Skip to main content

My Start-up Learnings

I am really fortunate to chase my dreams multiple times. Co-founded few Start-up ventures in London (UK) & India during my journey so far. Yes, it was my dream run! My journey was quite exciting filled with pace, fun and memorable landmarks.Besides, my acute study on numerous start ups in India & London has resulted good learning, which is the genesis of this post.

Snippets:
  • Business is team sport, alone can't run for long and for big
  • Companies with better network connects score better and can win better
  • 'Fool-proof Execution' is always more important than 'Path breaking, brilliant idea'
  • Scale up is a puzzle, demands dedicated focus and efforts
  • Finance and legal are tough nuts, require expert hand-shake
  • Local legislation is a MUST to follow
  • Reference is key to faster deal closure
  • Focus, focus, focus: for core-competency and competitive edge
  • Cash is king. Cash on hand always has strategic advantage
  • Survival is acid test for initial 2 years
  • Avoid unnecessary cash burn, especially initial stages for longer survival
  • Cash flow is life-blood. Multiple sources of cash flow is key for longer run survival
  • Core competency is never constant, always on move. Can't remain stagnant on the initial core for long
  • Differentiation is real key for better valuation and margins
  • Power of action - always pays back. We can't learn swimming without dive in water!
  • People - real strategic asset. Companies with better teams will have better chance of winning
  • Size matters - Companies with better size, resources score over others
  • Boot-strap model works better for longer survival and control
  • Associate with brands for better market positioning and valuation
  • Keep going... determination and positivity amazingly work!


Share your views, thoughts...would be happy to share more insights!

Note: Posts are personal

Comments

  1. SreeJuly 19, 2019 at 8:26 PM

    Nice Article Nadh... All points are so true and can relate my experience with them... Great job!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJuly 19, 2019 at 8:39 PM

    Nice article

    ReplyDelete
  3. kota116July 19, 2019 at 9:10 PM

    If you add like Focus on Client satisfaction, R&D, skill development andTraining and look for various schemes available to start-ups by Govt. etc.,. This is only my opinion Nash Gary.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nadh ThotaJuly 19, 2019 at 9:18 PM

      Noted, thx. Will include in my next revision. Plz stay tuned Kota garu!

      Delete
  4. UnknownJuly 19, 2019 at 9:19 PM

    Excellent Nadh! All the ingredients required are in place, Mapping a well defined and achievable "success criteria" for every stage of the journey is critical for evaluation.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Behavioral Biometrics

Biometrics is always one of very fascinating domains to watch. I am fortunate to be part of some very exciting landmark programs/studies in UK & India. In my previous post, I shared some thoughts & tips on 'Biometric Spoofing'. Physical Biometrics has dominated the landscape so far, but - we can't ignore the growth & importance of Behavioral Biometrics in times to come. So, this post of mine keeps focus on Behavioral Biometrics coupled with latest trends. Latest trends Research is in progress on new Biometric modals - Hand Geometry, Vein, Retina, Skin, Gait, Signature, Foot, Ear, Odor etc., Currently, though their market share is not significant, still at nascent stage, but - expected to grow in times to come Good research is in progress globally on Behavioral Biometrics - Biometrics based on behavioral traits help identify a person by some measurable activity Behavioral Biometric Solutions are cheaper than using Physical(also called as Physiolog...
3 comments
Read more

'Cold Calling' works in London too!

My post covers my cold calling sales experience in London, UK. It is always interesting to watch ongoing debate on 'Cold Calling' & its relevance in digital era now. 'Cold Calling' - is one of the traditional & widely accepted approaches for 'go to market' (GTM) & carries mixed opinions on execution front. Key steps in the process include: meeting unknown potential Customer directly without any prior reference or appointment, sharing value proposition across the table and push for deal closure. My experience says, ' Cold Calling works well in London (UK) too '. Landed in London with HSMP visa on hand, being new to market, I have used the same process & tips which I picked up & practiced in India during my early days of Professional Sales Career. Interestingly, the core fundamentals won't change even after a decade, irrespective of your work place. However, smart fine-tuning is essential based on product/solution or ...
1 comment
Read more