SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 14
Download to read offline
Issues of a startup
Amit Shah
Experienced Investors and Entrepreneurs
Venture Investing Experience
– Collectively invested $450+M in 100+ companies - seed and early-stage
– 74 exits with aggregate realized return of 4.2x
– 9 IPO’s and 33 acquisitions
Entrepreneurial Experience
– Co-founded 4 startups in the U.S. and India
– 4 successful exits with aggregate value of $610 million
• ZeitNet, PipeLinks, Equator, Daksh, Ross, Kaleida
– Backed by: Sequoia, Greylock, General Atlantic, Actis, Sony, Canon, Hitachi
Operating Experience - public and private
– Cisco, Rockwell, AMD, DEC, Silicon Graphics, Cabletron, Compaq,
Qualcomm, HP, Tata Motors
Technology Background
– Played pioneering roles in seminal industries: Server Computing, Networking,
Voice over IP, Video on Demand, IPTV, Digital Consumer Electronics
– 15 US patents
U.S. Investment Team
Amit Shah
Yatin Mundkur
Saurabh Srivastava
Tom Dennedy
Dr. Ajit Singh
Dr. Akhil Saklecha
India Team
M. J. Aravind
Ramesh Radhakrishnan
Kumar Subramanyam
EIRs
Piyush Patel
Phil Ferolito
Why? O Why a startup?
The trigger for doing a startup
– My boss sucks; I don’t like my job;
– He/she made it; why can’t I?
– Always wanted to do a startup
Caution:
– Not sexy; most likely foolhardy
– Very, very hard work with incredible ups/downs
– Enjoyment is in hindsight
Idea
The actual Idea
- Hammer in search of a nail
- Intersection of experience, market understanding, ability to
execute
Is it a business?
– Feature
– Product
– Company
What is a Business Plan?
– Not an excel spreadsheet or a word document or a
PowerPoint presentation
– An innate and clear understanding of what you are
going after
– Remember:
if it is in the press it is too late
– Truly understand the market dynamics
The money
• Most businesses should not raise venture money
• Do you really know why and how much money you
need?
• Who do you raise it from?
- Customers, partners, friends and family, angels,
VCs
- Government (Darpa, SBIC,…)
The VCs
• “They are evil; dumb; do not understand
my business; trying to screw me; …”
- All true
- No different than a marriage
How well do you know the person?
- Look beyond the sexy early days and to the
fat middle age and can you live with it?
- Ecosystem
Secrets of a firm
– What do they like?
– (These days) do they have the money?
– Which partner?
– Have they already done too many deals for the year?
– Is it their sweet spot?
– Can you finance future rounds with them?
Finally…
• Actually doing a startup
• Phases
– Primordial
– Middle Ages
– Industrial Revolution
– Deliverance
Primordial
• Concept
• Early fools
• Extreme Energy
• Some lucidity
Middle Ages
• Newer Skeptics & converts
• Energy / focus correlation
• Outside thoughts
• Confusion
Industrial Revolution
• Scale
• Technology ready for customers
• Sales and Marketing starts ramping
• Internal Challenges
– Job function confusion (mix of newer v/s older employees)
– Communications
• Hallway conversations don’t work
• Processes (unfortunately) needed
– Fallout
• People dissatisfaction
• Inability to scale
• Some don’t make it thru transition
Deliverance
• Customer interaction starts
– Initially Skepticism
– Goes to “piddly stuff”
– Some more selling and it becomes “maybe”
– If persistence, the customer “converts”
Personal goals (fill in)
• Value Creation in terms of dollars and
time
• Global/National/Niche company
• Create a paradigm shift?
• Company’s DNA will reflect this vision

More Related Content

Recently uploaded

Building pressure? Rising rents, and what to expect in the future
Building pressure? Rising rents, and what to expect in the futureBuilding pressure? Rising rents, and what to expect in the future
Building pressure? Rising rents, and what to expect in the futureResolutionFoundation
 
The Inspirational Story of Julio Herrera Velutini - Global Finance Leader
The Inspirational Story of Julio Herrera Velutini - Global Finance LeaderThe Inspirational Story of Julio Herrera Velutini - Global Finance Leader
The Inspirational Story of Julio Herrera Velutini - Global Finance LeaderArianna Varetto
 
