Recently I was approached by some people who were interested in developing a software for the administration of their daily office work. They wanted it really cheap. Now these are the poeple who started using computers at their workplace recently. Now they have realized that a software can give them some advantage in the competition. […]
Free To Innovate
I have been talking to lots of entrepreneurs about various business models to support innovation, especially in industries from which VCs are pulling out (Security, Networking, Chips, Enterprise Software, etc.). This article looks at a business model that offers an alternative framework to support innovation. Read my latest Forbes column, Free to Innovate, and the […]
Entrepreneurship Summit, IIT Mumbai
Date: 7th February, ‘09 Website: www.esummit.ecell.in The Entrepreneurship Summit is a unique initiative by E-Cell, IIT Bombay which serves as a social forum for the Entrepreneurial Community. This year, the Summit aims at Empowering Entrepreneurs. Workshops at E-Summit 09 will emphasize on critical issues faced by entrepreneurs and start-ups at early stages of development and […]
Local Language Internet
There’s an interesting discussion on local language internet in India by Mahesh following IAMAI report on the same. Some perspectives on the same: Should there be local language internet – Absolutely! The power of internet lies in micro-segmentation, and there is no “need to dump Kannada” as Mahesh puts it. Is there a market on […]
State of Innovation – Perspectives
Bernard has a great article on state of innovation in India. Some thoughts on the same. The article speaks about the risk-reward equation being balanced – I beg to differ. Big still means safe. Its not a matter of reality but perception. Like capital, talent flights to safety in downturns – especially as the support […]
Intel’s challenge on Global Issues
The Intel’s website http://www.intelchallenge.com/ is asking for solutions on -Education -Economic Development -Healthcare and -Environment The last date of submission is extended to February 17th, 2009.
Business Plan showcase @ IIM Ahmedabad
IIM Ahmedabad is holding a B plan showcase event as part of the annual VC/PE conference Leverage 2009. Please read the detailed official announcement regarding the event. The rules pdf is with me, if anyone wants it let me know your email address and I will send it across to you. “Leverage 2009 – the […]
Industry-Startup Co-innovation partnerships : What do you think ?
For the past 3-4 months, I and a couple of my colleagues at the HeadStart Foundation have been involved in creating a framework for formal collaboration between corporates and startups for jointly identifying, pursuing and executing business. The HeadStart Foundation is launching that initiative on the 9th at the HeadStart and Compute 2009 event in […]
A Start up for Citizen Led Change in India
I just saw Shashank’s post on a political startup. Prior to doing a startup potential founders often brainstorm. If there are some people seriously interested in brainstorming on this idea in Delhi at my home in RK Puram please contact me.
Avenues for getting ~$1M funding in India
I am not sure if this topic has been discussed before – pls direct me to the post or if people have newer insights, it would be great to discuss. I am curious about opportunities to get funding in the $1M range for start-ups in India. 1. Most of the VCs in India seem to […]
Canaan invests in Chakpak.com
Happy to announce our investment in chakpak.com – the largest online community for Indian entertainment. We are excited to partner with Accel in financing the company, largely because: Entertainment is a high usage and engagement category – As per Comscore, 18 million visitors in India already access entertainment content. Add to that the NRI base, […]
Social Mutual Fund
Interesting company kaChing – of course there are challenges around sustainable returns, building credibility, and marketing. But a very interesting disintermediation effort between capital and investment managers. Would you use something like this?