KE Pulse 3rd Edition May 2026 by KanaraEntrepreneurs

The Entrepreneurial Heartbeat

a n o t e f r o m i v a n

Dear KE Family,

As we bring you this new edition of KE Pulse, we do so at a time when the global business environment continues to test the resilience of entrepreneurs everywhere

The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have created uncertainty across markets and placed added pressure on businesses, particularly the small & medium enterprises that form the backbone of our economies in both Dubai and India.

Yet history has consistently shown that entrepreneurship thrives not merely in stability, but through periods of challenge and transformation Entrepreneurs are builders by nature We adapt, innovate, and move forward even when circumstances demand caution and resilience in equal measure

In this context, the role of strong communities becomes even more important. KE was founded on the belief that knowledge shared is strength multiplied. Today, that philosophy matters more than ever.

Across industries and geographies, our members continue to support one another through mentorship, collaboration, and the exchange of practical insights that help businesses navigate uncertainty with greater confidence.

What makes KE special is not only the diversity of businesses within our network, but the spirit with which our members engage with openness, humility, and a genuine willingness to uplift others Whether through partnerships, guidance, or simply encouragement at the right moment, these connections create meaningful impact far beyond business alone.

As we move through the remainder of 2026, let us remain focused on building enterprises that are resilient, ethical, and future-ready Let us continue investing in relationships, supporting emerging entrepreneurs, and strengthening the ecosystem that binds our community across borders

I encourage each of you to engage actively with this edition, celebrate the achievements of fellow members, and continue contributing to the collective growth of our KE family.

In uncertain times, strong communities matter even more And together, I believe we will not only navigate these challenges, but emerge stronger from them

Warm regards,

Ivan Fernandes Global Chairman Kanara Entrepreneurs

Waves of Grit: Stories Written in Courage, Launched in Community

Some books inform. Some inspire.

Waves of Grit does both, and it carries something rarer still: the lived truth of 29 entrepreneurs who built their businesses not from blueprints, but from instinct, setback, and stubborn perseverance

Kanara Entrepreneurs launched its maiden publication on February 1 at Paalana Bhavan, Bengaluru, at an evening that felt less like a book launch and more like a homecoming. Twentythree of the 29 authors were present, joined by family, well-wishers, and KE members who filled the room with the kind of pride that only comes from watching something long in the making

The idea, planted by Immediate Past President Claudius Pereira and carried to fruition by James Coelho, KE Director of Membership, began simply as most meaningful things do.

A desire to document the entrepreneurial journeys of KE's lead members, not for posterity alone, but to hand something lasting to the generation that follows. As James described it, the book is about people who learned business by doing it, breaking it, fixing it, and doing it again

Chief guest Fr Denzil Lobo SJ drew a natural connection between Waves of Grit and Angela Duckworth's landmark work on passion and perseverance, while guest of honour Anil Lobo grounded the evening in community heritage, invoking philanthropist Michael D'Souza's words, "Mai Baap, Mai Bhas ani Mai Ganv" as values woven into the book's very fabric KE Bangalore President Pramod D'Souza closed with Napoleon Hill's enduring reminder: "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve "

The evening ended with autograph queues, proud smiles, and the quiet recognition that KE had done something that would outlast any single event Waves of Grit is not just a book It is an act of generosity toward every young entrepreneur who doesn't yet know what they're capable of.

Available at joyofgifting.com

KE DUBAI

James Mendonca honoured with the Pejavara Sri Vishveshathirth Jivamana Sadanha Prashasthi during the Pejavara Vishveshathirth Namana 2025 at Pejavara Vishveshathirth Vedike, Vadiraja Mantapa, Mangalore.

Shashi Punjabi, featured by C-Suite Networks in collaboration with IMET Worldwide and ZOC Learnings, is recognised for his work in building intelligent, secure, and scalable digital ecosystems across the Middle East and Africa.

KE BANGALORE

KE Bangalore President, Pramod D’Souza, Co-Founder of Eagle10 Ventures, was featured in Indian Startup Times, highlighting his transition from Product Leadership to Venture Capital domain

KE BANGALORE

Paul George, was conferred a Doctorate in Materials and Supply Chain Management from Kennedy University, USA.

