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Goodbye Atul Chitnis
A Dear Friend, Mentor and Guide Passed away today. The only silver lining is that I – for once – followed my gut and took time off, went to see him a few weeks back and got to spend time with him....
View ArticleDarn the Associates
Here’s a tip: When you get an email or a call from a VC Firm, the first question to ask is to get them to introduce themselves. If its an associate – or if you are getting an email, check up on the...
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How to be a Super Associate
Dear Associate / Analyst, I know I took a big stab at you and went public with it. I know you are trying to do your job, but the way you are going about it right now sucks big time. If you are wasting...
View Article[Ask Vijay] What does Ethics Mean in the Context of Startups?
You have to be super specific. There are certain businesses, where I am told, its impossible to run it by the book. A hotel for example – if the health inspector decides its cockroach infested (even if...
View ArticleThe Startup Thumb-rule
Some stats that I’ve been hearing (surprisingly from a few accountants), and seems to ring true: Start two years before you actually start off. Build networks, relationships, and the means to grow a...
View Article[Ask Vijay] When should a Student Startup?
Look at it from the perspective that the entrepreneur is the product. And one of the things that will hold you back as you build a fast growing company is how fast the entrepreneur can adapt, and...
View Article[Ask Vijay] What is the Best Pitch I can Make for an Angel Investor? US or...
Its always advisable to raise angel investment close to home. Unlike other investors who might invest and go hands-off, Angels like to active get involved – and You would want them to. It becomes...
View ArticleHour One. Make it Count.
You invite someone to your house. They show up at your door step. What do you do next? Do you then run off, disappear and hide in your work/study while the visitor roams around and stumbles and figures...
View ArticleEtiquettes for Community Engagement
I notice quite a few folks can’t yet seperate the work they do, the hobbies they enjoy, and the startups they are working on, from opinions, perspectives and general insights. There is a danger when...
View ArticleCrowdfunding In50hrs
I am in the middle of building two platforms. One being The Startup Centre, the older one, and its younger sibling In50hrs. In50hrs does get a bit of my attention, partly because I find my soul being...
View ArticleToo Many Cooks
Fred Wilson has a good post on how you should deal with advise. Know who is saying what and what their overall agenda is. It makes a ton of difference. To be honest, I am a bit weary of firms that...
View ArticleHow do I answer for Failure?
Who is asking these questions though? Often people tell me that society will not accept failures, and i look around and try to remember the name of the last failed entrepreneur and its not even in my...
View ArticleArticle 4
Entrepreneurs are resourceful. They’ll make hay when the sun doesn’t shine too – and heck even find a way to make it far more effective than when the Sun is out. They “make” the ecosystem, they don’t...
View ArticlePick Someone Your Size, or NOT
One of my advice to startups, when it comes to partnerships, has been to avoid working with smaller companies or startups. Why? Because, startups don’t have the luxury of building a brand, they are...
View ArticleAm I still relevant?
The truth about India is that things take longer than you anticipate – its true for most businesses, but unlike the 5-6 years it takes to mature a business in developed markets, it might take 7-10...
View ArticleLooking for an Apprentice
I am looking to take onboard an apprentice for The Startup Centre. The qualifications should be that the person shouldn’t have taken a job elsewhere before – hence either a fresher, or even a drop out...
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What do you tolerate?
Picked up a spirit level yesterday from the hardware store. While I was heading to the centre (where things are getting setup), I imagined that quite a few of the posters and boards we had put up,...
View ArticleTalent is Great. Character, is key
I remember having this conversation with one of my mentors: We were talking about how in life, the more you succeed (contrary to popular belief), the more freedom you give up. It was okay to be seen in...
View ArticleSome Stats and Insights on Angel Networks in India
Some Interesting Stats on Angel Networks in the country: The biggest network in the country last year received 3204 applications. The first shortlist was done for 250 startups which had in person pitch...
View ArticleEventifier : When they started
When We first met them, they were these three scrawny (they still are) boys with dreams in their eyes and clearly uncomfortable in a city that was alien to them. They hesitated before every word they...
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