S Ramadorai, a doyen of the Indian IT Industry, is eager to be a father figure to budding technology entrepreneurs. The former Vice-Chairman of Tata Consultancy Services says he is open to mentoring start-ups that have the potential to put India on the global map for indigenous software products through affordable technology.
“If a young entrepreneur comes to me with a good idea, I am more than happy to provide inputs and guidance. Hand-holding is always the first step. I have not invested in any start-ups till date, but I am open to it now,” Ramadorai told Business Line in an exclusive meeting. Recently, Tata Group’s Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata picked up stake in Snapdeal.com, India’s largest online marketplace, for an undisclosed amount.
Ramadorai, who recently retired from TCS after over 40 years of service, says he is more interested in start-ups focused on non-invasive health monitoring, digital learning, big data, analytics and skills augmentation.
“I would like to see an increase in the scale, size and number of companies that own intellectual property in India. Shared wealth and IP that can make a global impact is what we should aim for,” said Ramadorai.
He continues to hold key positions with various Tata institutions. Apart from being the Chairman of Air Asia India, a three-way joint venture between AirAsia, Tata Sons and Arun Bhatia’s Telestra TradePlace, he is the Chairperson of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences governing council and Chairman of the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Bridging skill gap
Software products that could help the cause of bridging the skill gap at the grassroot level are high on his agenda.
Software products that could help the cause of bridging the skill gap at the grassroot level are high on his agenda.
“From the point of view of corporate social responsibility, the Tata group is looking at skilling in addition to education and healthcare. We are trying to put together a strong programme on that front,” said Ramadorai, who also serves as the Chairman of the National Skill Development Corporation.
‘Try new things’
So what is Ramadorai’s advice to emerging entrepreneurs? “Be willing to try new things at a young age. Do not worry about success measured by revenue and do not be disheartened when people say you have failed. Don’t write off a particular product or concept just because it failed in the market at the first attempt,” he added.
So what is Ramadorai’s advice to emerging entrepreneurs? “Be willing to try new things at a young age. Do not worry about success measured by revenue and do not be disheartened when people say you have failed. Don’t write off a particular product or concept just because it failed in the market at the first attempt,” he added.
Ramadorai was made TCS’ Vice-Chairman in October 2009, after serving as the company’s CEO and MD for 14 years. Between 1996 and 2009, TCS grew from a $160 million firm to a $6-billion behemoth
No comments:
Post a Comment