VIP

Rajan Anandan

We are going through one of the most challenging out-class components of our business education program, the VIP – Venture Initiation Program.

I thought this would be the right time to reflect on the learnings from Rajan Anandan's (Managing Director, Sequoia Capital and Surge) session at Masters' Union.
 

There are a few points one should consider before venturing on a start-up journey.

✔️ Startup, if you have a passion for building and have an idea (a thesis).
✔️ Keep in mind the problem you are solving. Because you don’t want to be mediocre; think big, work hard and try building a world-class solution.
✔️ Entrepreneurship is for the crazy ones out there. Take a doer's role; doers’ skills are always appreciated; get your hands dirty.
 
Rajan also shared some common patterns which he has observed during his long experience; a few of them being-

✅ High attention to recruitment. Companies focus on hiring good people.
✅ Strong culture and values of the organization. Try to set an innovative culture where people have room to experiment & take the initiative.
✅ Execute. Their focus is always on execution more than the plan itself.
 
My understanding of the founder’s DNA from the session-

✔️ They are highly optimistic and consistently high on energy. Your belief will be tested every day, so you can’t be generally pessimistic.
✔️ Extremely focused; have an eye set on the target.
✔️ Very high on self-belief; that their solution is going to work.
✔️ They are ready to compromise on the luxuries of life.
 
Before you start up, ask the following questions –

👉 Do you have a unique insight that others don’t have?
👉 Are you ready to give the next 1-15 years to solve this problem?
👉 Seven days, 18 hours, little money – is this the life you’re prepared for?
 
The session was indeed insightful & reflection helped me answer a few questions.

What is Founder’s DNA, according to you? Let me know in the comments below!