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Chandu

Chandu Nair  | Answer  |Ask -

VC, Angel Investing, Entrepreneurship Expert - Answered on Oct 28, 2023

Chandu Nair advises entrepreneurs and enterprises about creating and building their business.
He has direct experience in angel, venture capital and strategic investor funding. Over the last three decades, he has made a name for himself in industry, consultancy, media and information services.
Nair is on the advisory boards of the Chennai-based private equity firm Fulcrum and the social impact fund, Menterra. He's an independent director on the board of India's first retail building products company, Shankara Building Products Limited.
He was the co-founder of Scope e-Knowledge Center, a pioneering knowledge process outsourcing company, as well as the co-founder of a business-to-business e-commerce venture, both of which he successfully exited.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Oct 27, 2023Hindi
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Career

Dear Mr Chandu, I have failed two start-ups and lost Rs 2 crores. I took a break and worked as a consultant for a year. I want to be an entrepreneur again. Any tips that you'd like to share with me?

Ans: Dear Anon,
Kudos to you for reviving your entrepreneurial dreams despite your two setbacks and financial loss.

I have no idea of your current financial and personal situation - married, with kids, extent of savings, if spouse is working etc. It would be good for you to ensure that you have savings which can take care of family needs for 1 year at least so that family worries don't derail you and take attention away.

Have you shortlisted any ideas and done an evaluation? Any preliminary validation done?

At this juncture, it would be a good idea to figure out what went wrong in your previous start-ups and why plus what corrective steps are required.

Have you also got the seed capital organised or is it possible to get it from savings and your family and friends?

It may be helpful to get a co-founder(s) with complementary skills/ expertise and experience and aligned in terms of vision and values.

These preparatory steps can help you in reigniting your start-up dreams!

All the best
Career

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Abhishek

Abhishek Shah  | Answer  |Ask -

HR Expert - Answered on May 15, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - May 08, 2023Hindi
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Hi Abhishek! I am a lost entrepreneur having 13 years experience. I found decent exit from my previous startup where I've put in 10 years in different roles at elementary level like Marketing, Customer Success, Product, Tech but haven't developed a niche. In last 3 years, I've worked with an early stage startup which failed. Now when I came out of there, I feel so insecure about future not having any expertise even after having 13 years of experience so to say. Please guide how to find my liking and develop expertise quickly or how can I navigate my career so that I am viewed at least as a competent mid career professional.
Ans: Hi there,

It's great to hear about your extensive entrepreneurial experience. Finding your niche and developing expertise can be a valuable step in advancing your career. Here are a few suggestions to help you navigate your career and be viewed as a competent mid-career professional:

Reflect on your past experiences: Take some time to reflect on your previous roles and identify the aspects you enjoyed the most. Consider the skills you excelled at and the tasks that brought you the most satisfaction. This reflection can provide insights into potential areas of expertise.

Assess your strengths and interests: Conduct a self-assessment to identify your strengths, skills, and interests. What are you naturally good at? What topics or industries fascinate you? This evaluation can help you pinpoint areas where you can build expertise more quickly.

Stay updated with industry trends: Stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your field of interest. Subscribe to relevant newsletters, follow influential figures on social media, and attend industry conferences or webinars. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and identify potential areas of specialization.

Seek learning opportunities: Take advantage of various learning resources available, such as online courses, workshops, or certifications. These can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to build expertise in a specific area.

Network and collaborate: Engage with professionals in your field of interest. Attend industry events, join relevant communities or associations, and participate in networking activities. Building connections and collaborating with others can help you gain exposure, learn from experts, and discover new opportunities.

Start small and build gradually: Begin by focusing on a specific aspect or niche within your field of interest. By starting small, you can gradually build your expertise and become known for your proficiency in that particular area. As you gain experience and credibility, you can expand your scope and take on more challenging projects.

Remember, developing expertise takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and embrace continuous learning. By leveraging your past experiences, identifying your strengths and interests, staying updated, seeking learning opportunities, networking, and starting small, you can work towards becoming a competent mid-career professional in your chosen niche.
Good luck on your journey!