NO1 Certified Black Magic Specialist Expert In Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Sialkot,...
NO1 Certified Black Magic Specialist Expert In Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Sialkot,...NO1 Certified Black Magic Specialist Expert In Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Sialkot,...
NO1 Certified Black Magic Specialist Expert In Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Sialkot,...Amil baba
 
Uae-NO1 Black Magic Specialist In Lahore Black magic In Pakistan Kala Ilam Ex...
Uae-NO1 Black Magic Specialist In Lahore Black magic In Pakistan Kala Ilam Ex...Uae-NO1 Black Magic Specialist In Lahore Black magic In Pakistan Kala Ilam Ex...
Uae-NO1 Black Magic Specialist In Lahore Black magic In Pakistan Kala Ilam Ex...Amil baba
 
Global Economic Outlook, 2024 - Scholaride Consulting
Global Economic Outlook, 2024 - Scholaride ConsultingGlobal Economic Outlook, 2024 - Scholaride Consulting
Global Economic Outlook, 2024 - Scholaride Consultingswastiknandyofficial
 
Financial Preparation for Millennia.pptx
Financial Preparation for Millennia.pptxFinancial Preparation for Millennia.pptx
Financial Preparation for Millennia.pptxsimon978302
 
What is sip and What are its Benefits in 2024
What is sip and What are its Benefits in 2024What is sip and What are its Benefits in 2024
What is sip and What are its Benefits in 2024prajwalgopocket
 
OAT_RI_Ep18 WeighingTheRisks_Mar24_GlobalCredit.pptx
OAT_RI_Ep18 WeighingTheRisks_Mar24_GlobalCredit.pptxOAT_RI_Ep18 WeighingTheRisks_Mar24_GlobalCredit.pptx
OAT_RI_Ep18 WeighingTheRisks_Mar24_GlobalCredit.pptxhiddenlevers
 
Market Morning Updates for 16th April 2024
Market Morning Updates for 16th April 2024Market Morning Updates for 16th April 2024
Market Morning Updates for 16th April 2024Devarsh Vakil
 
Gender and caste discrimination in india
Gender and caste discrimination in indiaGender and caste discrimination in india
Gender and caste discrimination in indiavandanasingh01072003
 
Unveiling Poonawalla Fincorp’s Phenomenal Performance Under Abhay Bhutada’s L...
Unveiling Poonawalla Fincorp’s Phenomenal Performance Under Abhay Bhutada’s L...Unveiling Poonawalla Fincorp’s Phenomenal Performance Under Abhay Bhutada’s L...
Unveiling Poonawalla Fincorp’s Phenomenal Performance Under Abhay Bhutada’s L...beulahfernandes8
 
Abhay Bhutada Leads Poonawalla Fincorp To Record Growth In FY24
Abhay Bhutada Leads Poonawalla Fincorp To Record Growth In FY24Abhay Bhutada Leads Poonawalla Fincorp To Record Growth In FY24
Abhay Bhutada Leads Poonawalla Fincorp To Record Growth In FY24Champak Jhagmag
 
Crypto Confidence Unlocked: AnyKYCaccount's Shortcut to Binance Verification
Crypto Confidence Unlocked: AnyKYCaccount's Shortcut to Binance VerificationCrypto Confidence Unlocked: AnyKYCaccount's Shortcut to Binance Verification
Crypto Confidence Unlocked: AnyKYCaccount's Shortcut to Binance VerificationAny kyc Account
 
2024-04-09 - Pension Playpen roundtable - slides.pptx
2024-04-09 - Pension Playpen roundtable - slides.pptx2024-04-09 - Pension Playpen roundtable - slides.pptx
2024-04-09 - Pension Playpen roundtable - slides.pptxHenry Tapper
 
Banking: Commercial and Central Banking.pptx
Banking: Commercial and Central Banking.pptxBanking: Commercial and Central Banking.pptx
Banking: Commercial and Central Banking.pptxANTHONYAKINYOSOYE1
 
