In today’s digital age, where online connections are as valuable as currency, few entrepreneurs understand the nuances of social media monetization as profoundly as Ankit Baradia. A seasoned entrepreneur, angel investor, and dynamic networker, Baradia is at the forefront of a technological revolution that transforms passive social connections into tangible business value. With nearly 18 years of expertise across technology, process engineering, user science, luxury, and retail, his journey from Mumbai to Dubai has been marked by determination, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
A Journey Rooted in Ambition and Expertise
Ankit Baradia’s story is one of resilience and forward-thinking. Hailing originally from Mumbai, he has spent the past few years building his career in Dubai—a city renowned for its vibrant business landscape and global connectivity. His academic journey began at the Symbiosis Institute in Pune, where he earned a B.Com in Commerce, followed by a Diploma in Computer Programming, a Diploma in IT & Foreign Trade from the Symbiosis Institute of Foreign Trade, and eventually an MBA in International Business from the Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies. These credentials laid a robust foundation for his multifaceted career, equipping him with both the theoretical knowledge and practical insights necessary to navigate the complex world of digital entrepreneurship.
Throughout his career, Ankit has been actively involved in prestigious networking groups such as BNI, Rotary, and JSG across the UAE and India. These platforms not only broadened his professional network but also instilled in him the value of trust-based relationships—a principle that now lies at the heart of his most ambitious venture, CURD.
The Genesis of CURD: Bridging the Digital Disconnect
At the core of Baradia’s current pursuits is CURD, a revolutionary platform designed to integrate social media, search, and marketplace functionalities into one seamless experience. Dubbed “One Social Media,” CURD is poised to become the world’s largest community monetization platform, providing a unique ecosystem where users and businesses can engage, earn, and transact.
CURD was born out of a simple observation: in an era where social networks are vast and ever-expanding, people often struggle to find trusted recommendations and authentic leads. Over nearly two decades, Ankit witnessed firsthand how valuable personal networks could be underutilized. This gap in the market led him to envision a platform where every social interaction has the potential to generate real-world value. CURD answers this call by enabling users to monetize their connections through innovative features such as dual feeds, AI-driven social search, and a robust marketplace system.
Transforming Social Connections into Real-World Value
One of CURD’s standout features is its dual-feed system. This innovative design allows users to toggle between their social and professional lives seamlessly, tailoring the content they view based on their current interests and needs. Whether it’s catching up on personal updates or exploring professional insights, CURD offers an intuitive interface that adapts to the user’s lifestyle.
Moreover, CURD’s monetization model is built around three core pillars:
- Ask or Refer to Earn: Users can create “Asks” to seek referrals, discount coupons, or cashback rewards. They can also refer friends for their Asks, earning rewards when these referrals lead to deal closures. This feature transforms everyday interactions into opportunities for earning, making every recommendation count.
- Collaborate to Earn: Businesses and individuals alike can collaborate for promotional campaigns. By leveraging affiliate marketing and tracking engagement metrics, CURD enables participants to earn a fixed amount based on post engagement and conversion rates. This fosters a dynamic environment where every collaborative effort is both measurable and rewarding.
- Instant Cashout and CURD Coins: The platform’s proprietary CURD coins act as a digital currency that users earn through various activities. These coins can be instantly cashed out by transferring them directly to a bank account, providing users with a tangible benefit for their digital engagements.
Additionally, CURD revolutionizes search functionality. Its AI-powered search engine considers over 30 parameters—including user preferences, engagement history, and social validations—to deliver results that are not only accurate but also socially endorsed. This ensures that users receive recommendations and search outcomes that are backed by trusted reviews and referrals from their network.
Harnessing the Power of AI, Web3, and the Metaverse
Baradia’s passion for technology is not limited to conventional digital marketing strategies. His keen interest in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Web3, and the Metaverse positions him—and by extension, CURD—at the cutting edge of digital innovation. By integrating AI-driven social search with networking, CURD is set to transform lead generation and conversion processes. This forward-thinking approach ensures that as the digital landscape evolves, CURD remains agile and adaptive, ready to leverage new opportunities as they arise.
This visionary use of technology not only enhances user experience but also significantly reduces the cost of customer acquisition. Traditional methods of marketing often involve high costs and uncertain returns. In contrast, CURD’s model is built on trust and genuine social validation, leading to higher conversion rates and more efficient spending on customer outreach.
Personal Inspirations and the Drive for Success
Behind every successful entrepreneur lies a personal story of inspiration and motivation. For Ankit Baradia, much of his drive comes from his family. His wife, Sheelu, along with their two children, Kashvi and Riaan, play a crucial role in his life, providing him with the support and encouragement necessary to pursue his ambitious goals. Despite the demands of leading a groundbreaking venture like CURD, Baradia manages to balance his professional commitments with personal passions. Whether he’s playing badminton, collecting unique items, or exploring new experiences, his multifaceted interests reflect a personality that is both innovative and grounded.
This blend of personal fulfillment and professional ambition is a defining characteristic of Baradia’s leadership style. It is this balance that fuels his relentless pursuit of excellence, driving him to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of social media monetization.
The Future of Networking and Social Commerce
CURD is not just a platform; it represents a paradigm shift in how individuals and businesses perceive and utilize their social networks. By turning passive connections into active opportunities, CURD empowers users to become their own brand ambassadors. For businesses, the platform offers a cost-effective and scalable method to generate high-quality leads through authentic word-of-mouth recommendations.
In an era where traditional advertising is losing its impact, CURD’s approach to social commerce—where every recommendation, review, and referral carries real monetary value—presents a compelling alternative. The platform’s ability to integrate social interactions with commerce is paving the way for a new era of digital marketing, one where trust and authenticity are the primary currencies.
Moreover, CURD’s unique features extend to various user groups. Influencers and content creators can now monetize their impact directly through views, likes, and engagements on their posts or clips. For groups and communities, CURD offers dedicated pages where members can share ideas, engage in discussions, and support each other through referrals and genuine interactions. This comprehensive approach ensures that whether you are an individual looking to earn or a business aiming to expand your reach, CURD has something to offer.
Charting a Path Forward
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the success of platforms like CURD will depend on their ability to adapt and innovate. Under Baradia’s leadership, CURD is well-positioned to meet the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world. His visionary approach, combined with a deep understanding of technology and user behavior, ensures that the platform is not only relevant today but also primed for future growth.
Baradia’s ambition to grow CURD into a platform with over one million users is not just a business goal—it is a testament to his belief in the power of social networks. By harnessing the collective strength of community engagement, CURD aims to redefine the norms of digital commerce, offering a more authentic, efficient, and rewarding experience for all its users.
Ankit Baradia’s story is far from over. As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the digital world, one thing is clear: the future of social media—and the way we monetize our networks—will never be the same again.