In Episode 39 of The Journey Podcast, host Simarpreet Singh sits down with Kunwer Sachdev—often called “The Inverter Man of India”—to tell the dramatic story behind Su-Kam Power Systems, one of India’s most iconic inverter brands. The episode uncovers a tale of ambition, innovation, adversity, and redemption.
The Early Days: From Humble Beginnings
Kunwer Sachdev started Su-Kam from his garage, launching into a booming market for inverters in the 1990s. Through deep customer insights and efficient distribution, Su-Kam quickly grew into a household name across India.
Meteoric Growth and Innovation
Su-Kam became a pioneer in the inverter industry with cutting-edge features like LCD-based monitoring, UPS hybrid inverters, and strong after-sales support. Its core strategy focused on building trust through reliable performance, local service, and market reach.
Massive Success — Until It All Crumbled
At its peak, Su-Kam generated revenue exceeding ₹1,500 crore (over $200 million). However, the company’s rapid expansion led to overstretched capacity, poor financial discipline, and mounting debt. By 2017, Su-Kam defaulted on loans and eventually entered bankruptcy proceedings.
Lessons from Failure
Despite his initial success, Kunwer Sachdev acknowledged that mismanagement and overreach were key factors in the company’s downfall. He admitted to losing control of finances during the expansion phase, and emphasised the importance of staying grounded, drawing inspiration from Ratan Tata’s humility and long-term vision.
Advice for Aspiring Business Owners
- Stay cash-smart: no matter the level of success, financial discipline is non-negotiable.
- Pace ambitions: growth plans should not outstrip the capacity to deliver.
- Integrity matters: a business is best built on honesty and reliability.
- Be transparent: reflecting openly helps others learn from the journey.
Final Takeaway
The podcast is more than a success story — it is a cautionary tale. Kunwer Sachdev’s rise from a modest garage to industry leadership, followed by a dramatic downfall, offers lessons in business, leadership and life that both inspire and instruct.
Further Reading
The fuller arc of that journey is captured across several public records. More of his story is documented on his Wikipedia profile and across SolarManOfIndia.com, while Su-Kam’s company history is recorded on Wikipedia. His latest ventures continue at kunwwer.ai. Related on this site: the personal struggles behind Su-Kam’s final years and how Kunwer Sachdev rebuilt with Su-vastika.
Disclaimer
Mr. Kunwer Sachdev, the original founder and visionary behind Su-Kam, is no longer associated with Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd. He has not been involved in the management, operations, or decision-making of the company for several years. Any products, services, communications, or representations made under the Su-Kam name have no connection to Mr. Kunwer Sachdev. His current efforts are entirely focused on new innovations and ventures under different entities, including his latest initiative, Su-vastika, which is redefining the energy storage and power backup industry.