NASSCOM EMERGEOUT Startup 1: Kishore Mandyam, PK4 Software

Narasimhan (Kishore) Mandyam is CEO of PK4 Software Technologies based in Bangalore. Kishore has over 24 years of experience in the software industry. As a developer at Infosys, he undertook assignments in the US designing and implementing large software systems on IBM mainframes. In 1989, Kishore co-founded a Bangalore-based software services company, Ampersand. As its Managing Director, Kishore leveraged both organic growth and acquisitions to grow annual sales to over US$8 million.He subsequently ran the India operations of Intransa Inc., a Silicon Valley-based startup in the IP Storage space. In 2006, he co-founded PK4 with the specific intent of dramatically changing the way software is developed. Impel CRM, PK4’s flagship product, is a SaaS CRM offering specifically for India and growing economies, where market realities dictate the need for a whole new approach to customer relationships. Kishore is an electrical engineer from Bangalore University.

Kishore is an active member of the NASSCOM EMERGE Forum and contributes to the EMERGE blog with insightful ideas and engages in enlightening discussions in the blog. He is a regular speaker at the NASSCOM EMERGEOUT since its inception.As a serial entrepreneur, Kishore has learned about success and failure the hard way by dirtying his hands. He shares his views on entrepreneurship with NASSCOM EMERGOUT startup initiative.

1. Why did you take up entrepreneurship journey?

Kishore: I wanted to build a Product when everyone was chasing Services. Back in 1989!

2. What keeps you going (how and where do you find your motivation levels)?

Kishore: I enjoy working with people – employees, customers and prospects. And every sale gives me a “buzz”!

3. What is your advice to wannabe entrepreneurs in India?

Kishore: Just do it!

4. What does success mean to you and your organization?

Kishore: Showcases a world-class product successfully Made in India.

5. What are your learnings from your failures?

Kishore: Good ideas are very important, but execution to the plan makes all the difference.

NASSCOM Emerge Forum is bringing the EMERGEOUT conclave to Chennai on 30 April 2010. You can register for the conference here

Contributed by Venkatesh Krishnamoorthy, chief evangelist, YourStory.in