Investor terms significantly influence how startups grow, scale, and navigate the complexities of funding rounds. With two decades immersed in the startup career and business, I’ve navigated investment terms skillfully avoided numerous death traps during negotiations. These terms dictate the financial and operational framework that founders and investors operate within. Understanding and negotiating these terms…
An exit strategy is a critical milestone for startups, representing the culmination of years of effort, growth, and innovation. That’s why I committed to working with startups early in my career. Two decades later, I’ve been part of successful exits for both My tech startup and the companies I’ve worked for. For founders and investors,…
When startups raise funds, they often trade a portion of their equity for capital. Having been part of multiple startups during my two-decade-long tech career, I’ve witnessed firsthand how startup investment operates. This process can lead to equity dilution, reducing the ownership percentage of founders and existing shareholders. While equity dilution is an essential aspect…
Startup valuation is a crucial aspect of the entrepreneurial journey. It determines the worth of a company, shaping critical aspects like funding negotiations, equity distribution, and growth potential. With nearly two decades in the startup ecosystem, I have navigated various investment methodologies to value my startup, ArcTop Labs, during funding pitches in 2017. Investors rely…
Starting and scaling a business often requires external funding, and understanding the various types of investors is key to attracting the right capital. With nearly two decades in the startup ecosystem, I’ve gained a clear understanding that each type of investor comes with distinct criteria, investment styles, and expectations. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur seeking…
Startup success relies on more than innovative ideas—it needs funding to thrive. With over 18 years of experience in the tech startup ecosystem—including my career at Travel Guru, Vriti Infocom, Nagarro, and Peoplestrong—I have witnessed firsthand the various stages of growth and funding in these ventures. Funding rounds are key milestones that help startups secure…
Mahatma Gandhi inspired millions with his principles of truth, non-violence, and simplicity. These principles are not limited to political or social movements; they can revolutionize how tech teams operate today. Today’s tech industry thrives on collaboration, innovation, and constant problem-solving, and by applying Gandhi’s timeless values, teams can enhance productivity, morale, and efficiency. Drawing on…
Terminating an employee is one of the most challenging responsibilities for a manager or HR professional, particularly in India, where job-related emotions run high. Despite its difficulty, it’s essential to handle this process with the highest level of dignity and respect to maintain a positive company culture and minimize legal risks. Moreover, firing an employee…
In the booming world of technology, where innovation and agility are paramount, the success of a team hinges not just on technical expertise but also on the Psychological Safety of its members. Psychological safety is the foundation upon which high-performing tech teams are built. It creates an environment where individuals feel comfortable taking risks, sharing…
A few months ago, I wrote about how work-life balance is a myth, a viewpoint I still hold. However, recognizing the early signs of dissatisfaction is crucial in improving the organizational environment. Having been part of several tech companies over the years, I can confidently say that burnout has become an increasingly prevalent issue, impacting…
In the ever-evolving world of technology, hiring the right talent is an art in itself. While many startups focus on short-term goals, larger companies plan for the long haul, looking three to five years ahead. This raises a critical question: Should you hire someone who meets your immediate needs or someone who aligns perfectly with…
Congratulations on your recent achievement of becoming a manager! As you embark on this new chapter of your career, let’s delve into the transformative power of delegation, a skill that has been instrumental in my own journey of over 17 years. This blog post is not just a guide; it’s an introduction to leadership excellence…
In the dynamic landscape of the modern workplace, understanding the nuances between burden, responsibility, and ownership is crucial for professional growth and success. These three concepts, often used interchangeably, carry distinct meanings that can significantly impact one’s approach to work and job performance. By understanding this, one can find motivating truth: learning how to love…
In our professional lives, the workplace should ideally be a space where growth, collaboration, and inspiration thrive. However, the unfortunate reality for many is the existence of toxic work environments that can stifle personal and professional development. Recognizing the signs and knowing how to navigate through these challenges is crucial for maintaining well-being and productivity.…
In the challenging landscape of modern workplaces, fostering a culture of ownership is key to unlocking the full potential of your team. When individuals feel a deep sense of accountability, magic happens – productivity soars, collaboration flourishes, and innovation becomes second nature. Over the course of my career, I’ve witnessed the evolution of teams, technologies,…
In recent times, the topic of work hours has sparked a heated debate, particularly in the context of the 70-hour workweek advocated by business magnate Narayan Murthy of Infosys. While some argue that such extensive hours can compromise work-life balance, others believe that this approach harks back to a time when commitment to work was…
In today’s world, technology and business have become inseparable, the lure of keep improving tech in business can lead employees in both startups and growing companies down a treacherous path known as Resume-Driven Development (RDD). RDD occurs when employees prioritize adding new technologies to their resumes over aligning with the company’s core tech stack and…
In the intricate world of corporate communication, dialogue between managers and employees plays a pivotal role in defining the corporate culture. As someone who has navigated the complexities of leading an engineering team, I’ve learned that occasionally, it’s necessary to showcase leadership assertiveness, albeit in clear crisp communication. However, the landscape has evolved. Nowadays, managers…
As the world moves forward in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), India’s job market is experiencing transformative changes. AI-powered technologies are revolutionizing industries and reshaping the workforce landscape. After looking into current trends in AI, Found the three categories of jobs in India that are significantly impacted by AI, Let’s understand the implications of…
In today’s data-rich world, analytics has emerged as the guiding light, illuminating the path towards informed decision-making, innovation, and growth. Drawing from my personal experience at the helm of an analytics department, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact of analytics, especially when driven by cutting-edge AI technologies. This potent combination has allowed us to not…
