Some Indian entrepreneurs have used GIS data to create usable Indian maps catering to distribution needs for corporates. Eicher has created hard copy maps for Dehi. I have two- one in each car. I think there may be a play to create a startup based on consumer needs for point to point directions. The free […]
How to NOT write a business plan
My colleague David Cowan writes on how to construct a business plan. He distinguishes between the more elaborate version prepared as an internal operating document and a more concise version that’s better-suited for getting through to a VC with a limited attention span! I’ve been guilty (along with my former colleagues) of (In case you […]
IIT Mumbai Incubator
SINE — the incubator at IIT Mumbai, seems to have made better progress than a couple of other initiatives I have seen around. The core strength seems to be the ability to merge institutes’ strengths in technology (through students and faculty members) with experience from industry. A fair number of startups seem to involve experienced […]
Context of advertising
One of the reasons why Google is so successful at Adwords, and not so successful at Adsense, is that the context in which advertising is placed is extremely important. When people are looking, they also look at ads and click on them if they seem relevant. If someone is reading an interesting news article, it […]
The End (of Software) is Nigh
On demand software intrigues me. I am not sure if early stage entrepreneurs in Delhi can benefit from this trend. If they can and their plan calls for angel investing they should contact me. This URL gives some interesting numbers on Salesforce.com the pioneer and current leader in the field… http://biz.yahoo.com/fool/051117/113225041813.html?.v=2 0
McKinsey on the global financial markets
The McKinsey Quarterly has a very interesting article (note: registration required) on the global financial markets: The McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) has conducted a yearlong research effort on the world’s financial markets and created a comprehensive database of the financial assets of more than 100 countries since 1980. Together, these assets make up the global […]
Choosing a VC
For entrepreneurs looking to raise external capital, its worth checking out Scott Maxwell’s post on how entrepreneurs should evaluate a VC, beyond just the ability/willingness to write a check. According to him, the critical factor is the ‘fit’ between both parties. While his 9-points to assess fit are somewhat long-winded, his broad message makes intuitive […]
Worth a Read
Ray Ozzie memo to Microsft staff http://www.scripting.com/disruption/ozzie/TheInternetServicesDisruptio.htm 0
A “tight loose” approach
If technology as a disruptor is a given ..what is the best way to envision the next killer business opportunities? In the book “Leading the revolution”, HBS prof Gary Hamel has a quote for the new innovation solutions- Industry revolutionaries are like a missile up the tailpipe.Boom! You’re irrelevant! i.e. strategy is not the domain […]
Metcalfe’s Law/eBay
Silicon Valley tends to get quite excited about “network value” . Eyeballs, social networking and even PayPal. In India Metcalfe’s law is not popular. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metcalfe’s_law. Can Metcalfe’s law help Indian entrepreneurs create elephants ? Building company value is not just about revenues and breakevens. Baazee was bought by eBay for $50 million even though […]
The Indian Wealth Rush
If India keeps growing a lot of wealth will be created. While existing companies public and private will definitely contribute I think companies that are just starting out will play a major role. Sectors like IT outsourcing and BPO were not major a decade ago. What will the next decade bring ? 0
Paul Graham and the debate on founder sales
Venture Capitalists don’t like deals where their money is used to buy the shares owned by founders and other early investors. They like their money to go “into building the company” – ie, towards hiring people, building a product, etc. Unless, that is, they are desparate to get in on the deal. In August, The […]