST APIs for high-performance database interactions, enabling the platform to seamlessly handle 2M+ daily transactions with sub-second response times across mission-critical applications.
  • 02Collaborated with cross-functional teams to manage and optimize 30+ enterprise-grade databases (Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL), resolving performance bottlenecks and significantly improving query response times.
  • 03Utilized advanced analytics and machine learning techniques to automate 10+ database management tasks, reducing unplanned downtime by 15% and saving the team ~10 hours per week in manual intervention.
  • 04Developed automation tooling and optimized DevOps workflows across Azure DevOps (TFS), AWS, SAP, JIRA, and ServiceNow, eliminating recurring implementation issues and accelerating delivery cycles by 20%.

2M+ daily transactions · 30+ databases managed · 15% less downtime

More Than a Product Builder

Products aren't the only things I build. From music stages to cricket fields to rural classrooms — here's the rest of the story.

🎵
80K+ YouTube Subscribers

Music Composer & Singer

I write, compose, and produce original music in Hindi, Bengali, and other languages. What started as a college hobby has grown into a serious creative pursuit — my YouTube channel has 80,000+ subscribers, and my original songs are published on Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn, Gaana, and other major streaming platforms.

Music and product building share the same DNA — understanding your audience, iterating on ideas, and creating something that resonates emotionally. Every song I compose sharpens my empathy for users.

Hindi Bengali YouTube Spotify Apple Music Original Compositions
🏏
State-Level Player

Cricket — All-Rounder

Cricket isn't just a sport I played — it was a proving ground. I competed as an all-rounder at the state level, learning to read situations, adapt strategies mid-game, and deliver under pressure. Whether batting, bowling, or fielding — I played every role the team needed.

The parallels to product leadership are uncanny: reading the match situation is like reading market signals; adapting your bowling strategy is like pivoting a product; and being an all-rounder means you can jump into any function when the team needs you most.

All-Rounder State Level Team Leadership Pressure Performance
🏛️
Section 8 Company / NGO

Social Impact Leader

I founded a Section 8 company (NGO) where I led a team of 70+ people and implemented 15+ projects across three critical domains: revenue generation, rural development, and education.

From organizing skill development workshops in remote villages to creating sustainable revenue models for community initiatives — this work taught me that the most impactful products aren't always apps. Sometimes they're programs that change how an entire community thinks about its own potential.

70+ Team 15+ Projects Rural Development Education Revenue Generation
📊
IIM Shillong

bITeSys — Product Management & Analytics Club

As an Office Bearer at bITeSys (IIM Shillong's Product Management & Analytics Club), I helped build one of the most active PM communities on campus:

  • Managed a budget of ₹5L+, organized 10+ events, and achieved 1,200+ registrations on Unstop
  • Hosted 5 CXOs and analytics heads, enabling networking opportunities for 300+ MBA students
  • Fostered collaborations and sponsorships with PM School, Product Folks, and Product Space
Product Management Analytics Event Management IIM Shillong

Stealth Mode: On 🔒

The builder never rests. I'm currently working on five ventures in stealth mode — each solving a real, underserved problem. Details are under wraps, but here's a glimpse of the domains.

💰
FinTech

Reimagining Financial Access

Building something at the intersection of financial inclusion and technology. Making money management smarter, simpler, and more accessible for the underserved.

In Development
🎬
Creator Economy

Empowering Creators

A platform designed to give independent creators — musicians, writers, artists — the tools and economics they deserve. Born from my own experience as a content creator.

In Development
📺
OTT & Streaming

Streaming, Reimagined

Taking everything I learned from building DTH Live TV to 5M users — and applying it to a next-gen streaming concept that addresses gaps I saw firsthand.

In Development
🏘️
Local Community

Connecting Neighborhoods

Building for local communities — helping neighbors connect, collaborate, and support each other. Inspired by my NGO work and the belief that strong communities build strong societies.

In Development
🎓
Professional Skills

Leveling Up Professionals

A platform for professional skill building that goes beyond courses — focusing on practical, hands-on growth for people who want to accelerate their careers.

In Development

Interested in any of these ventures? Want to collaborate, invest, or just know more?

