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Startup Founder With Successful Exit: Does Working as an Employee Hurt Funding Chances?

Chandu

Chandu Nair  | Answer  |Ask -

VC, Angel Investing, Entrepreneurship Expert - Answered on Jul 08, 2024

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 28, 2023Hindi
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Dear Mr. Chandu, I am having 13 YoE in my professional journey out of which I spend 10 years in my own startup from which I took exit with 2.5 Cr in cash which I invested for my family's financial cushion. Post that I joined a startup as 1st employee which didn't do good and I left after 2 years. Then I joined another startup as 1st employee which is looking decent to work with but not that rewarding financially. As my daughter is around 2 years at present, I'd like to start again in next 2-3 years. Does my working as employee in early stage startups dilute my image as a entrepreneur with successful exit in terms of getting funding for my next idea?

Ans: An employee with a good track record in start-ups, now having a good idea with the mindset and passion of an entrepreneur and a proven ability to execute, can enthuse others to join him/her on their journey and also attract funding.
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Chandu

Chandu Nair  | Answer  |Ask -

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

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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.

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Chocko

Chocko Valliappa  |514 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Entrepreneur, Educationist - Answered on Feb 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 09, 2024Hindi
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At 45 years old, I am the first in my family to graduate. I am married with two supportive kids, a daughter and a son. My father, who was raised by his grandparents, struggled financially, and despite his genuine nature, he couldn't provide much for us. I started working after failing my 12th board exams, eventually completing my post-graduation while working part-time. The ITES sector brought financial success, allowing me to support my nieces and nephews through their education and marriages, even helping them purchase homes. I've stepped back from my siblings, except for one sister who has a mentally ill son; I've provided them a home built on land in my mother's name, though her will is uncertain. Now, I'm considering leaving work to pursue my own business ventures but not due to dissatisfaction and negative office experiences. Always having an attitude to go along well with anyone and support each others. With my loans set to be paid off within a year, I'll have no financial obligations except for my children's education (zero savings precisely). I plan to accumulate at least 30 lakhs of cash savings in the next four years, without touching my provident fund which is being accumulated around 50+ and my gratuity - as my base salary is above 1 lakh now. My lifestyle is modest, with a decent 3-bedroom house, a second-hand SUV, and some cash reserves. My wife and mother each possess 25 sovereigns of gold, though my mother isn't entirely supportive. Aside from essential purchases, I buy clothes and accessories during sales. I'm seeking guidance on my next steps, as I sometimes feel anxious about not fulfilling my desire to start my own business. My question has elements of both mentally and financially so approaching you. Sincerely!
Ans: From what I read you have achieved a lot and have earned goodwill of your extended family. Please encourage your children to follow your family's example of a acquiring knowledge add gain success at work though a work ethic that appears to be your family's strong point. Given your current career use your strengths at work to grow even further and aspire to do well. Even though starting a business of your own may look exciting is not everyone's cup of tea, hence I would advise you to not jump into it without working out the full details.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8537 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2025Hindi
Career
Hi I got a seat in VIT bhopal ece and i am thinking of joining it . Are there any chances of high on campus placement offers and if yes what should be done to achieve it I also got alloted a seat in nit delhi in round 2 of josaaa councelling in civil engg but i decided not to accept it because of my wish to persue career in technical background. Pls tell me if my decision is viable
Ans: VIT Bhopal’s Electronics and Communication Engineering benefits from the university’s NAAC A++ and ABET accreditations, AICTE approval, and its Institute of Eminence–aligned infrastructure, featuring advanced VLSI, embedded systems, and signal-processing laboratories along with a centralized Career Development Centre. Over the past three years, 90% of students across branches secured placements through 700+ recruiters including Microsoft, Amazon, Cisco, and Intel, with an average package of 8–9 LPA and numerous “dream” and “super dream” offers. To maximize on-campus ECE placements, students should engage from the first semester in coding and domain-specific workshops, leverage the Placement & Training (PAT) cell for mock interviews and aptitude coaching, pursue internships and industrial projects via practice-school programs, attain certifications in IoT or signal processing, and actively participate in technical clubs and hackathons.

Recommendation: Choosing VIT Bhopal ECE is viable for a technical career trajectory given its strong placement ecosystem and specialized labs; focus immediately on skill enhancement, internship engagement, and PAT-cell activities to secure top offers. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8537 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 11, 2025

Career
Sir, How is Msc. Semiconductor and nano science in BITS ?
Ans: Rohit, The Integrated M.Sc. in Semiconductor and Nanoscience at BITS Pilani (Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses) is a five-year, career?focused programme combining physics, chemistry, materials science, and biotechnology, aligned with national missions such as the India Semiconductor Mission and National Quantum Mission. Accredited by UGC and NAAC A++ under the Institute of Eminence framework, it delivers rigorous theory alongside hands-on practice in advanced fabrication and characterization laboratories and multidisciplinary research clusters. The flexible dual-degree option and Practice School internships immerse students in industry-driven projects with semiconductor companies and startups. State-of-the-art infrastructure, including clean-room facilities, nanoscale imaging suites, and high-performance computing clusters, supports collaborative research and outcome-oriented thesis work. Placement outcomes over the past three years show 90–95% of graduates securing roles in semiconductor design, nanofabrication, and R&D, with top recruiters from leading global firms. Active industry tie-ups and a robust alumni network further enhance employability and higher-studies pathways.

