Krishnan Ganesh: Building Commercially Viable Business Models for a Changing World
Serial entrepreneur Krishnan Ganesh shares insights on the fields of opportunity and the qualities he looks for in entrepreneurs.
Krishnan Ganesh, one of India’s most successful serial entrepreneurs, has made a name for himself with ventures like TutorVista, Big Basket, and Bluestone.com. After building four successful companies, he founded GrowthStory.in, a venture builder platform. In a recent interview with Rediff.com, Ganesh discusses the fields he finds attractive now, the importance of building commercially viable business models, and his advice for young entrepreneurs. He also reflects on how the entrepreneurial scene in India has evolved over the years.
Fields of Opportunity: Generative AI, Machine Learning, and Clean Mobility
Ganesh highlights the immense opportunities in business models built around generative AI and machine learning. He believes that the potential of these technologies is far from being fully realized. Additionally, he identifies the entire D-tech area, including automation and IoT, as promising fields. Ganesh also emphasizes the potential of clean mobility initiatives, particularly the ecosystem around electric vehicles. He sees immense potential in battery technology and charging infrastructure. According to Ganesh, these areas offer vast opportunities for entrepreneurs to build innovative and commercially viable businesses.
Addressing Inequity in Healthcare and Education
While Ganesh acknowledges the technological advancements, he also recognizes the challenges in India related to equity in healthcare and education. He believes that leveraging technology can help bridge these gaps and create commercially viable business models for the masses. Ganesh mentions his involvement with the not-for-profit Bahaar Foundation, which focuses on creating microentrepreneurs in the healthcare and agriculture sectors, particularly in rural areas. This initiative aims to address inequity and uplift communities through entrepreneurship.
The Right Entrepreneurial Attitude
Ganesh emphasizes the importance of the “Right to Win” attitude in entrepreneurs. He looks for individuals who have the resilience and temperament to withstand the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Ganesh distinguishes between long-term entrepreneurs and opportunistic entrepreneurs, highlighting the need for a marathon mindset. He also stresses the significance of technological expertise in certain business models. For example, when selecting an entrepreneur for Bluestone.com, Ganesh sought someone who could disrupt the traditional jewelry market with technology.
Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
Ganesh’s advice to young entrepreneurs is to always look forward and leverage the ecosystem to build new businesses. He encourages entrepreneurs to take risks, as the cost of failure is low in today’s environment. Ganesh believes that by solving big problems, entrepreneurs can make a significant difference in the world and build successful businesses. He highlights the vast opportunities available in India, particularly in addressing the country’s pressing issues.
Conclusion:
Krishnan Ganesh’s insights shed light on the fields of opportunity and the qualities he looks for in entrepreneurs. His focus on building commercially viable business models, leveraging technology, and addressing societal inequities reflects his commitment to making a positive impact. As the entrepreneurial scene in India continues to evolve, Ganesh remains optimistic about the future, acknowledging the progress made while recognizing the need for further improvements in ease of doing business and business closure processes. With his wealth of experience, Ganesh’s advice serves as a guiding light for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to navigate the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship.