Capt. Debabrat Mishra | Esquire Infolab Systems Pvt. Ltd.
India is destined to position itself as a global shipping hub by 2030. The nation is ambitiously aiming to join the ranks of the top 10 global ship manufacturers by 2030, with aspirations to break into the top five by 2047. In the bustling maritime industry, where precision and reliability are paramount, Esquire Infolab Systems Pvt. Ltd. has carved a niche of innovation and trust.
Founded with a vision deeply rooted in the empowerment of the maritime industry, Esquire Infolab Systems Pvt. Ltd. builds software and offers consultancy services. These software and services help ports, terminals, vessel managers, charterers—essentially everyone in the maritime ecosystem—run smoother, smarter, and more compliant operations. Our focus is on practical innovation—solving real challenges faced by maritime professionals every day.
For the edition of “The 10 Most Influential CEOs Leading the Business 2025,” we invited Capt. Debabrat Mishra, CEO, for an enthralling interview. We wanted to learn more about his professional journey and how he decided to venture into the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Prime Insights: We heartily welcome you, sir. To begin today’s interview, we would like you to tell us about the inception story of the company.
Coming from the shipping world and later consulting with BCG, I saw this huge gap—where technology was evolving fast, but maritime was still catching up. That’s how Esquire was born. I wanted to bridge the gap between what’s possible and what’s being done with tech that’s tailored for the unique complexities of this industry. Today we serve global clients like MISC Group, AET, and Orissa Stevedores, along with major Container Freight Stations PAN India, pioneering VGM solutions under SOLAS. Our clientele also includes various ports and terminals, ensuring efficiency across maritime operations. We are grateful for the trust our clients have been showing us since our inception, and we are motivated to strengthen this trust further.
Prime Insights: It is evident to think that the industry you’re working in is quite challenging. How have you kept a balance between your personal life and professional one?
It’s not easy, I’ll be honest. Maritime is a 24/7 world, and tech waits for no one. But I’ve learned to build a great team, trust them, and carve out moments with family and for myself. A balanced mind makes better decisions—in business and in life. As a CEO, my challenges and struggles revolved around pushing for digital change in an industry that’s often cautious. There were times I questioned if the market was ready, but I kept the long-term vision in mind, stayed patient, and now we’re seeing those seeds grow into real impact.
Today, as the business ecosystem continues to expand across all dimensions, CEOs have taken on many additional responsibilities. They function much like entrepreneurs—whether you’re running a startup or a legacy business, the mindset of “how can we do this better?” is what keeps a company relevant. Playing it safe doesn’t get you far anymore.
Prime Insights: As customer trust continues to evolve cohesively, what strategies have you implemented to keep pace with the changing market trends?
It’s less about chasing trends and more about listening to what the actual problems are—what our clients want from us in terms of problem-solving. We keep our ears close to the ground: talking to clients, working on their challenging requirements, brainstorming, attending forums, and reading up. We also have a small internal team always exploring “what’s next.” It’s about being curious and staying open to change.
Prime Insights: On the R&D forefront, how is Esquire experimenting? How essential is it for your company’s growth?
Without R&D, we’d just be copying the past. And the maritime sector doesn’t need another patchwork solution—it needs smart, forward-looking tools. So yes, we invest in R&D—from AI and analytics to better user experiences—because it’s how we keep pushing the bar higher. With ardent faith in R&D, we are expanding—not just geographically but also in terms of what we offer. We’re getting deeper into AI-driven analytics, carbon tracking, compliance tech, and smarter decision-making tools for maritime. Our goal is to be a long-term transformation partner, not just a software venture.
Prime Insights: How necessary do you feel it is to keep your employees motivated, and how do you ensure it?
It’s not just about paychecks—people want to feel valued. I try to create an environment where our folks feel heard, challenged, and part of something meaningful. At the end of the day, they’re the ones building the solutions. If they’re happy, our clients are happy too. We organize seminars and training courses to keep them updated on the latest technologies and how these can be incorporated to excel further in our business pursuits.
Prime Insights: How are you giving back to society (CSR)?
Esquire: We support maritime education and environmental awareness and have recently started initiatives to help young seafarers upskill digitally. It’s our way of giving back to a sector that’s given so much to me personally and to many of us in the company.
Prime Insights: Like you mentioned above, the ecosystem is getting more competitive with each passing day. It often becomes difficult for entrepreneurs or leaders to maintain their motivation. What message would you like to give to them?
In maritime, we don’t abandon our journey due to headwinds; we adjust our sails and keep going. Similarly, leaders of today shouldn’t let stereotypes or challenges dictate their journey. The challenges are feeble in comparison to the vision you’ve chosen to pursue, and you’re the one who will have to chart the path. Competition is real—and healthy, I think. But it’s not just about outdoing others. It’s about doing right by your clients and your team, and that requires you to stay sharp.
Prime Insights: Being a CEO yourself, who are the people you look up to for valuable lessons or inspiration? What would be your message to the people reading your story through this advertorial?
I look up to leaders who’ve walked unconventional paths—who’ve dared to take a stand or go against the grain. So, for all the future leaders, budding entrepreneurs, and our youth, my advice is this: there is no easy path to success. You have to churn yourself to achieve what you’ve envisioned. You have to stay consistent and perform actions in an ethical way that contributes to the betterment of our people. That’s the only way to lead in a changing world.
Prime Lastly, is there a message you would like to give to Prime Insights readers?
Maritime may seem like an old-world industry, but it’s standing at the edge of a digital revolution. If you’re in this space—or any industry, for that matter—don’t be afraid to question the norm. That’s where real progress begins.