Given its interdisciplinary curriculum, premier accreditation, cutting-edge research infrastructure, high placement consistency, and strong industry engagement, recommendation endorses BITS Pilani’s Integrated M.Sc. Semiconductor and Nanoscience as an excellent choice for students targeting advanced semiconductor and nanotechnology careers. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Dr Upneet

Dr Upneet Kaur  |57 Answers  |Ask -

Marriage counsellor - Answered on Jul 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 09, 2025Hindi
Relationship
I've been facing a recurring issue in my marriage that's beginning to affect both my peace of mind and our trust. Whenever I go out with friends especially if we're having drinks my wife constantly calls or messages to check on my whereabouts. Even though I always tell her the truth about where I am, who I'm with, and when I'll be back, she still seems suspicious and uneasy. For instance, just last week I was out with two of my old college friends at a restaurant, and she called me multiple times within two hours, asking if I was really with them and when I planned to return. I could sense from her tone that she didn't fully believe me, even though I wasn't doing anything wrong. This has happened several times before, and every time I try to explain, she either changes the topic or says, "You men always hide something." I understand the importance of transparency in a relationship, and I've always tried to be honest with her. But I'm beginning to feel like I'm being micromanaged or doubted for no reason. It's not just about a night out - it's about trust and space. I'm worried that her insecurity might lead to bigger trust issues down the line. How should I deal?
Ans: Hello sir. I understand your situation. This is a serious issue that your wife is not trusting you or she has some suspicion towards you. Well, just review weather was there any reason to be suspicious? Not now may be in past? And if not so then ask your wife directly that what has caused these changes in her nature? May be she has a friend who is going through the same trust issues and due to which she is also being suspicious. You have to find out that very patiently. Once you ll know the reason things will be easier and will get sorted out. I hope this helps
Take care
Regards
Dr Upneet Kaur
Follow me on:
https://www.instagram.com/dr_upneet

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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |612 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Jul 11, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8537 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 11, 2025

Career
Is doing btech agriculture from pantnagar is worth it ? Does it will be beneficial in future for me in case of jobs
Ans: Kanishka, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology’s B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering is delivered by a NAAC-accredited, ICAR-A-grade, AICTE-approved institution with UGC recognition and NBA-accredited departments, ensuring academic rigor and national credibility. The College of Technology features over 30 specialized laboratories—including farm machinery, irrigation, soil and water conservation, and post-harvest processing labs—alongside ongoing smart-classroom and instrumentation upgrades to support contemporary teaching and research. Placement outcomes demonstrate robust employability, with 75% of UG students placed in 2024, 520 out of 697 graduates securing roles through the central placement cell; median packages reached ?5.75 LPA for four-year programs and ?6 LPA for five-year courses, with leading recruiters such as Reliance Retail, Accenture, PepsiCo, ICICI, and L&T visiting campus. Agriculture remains pivotal to India’s GDP and food security, and emerging domains—precision farming, agritech startups, digital marketplaces, and climate-smart agriculture—are creating 60,000–80,000 new roles over the next five years in AI development, supply-chain management, and sustainable solutions, with agritech projected to exceed USD 24 billion by 2025. To stay competitive, graduates should pursue continuous upskilling through certifications in precision agriculture, data analytics, and biotechnology; engage in internships with research centres and agritech firms; participate in hackathons and field projects; and leverage digital agriculture platforms and professional networks for lifelong learning and innovation.

