How the Microland founder built a technology company that evolved alongside India’s digital revolution
Long before cloud computing, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence became central to business technology, Pradeep Kar recognised the importance of reliable digital infrastructure. In 1989, he founded Microland with a vision of helping Indian businesses adopt emerging technologies. Over the decades, he transformed the company through several waves of technological change while also building other ventures in India’s early internet economy.
Education and Early Career
Pradeep Kar studied mechanical engineering at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur, graduating in 1981. He later completed a postgraduate management programme at S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research.
He began his professional career at Wipro and gained experience in the technology and software business. He also worked in the United States, including a period associated with Sonata Software, before returning to India.
These experiences gave him exposure to international technology markets and the emerging opportunities in computer networking and enterprise technology.
Founding Microland in 1989
In 1989, Kar established Microland, initially focusing on computer networking, hardware and technology integration.
At the time, computer networks were still relatively new for many Indian organisations. Businesses were beginning to understand how connected systems could improve communication, information sharing and operational efficiency.
Kar saw an opportunity to help companies adopt these technologies. Microland developed partnerships with international technology businesses, including Compaq and ComputerLand, helping bring networking and computing solutions to Indian customers.
The company’s early journey reflected an important shift in India’s technology industry: businesses were moving beyond standalone computers towards connected enterprise systems.
Expanding into the Internet Economy
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Kar explored opportunities created by the growth of the internet.
He established Planetasia.com, which became known as one of India’s early internet professional services companies. The venture worked in web consulting, development and internet-related services at a time when businesses were still discovering the commercial potential of the web.
In 2000, Microland launched Indya.com, an internet portal designed to serve Indian audiences with a range of online content and services.
The portal attracted significant attention and investment. News Corporation, the global media company associated with Rupert Murdoch, acquired a stake in Indya.com. The transaction became one of the notable developments in India’s early internet business landscape.
Kar also founded Net Brahma Technologies, a telecom software engineering venture. These initiatives established his reputation as a serial entrepreneur willing to explore new technology markets.
Reinventing Microland
Rather than remaining focused on its original networking business, Microland continued to evolve.
In the late 1990s and following years, the company expanded towards enterprise technology services and infrastructure management. It developed capabilities in managing complex IT environments for businesses, including remote infrastructure services.
As companies became increasingly dependent on digital systems, the need for reliable networks, data centres and technology support grew. Microland positioned itself to serve this demand.
Over time, its capabilities expanded into digital networks, cloud and data-centre infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital workplace services and automation.
Today, Microland describes itself as an AI-first, platform-led technology infrastructure services company. Its Intelligeni platform reflects its focus on applying artificial intelligence and automation to enterprise technology operations.
Leadership and Industry Recognition
Kar’s work in the technology industry earned him recognition from several organisations. He received the Indian Express India Young Business Achiever Award and was selected by the World Economic Forum as a Global Leader for Tomorrow.
He has also served on international corporate boards and contributed to entrepreneurship networks. His involvement with The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), Bengaluru, included serving as president of its local chapter.
Beyond business, he has supported education and entrepreneurship initiatives, including his association with Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology.
A Legacy of Adaptability
Pradeep Kar’s entrepreneurial journey reflects the changing history of India’s technology sector. From computer networking in the 1980s to internet ventures around the turn of the century and today’s AI-driven infrastructure services, his businesses have evolved with the industry.
Microland’s continued transformation illustrates his belief that technology companies must anticipate change rather than simply respond to it.
His story is not only about building one company. It is about recognising emerging opportunities, experimenting with new business models and creating organisations capable of adapting to the next generation of technology.