IT veteran and TiE Hyderabad president Mr J A Chowdary is playing an important role in putting together the TiE-ISB Connect. Mr Chowdary has contributed to several reputed organizations in his career spanning 25 years. As Director of STPIs in Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, he played a key role in the spurt of outsourced software development and the setting up of many Indian operations of multinational companies. He has been on the board of International Institute of Hyderabad (IIIT) and has been an advisor to the IT task force for e-governance initiatives of the state. He has been associated with various industry bodies in the past.
MBAUniverse.com interviewed Mr Chowdary for his overview of entrepreneurship in India, and the upcoming TiE-ISB Connect 07.
As the president of TiE (Hyderabad), how do you see the entrepreneurial climate in India now?
There is a sea change in the entrepreneurial climate in India. Indians are willing to take risks and take on the challenges of the market. I believe there are a few reasons for this. Rich global experience and understanding brought back by returning NRIs is an important reason. Availability of fund through Venture Capital and Private Equity is another important reason.
Overall, with a 9% GDP growth in India, we have a huge domestic market for entrepreneurs. Government initiatives to the improve quality of infrastructure through SEZs also creates an enabling environment. Finally, incubation centers started by top Indian management and technology schools also foster the entrepreneurial spirit.
What role is TiE playing in developing entrepreneurial talent in India?
Our objective is to foster entrepreneurial development. We try to achieve it through awareness programs, mentoring sessions, workshops and networking events.
As part of the TiE-ISB connect, we have a ‘Jumpstart your Venture’ workshop through which aspiring entrepreneurs can learn all the essentials from practitioners and academia.
TiE Hyderabad and ISB have created the TiE-ISB Connect forum. What are the objectives and plans?
TiE-ISB Connect is a three-day annual conference organized by TiE’s Hyderabad chapter and ISB. The event is an effort towards creating an ecosystem for Indian entrepreneurs to flourish. The event is aimed at providing in-depth knowledge of various developments across industries and helps identify future opportunities.
In 2006, we focused on IT / IT-enabled Services, Internet Technologies, Infrastructure and Real Estate, Semiconductors, Bio-Pharma/Life Sciences, New Media and Entertainment, Retail, and Sports and Fitness.
This year’s conference will discuss the opportunities in Internet and Mobile, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Biometrics and Identity Solutions, Emerging Technologies as well as Real Estate and Infrastructure, Retail Industry and New Media & Entertainment. Each track provides a wonderful opportunity for entrepreneurs to network with relevant industry leaders, mentors, VCs and academia.
TiE-ISB Connect is also known for its successful Business Plan showcase event.
What are some of the things that Indian entrepreneurs are getting right – and what are they getting wrong?
Indian entrepreneurs are able to adapt to international management and technology practices very well. There is also an increase in transparency and companies are adapting to global corporate governance practices. All this will help gain global acceptance for Indian companies.
On the other hand, marketing is a key area where Indian entrepreneurs are lacking. The ability to reach out, build huge brands and patenting IP etc. need to be handled in a much better fashion to be successful.
Q: What is your advice to young entrepreneurs?
- I will offer four points:
- Be focused,
- Build the right team,
- Adapt the right culture, and
- Walk your talk