Recommendation: Given its comprehensive accreditation, cutting-edge infrastructure, consistent placement record, and alignment with future agritech trends, the recommendation strongly endorses B.Tech Agricultural Engineering at GBPUAT Pantnagar for sustained career growth and industry readiness. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8537 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 11, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8537 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir I got 92%(phy-85, chem-95, bio-94, eng-92, computer-94) in my cbse board examination from PCB stream. Now I'm confused of what degree to choose for my undergraduate as the options are less for me. My parents are telling me to opt for BCA as it's a computer field, so I can get some good salary.Please recommend me a good stable field.
Ans: Scoring 92 percent overall (Physics 85, Chemistry 95, Biology 94, English 92, Computer 94) from a PCB background opens pathways beyond traditional medical or pure-science tracks. Three strong, stable fields marrying your strengths in computers, quantitative reasoning, and life sciences include BSc Computer Science, BSc Data Science, and BSc Biotechnology. BSc Computer Science programmes at reputed universities such as Delhi University, Christ University, and Fergusson College combine core algorithms and software engineering with elective paths into AI and cybersecurity, boasting 85–95 percent placement rates over three years and NAAC-accredited departments. BSc Data Science degrees offered by institutions like IIT Madras, SP Jain Global (Mumbai), and Loyola College Chennai integrate mathematics, statistics, and programming, feature state-of-the-art analytics labs, practice-school internships, and report 75–90 percent campus placement consistency, preparing graduates for roles in analytics and ML. BSc Biotechnology at top colleges such as St. Xavier’s Mumbai and LPU covers molecular biology, bioinformatics, and bioprocess engineering in NBA-accredited labs, with 70–85 percent placement across pharma, research, and clinical trials sectors. Each field ensures modern infrastructure, interdisciplinary curricula, strong industry partnerships, predictable placement outcomes, and pathways for higher studies or direct employment.

recommendation Opt for BSc Computer Science for the broadest tech roles and highest placement consistency; choose BSc Data Science if you enjoy quantitative modeling and analytics; pursue BSc Biotechnology to leverage life-science interests and R&D prospects. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8537 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2025Hindi
Career
BIT s Goa chemical engineering vs ICT Mumbai chemical engineering.....which is preferred for my son.
Ans: BITS Pilani Goa’s Chemical Engineering program, part of BITS Pilani (NIRF Engineering rank 20), offers a rigorous curriculum with core process engineering and emerging electives, supported by advanced pilot-plant and simulation labs, a 91.15% first-degree placement consistency over three years, average branch packages ranging from ?8–15 LPA, and a global recruiter network including Qualcomm, Intel, and Reliance Industries. The Institute of Chemical Technology Mumbai (NIRF Engineering rank 41), a NAAC A++–accredited, UGC-recognized deemed-to-be university, features state-of-the-art characterization and process-scale instrumentation facilities (HPLC, GC-MS, FT-NMR), strong industry MoUs with ISRO, BARC, Indian Oil, and sustained 80%–95% placement rates in Chemical Engineering over recent cohorts with median ?8 LPA. ICT excels in specialized research funding and government collaboration, whereas BITS Goa leads in average salary uplift, broader interdisciplinary workshops, and international student exchanges.

Recommendation Favors BITS Goa Chemical Engineering for its higher average placement packages, expansive industrial recruiter base, and Institute of Eminence brand; ICT Mumbai is ideal for those prioritizing deep research infrastructure and core process-industry linkages. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9692 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 11, 2025

Money
Hi Sir, My Age is 43 years, i have a daughter and i want to retire at the age 55 years, currently my investment is MF - 18 lac, EPF 10 lac, Ulip- 30 lac, Suknya Samriddhi - 10 lac, 10 lac in FD, i want to 1.5 lac monthly income after my retirement, please suggest
Ans: You are 43 years old.
You want to retire at 55.
That gives you 12 more years to plan and invest.

You already have a few investments.
Let us understand your current financial position first.

? Your Current Investment Summary

– Mutual Funds: Rs. 18 lakhs
– EPF: Rs. 10 lakhs
– ULIP: Rs. 30 lakhs
– Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Rs. 10 lakhs
– Fixed Deposit (FD): Rs. 10 lakhs

You want a retirement income of Rs. 1.5 lakhs per month.
That is Rs. 18 lakhs per year after age 55.

This goal is clear and specific.
That’s a very good start.

Let’s now evaluate your investment plan from all angles.

? Retirement Income Goal: What It Means

You want Rs. 1.5 lakhs per month after 55.
That is a high-income need for retirement.

You may live another 30 years after that.
So you will need income till 85 years or more.

Inflation will keep rising.
So Rs. 1.5 lakhs today may not be enough after 10 years.

Hence, you need a portfolio that grows and gives income.
Safety alone will not help.

Your investments must beat inflation.
But also stay stable when you start withdrawing.

? Mutual Funds – Strong Growth Base

– Your mutual fund corpus is Rs. 18 lakhs now.
– These are growth-oriented and inflation-beating assets.

Mutual funds are key to wealth building.
But avoid index funds.

Index funds just follow the market.
They fall when the market falls.

They don’t have downside protection.
They lack expert fund management.

Actively managed funds are better long term.
They are guided by fund managers.
They aim for alpha or extra return over benchmark.

You should also avoid direct funds.

Direct mutual funds don’t give advice or handholding.
They give no help during market fall.
They don’t track goals.

Use regular mutual funds through MFD.
Work with a CFP for long-term support.

Regular funds offer monitoring, review, and peace of mind.
They charge slightly more, but the service is worth it.