Let's Talk

Academic & Achievements

🎓

IIM Shillong

Indian Institute of Management Shillong

June 2022 – April 2024

MBA — Data Analytics & Product Management

Specialized in Data Analytics and Product Management at one of India's premier management institutes. Developed deep expertise in strategic thinking, quantitative analysis, business case development, and cross-functional leadership.

  • Specialized in Data Analytics and Product Management with coursework spanning strategy, marketing analytics, operations research, and digital business models.
  • Office Bearer at bITeSys (Product Management & Analytics Club) — managed ₹5L+ budget, organized 10+ events, 1.2K+ registrations, hosted 5 CXOs for 300+ students.
  • Won multiple case competitions including PwC Challenge (Campus Winner & National Semi-Finalist) and Sun Tzu Strategy Competition.
  • Recognized as Most Promising Incoming MBA Student (1 out of 50) by InsideIIM, selected from over 1,500 candidates nationwide.
🎓

NIT Agartala

National Institute of Technology Agartala

July 2014 – April 2018

B.Tech — Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering

Built a strong technical foundation at one of India's National Institutes of Technology. Gained hands-on experience in circuit design, signal processing, embedded systems, and programming while developing software skills that would launch my product career.

  • Studied core engineering fundamentals including Digital Signal Processing, Control Systems, Embedded Systems, and Microprocessors — building the hardware-aware mindset that differentiates my product thinking.
  • Self-taught web development and software engineering alongside the curriculum, which directly led to founding DTH Live TV during college.
  • Participated in coding competitions and hackathons, building early experience in rapid prototyping and problem-solving under constraints.
🏆

PwC Challenge — Campus Winner & National Semi-Finalist

IIM Shillong, 2023

Won the campus round and advanced to the national semi-finals of one of India's most prestigious business case competitions.

🏆

Sun Tzu Case Competition — National Semi-Finalist

IIM Shillong, 2023

Competed at the national level demonstrating analytical rigor and innovative problem-solving against India's brightest business minds.

Most Promising Incoming MBA Student (1/50)

InsideIIM, 2022

Selected from 1,500+ candidates nationwide — recognized for entrepreneurial achievements, leadership, and academic excellence.

🏏

State-Level Cricket Player — All-Rounder

Competitive Cricket

Competed at the state level as an all-rounder, learning teamwork, adaptability, and performing under pressure in high-stakes matches.

🎵

80K+ YouTube Subscribers — Music Channel

Ongoing

Built a YouTube music channel to 80K+ subscribers with original compositions in Hindi, Bengali, and other languages, published across major streaming platforms.

🏅

Built a 5M+ User Platform as a Solo Founder

DTH Live TV, 2018-2022

Bootstrapped an OTT streaming platform from zero to 5 million users without institutional funding.

📜

Prompt Engineering for Everyone

IBM

📜

Product Management Certification

Udemy

📜

Certified Product Owner

Udemy

📜

Scrum Methodology

Udemy

📜

Product Lifecycle Management

Udemy

The Toolkit

A blend of product strategy, technical depth, and hands-on tool proficiency — built through years of shipping products, leading teams, and solving complex problems across startups and enterprises.

Product & Strategy

Core product management capabilities honed across startups and enterprises.

0-1 Product Development95%
Platform Strategy90%
Monetization & Revenue92%
Roadmapping & Prioritization90%
Data Analytics88%
Agile / Scrum93%
UI/UX Design82%
Stakeholder Management90%

Technical

Engineering and architecture skills from hands-on building and system design.

API Design & Integration88%
System Design85%
SQL & Database Design90%
Cloud (AWS / Azure)78%
AI / ML / LLMs80%
Java & Python82%
CI/CD & DevOps75%
Data Modeling83%

Tools & Platforms

The toolkit I use daily to design, track, analyze, and ship products.

JIRA / Rally / Confluence95%
Figma & Design Tools82%
Git & Version Control88%
Google Analytics / Mixpanel85%
Power BI / Tableau80%
Postman & API Testing88%
MS Power Platform78%
SQL Clients & DB Tools90%

Let's Connect

Whether you want to discuss product strategy, explore collaboration on my stealth ventures, jam on a music idea, chat about cricket, or just say hello — I'd love to hear from you. I'm always open to interesting conversations and new challenges.

Let's Build Something Together

I'm passionate about products that make a real difference. Whether you want to collaborate on my stealth ventures, need a product leader, or just want to connect over music and cricket — let's talk.

Get in Touch