On the occasion of the upcoming World Entrepreneurs Day which is celebrated on 21st August every year, we would like to share the views of Dilip Modi, Founder, Spice Money; Rahul Pagidipati, CEO, ZebPay; Avinash Shekhar, CEO & Founder, TaxNodes & Nick Bahl, Co-Founder, ReelStar highlighting the key learnings from their entrepreneurial journey which can help budding entrepreneurs and startup founders in embarking on entrepreneurial journeys of their own.
Dilip Modi, Founder, Spice Money
“Entrepreneurs play a vital role in driving industrial growth and expanding economies. India now stands as the third-largest global hub for startups, boasting 107 unicorns worth $340.79 billion collectively, projected to grow to 250 by 2025 according to The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2022. These innovative startups have successfully tackled challenges in IT, education, healthcare, and agriculture, garnering global recognition.
Entrepreneurs embody the essence of dreamers, risk-takers, and innovators who are reshaping the world. My entrepreneurial journey is a tapestry woven with innovation, determination, and an unyielding pursuit of impact. I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey early in life, envisioning technology as a force capable of reshaping landscapes, transcending boundaries, and serving as a key enabler for achieving inclusive growth. Through diverse endeavors, I’ve discovered that entrepreneurship’s true power lies in empowering and driving meaningful change, beyond mere profits. My journey emphasizes that an entrepreneur’s legacy isn’t measured solely in personal gains but in the positive impact on individuals, communities, and the larger society.
The successful journey of Spice Money taught me that even audacious ideas can flourish when driven by genuine service and empowerment and how collective wisdom can elevate communities. Through its innovative platform, it empowers youth, unlocking their inner entrepreneur, and creating a path for them to become “nanopreneurs.” Currently, Spice Money has a network of more than 12.7 lakh Adhikari/nanopreneurs, serving and positively impacting the lives of people in emerging India. This forward-looking initiative not only champions entrepreneurship but also envisions a future where the youth take center stage in shaping the business landscape. On this World Entrepreneurs Day, I would like to celebrate the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship and extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the dedicated entrepreneurs who relentlessly endeavor to propel India’s trajectory to new heights.”
Rahul Pagidipati, CEO, ZebPay
“Entrepreneurs are the driving force behind progress, pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities. In my journey as an entrepreneur, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of resilience and determination. It’s not just about the wins; it’s about the lessons learned from failures and the unwavering commitment to keep moving forward. The startup ecosystem, especially in India, is a testament to the incredible resourcefulness and creativity that entrepreneurs bring to the table.
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology startups, there’s a dynamic synergy between innovation and entrepreneurship. The world of crypto, in particular, exemplifies this convergence. According to a Gartner survey, the market value of blockchain technology is anticipated to surge to $3.1 trillion by the start of the next decade. Tech entrepreneurs have the opportunity to harness the potential of blockchain and crypto to enhance financial systems and foster financial inclusion on a global scale.
As we navigate a world of rapid technological advancements, entrepreneurs must stay adaptable and open to new ideas. Embracing the transformative potential of blockchain can lead to groundbreaking solutions in areas such as decentralized finance, supply chain management, and beyond. I strongly believe that these technologies offer not only financial empowerment but also a new paradigm for transparent and secure transactions. I will continue to work towards fostering an environment that nurtures and supports the goal of providing equitable access to financial independence for all.”
Avinash Shekhar, CEO & Founder, TaxNodes
“In the realm of entrepreneurship, India stands out as a beacon of transparency and credibility. Its tech startup arena ranks third globally, a testament to our unwavering innovation. The entrepreneurs here exhibit remarkable resilience, transforming visions into reality.
World Entrepreneurs’ Day shines a spotlight on the vibrant spirit of innovation in India. Here, more people are taking the exciting leap into entrepreneurship, crafting their own paths to success. It’s a reminder that starting something new isn’t limited by age or conventional expectations. My journey with TaxNodes, a platform designed to simplify crypto taxation, is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and the pursuit of impact. Just as every entrepreneur faces challenges, we’ve navigated the complexities of taxation to simplify and empower. This day applauds not only accomplishments but also the inspiring stories of entrepreneurs who choose a unique road. As we celebrate, let’s recognize how the entrepreneurial spirit, when embraced, can reshape lives and make a lasting impact.
In this dynamic scenario, TaxNodes emerges as a catalyst, empowering investors to seamlessly navigate regulations. We provide an array of tools and resources for comprehending crypto taxation and making informed investment decisions. Our mission aligns with an evolving future, marked by creativity and economic growth.”
Nick Bahl, Co-Founder, ReelStar
“Recently India emerged as the third largest tech startup ecosystem in the world, according to a report by NASSCOM. This is a testament to the unwavering spirit of innovation and the boundless determination that entrepreneurs infuse into the business landscape in this country. I applaud every entrepreneur’s courage to resilience in the face of adversity, and their ability to turn dreams into realities.
Our journey with ReelStar has been a story of translating vision into action, of breaking down barriers, and of relentless pursuit of excellence. Along this journey, we’ve learned invaluable lessons – the significance of adaptability, the power of embracing change, and the art of balancing risk with strategic foresight. This day is a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t just about business; it’s about a mindset – a willingness to challenge norms and create meaningful impact.
As we mark the World Entrepreneurs’ Day, I see ReelStar as a cornerstone of change. Our platform catalyzes transformation, offering creators tools to monetize their passion. In India, where the creator economy grows at 25%, ReelStar becomes the springboard for their dreams. This aligns with our belief that the future embraces decentralized frameworks, amplifying creativity, connection, and economic prosperity.”
Dr. Somdutta Singh, Founder & CEO, Assiduus Global Inc
“There is a wonderful sloka from the Bhagavad Gita that reads…
यथा ह्येकेन चक्रेण न रथस्य गतिर्भवेत्।
एवं परुषकारेण विना दैवं न सिद्ध्यति।।
This simply means that just like a chariot cannot move on one wheel, we cannot change or attain our destiny without hard work and effort.
Through my years as an entrepreneur, I’ve acquired invaluable insights. Every person who crosses my path teaches me a different lesson. I have learned to understand that leaders wear multifaceted hats, self-awareness encompassing mental and physical well-being is of paramount importance, effective communication serves as a linchpin, and always being present is a necessity. I have also learned that adversities come hand-in-hand with opportunities. In the tumultuous landscape surpassing 2020 and beyond, when a global pandemic presented an escalating array of challenges, not just for me but for every person, every entrepreneur, and every founder, I knew, I had to propel forward with my team and my organization and keep driving through, not back down.
When I embarked on the journey I am on, I had no compass to guide my path. I have shaped and carved my own path, and in my reckoning, the cornerstone of venturing into new horizons has been my self-assurance, my confidence, and conviction in my thoughts, my aspirations, my destination, and my direction. See, external influences will also kindle inspiration and challenges, but your inner voice has to propel you with unrivalled momentum. If you have to forge innovation, your foundation of vision has to be the strongest.
I believe that profound capability resides within all of us. It is just the confidence that forges our path ahead.”