Piyush Dewangan and Ritika Agrawal: The Minds Behind QKS Group’s Global Influence

Every transformation begins with a question and for Quadrant Knowledge Solutions, it was this: what if research could do more than inform decisions and actually drive innovation? 

In 2015, when traditional analyst firms dominated the landscape, a small team decided to approach intelligence differently. The goal was not to compete with size or legacy but to create a voice that valued independence, precision, and fairness. That idea became the foundation of Quadrant Knowledge Solutions, which later evolved into QKS Group (Quadrant Knowledge Solutions Pvt Ltd). 

Founded by Piyush Dewangan, CEO and Chief Analyst – Research & User Consulting, and Ritika Agrawal, Co-Founder and Director – Strategic Advisory Services, the company has grown from a niche research outfit into a global intelligence and advisory network that now connects more than 400,000 decision-makers across 52 countries. What began as an effort to make technology evaluation fairer has turned into a mission to help innovation find its rightful visibility. 

From a Vision to a Global Voice 

The transition from Quadrant Knowledge Solutions to QKS Group represented more than a change in identity. It reflected a broader purpose. As technology markets matured and new players emerged, QKS focused on making intelligence more inclusive, transparent, and useful. 

The company’s proprietary framework, SPARK Matrix™, became one of the most referenced tools in technology evaluation. It simplified benchmarking by assessing vendors on innovation, customer impact, and technological excellence, offering a fair platform for both emerging and established firms. 

Ritika says, “We created SPARK Matrix™ to make benchmarking more balanced. Every innovator deserves to be evaluated on their impact, not their legacy.” 

Where Data Meets People 

Every strong idea needs a culture that keeps it alive. At QKS, that culture is rooted in curiosity, empathy, and ownership. Piyush focuses on vision and strategy, while Ritika works to build collaboration and nurture growth. Together, they have shaped an environment where questioning is encouraged and learning never stops. 

The company believes that mentorship is a shared exchange of ideas rather than a traditional hierarchy. Teams are encouraged to take initiative, experiment, and learn from each other. The result is a workplace defined by openness and accountability.  

Ritika explains that culture is something built through consistency, not slogans. She says, “Great work grows out of trust. When people feel supported and heard, innovation becomes the natural outcome.” 

That belief has helped QKS sustain steady progress and build a reputation for thoughtful leadership grounded in authenticity.  

The Long Road to Credibility  

Establishing credibility in a field dominated by established players takes time. QKS built its reputation one project, one relationship, and one report at a time. Each interaction reinforced its commitment to precision, transparency, and fairness. 

“Credibility is earned through repetition. Every report, every conversation, every insight adds to a foundation of trust that cannot be claimed, only proven,” says Piyush. 

As the company expanded its presence globally, it remained focused on maintaining alignment across teams and regions. Integrity, independence, and innovation guided QKS in its early years and continue to shape its decisions today. 

This slow and deliberate approach allowed the company to grow without losing its character. QKS competes on a global stage but continues to think and act with the independence that defined its beginnings. 

Beyond Research, Toward Real Impact 

For QKS, being a research firm was never the end goal. The mission has always been to help organizations translate intelligence into growth. 

That philosophy inspired the development of offerings that extend far beyond standard reports. SPARK Plus™ combines analyst insights with verified user reviews to provide a complete understanding of market performance. ROI Benchmark and strategic advisory programs help clients refine product strategies and measure success in practical terms. 

These initiatives have turned QKS into a long-term partner for many leading technology companies. Clients value not only the insights but also the tangible outcomes that come from applying them.  

Intelligence for What Comes Next 

The future of market intelligence lies in its ability to predict and connect. QKS recognized this shift early and built tools that provide continuous insight rather than static analysis. 

Through QKS Intelligence™, the company offers real-time market share data and forecasting across thousands of vendors and hundreds of markets. Its companion platform, QKS Community™, connects business leaders from around the world, creating a space to exchange experiences, validate ideas, and collaborate on new opportunities. 

Piyush says, “The future of intelligence will be defined by the connection between data, people, and purpose. We are building for that world.” This forward-looking approach marks QKS’s transition from a research provider to a participant in shaping innovation itself. 

Shaping the Next Chapter  

Looking ahead, QKS is focused on depth rather than scale. The company plans to strengthen its advisory presence across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific while expanding its expertise in nineteen technology markets. The goal is not rapid expansion, but meaningful influence built through trust and collaboration.  

Ritika says, “Our goal has never been to be the biggest. It has always been to create impact that lasts. Growth is meaningful only when it moves people, not just numbers.” This idea anchors the company’s Vision 2030, a plan to establish QKS among the top five global analyst and advisory firms through intelligence, influence, and impact.  

The People Behind the Purpose  

Behind every milestone is a shared philosophy that leadership begins with awareness. Piyush finds his energy in exploring new technologies and understanding how innovation changes the way people work and live. Ritika draws inspiration from creativity and mindfulness, focusing on how strong teams make strong ideas possible.  

Together, they have built a company that balances precision with perspective. Each recognition, from the success of SPARK Matrix™ to the transformation into QKS Group, reflects not just ambition but intention.  

As QKS continues to evolve, it remains grounded in a simple truth. Intelligence, at its best, begins with integrity. Ritika says, “What drives us is not competition but contribution. Every step we take should add value to the people and communities we work with.” 

Looking Ahead 

As QKS Group enters its next decade, its vision is sharper than ever. The company plans to deepen its role as a trusted partner for enterprises seeking clarity in an evolving technology landscape. The focus remains on building enduring value, where every piece of research informs better strategy and every collaboration leads to tangible progress. 

Piyush says, “We want QKS to keep evolving with the market but never lose the clarity that brought us here. The real measure of our success will always be the impact we create for others.” 

Guided by the leadership of Piyush and Ritika, QKS continues to move forward with quiet confidence. What began with a single idea now carries a clear purpose that is to use intelligence not only to inform but to inspire change.