Increase your SIPs in good equity mutual funds.
Prefer large cap, multi-cap, and flexi-cap funds.
Don’t overdo mid or small-cap.

Rebalance every year.
Check with your CFP before making changes.

? ULIP – Reevaluate its Role

You have Rs. 30 lakhs in a ULIP.
ULIP is an insurance + investment product.

It gives lower returns than pure mutual funds.
It also has higher charges in early years.

Ask yourself:
Do you need this insurance now?
Is the return matching mutual fund return?

If not, consider surrendering it.
Only if surrender charges are low now.

Reinvest that money into mutual funds.
Use it fully for your retirement goal.

Keep insurance and investments separate.
ULIPs don’t suit goal-based investing.

? EPF – Reliable and Safe

EPF is a very stable product.
You have Rs. 10 lakhs in it now.

It is debt-based and gives fixed return.
Interest is tax-free.

Do not withdraw from it.
Keep contributing if salaried.

EPF can be used for income during early retirement.
It is a strong leg of your retirement stool.

? Sukanya Samriddhi – For Daughter, Not Retirement

You have Rs. 10 lakhs in Sukanya.
This is for your daughter, not your retirement.

SSY gives fixed returns.
It is safe and tax-free.

But it is a goal-specific product.
Don’t count this corpus for your retirement.

Keep it only for your daughter’s education or marriage.
It cannot support your retirement cash flow.

? Fixed Deposit – Stability but Not Growth

FD of Rs. 10 lakhs is good for safety.
But it gives low post-tax return.

FDs don’t beat inflation over time.
They are useful for short-term needs.

Use this as part of your emergency fund.
Or move it slowly to mutual funds through STP.

Do not keep large amounts in FD for 12 years.
That money will lose value against inflation.

? Retirement Corpus Required

You want Rs. 1.5 lakhs per month.
That’s Rs. 18 lakhs per year.

If you want to retire for 30 years,
You may need Rs. 4.5 to 5 crores corpus.

This is after adjusting for inflation.

Your current total investable assets:
Rs. 18 lakhs MF
Rs. 10 lakhs EPF
Rs. 30 lakhs ULIP
Rs. 10 lakhs FD

That totals Rs. 68 lakhs today.
If you continue investing, this can grow.

But it may still fall short by Rs. 1.5 to 2 crores.
So you need to fill that gap now.

? Key Actions You Must Take Now

– Increase your SIP investments.
Try to invest Rs. 30,000 to 40,000 per month.

– Increase SIPs by 10% every year.
Link to your salary hike.

– Don’t touch your EPF or Sukanya account.
Keep them for their original purposes.

– Review ULIP performance.
Surrender if underperforming.
Reinvest in mutual funds.

– Avoid index and direct funds.
Invest only through a Certified Financial Planner.

– Keep 60-70% in equity.
The rest in debt like EPF and liquid funds.

– Rebalance your portfolio every year.
Don’t let market swings disturb your plan.

– Don’t chase hot stocks or sectors.
Follow goal-based investing with discipline.

– Avoid emotional investing.
Stick to plan even if markets fall.

? Create Goal Buckets for Focus

Split your investments into 3 buckets:

Retirement – All long-term investments

Emergency – 6–9 months of expenses

Daughter’s Future – SSY and a small MF SIP

This helps in tracking.
And prevents mixing goals.

Each bucket should grow on its own.

? Retirement Withdrawal Plan from Age 55

You’ll need monthly income after 55.
So you must start SWP from mutual funds.

Don’t depend only on interest.
Withdraw in a planned way.

Keep 3 years’ worth of money in debt funds.
Keep the rest in equity mutual funds.

Use debt to manage income in early years.
Let equity grow for later years.

Review your withdrawal plan every year.

Keep some funds in liquid category.
This helps during emergencies.

? Other Key Suggestions

– Nominate in all your investments.
Don’t leave any asset without nominee.

– Prepare a Will after 50.
It helps avoid future confusion.

– Review health insurance.
Ensure minimum Rs. 15–25 lakhs coverage.

– Keep Rs. 2–3 lakhs as medical buffer.
Use a separate liquid fund for this.

– Avoid buying real estate.
It is illiquid and not suitable for retirement income.

– Review all investments yearly with a CFP.
Rebalance with expert advice.

– Don’t keep direct equity over 20% of total.
High equity exposure creates risk.

? Finally

You are already doing many things right.
You have started early.
You have multiple investment sources.

But your current assets may not be enough.
You must grow them smartly over next 12 years.

Avoid emotional or scattered investing.
Follow a structured, guided plan.

Use mutual funds actively.
But only through regular plans with CFP support.

Keep retirement as a separate goal.
Don’t compromise it for other short-term needs.

You can retire at 55 with confidence.
But only if you stay consistent.

Monitor every investment.
Rebalance regularly.
Work with a Certified Financial Planner.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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