Story of an "Indian Middle Class Entrepreneur"

Once upon a time, in the realm where the '90s kids transformed into entrepreneurs, let me take you on a journey into the life of one such individual.

It's been a while since I pondered on sharing the unvarnished reality of being a full-time entrepreneur, steering clear of the glossy allure of polished blog posts.

Let's rewind to the beginning.

Back in the day, we sat glued to Doordarshan, captivated by Chitrahaar's flood of advertisements, without the luxury of a "skip" button. Life unfolded at a serene pace, untouched by mobile phones, OTT platforms, or the relentless race to be the first.

Hailing from a typical middle-class South Indian family, life revolved around education, merit, and embracing a set of values that encouraged unity.

Then came the 2000s – the era of the internet boom, flashy mobile phones, and for a computer science engineer, Doing a Masters in US was the ultimate dream. Evading the American dream, I chose the corporate path.

As time went by, I became a husband, then a father, and eventually, I encountered my master, in this case, Sri Sri Ravishankar. While sainthood isn't in my immediate future, the introspection that comes with meeting spiritual masters is undeniable.

Contemplating the endgame, I asked myself, "After all this, what's next?"

In a world where social media pressures everyone to showcase a perfect life, it's essential to delve into vulnerabilities, realities, and truths.

Recently, someone posed the question, "What kind of entrepreneur are you?" I responded, "I am an 'Indian Middle Class Entrepreneur,'" laying the foundation for this narrative.

Some inquire, "Do you aspire to be a Unicorn, etc.?" My simple wish is for our venture to thrive, creating ample employment opportunities. Growing up in an era where icons like Steve Jobs and up close NR Narayan Murthy and many more showed the world how it has to be done , I learned that dreams are essential, but they must be rooted in a strong value system.

While society cherishes rags-to-riches stories, the middle-class mindset swiftly detaches from cinematic illusions to embrace reality. Being realistic is a lesson instilled from childhood and crucial for an entrepreneur.

My father often expressed his bewilderment at the VC ecosystem, where success is declared despite losses. I share his sentiment. The middle-class mindset disapproves of the loan system; if a loan is taken, every effort is made to repay it with interest.

Balancing the venture is crucial, and I'm fortunate to have experienced co-founders who offer daily lessons.

Before bidding adieu to the corporate world, I consulted with my wife and family, evaluating the risks. Family support, coupled with backing from other relatives and friends, played a pivotal role.That's how it works ,it imbibes in you the participative decision making culture

Today, I abstain from events and award functions that demand payment for nominations. The logic escapes me – paying for an award nomination seems counterintuitive. The middle-class principles of merit guide my decisions. Upgrading cars or flaunting them on Facebook isn't a priority. Life should be lived authentically, sharing only what truly matters to others.

On another note, we rejected a substantial investment offer from a businessman. We seek individuals who believe in our vision; after all, building a venture is not a mere trade.

Institutes that create legacies, careful consideration of funding sources, and a commitment to society and rural India are vital components. As the Indian middle class strengthens, we become the pillars of the country's growth engine, necessitating more entrepreneurs and increased employment generation.

To fellow entrepreneurs and aspiring ones, focus on solving a problem and providing a solution. Waiting for the perfect moment or economic conditions isn't the right mindset. The time is now.

A sea of entrepreneurs, especially the "Middle Class Entrepreneurs," will usher in sustainability, a long-term perspective, and value for stakeholders. Embrace the truth – a sentiment ingrained in us since childhood, as an old Kannada song declares, "Satyave namma Taayi Tande" (Truth is everything).

And a word of caution – beware of advisors; instead, seek trusted mentors who truly understand you. Thus, the journey of the '90s kid turned entrepreneur unfolds, navigating through the twists and turns of the entrepreneurial odyssey.