Digital experience in every language: Chez Siva’s Front Page aims to redefine access and expression online
In a world dominated by algorithms and automation, Parla Dynamics is shifting focus to the often overlooked voices, languages, and stories that are lost amidst the linguistic hegemony of dominant languages. Indian American entrepreneur Chezhiyan “Chez” Siva is crafting a narrative that prioritizes people, culture, and connections.
In an exclusive conversation with The American Bazaar, Siva, the visionary founder of Parla Dynamics, discussed his mission to dismantle one of the most profound yet neglected barriers of the digital age: language. Introducing “Front Page,” Parla Dynamics intends to go beyond the traditional social media platform, creating a bridge that may redefine how communities connect, share, and find belonging in our rapidly digitalizing world.
Starting a Purpose-Driven Journey
The American Bazaar: How did you start your entrepreneurial journey?
Chezhiyan Siva: I’ve always been driven to develop products and solutions that make a notable impact on everyday people and communities. By ‘common people,’ I mean those facing an uphill battle when it comes to fully experiencing digital content. In India, many individuals speak multiple languages but still find digital experiences limiting because content is predominantly in English. This was highlighted as my kids, growing up in the U.S., were only proficient in English, creating communication barriers with family members. This spurred the inspiration for our product.
Parla Dynamics was initiated to solve prevalent problems, ensuring digital experiences are not restricted to English or any specific language speakers. Many miss out on the immersive potential of the internet, web, and apps. If an application isn’t in English, your experience remains limited.
Validating the Vision
American Bazaar: Can you share an ‘aha moment’ that confirmed your idea?
Siva: Certainly. We initially researched chat applications. None provide an intuitive way for speakers of different languages to communicate using their native tongues. Messages sent in an unknown language compel recipients to resort to translation tools. Similarly, websites demand external services or browser-based translation, one page at a time. Our philosophy became, “Why not deliver content in the audience’s language?”
Investments and Growth Strategy
American Bazaar: What was the funding status when you launched?
Siva: We’re entirely self-funded at present, channeling every reserve into creating this product. Currently, we’re onboarding pilot users to test the system. Expanding our user base is our priority before seeking external funding. I’m optimistic we can sustain operations for a year autonomously.
Combining Technology for Transformation
American Bazaar: Why fuse full-stack, low-code, and architecture consulting? Is it a differentiator?
Siva: Certainly, but here’s another perspective: these technologies are tools designed to deliver information, products, and solutions. No single tool does everything. They collectively aim to simplify daily life, converging at our ultimate goal.
Empowerment Through Language
American Bazaar: Is sharing via Front Page an empowering digital experience?
Siva: Absolutely. In Front Page, everything appears in your preferred language. It’s unique, enabling individuals to excel, be it writing poetry, creating art, or performing their jobs effectively in their native tongue. Our platform offers the chance to showcase that creativity, talent, and skill without language barriers.
Revenue and Expansion Plans
American Bazaar: Any plans for a paid subscription model?
Siva: Not currently. We want consumers to access it freely. Our revenue focus involves partnerships with service providers or companies aiming to market their products. Paid subscriptions will cater to companies, vendors, and service providers showcasing their offerings.
Initial Focus and Market Scope
American Bazaar: Why start with India?
Siva: Consider someone from West Bengal in Kerala—there’s often a language barrier. Traditionally, they’d need guides or translators; our app changes this. They can post in Bengali, with others viewing it in their language. English isn’t spoken by all Indians, and everyone prefers their mother tongue. Hence, our launch in India, extending our scope worldwide, including places like the U.S. with notable non-English-speaking communities.
Tech Deployment and Future Prospects
American Bazaar: What software backbone supports your operations?
Siva: We integrate several Google APIs, Python, among other tech to ensure seamless functionality. Exploring ChatGPT helps deliver accurate content. We are gradually integrating technologies, not just for consuming content but enabling user postings with diverse input methods, emphasizing language inclusivity.
Looking to the Future
American Bazaar: Any upcoming fundraising efforts?
Siva: Yes, we are seeking funding, though nothing is finalized. Our public launch is imminent, with Android and iOS apps in final development stages, inching closer to rolling out.
American Bazaar: What’s the anticipated market size?
Siva: It’s too early for precise estimates, but we aim to reach 2 million users within the first year. Our complementary chat app, Relay, built on similar principles, contributes to this target.
Reaching Diverse Audiences
American Bazaar: Who is the potential user base?
Siva: Our focus is primarily on rural communities gaining initial digital exposure and small businesses eager to reach linguistically diverse audiences. For instance, a Kerala business owner can advertise in their native language, allowing consumers to perceive it in their dialect, narrowing linguistic gaps.
American Bazaar: What about B2B target audiences?
Siva: Business owners fluent only in their languages can, via our technology, create multilingual content for broad audiences.
Future Horizons and Vision for Parla Dynamics
American Bazaar: Any collaborations or future explorations?
Siva: Languages and data consumption needs are here to stay. Our technology can extend to banking, transportation, real estate, and more sectors.
American Bazaar: As you plan your rollout, where do you envision Parla Dynamics heading?
Siva: I see Parla as bridging digital consumption gaps modestly and thoughtfully, making meaningful impacts by facilitating accessible and inclusive technology engagement.