Kempen ' UK DB Endgame Paper Apr 24 final3.pdf
Kempen ' UK DB Endgame Paper Apr 24 final3.pdfKempen ' UK DB Endgame Paper Apr 24 final3.pdf
Kempen ' UK DB Endgame Paper Apr 24 final3.pdfHenry Tapper
 
AnyConv.com__FSS Advance Retail & Distribution - 15.06.17.ppt
AnyConv.com__FSS Advance Retail & Distribution - 15.06.17.pptAnyConv.com__FSS Advance Retail & Distribution - 15.06.17.ppt
AnyConv.com__FSS Advance Retail & Distribution - 15.06.17.pptPriyankaSharma89719
 
Uae-NO1 Rohani Amil In Islamabad Amil Baba in Rawalpindi Kala Jadu Amil In Ra...
Uae-NO1 Rohani Amil In Islamabad Amil Baba in Rawalpindi Kala Jadu Amil In Ra...Uae-NO1 Rohani Amil In Islamabad Amil Baba in Rawalpindi Kala Jadu Amil In Ra...
Uae-NO1 Rohani Amil In Islamabad Amil Baba in Rawalpindi Kala Jadu Amil In Ra...Amil baba
 
Thoma Bravo Equity - Presentation Pension Fund
Thoma Bravo Equity - Presentation Pension FundThoma Bravo Equity - Presentation Pension Fund
Thoma Bravo Equity - Presentation Pension FundAshwinJey
 
Liquidity Decisions in Financial management
Liquidity Decisions in Financial managementLiquidity Decisions in Financial management
Liquidity Decisions in Financial managementshrutisingh143670
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Building pressure? Rising rents, and what to expect in the future
Building pressure? Rising rents, and what to expect in the futureBuilding pressure? Rising rents, and what to expect in the future
Building pressure? Rising rents, and what to expect in the future
 
The Inspirational Story of Julio Herrera Velutini - Global Finance Leader
The Inspirational Story of Julio Herrera Velutini - Global Finance LeaderThe Inspirational Story of Julio Herrera Velutini - Global Finance Leader
The Inspirational Story of Julio Herrera Velutini - Global Finance Leader
 
NO1 Certified Black Magic Specialist Expert In Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Sialkot,...
NO1 Certified Black Magic Specialist Expert In Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Sialkot,...NO1 Certified Black Magic Specialist Expert In Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Sialkot,...
NO1 Certified Black Magic Specialist Expert In Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Sialkot,...
 
Uae-NO1 Black Magic Specialist In Lahore Black magic In Pakistan Kala Ilam Ex...
Uae-NO1 Black Magic Specialist In Lahore Black magic In Pakistan Kala Ilam Ex...Uae-NO1 Black Magic Specialist In Lahore Black magic In Pakistan Kala Ilam Ex...
Uae-NO1 Black Magic Specialist In Lahore Black magic In Pakistan Kala Ilam Ex...
 
Global Economic Outlook, 2024 - Scholaride Consulting
Global Economic Outlook, 2024 - Scholaride ConsultingGlobal Economic Outlook, 2024 - Scholaride Consulting
Global Economic Outlook, 2024 - Scholaride Consulting
 
Financial Preparation for Millennia.pptx
Financial Preparation for Millennia.pptxFinancial Preparation for Millennia.pptx
Financial Preparation for Millennia.pptx
 
What is sip and What are its Benefits in 2024
What is sip and What are its Benefits in 2024What is sip and What are its Benefits in 2024
What is sip and What are its Benefits in 2024
 
OAT_RI_Ep18 WeighingTheRisks_Mar24_GlobalCredit.pptx
OAT_RI_Ep18 WeighingTheRisks_Mar24_GlobalCredit.pptxOAT_RI_Ep18 WeighingTheRisks_Mar24_GlobalCredit.pptx
OAT_RI_Ep18 WeighingTheRisks_Mar24_GlobalCredit.pptx
 
Market Morning Updates for 16th April 2024
Market Morning Updates for 16th April 2024Market Morning Updates for 16th April 2024
Market Morning Updates for 16th April 2024
 
Gender and caste discrimination in india
Gender and caste discrimination in indiaGender and caste discrimination in india
Gender and caste discrimination in india
 
Unveiling Poonawalla Fincorp’s Phenomenal Performance Under Abhay Bhutada’s L...
Unveiling Poonawalla Fincorp’s Phenomenal Performance Under Abhay Bhutada’s L...Unveiling Poonawalla Fincorp’s Phenomenal Performance Under Abhay Bhutada’s L...
Unveiling Poonawalla Fincorp’s Phenomenal Performance Under Abhay Bhutada’s L...
 