Lead Member, Nigel Fernandes, CEO of ATC Publishers and Arclight Global Pvt. Ltd, was conferred the Papal Knighthood of the Order of St. Sylvester at the 37th CCBI Plenary Assembly in Bengaluru.

Deccapel Fashions Pvt. Ltd., led by Lead Members Adrian D'Souza and Clarence Pereira alongside Member Lavina D'Souza, has been awarded ZED Gold Certification under the MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme in recognition of their commitment to sustainable and responsible manufacturing.

Rayan Aranha, VP at Hospitality, Brigade Group, featured in Hotelier India Magazine for his perspective on regenerative hospitality and the travel trends shaping 2026.

KE BANGALORE

Frank Coelho was recognised with the Rotary International Avenue of Service Award for outstanding service and commitment to the community.

Michael Baptist and Manoj Baptist, Co-Founders of Farmland Rainwater Harvesting Systems, were recipients of the Water Transversality Global Award 2026 in New Delhi, recognising their work in rainwater harvesting.

Luvena Rangel & Jyoti Menezes featured in Unstoppable Women, a coffee table book published by Dimensions Global in Mumbai.

Adv. Priscilla Samuel received the recent Dimensions Global Give to Gain award for her commitment to justice, peace, and advocacy.

KE BANGALORE

Amith Prabhu, Director of February Networks, received global recognition at the PRO PR Globe Awards in the Balkan region

Elements by Rosetta, Varca, Goa, led by Lead Member Errol Fernandes, scored an outstanding 9.6/10 at the Booking.com Traveller Review Awards 2026.

Keith Machado, Founder and MD of Orione Hydraulics Pvt. Ltd., was awarded Excellence in Industrial Product Development & Manufacturing 2025–26.

KE Dubai Kicks Off 2026 with First Business Breakfast Meet

KE Dubai hosted its first Business Breakfast Meet of the year at the residence of Avil Pinto in Mirdiff, Dubai, bringing together 20 members for a morning of networking, collaboration, and strategic dialogue.

The gathering opened with a welcome address by Dorothy Fernandes, President of KE Dubai, followed by a Strategic Outlook for the Year

delivered by Ivan Fernandes, Global Chairman, KE, outlining opportunities and KE's growth roadmap for the year ahead The session was facilitated by Venzil, whose energy ensured a lively and seamless flow of conversation throughout.

Two new members were introduced at the event: Joel Saldanha, Managing Partner of Amina Ladies Salon LLC, and Kenneth Fredrick D'Souza, Founder and CEO of Kens World2Door Cargo LLC, both sharing their entrepreneurial journeys and key learnings with the group Avil Pinto, CoFounder and Director of Itecksys LLC, added an interactive dimension to the session by facilitating a goal-setting discussion, encouraging members to align their ambitions with actionable strategies for the year ahead

The morning concluded with active networking and a strong sense of community, a fitting start to what promises to be an impactful year for KE Dubai.

KE Dubai Members Gather for Networking Meet in BurJuman

KE Dubai member Avil Pinto hosted an informal networking meet-up at Filli Cafe, BurJuman, on April 11, bringing together 12 professionals, existing KE members, and new participants for an evening of meaningful connection and conversation.

Each attendee had the opportunity to introduce themselves and share their professional background The discussion gained such momentum that the group ended up spending over two hours together. Many continued well beyond the formal session, exchanging ideas discussing ways to collaborate

A simple but effective reminder that the KE network is built on authentic, in-person connections.

KE Dubai Success NRI Taxation Masterclass 2026

KE Dubai hosted an online webinar titled NRI Taxation Masterclass 2026 on April 25, bringing together Non-Resident Indians from across the globe to navigate the evolving complexities of Indian tax regulations

The 60-minute session was led by CA Arun Peter Vaz, Co-Founder and Director of Transformatrix Global Pvt. Ltd. and a seasoned finance professional with over two decades of experience in audit, assurance, and regulatory compliance. His session focused on the implications of the New Tax Bill 2025 for NRIs, covering residential status and tax liability, TDS on property transactions, capital gains, NRE/NRO account considerations, and the compliance essentials every NRI must address Real case scenarios brought the discussion to life, illustrating how small oversights can lead to significant penalties.

The session was opened by Vinisha Menezes with an introduction to KE's mission, followed by a welcome from KE Dubai President Dorothy Fernandes. The Q&A was moderated by Venzil Fernandes, who helped address participant queries alongside the speaker

As CA Arun Vaz summed it up plainly: "Compliance is not the burden. Ignorance is."

KE Goa Hosts Vision X 2026 From Vision to Venture

The Kanara Entrepreneurs Goa Chapter brought together 30 aspiring entrepreneurs at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre on January 11 for Vision X Goa 2026, a day-long session designed to inspire youth and equip them with the foundations of entrepreneurial thinking.

The programme was opened by KE Goa President Baylon Sequeira, and anchored by emcee Rhona Gama e Menezes, Director of Marketing. A keynote by Peter Anil Rego set the tone, followed by a session from Claudius Pereira on what it truly takes to build a business drawn from personal experience and hard-won lessons. Pramod D'Souza, President, KE Bangalore, addressed the practical realities of funding and fundraising, equipping participants with actionable knowledge on raising capital.

The highlight of the day was the ‘Idea to Action’ Workshop, where participants worked in groups to develop and present business ideas, bringing together creativity, collaboration, and real-world thinking in equal measure An open house and Q&A led by Sunil Attavar closed the formal programme, with participants sharing feedback and discussing future opportunities.

The event concluded with a networking lunch, leaving participants motivated and better prepared to take their next entrepreneurial step.

KE Goa Members' Meet: Where Professionals and Businesses Meet

The KE Goa brought together 30 professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners at the Mini Hall, Pilar Pilgrim Centre, on April 16 for its Members' Meet, an evening of knowledge sharing, business pitches, and meaningful connection

The gathering was welcomed by KE Goa President Baylon Sequeira Vaz and anchored by Adv Ninio J. Correia, who kept the programme flowing with ease. The highlight of the evening was a talk by Architect Jose Noronha on ethics in business, a session that drew on his professional experience to make the case for integrity and trust as the true foundations of long-term success

The business pitch segment featured two members Thomas Noronha of Orion Automation brought over three decades of industry experience to his presentation, weaving in the role of faith and moral values as guiding principles in business. Gavin Pinto of Orion Auto Services spoke candidly about the challenges of navigating regulatory hurdles and the discipline of reinvesting profits to drive continuous growth.

Rhona Gama e Menezes, Director of Marketing, delivered the vote of thanks, and the evening concluded with dinner on the lawns giving members space to unwind, connect, and carry the conversations forward

Founders' Fiesta:

When Success is Defined by the Joys Within the Journey

KE Bangalore opened the year with one of its biggest Founders' Fiesta sessions yet, welcoming 85 registered members at the Catholic Club on January 9. The evening featured Dr. Anthony V. Pais, Professor of Surgical Oncology and Clinical Director of the EVEN Group of Hospitals and HOSMAT Hospital, Sadashivnagar, whose nearly four decades in oncology have been shaped as much by struggle as by accomplishment.

A Civil Engineering graduate from MIT Manipal, Dr Pais

spoke candidly about early years marked by academic difficulty and financial hardship, crediting sport with instilling the discipline and focus that carried him through. His journey spanned Tata Memorial Hospital, Kidwai Memorial Cancer Institute, St. John's Medical College, King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia, and Johns Hopkins in the United States, culminating in the establishment of the first dedicated breast unit in South India in 2008 She went on to a corporate career before making the bold decision to step away and build something of her own.

The evening stood out for the heartfelt personal testimonies shared by members, reflecting the rare grace and humility Dr. Pais brings to his work. KE Bangalore President Pramod D'Souza presented a memento in recognition of his time and generosity

Founders' Fiesta: We Didn't Plan to Be Entrepreneurs… But Here We Are

KE Bangalore's Founders' Fiesta returned on February 28 with an inspiring morning session featuring Sabitha Lasrado, whose entrepreneurial journey was never planned but built steadily through discipline, experience, and an unwavering commitment to quality Members gathered from 7:30 AM for a networking breakfast before settling in for a candid conversation introduced by Sunil Attavar, Director of Mentoring.

Growing up in Valencia, Mangalore, Sabitha was shaped by her father's entrepreneurial instincts and her mother's resilience. A Civil Engineering graduate from MIT Manipal, Dr. Pais spoke candidly about early years marked by academic difficulty and financial hardship, crediting sport with instilling the discipline and focus that carried him through His journey spanned Tata Memorial Hospital, Kidwai Memorial Cancer Institute, St. John's Medical College, King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia, and Johns Hopkins in the United States, culminating in the establishment of the first dedicated breast unit in South India in 2008. She went on to a corporate career before making the bold decision to step away and build something of her own.

Her firm has since completed over 2,900 projects with zero marketing expenditure, growing entirely through referrals On-time delivery, technical expertise, and a culture of daily upskilling have been the consistent differentiators. The session concluded with a Q&A and memento presentation by Leena Lobo, Director of Membership

Founders' Fiesta: Build Boldly, Stay Grounded

KE Bangalore's 28th edition of Founders' Fiesta brought members to Konkan Samudai Bhavan on April 11 for an evening that traded conventional success narratives for something more valuable, hard-won, ground-level wisdom. The featured speaker was Adrian D'Souza, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Deccan Group of Companies, whose journey offered equal parts candour, humour, and practical insight

Adrian's reflections touched on the realities of building a business, cutting losses early, doubling down on strengths, experimenting fast when the stakes are small, and structuring finances intelligently. He spoke of the workforce as the true architect of any win, and of culture as something felt rather than pitched, noting that while English connects minds, local language connects hearts

Beyond business, he brought the evening back to what sustains the long journey: family, presence, and the quiet discipline of staying grounded while chasing growth.

The evening opened with a prayer and a welcome hymn by Nadia D'Souza KE President Pramod D'Souza and Director of Mentorship Sunil Attavar shared reflections on the Founders' Fiesta and KE Mentorship Program, while Founder President Charles Gomes presented a memento of appreciation

KE Women's Meet: Nourishing Women with Knowledge for Lifelong Health

KE Bangalore's Women's Meet on January 17 brought 34 women entrepreneurs to the Rotary Club, Ulsoor, for a morning centred on health, nutrition, and meaningful connection The session was anchored by Aishwarya Toppo and opened with a prayer by Laura Gonsalves over a shared Indian breakfast

The highlight was ‘Women's Nutrition Uncovered’ . led by Shona Prabhu, Founder of Nutrifymydiet, who addressed preventive health and shared practical insights into women ' s nutritional needs across key life stages from hormonal transitions to menopause and metabolic reset. A nutrition-themed icebreaker and Nutrition Bingo added energy to the morning, while an interactive Q&A brought strong participation from the room

Shona Prabhu was felicitated with a KE memento and fruit hamper by Anitha Gomes, and quiz winners were recognised on the day. Laveena D'Souza welcomed Silvian Noronha of the Rotary Club, expressing appreciation for his support of women entrepreneurs and for providing the venue.

KE Women's Meet: Connection, Celebration, and Community

KE Bangalore's Women's Meet on March 28 brought members together at Century Club for an evening of reflection, friendly competition, and genuine celebration. Anchored by MC Andrea D'Souza and opened with a prayer by Brenda Fernandes, the evening was thoughtfully curated

A gratitude exercise led by Jyoti Menezes set a reflective tone early, followed by an icebreaker and eight teams competing across eight games facilitated by Sabitha Lasrado, Jyoti Menezes, and Laveena D'Souza.

Two talks added depth, Dr. Uma on oral health across hormonal life stages, and Aruba Kabir on ambition and self-care As the formal programme concluded, DJ Joyson set the mood for an evening that ended with dancing, dinner, and conversations that reflected exactly what the KE Women's community is built on.

