In the ongoing debate around the relationship between private equity players and entrepreneurs, it is important to understand the underlying conflict between the two. Indian entrepreneurship has emerged out of a history of “promoters with a scheme” where malafide intent and actions on part of promoters were the expected norm. One of my early seniors […]
Startup Marathon Mindset
Startups are a glorified vocation. Much like a Marathon, the glory sits at the finish line. Much like a Marathon, only the runner knows the pain and uncertainty in reaching that finish line. I have talked to many of my startup friends about the everyday struggles and stress in a startup – almost wondering at […]
What’s your Customer Culture?
Last week, I was booking a hotel through a large global booking platform – there was an error on their site due to which an incorrect booking happened. What happened next was surprising – customer service denied that there could have been an error on the site, and refused to help. They claimed that they […]
What Entrepreneurs need to know about Angel Tax
Angel Tax (referring to provisions under section 56 of Income Tax Act) has been a point of much debate and confusion over past few days. While technical explanations abound, here’s a quick explanation of what it is, and what entrepreneurs need to do to stay clear. Why, in first place…? These provisions were introduced in […]
Time to Startup, India!
The recent Startup India event has generated considerable excitement and energy amongst entrepreneurs and the supporting ecosystem. The sound and light around the event has been amazing. As the week rolls over, and the marketing euphoria settles down, the focus must shift to the real impact that this event and announcements around it may make. […]
Reflections from IIT Session
I was at IIT Delhi today for my duties at FITT (runs the IIT Delhi incubator). Few months back, IIT Delhi decided to support a deferred placement program for students wanting to skip placement in interest of pursuing entrepreneurship. Today’s meeting was a review and approval meeting for four of the cases. Some things that […]
Join the Net Neutrality debate
Medianama has a good analysis and initiative on the Net Neutrality issue. Read up and make yourselves heard here. This debate has had interesting arguments globally. To the extent, I have been able to follow, there have been a ton of bogus arguments on both sides, thereby confusing the core issues. In my mind, the […]
Lufthansa Runway to Success – Call for Entries
Lufthansa and TiE are bringing you the next edition of Runway to Success. Runway to Success is a TV series which will be broadcast on ET Now, and the training camps all over the country would be conducted in association with TiE. Some highlights of the program: The winner of this series would win a […]
The Billion Dollar Startup Club
The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones VentureSource are tracking venture-backed private companies valued at $1 billion or more. See how the club has expanded since the project began in January 2014 and select companies to learn more about each. 0
Accelerating Time to Market Cap for Internet/Mobile Companies
Must read analysis by Playbigger for Internet/Mobile entrepreneurs. Summary at beginning to report, 0
Metrics for Early-stage Mobile Apps
Have been talking to many “mobile app” entrepreneurs of late, and one question I get consistently is around how they should think about metrics for mobile apps, to gauge early traction, and with an eye on first round of investors. Here are some thoughts. In my view, valuable mobile apps fall in two zones – […]
How to effectively use the Rs 10,000 crore allotted for entrepreneursh...
I wrote this Op-Ed piece in Economic Times on how the government can effectively use funds allocated to entrepreneurship fund-of-funds. Key points: Leverage the funds to generate private participation and hence enhance the size of the pool Leverage capacity that exists in corporations, microfinance institutions and the like Emphasize under-served areas that align with national […]