Sidharth Rao, a veteran in the Indian advertising technology (adtech) industry, passed away on April 26, 2023. Rao was the founder and CEO of Dentsu Webchutney, one of India’s leading digital advertising agencies. He was a prominent figure in the Indian startup ecosystem and was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach to marketing. Rao founded Dentsu Webchutney in 1999, and over the years, the agency grew to become one of India’s most respected digital marketing companies, working with some of the country’s biggest brands. Under his leadership, Dentsu Webchutney won numerous awards and accolades, including the title of “Digital Agency of the Year” at the Campaign India Digital Crest Awards. Rao was also an active member of the Indian startup community, mentoring and advising several young entrepreneurs and startups. His contributions to the industry were widely recognized, and he was named among the “Top 100 Digital Icons of India” by Impact Magazine.
Rao’s passing has been mourned by many in the Indian startup ecosystem, with several entrepreneurs and industry leaders paying tribute to him on social media. Sidharth Rao was a prominent figure in the Indian advertising and adtech industry. He co-founded the digital marketing agency Webchutney in 1999, which went on to become one of the country’s leading agencies. In 2013, Dentsu acquired a majority stake in Webchutney. Rao was also an active angel investor and mentor for startups, particularly in the advertising and marketing space. He served as a board member and advisor for several companies, including Glitch (which was acquired by WPP), Licious, Little Black Book, and BharatPe. Rao passed away in April 2022 at the age of 47 due to complications arising from COVID-19. His passing was mourned by many in the Indian startup ecosystem, who remembered him as a pioneer and an inspiration in the industry.