KE GenNow Meet: Coffee, Creativity, and Candid Conversations

KE GenNow gathered at Ouzo, Indiranagar, for an evening hosted by Lead Member Errol Fernandes, CMD of Ferns Estates & Developers, one that blended entrepreneurial insight with hands-on creativity in equal measure

The session opened with an immersive coffee workshop led by Rahul Alvares of Tiny Tiger, who walked members through the science behind the pour from traditional Vietnamese coffee to signature specialty brews. Members stepped behind the counter themselves, leaving with a renewed appreciation for their daily caffeine ritual

Preine Pereira followed with a showcase of her home décor brand, Palasa, setting the stage for a case study led by Errol Fernandes that transitioned into an open brainstorming session Members exchanged candid feedback, cross-industry ideas, and strategic support for one another's ventures, exactly the kind of peer engagement GenNow is built on The event was coordinated by Dr Bryan Menezes and Carol Pereira.

The evening concluded with a toast to Errol for his exceptional hospitality, over signature cocktails and a gourmet dinner.

KE GenNow Jive Workshop: Finding the Groove Together

KE GenNow took 17 members off the beaten path and onto the dance floor for a Jive Workshop that turned out to be about far more than footwork.

The session opened with a lively icebreaker by Maria Faustina, breaking barriers and setting the tone before instructor Elton Joy D'Souza led the group through trust exercises and resistance training, building coordination and connection before a single jive step was attempted. What

followed was a room full of laughter, rhythm, and the kind of energy that only comes from trying something completely new together

Missteps became moments of bonding. Small wins were celebrated loudly. And careful steps gradually gave way to effortless movement as the group found their groove

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, the energy electric, and the impact, by all accounts, lasting. Another reminder that the best learning often happens when fun leads the way.

KE Bangalore Hosts 'Leading Growth Together' Mentoring Session

KE Bangalore convened 37 lead members at Century Club on March 20 for a leadership team meeting that placed mentoring firmly at its centre

The highlight of the evening was a structured initiative titled Leading Growth Together, in which 14 KE members engaged in focused breakout sessions with groups of two to three mentors drawn from the leadership team covering business challenges, growth aspirations, and strategic direction

For several early-stage entrepreneurs, the session offered particular clarity on business planning and actionable next steps Sunil Attavar, Director of Mentoring, briefed the team on mentor responsibilities and the importance of confidentiality, while President Pramod D'Souza urged the leadership team toward deeper commitment to nurturing new entrepreneurs within the community

Leena Lobo, Director of Membership, inducted six new members and shared updates on an upcoming youth programme in Mangaluru in collaboration with Rachana Mangalore, MCC Bank, and Daijiworld. Roshan Sequeira and Eugene Mathias unveiled plans for KE Konnect, scheduled for April 18 in Bengaluru The evening concluded with networking and a fellowship dinner

KE Members' Meet: Businesses Collaborate, Communities Grow

Kanara Entrepreneurs opened 2026 with its first Members' Meet at The Grand Magrath, Bengaluru, on February 13 President Pramod D'Souza opened with a poignant eulogy on the untimely passing of KE member Nikhil D'Costa, before ten new members across law, travel, design, and choral music were formally inducted by Sunil Attavar.

In his address, Pramod spoke to the power of

collaboration, citing partnerships between KE Bangalore and Dubai members and the recent launch of ‘Waves of Grit’ as proof of what collective effort can achieve Guest speaker Rajeev Krishnan, former MD and CEO of Spar Hypermarkets and former EVP at Walmart India, held the room with a deeply human account of leadership, loss, and resilience his message simple: collaboration drives growth, and failing fast while listening faster is how real progress is made.

Business pitches from Rishika Miranda and Nigel Fernandes, and testimonials from Deon Gomes and David Istacky, added depth to the evening. A proud moment came with the announcement of Nigel Fernandes being conferred the Papal Knighthood of the Order of St Sylvester, with Claudius Pereira presenting a commemorative felicitation on the night.

KE Konnect 2.0: Where Business, Community, and Energy Came Together

KE Bangalore's second edition of KE Konnect brought 240 participants and 33 businesses together at The Capitol, Bengaluru, on April 18, a vibrant evening of visibility, engagement, and genuine business potential.

The Business Expo spanned technology, services, lifestyle, and creative enterprises, drawing sustained footfall throughout. A signature-based stall interaction ensured every exhibitor had meaningful engagement, while a Housie segment with a bumper prize and 40 curated prizes brought collective energy to the room. A drum circle and live music by KE members Luvena Rangel, Thomas Manil Rego, Sangeeth Rego, Sharon Chang, Sabitha Lasrado and Coreen D'Souza Fareed, kept the atmosphere warm and the audience fully involved.

