Monday, October 05, 2009

Entrepreneurship is alive!

I spent a couple of days last week in Delhi attending the TiECon - the annual TiE summit for the Delhi chapter. For those who are not familiar with this organization, TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) is the largest organization of its kind with a mission to grow and foster entrepreneurship. It was an exciting and intellectually stimulating event. Speakers at the conference included India's home minister, Chidambaram, UK Consul General Richard Staggs, CEO of GenPact Pramod Bhasin and many others. There were nearly a thousand delegates including potential and successful entrepreneurs, investors, students and media.

It was heartening to see so many young and budding entrepreneurs with great ideas for solving real world problems, creating wealth and changing the world. There was unbounded excitement even in these tough economic times. In fact, the general theme at the conference was starting and running new ventures during difficult times. The current global crisis has not dampened the enthusiasm of these young business professionals in this part of the world. On the contrary, it is giving birth to smarter startups that will learn resilience and tenacity and some may grow up to be the next HP or Google.

Another exciting trend was the growth in social entrepreunership. There seems to be a complete eco-system that is coming up to fuel the rise of companies that will solve the problems of the poor and underprivileged around the world. Solutions include innovative and low-cost lighting, clothing and healthcare for those who cannot afford access.

Very energizing two days and I am looking forward to the next summit!

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