Abhay Bhutada Leads Poonawalla Fincorp To Record Growth In FY24
Abhay Bhutada Leads Poonawalla Fincorp To Record Growth In FY24Abhay Bhutada Leads Poonawalla Fincorp To Record Growth In FY24
Abhay Bhutada Leads Poonawalla Fincorp To Record Growth In FY24
 
Crypto Confidence Unlocked: AnyKYCaccount's Shortcut to Binance Verification
Crypto Confidence Unlocked: AnyKYCaccount's Shortcut to Binance VerificationCrypto Confidence Unlocked: AnyKYCaccount's Shortcut to Binance Verification
Crypto Confidence Unlocked: AnyKYCaccount's Shortcut to Binance Verification
 
2024-04-09 - Pension Playpen roundtable - slides.pptx
2024-04-09 - Pension Playpen roundtable - slides.pptx2024-04-09 - Pension Playpen roundtable - slides.pptx
2024-04-09 - Pension Playpen roundtable - slides.pptx
 
Banking: Commercial and Central Banking.pptx
Banking: Commercial and Central Banking.pptxBanking: Commercial and Central Banking.pptx
Banking: Commercial and Central Banking.pptx
 
Kempen ' UK DB Endgame Paper Apr 24 final3.pdf
Kempen ' UK DB Endgame Paper Apr 24 final3.pdfKempen ' UK DB Endgame Paper Apr 24 final3.pdf
Kempen ' UK DB Endgame Paper Apr 24 final3.pdf
 
AnyConv.com__FSS Advance Retail & Distribution - 15.06.17.ppt
AnyConv.com__FSS Advance Retail & Distribution - 15.06.17.pptAnyConv.com__FSS Advance Retail & Distribution - 15.06.17.ppt
AnyConv.com__FSS Advance Retail & Distribution - 15.06.17.ppt
 
Uae-NO1 Rohani Amil In Islamabad Amil Baba in Rawalpindi Kala Jadu Amil In Ra...
Uae-NO1 Rohani Amil In Islamabad Amil Baba in Rawalpindi Kala Jadu Amil In Ra...Uae-NO1 Rohani Amil In Islamabad Amil Baba in Rawalpindi Kala Jadu Amil In Ra...
Uae-NO1 Rohani Amil In Islamabad Amil Baba in Rawalpindi Kala Jadu Amil In Ra...
 
Thoma Bravo Equity - Presentation Pension Fund
Thoma Bravo Equity - Presentation Pension FundThoma Bravo Equity - Presentation Pension Fund
Thoma Bravo Equity - Presentation Pension Fund
 
Liquidity Decisions in Financial management
Liquidity Decisions in Financial managementLiquidity Decisions in Financial management
Liquidity Decisions in Financial management
 

Featured

Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage Engineerings
Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage EngineeringsProduct Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage Engineerings
Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage EngineeringsPixeldarts
 
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental Health
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental HealthHow Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental Health
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental HealthThinkNow
 
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfAI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfmarketingartwork
 
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024Neil Kimberley
 
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)contently
 
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024Albert Qian
 
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsSocial Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsKurio // The Social Media Age(ncy)
 
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Search Engine Journal
 
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summarySpeakerHub
 
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd Clark Boyd
 
Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Tessa Mero
 
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentGoogle's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentLily Ray
 
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity -  Best PracticesTime Management & Productivity -  Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity - Best PracticesVit Horky
 
The six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementThe six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementMindGenius
 
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...RachelPearson36
 
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Applitools
 
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at WorkGetSmarter
 

Featured (20)

Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage Engineerings
Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage EngineeringsProduct Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage Engineerings
Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage Engineerings
 
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental Health
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental HealthHow Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental Health
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental Health
 