Regards,
Abhishek

..Read more

Baqar Iftikhar

Baqar Iftikhar Naqvi  |114 Answers  |Ask -

Start-up Mentor - Answered on Sep 18, 2023

Chandu

Chandu Nair  | Answer  |Ask -

VC, Angel Investing, Entrepreneurship Expert - Answered on Feb 12, 2024

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Career
Dear Mr CHandu, I am 53 yrs now and an BE by qualification. I have been working in IT industry (14 yrs) and from 2007 have been working in IT Security profile as GM. In 2015 I left the job over an partnership offer which did not materialized but i lost the job. I started an start-up ecommerce company with a good concept which was liked and appreciated by the franchisees as even today they are running a grocery store which was setup by me, though my business shut down due to non funding and was cheated in the name of funding. After long gap I did join the company but lasted for just 8 months and now again am job less. I have a good start-up idea in healthcare which is workable and have been appreciated by people to whom i have brief though i M yet to launch due to funds issue, Though people are trying to find the funding after hearing the biz idea. My wife is working and have 2 kids in 12th and 10th Std respectively. Pls advice.
Ans: Dear Mr Dinesh,
It looks like you have been through a lot after getting into business on your own. Your children too are at a critical stage in life which requires funds for higher education in the next few years. The first question to ask yourself is - what is the priority in your life? Is it financial stability for the family esp for the kids? Or is it the pursuit of your business? The second question is - what is the current status of your household finances? Is there enough savings to manage the household, upcoming education expenses, other expenses (travel, medical etc)?
If you are shaky, it may be time for you to consider taking an assignment which offers you a fixed remuneration and also flexibility to work on your idea. You say you were in the field of IT security. Can you consider an assignment which might take 2-3 days per week managing and overseeing the IT security for a company which cannot afford a full-time professional?
You may also want to consider getting incubated in a good healthcare incubator in your city and also apply for a start-up funding grant from the government of India and/or local state government programmes.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9752 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 31, 2025

Career
Sir my rank is 16894 OC category no EWS .I got kmec CSM in second phase in tg eapcet. I am going for 3rd phase. So could you please guide me whether vidya jyoti institute of technology cse is better or kmec. In 3rd phase can I get Iare , cmrk , cvr , mgit , vjit , snist , anurag only cse and specializations . Are there any chances to get any of these colleges in 3rd phase ? Please guide me sir.
Ans: Dhaksh, With an OC category rank of 16,894 in TG EAPCET, you have secured Computer Science and Business Systems (CSM) at Keshav Memorial Engineering College (KMEC) in phase 2, and are now considering options for phase 3, including CSE at Vidya Jyothi Institute of Technology (VJIT), as well as aspirational seats at IARE, CMRK, CVR, MGIT, VJIT, SNIST, and Anurag (all CSE and related specializations). Based on the official 2024 TG EAPCET closing ranks and highly regarded educational portals, your current rank is well outside the typical closing ranks for OC candidates in CSE at top-tier colleges: CVR (3,200–4,200), MGIT (3,412–3,417), IARE (well under 1,000), SNIST and Anurag (typically under 8,000 for CSE), and CMRK (usually closes by 17,000). VJIT’s CSE (core) closed at 22,455 and AI-ML/Data Science specializations closed between 20,423–21,363, making VJIT’s CSE the only program among your choices where your rank sits comfortably within range for both core and allied branches in phase 3. KMEC’s CSM course typically has closing ranks around 17,263–18,648 for OC, which fits your present allocation and gives the campus a competitive, yet supportive environment, with strong faculty, modern infrastructure, transparent placement processes, and good industry connections. Both KMEC and VJIT have consistently placed 70–90% of eligible students in reputable IT and core companies, with experienced faculty and ample campus facilities, though VJIT is consistently rated higher for core CSE in terms of peer crowd, coding culture, alumni base, research opportunities, and recruiter interest.

In summary, at a 16,894 OC rank, you are unlikely to secure CSE at IARE, CMRK, CVR, MGIT, SNIST, or Anurag (across specializations) as their closing ranks are much lower for OC. VJIT CSE remains open in the upcoming round and is a stronger academic and placement choice than KMEC CSM. Both KMEC and VJIT offer key advantages—NAAC accreditation, modern labs, industry-engaged faculty, active coding culture, and well-structured placement cells—but VJIT provides a more prominent academic environment and greater success for core CSE aspirations.

RECOMMENDATION: Among realistic options, VJIT CSE is the preferred choice as it aligns with your rank, offers better placements, stronger academic pedigree, and deeper industry linkages. You may retain KMEC CSM as a secondary option, but prioritize VJIT CSE (and allied specializations) for a more competitive peer group, robust campus experience, and long-term professional growth. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9752 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 31, 2025Hindi
Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |629 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jul 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 31, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hii mam i have done my registered marriage in April 2024 without knowing of my parents and now i m living in my mother's House without telling that i m married ? Now how can i convince my parents. I have told my parents about him but don't even want to talk to him or his parents.. how can i convince my parents?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand that you are in a sensitive situation. Patience and empathy is extremely important if you want to convince your parents. Understand their side; what are they objecting and why. Once you get that, it will be easier to debunk any misunderstandings they have about your relationship. Have calm one-on-one conversation with each parent instead of talking to both of them at once. Your first task is to make them listen, not immediately approve. Acknowledge any mistake they bring up; it is indeed unfair to not include your parents in your marriage decision, at least, in India. Though I am sure you had your reasons and I am not judging at all. But you need to acknowledge that it was not right of you to do that. This makes you come off more responsible, mature and sincere. Ask them gently what they do not like about your partner and once you understand it, show them his positive side.

Do not threaten, or give ultimatum. Don’t use dialogues like my life my decision if you want them to ever approve of this relationship. Be patient and give them time to come to terms with it.

Lastly, if you, even once feel that some of their objections are valid and you never saw it that way, please take things slow. We do miss a lot when we are in love. I am sure that’s not the case with you, but just in case, please do not hesitate to rethink.

Best Wishes.

...Read more

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