Entrepreneurship Lessons From Chandrayaan-3

At 1115 Inc , we're a consultancy led by Indian women, and both founders are incredibly proud of our Indian heritage. This week has been nothing short of exhilarating for us. Chandrayaan 3 made it to the moon! We joined a billion other Indians in a collective, breathless countdown to the moment we heard that India had become the first country to reach the moon's dark side—and only the fourth to make it to the moon at all. The feeling was electric, a true pinnacle of national pride.

After the initial euphoria and the endless scrolling through memes and reels, a realization dawned on us: this moon landing has invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs.

5 Entrepreneurial Lessons from Chandrayaan 3

1. Being First Isn't Everything

India wasn't the pioneer in moon landings, but it was the first to explore the moon's far side—and on a shoestring budget, no less.

For entrepreneurs and brands, being the first to market isn't always possible or even necessary. What matters is carving out a unique space with an unbeatable value proposition and a compelling narrative.

2. The Power of Resilience in the Face of Public Failure

Four years ago, Chandrayaan 2 aimed for the moon but fell short. The world watched as the mission failed in a very public manner. The emotional images of the ISRO head breaking down in front of the Prime Minister went viral, capturing the collective heartbreak of a nation. Yet, it was these very lessons and this very public 'failure' that fueled the success of Chandrayaan 3.

Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, filled with various forms of 'failure'—from botched product launches to ineffective marketing campaigns and new verticals that just don’t land. But it's this very adversity that cultivates the resilience needed to iterate, adapt, and eventually find your winning formula. And sometimes, this failure is not just a quiet setback; it's a public spectacle. It takes a unique form of resilience to rise from such public setbacks, learn from them, and rebuild stronger than before.

3. The Virtue of Frugality

Chandrayaan 3's budget was a mere $75 million, a figure that pales in comparison to other countries' space endeavors—and even some blockbuster movies. This frugality is a testament to the Indian ethos of "why spend when you don't have to."

We've observed that a frugal mindset can be a significant asset for startups. Keeping a close eye on finances and spending wisely fosters resourcefulness and self-sufficiency, virtues that even industry giants like Amazon uphold.

4. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Kalpana Kalahasti, the Associate Project Director of Chandrayaan-3, said, "From the day we started rebuilding our spacecraft after the Chandrayaan-2 experience, it has been breathe in, breathe out Chandrayaan-3 for our team."

A committed team that shares the company's vision is invaluable. No matter how charismatic or visionary the founder may be, reaching monumental goals (much like landing on the moon) is a collective effort.

5. Authenticity is Magnetic

The images from ISRO showcased a team of brilliant, unassuming individuals who were authentically themselves. This authenticity resonated globally, earning respect and admiration.

In the business world, authenticity is equally magnetic. Consumers become emotionally invested in brands that they feel are genuine, transforming them into ambassadors and cheerleaders for your cause. If a small business lacks authenticity, consumers will inevitably gravitate towards one that doesn't.

Wrapping Up...?

So there you have it. As we bask in the afterglow of this monumental achievement for India, let's also take a moment to glean these pearls of wisdom. They remind us that with the right mindset, a committed team, and a dash of authenticity, the sky—or in this case, the moon—isn't the limit; it's just the beginning.

The article is authored by Ayshwarya Chari , co-founder 1115 Inc. With years of consulting experience behind her back, she has formulated successful strategies for 50+ businesses in the Middle East.