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfAI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdf
 
Skeleton Culture Code
Skeleton Culture CodeSkeleton Culture Code
Skeleton Culture Code
 
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
 
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
 
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
 
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsSocial Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
 
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
 
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
 
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
 
Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next
 
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentGoogle's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
 
How to have difficult conversations
How to have difficult conversations How to have difficult conversations
How to have difficult conversations
 
Introduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data ScienceIntroduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data Science
 
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity -  Best PracticesTime Management & Productivity -  Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
 
The six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementThe six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project management
 
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
 
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
 
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
 

Artiman reviews - Issues of a startup by Amit Shah

  • 1. Issues of a startup Amit Shah
  • 2. Experienced Investors and Entrepreneurs Venture Investing Experience – Collectively invested $450+M in 100+ companies - seed and early-stage – 74 exits with aggregate realized return of 4.2x – 9 IPO’s and 33 acquisitions Entrepreneurial Experience – Co-founded 4 startups in the U.S. and India – 4 successful exits with aggregate value of $610 million • ZeitNet, PipeLinks, Equator, Daksh, Ross, Kaleida – Backed by: Sequoia, Greylock, General Atlantic, Actis, Sony, Canon, Hitachi Operating Experience - public and private – Cisco, Rockwell, AMD, DEC, Silicon Graphics, Cabletron, Compaq, Qualcomm, HP, Tata Motors Technology Background – Played pioneering roles in seminal industries: Server Computing, Networking, Voice over IP, Video on Demand, IPTV, Digital Consumer Electronics – 15 US patents U.S. Investment Team Amit Shah Yatin Mundkur Saurabh Srivastava Tom Dennedy Dr. Ajit Singh Dr. Akhil Saklecha India Team M. J. Aravind Ramesh Radhakrishnan Kumar Subramanyam EIRs Piyush Patel Phil Ferolito
  • 3. Why? O Why a startup? The trigger for doing a startup – My boss sucks; I don’t like my job; – He/she made it; why can’t I? – Always wanted to do a startup Caution: – Not sexy; most likely foolhardy – Very, very hard work with incredible ups/downs – Enjoyment is in hindsight
  • 4. Idea The actual Idea - Hammer in search of a nail - Intersection of experience, market understanding, ability to execute Is it a business? – Feature – Product – Company
  • 5. What is a Business Plan? – Not an excel spreadsheet or a word document or a PowerPoint presentation – An innate and clear understanding of what you are going after – Remember: if it is in the press it is too late – Truly understand the market dynamics
  • 6. The money • Most businesses should not raise venture money • Do you really know why and how much money you need? • Who do you raise it from? - Customers, partners, friends and family, angels, VCs - Government (Darpa, SBIC,…)
  • 7. The VCs • “They are evil; dumb; do not understand my business; trying to screw me; …” - All true - No different than a marriage How well do you know the person? - Look beyond the sexy early days and to the fat middle age and can you live with it? - Ecosystem
  • 8. Secrets of a firm – What do they like? – (These days) do they have the money? – Which partner? – Have they already done too many deals for the year? – Is it their sweet spot? – Can you finance future rounds with them?
  • 9. Finally… • Actually doing a startup • Phases – Primordial – Middle Ages – Industrial Revolution – Deliverance
  • 10. Primordial • Concept • Early fools • Extreme Energy • Some lucidity
  • 11. Middle Ages • Newer Skeptics & converts • Energy / focus correlation • Outside thoughts • Confusion
  • 12. Industrial Revolution • Scale • Technology ready for customers • Sales and Marketing starts ramping • Internal Challenges – Job function confusion (mix of newer v/s older employees) – Communications • Hallway conversations don’t work • Processes (unfortunately) needed – Fallout • People dissatisfaction • Inability to scale • Some don’t make it thru transition
  • 13. Deliverance • Customer interaction starts – Initially Skepticism – Goes to “piddly stuff” – Some more selling and it becomes “maybe” – If persistence, the customer “converts”
  • 14. Personal goals (fill in) • Value Creation in terms of dollars and time • Global/National/Niche company • Create a paradigm shift? • Company’s DNA will reflect this vision