We invited Mahendran Kathiresan, Founder of Innomonk Technologies for an interview with Most Popular Stories to know more about his entrepreneurial journey.
Mahendran Kathiresan is professional with 25+ years of experience in customer facing roles. He is proficient in managing & leading teams for running successful process operations. His expertise includes identifying customer requirements, making proposals, and ensuring product delivery as per the client’s specific requirements.
- Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey as an entrepreneur
I started as a Telecom design engineer in 1994 and worked for multiple corporates in different roles over 2 decades. I thoroughly enjoyed the customer-facing roles especially the Sales, Marketing, and post-sales functions. Sales & Marketing is an art and I really enjoyed the interactions with different customers. Finally, one thing I felt was missing in my whole corporate career was the faster decision making and accountability with respect to solving customer issues.
That’s where I saw a huge opportunity in providing affordable solutions to customers which are very simple and easy to use.
- Why did you choose entrepreneurship over a job?
I decided to pursue my passion as my career and I am enjoying the journey.
- What was the vision behind it?
Innomonk Technologies aims to open doors to the less fortunate, to reinforce the idea that knowledge and education should be available to all, irrespective of social status.
- Describe the services that Innomonk Technologies offers to customers and in what way they are unique?
We offer a desktop computer on a subscription basis, starting at Rs. 499 per month. It is a plug and plays device, easy to use, with end-to-end support on-site ensures absolutely no ownership related hassles. We offer personal computing experience as a service.
If you no longer feel the need for the computer, you can always return it and be assured that it can be used by someone else in need, after being refreshed. Our computer has a very high sustainability quotient, with ~ 80% material available for recycling.
- What difficulties which you have faced or you are facing?
The main difficulty we face is that we are entering into the market with a new service that hasn’t been created before, and as such have to create new channels of distribution that may not be typical.
- How do you handle the pressure and manage stress?
Always I learn from problems and mistakes to make myself stronger and come out with a solution. On a lighter note, I go for a morning walk for an hour to reflect my thoughts every day. That really helps.
- What is one strategy that you believe has helped you grow as a person/startup?
- Trust and Transparency backed up with data
- Analyze your value propositions
- Identify your target market
- Establish relevant KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
- Constantly revisit your business model to address the current market situation
- Always perform sufficient market research
- How your company is helping India to grow?
This product will be positioned in such a manner that it will be seen as a need, rather than a want, especially for the next generation, for whom it would cost a fortune to even go to a state college. This can be seen to them as a stepping ladder, so as to be able to catch up to those ahead of the race; inspiring them that they are not left behind to fend for themselves.
- In your opinion what are the keys to success?
The startup will require a truly innovative product, a sizable market, and knowledgeable and skilled staff members who are committed to the company’s success.
The requirements for a startup to succeed are having an innovative product, a sizable market, and skilled, knowledgeable, and trustworthy colleagues who are committed to the success of the company.
- What advice would you give to someone starting out as an aspiring entrepreneur?
No formula for success and we need to enjoy the journey.
To visit Innomonk Technologies Website, Click Here!
To contact Innomonk Technologies , Click Here!
To visit Mahendran Kathiresan Linkedin page, Click Here!
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