Nitesh Yadav, CEO and Founder of Skadoosh, Bangalore talks about his passion for creating spaces that foster both fun and learning and redefine how kids engage in play. His approach blends innovation, community, and a deep understanding of child development. By challenging the status quo, he is not just building a business, but shaping the future of interactive play.
Starting a company like Skadoosh is a huge step. What was the initial spark or vision behind your company, and how did you bring it to life?
The genesis of Skadoosh arose from a conviction that play is integral to childhood learning. I noticed that many play areas prioritised physical activity over cognitive and sensory development. I wanted to create a space where children could learn through engaging, interactive experiences. Driven by this passion, I embarked on a journey of meticulous research and planning. We focused on designing zones that stimulated learning and carefully selected equipment and activities aligned with educational objectives. Building a dedicated team and the right systems was a crucial part of the initial setup.
Given the growing concern of digital addiction among children, what unique strategies do you use to make physical play more engaging and rewarding?
We understand the growing concern of digital addiction and its impact on children’s development. That is why we have created play areas that offer an engaging alternative, emphasizing the joy and benefits of physical and interactive play. We focus on multisensory experiences that stimulate all five senses, imaginative pretend play to boost creativity and problem-solving, and a ‘connect zone’ that encourages both parent-child and peer-to-peer interaction. Our soft play area promotes healthy physical activity, which is essential in today’s digitally dominated world. It is all about real-world connections and development.
It seems like you are very passionate about creating value for society. What has been the most rewarding part of building Skadoosh so far?
The most rewarding part of building Skadoosh has been seeing the positive impact on children and families. Watching kids light up during sensory play or bonding with parents in pretend scenarios is priceless. We love hearing feedback from parents about their children improved social skills and creativity. Creating a community where families connect and support each other has also been a highlight. Ultimately, knowing we have created a space that fosters joy, learning, and connection makes all the hard work worthwhile.
What do you think are the major trends in this industry right now, and how is Skadoosh positioning itself within these trends?
The kids’ play industry is rapidly evolving, with shifting parental expectations and a focus on non-digital engagement. We are seeing a big emphasis on educational play, and at Skadoosh, we integrate learning into every corner of our play areas. Sensory play is also gaining traction, and our sensory zone offers a rich, stimulating experience. Parents increasingly want to be involved, so our connect zone encourages that interaction. Lastly, cleanliness and safety are always a priority for us, ensuring a safe environment for children to thrive.
As a capex-heavy business, scalability seems to be a concern for the future. What steps are you currently taking to overcome this challenge?
Scalability is a major focus for us, especially with the capital-intensive nature of our business. We are exploring franchising and licensing to expand quickly by partnering with local experts. We are also refining our location selection process, using data insights to target high-potential areas. Our phased expansion strategy allows us to grow sustainably without overextending. We are building strong partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers to secure better terms and lower costs. Additionally, we are integrating technology to streamline operations, optimize staffing, and improve overall profitability. This approach ensures we are scaling efficiently.
There are talks about opening another Skadoosh branch—when and where will the second one be located, and how will it differ from the first?
We are excited to be launching our signature Skadoosh centre on the Sarjapur-Whitefield Road in May/June this year. Our first centre addressed several challenges in the kids’ play area space, but with this next one, we’re tackling the remaining issues, especially for parents. We are placing a strong focus on our Connect Zone, which encourages quality parent-child engagement, and introducing ‘Parents Adda,’ an edutainment space for parents. Spanning 25,000 square feet, it will likely be the largest kids’ play area in Bangalore, and our team is thrilled about it
In terms of compliance and certifications, there seems to be a gap in the industry for kid-friendly certifications. Do you think there's an opportunity here for Skadoosh to take the lead?
You are absolutely right—safety is crucial, but a standardized, kid-friendly certification is missing in the industry. At Skadoosh, we see this as an opportunity to set a new benchmark. We believe a certification should go beyond basic safety to include developmental appropriateness, sensory considerations, hygiene standards, staff training, and parent education. We are uniquely positioned to lead this effort because of our focus on educational play, commitment to safety, and passion for child development. By partnering with experts, we aim to create a certification that builds trust, elevates industry standards, and gives us a competitive edge as a leader in the field.
You have achieved a turnover of INR 1 crore in your first year of operations, which is impressive! What do you think were the key factors that contributed to this early success?
Achieving INR 1 crore in turnover in our first year was a major milestone, and thanks to several key factors. Our unique, educational play concept filled a market gap, and we focused heavily on customer experience, with friendly, well-trained staff and a clean, safe environment. High-quality play zones and successful birthday party packages also drove revenue. Operational efficiency, a passionate team, and positive word-of-mouth further contributed to our success. Plus, our adaptability allowed us to quickly refine our offerings based on customer feedback. Ultimately, it was a strong concept, excellent service, and dedicated team that made it possible.
Can you share a key lesson or piece of advice you have learned along the way that has shaped your approach to leadership and business?
A critical lesson I’ve learned is the importance of establishing strong, scalable systems and processes from the start. Passion and vision are essential, but without a solid operational foundation, growth becomes unsustainable. Early on, we focused on customer experience, but as we grew, we realized we needed standardized operations for consistency and efficiency. This shift taught me that systems ensure consistency, processes enable scalability, and data-driven decisions lead to better outcomes. We have invested in operational manuals, robust software, and performance metrics, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. These efforts have been key to our ability to scale successfully.
How do you stay connected to the things that truly matter to you, whether it is family, friends, or other personal values while navigating the demands of entrepreneurship?
Balancing entrepreneurship with personal values is an ongoing effort, but it is essential for long-term fulfilment. I focus on intentionality and setting boundaries. I prioritize time-blocking, scheduling family and personal time like business meetings. When with loved ones, I make a conscious effort to be fully present. Delegating tasks and empowering my team frees up time for what matters. Regular check-ins with loved one’s help maintain connection. I also rely on a support circle of friends to offer guidance and help me unwind. Entrepreneurship is a marathon, and balancing personal values is key to staying fulfilled.
In a world where play is often seen as just entertainment, Nitesh Yadav is redefining its role in children’s growth and development. His vision for Skadoosh is not just about creating fun spaces, but about fostering learning, connection, and lasting impact. Through his innovative leadership, he is setting new standards for what children’s play can be—both enriching and enjoyable. Skadoosh, under Nitesh’s guidance, is poised to continue making waves in the industry, one play experience at a time.
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