KOCHI:
Entrepreneurs can build successful companies only if their complement their technical knowhow with good managerial skills, according to V-Guard Industries founder and Chairman Kochouseph Chittilappilly.
As a businessman who turned a solitary electric goods manufacturing unit into a large conglomerate, Chittilappilly had much valuable advice to give young founders at a ‘Meetup Cafe’ organized by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) at Maker Village, Kalamassery, here on Friday.
“Apart from the technical skill-set, an entrepreneur should have the capability to manage the show as the company scales up. You should therefore develop your managerial skills in parallel,” said Chittilappilly, who was the chief guest for the event.
The Meetup Café was held as a platform to bring innovators, industry leaders, investors, academicians and government officials together, and reach out to the young players in the startup ecosystem. Chittilappilly also hailed the efforts of the state government and different stakeholders to encourage emerging companies in the state.
“I am very envious when I find the immense opportunities and support you receive from different areas, which I didn’t have 40 years back. However life out there is harsh and no easy ride; you should have that much passion to overcome those hurdles; it pays to be prepared,” he advised.
He also narrated his journey of starting V-Guard Industries. “It is advisable to have some sort of experience working in the industry before beginning a startup company,” he added.
S.R. Nair, Founder and Director of Mentor Guru Professional Services, delivered the keynote address.
“Funding at ideation level is not happening in the ecosystem any longer. You should have at least Proof of Concept (POC) or a prototype to get the funds, and there is no dearth of funds,” said Nair during the key-note address.
“You should also have a disruptive idea that will shake up the market and it should be evolutionary,” he added. Mr. Nair spoke on the ‘Pains and pleasures of startup journey’. The event also showcased startup products and the journey. Industry experts including Irfan Malik, Co-Founder of INQ, and Mr. Phanisekhar, Solutions Head, Tata Docomo Business Services, South Region, also gave their insights during the event.
