Changing the nation and leading the world

Enterprising is defined as having or showing initiative and resourcefulness. Sounds like a pretty desirable quality to have right, but today there is another BUZZ word : Entrepreneurial, the willingness to take risk and make profit.

It all came about rather suddenly in the weeks of february when all of a sudden, my dodappa agreed to send me and my elder brother a conclave held by "The indus entreprenuer"'s mumbai chapter. Enterprising India - coming together of some highly succesful diverse entreprenuers, fantastic business enablers and all in all, some genuinely admirable human beings.

The focus was "Changing the Nation, Leading the World". They even made a song about it(I'll post the link when I find it), it was a super catchy tune, I swear I've heard before - Something that's stuck in my head even today.

The panel was something to look forward from the word go, an early landing at NCPA meant and we could attend the first session of meet the investors. These were gentlemen with money - to invest in companies of the future. Including the likes of Mr.Sandeep Murthy who heads Sherpalo, which holds stake in some very admirable startups and his portfolio today seems to be filled with companies that will be tomorrows Googles. I clearly remember these words "We dont have enough good companies to invest in, money is not an issue". Its a bit hard to believe, especially if you are in my position. During this meet, we had one entrepreneur interlace his question to the investors with his 5 second pitch, and the response from Murthy was simple - "Sure, lets talk" and getting those words from a VC I'm sure was music to the gentlemans' ears.

That set the tone for the next 2 days - The writing was on the wall

- Identify your customers need and serve it
- Opportunity exists
- Money is available

As the CEO of redbus, Mr.Phanindra Sama put it, echoing the words of JRD tata - "Always figure out ways to solve other peoples problems, that the only way you will get what you want". It is definitely a slow process, but its what customer insight is all about. Often times, it is what you get offered - is what is most important but in reality, if we are to achieve anything worthwhile, with full support, we need to always, keep our customer in mind.

I suppose, that was made great entrepreneurs of all those who claimed that stage on that day and the next, ability to spot opportunity in problems! Case in point, Mr.Ram Karuturi of Karuturi Global networks. As on date, the worlds largest rose manufacturer, based on out Bangalore, catering to 110 countries worldwide, but with farming in AFRICA! He took the problems of Africa political instability and turned it on its head to lower his operating costs. His ideas on managing the show there and ensuring his assets brought him and his company stake holders VALUE was indeed inspiring and reminiscent of the all encompassing indian phenomenon of JUGAAD!

During the days, we were witness to some of the great minds, some who were born geniuses such as Ashwin Mahesh of Mapunity and other who had philanthropy as their lifes' goal - Quitting a top job in singapore, to start a company that provides clean water to millions - A salute to Walterlife and Sudesh Menon.

I could go on and on for another hundred pages on all that I saw and all that I perceived, but let me end by saying this. It takes a lot to give up but it takes even more to GO up.. And I believe that these 2 days have not only given me ideas to GO up, but shown that it is possible and how?

Thanks Dodappa.

Love,

Adi