Exhibitors reported strong, relevant footfall and meaningful conversations, the kind that translate into real opportunity.

The event was anchored by Deon Gomes, Andrea D'Souza, and Rishika Miranda, with Housie led by Bosco. The organising team, Pramod D'Souza, Sunil Attavar, Roshan Sequeira, Leena Lobo, Vijay Lobo, Zaveena Lobo, Eugene Mathias, and Jyoti Menezes ensured the evening ran seamlessly

K n o w l e d g e

e n t r e

The Silent Evolution: How Passive IT Infrastructure is Transforming Small-Scale Industries in the AI Era

By Dorothy Fernandes President, KE Dubai

Imagine the IT system in a small factory, shop, or office as a human body The computers, servers, and software are like the heart and brain they do the active work. But what holds everything together? The “bones and nerves ” the passive parts that don’t consume power but are extremely important These include cables, racks, power sockets, cooling systems, and neatly arranged wiring. This is called passive IT infrastructure.

For small businesses with 10 to 100 people, this foundation has changed a lot over the years and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is about to make it even smarter.

The Old Days: Simple and Messy (Before 2010)

Twenty years ago, most small companies had a very basic setup. A few computers and one server were kept in a small room or even a cupboard Wires hung loosely along the walls Cooling came from a normal air conditioner or just fans. Power came from ordinary wall sockets.

It was cheap at first, but problems were common Cables got tangled, servers got too hot, and dust collected everywhere. If one wire got damaged or the power tripped, the whole business could stop for hours or even days Adding new computers meant more mess Many small business owners lost money and time because of these simple but frequent problems.

Today: Cleaner, Smarter,

and

More Reliable

Things have improved a lot. Small businesses now use structured cabling thick, high-quality wires (like Cat6 or fibre cables) that are neatly installed and labelled Servers sit in proper metal racks with good cable management. Many companies mix their own small setup with cloud services like Google, Microsoft Azure, or Amazon

For example:

A small manufacturing unit uses sensors on machines (Internet of Things) that need strong, reliable wiring.

A retail shop has point-of-sale systems that stay connected without frequent breakdowns

This modern passive setup gives better speed, fewer breakdowns, and easier growth. Electricity bills are lower because of better cooling and power management Many small companies now hire outside IT experts (Managed Service Providers) instead of keeping a full-time technician.

The Future: AI Makes Passive Infrastructure Intelligent

The exciting part is what’s coming next. AI is turning these “silent” parts into a smart system that can think ahead

Here’s how it will help small businesses:

Predicts Problems Before They Happen

Small sensors placed on racks, cables, and cooling units collect data on temperature, humidity, and vibration AI studies this data and warns you days or weeks before something fails

Example: It can tell you a cable is getting weak or a fan is getting old so you fix it before your business stops

2.Saves Electricity and Money

AI can automatically adjust cooling and power use according to how busy your systems are In hot countries like ours, this can reduce electricity costs by 15–30%. For a small factory, that’s real savings every month

3.Supports New AI Tools

Many small businesses want to use AI for quality checking, sales prediction, or customer service

These need powerful small servers (edge computing). Good passive infrastructure strong racks, proper cooling, and fast cables makes this possible without spending lakhs on a big data centre.

4 Easier Management

You will get simple mobile apps that show the health of your entire setup. AI can even suggest the best upgrades for your growing business

Why Should Small Businesses Care?

Less Downtime = More Profit

Lower Costs over time

Easy to grow when the business expands Ready for the Future whether you want to add AI cameras, smart machines, or online systems

Final Thoughts

Passive IT infrastructure may not be flashy, but it is the hidden foundation of every successful small business. From messy wires in a corner room to intelligent, AI-powered systems that prevent problems automatically this silent evolution is helping small industries become more competitive, efficient, and future-ready.

Small business owners who understand and upgrade this foundation today will be the ones who thrive tomorrow in the AI world. The good news? You don’t need to be a technology expert. Start simple, think long-term, and let AI do the heavy thinking for you