Techies are no longer afraid to start their own technology firms.
“When I felt I was not making much of a difference for the MNC I was working, I took the plunge to start my own firm as I had a clear business idea,” says Vinita Ananth.
Vinita, who went on to start a web analytics firm GitGrow last year, is one among the many ambitious and intrepid women who are ditching unsatisfying careers for the tumultuous and exciting world of startups.
For Vinita, the entrepreneurial bug bit her while she was working in Silicon Valley in the US.
“Places like Silicon Valley expose you to entrepreneurship first-hand. The right idea, the right pitch and passion is all it takes to open a tech startup,” Vinita.
Chetana Anagol, a Silicon Valley techie who started an e-commerce firm Stunnerhomes.com, has a different take on why one plunges into entrepreneurship.
“Working in an organisation has its own limits, if your abilities exceed the boundaries of that organisation,” says Chetana.
“In entrepreneurship, sky is the limit since you can experiment and do all you want,” says Chetana, who worked in the US for 13 years before landing in Bangalore.
Women say entrepreneurial thoughts arise when you notice a clear vacuum regarding a certain solution, or technology, or service, and feel you have the expertise to introduce it.
“I realised in Bangalore there were no end-to-end services offering everything from construction to landscaping to interiors under one roof to people looking at building their homes,” says Chetana.
Bangalore, which has a huge chunk of NRI population looking at building and designing their homes, was waiting to be tapped.
JP Nagar-based Srividhya Srinivasan, who started two technology firms, and even sold one for $15 million, says it takes time for clients and co-workers to accept a woman in charge of the tech domain.
“Many women head marketing, HR or finance in tech firms. But someone heading hardcore technology is still a rare sight,” says Srinivasan, who co-founded Impulsesoft and Amagi Media Labs.
Srinivasan’s second company Amagi and her second baby were born almost simultaneously in 2008. “In my advanced state of pregnancy, I was discussing the new venture,” she says, advising that women should work out solutions when faced with the family-work dilemma.
Tips for women starting out on their own
Have confidence in oneself, in your business plans and others around.
Own venture means more responsibility, more excitement, slightly more stress.
Value your family and take family support wherever necessary.
Express keen interest with family while starting a venture.
Work efficiently: the same job can take an efficient worker 2 hours, while a lazy person might need 5 hours.
Ignore gender remarks by co-workers or clients regarding your abilities.
Network by attending forums, workshops and seminars to increase contacts and knowledge.
Plan ahead: both projects at work, and household and kids activities to strike a balance.
Being an entrepreneur, try to have flexi work hours and try to work from home.
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