NASSCOM EMERGEOUT Startup 3: Ajay S. Sharma, Srishti

Ajay Shankar Sharma founded Srishti Software in 1997 with a vision to leverage technology to solve business problems. An accomplished CEO and a seasoned entrepreneur with a solid foundation in management excellence, Ajay has been responsible for the company's success in the fiercely competitive international market. Ajay brings a hands-on approach to management and has vast experience in organizational effectiveness, process improvement, software application, marketing development, and strategic planning. Ajay also advises many PE and VC funds for their investments. Ajay takes a keen interest in nurturing and mentoring colleagues, and invests considerable time as a faculty in Srishti's leadership development programs.

Ajay is also a member of NASSCOM regional executive council. He holds a bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering from NIT, Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

Srishti Software, founded by Ajay, is a leading software products company providing cutting edge technology solutions in the twin areas of web content management (WCM) and healthcare domains anchored around its products Kreatio and PARAS. Founded in 1997 and reconstituted in the year 2005, Srishti today has offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and London with its headquarters in Bangalore, India’s IT capital. Some of the key markets targeted by Srishti include UK, USA, and India. Srishti is also exploring newer markets like Middle East, Africa, and East Asia.

A seasoned entrepreneur, mentor, and fund advisor, Ajay shares his thoughts on entrepreneurship with NASSCOM EMERGEOUT startup initiative.

1. Why did you take up entrepreneurship journey?

Ajay: I had the inclination to do something new and advanced in terms of technology for our Indian society. So I decided to take up this journey.

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

Ajay: The new trends and challenges coming up in technology and the vast untapped market keeps me going. In the scale of 1 to 10, my motivation levels are at 10.

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

Ajay: First explore where your interest lies and then just be focused on it completely.

4. What success means to you and your organization?

Ajay: For me and my organization, success is satisfied customer. We strive for 360 degree satisfaction.

5. What are your learning’s from the failures?

Ajay: My failures are my pillars of success. We grow old filled with regrets – for things not done, for words not said, or love not shown, for dreams not completed.

Life is short. Act today. Do all that makes you happy. Now!!!

Ajay’s success mantras are strong motivation, focus, and the power of now.

NASSCOM Emerge Forum is bringing the EMERGEOUT conclave to Chennai on 30 April 2010. You can register for the conference here. Don’t miss it! Mr. Bharat Goenka, founder, Tally Software is the keynote speaker. A product that revolutionized the way businesses at the bottom of the pyramid perceive and leverage technology. It makes people resonate and relate “software” with Tally in most parts of the India. The story of Tally was started with a belief and vision of one man – Mr. Bharat Goenka. Come and hear him at the conclave.

As part of the NASSCOM EMERGEOUT startup initiative, we have already had PK4 Software CEO Kishore Mandyam’s views on entrepreneurship. To see his views, visit http://bit.ly/cVfVRp

Anil Pagar of Spadeworx has provided his perspective on entrepreneurship. To see what he had to say, visit http://bit.ly/ct4m4H

–Contributed by Venkatesh Krishnamoorthy, chief evangelist, YourStory