Triumph Talk X

Entrepreneurship is living few years of life like most people won’t, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.

The 10th edition of Triumph Talk was an enticing experience as we had Mr. Aravind Suresh, a multi-faceted individual, a restaurant owner, a performer and a venture capitalist and a SRM Alumnus.

SRM University had the privilege of welcoming back its esteemed alumnus, Mr. Aravind Suresh, for an engaging session on entrepreneurship. As a second-generation entrepreneur and the force behind ventures like Meensatti and Mudhal VC, he shared valuable lessons, personal experiences, and professional insights with aspiring student entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurial Journey: Mr. Suresh began his entrepreneurial journey during his time at SRM, balancing academics and business through strategic prioritization. He emphasized the importance of time management, leveraging university resources, and maintaining focus despite academic pressures.
• Handling Rejection: Rejection is an inevitable part of any entrepreneurial journey. Mr. Suresh spoke about his first investor rejection and humorously compared it to personal rejections, noting that while professional setbacks are expected, personal rejections often feel more immediate. He stressed the importance of resilience in both aspects.
• First Revenue Milestone: The first revenue is a crucial milestone in any entrepreneur’s journey. Mr. Suresh recalled his experience of earning from his venture, describing the sense of accomplishment and motivation it provided. He noted that this moment reinforced his belief in entrepreneurship and validated his hard work.
• Starting Over: When asked about starting from scratch and retaining only one asset—network, knowledge, or past experience—he decisively chose knowledge. He explained that knowledge is the foundation upon which networks and experience can be rebuilt, making it the most valuable asset for an entrepreneur.
• BBA Decision: Mr. Suresh reflected on his academic journey, explaining that his decision to pursue BBA was influenced by a mix of personal interest and societal expectations. He encouraged students to make informed choices that align with their long-term goals rather than external pressures.
• Second-Generation Entrepreneurship: Coming from an entrepreneurial family, Mr. Suresh shared insights into the unique challenges of convincing entrepreneur parents about new business ventures. He noted that while first-generation entrepreneurs often have to justify their career choices to non-entrepreneurial parents, second-generation entrepreneurs must prove their approach is distinct and valuable.
• Missed Opportunities: Sometimes, the biggest lessons come from opportunities not taken. Mr. Suresh reflected on moments where he walked away from certain ventures, only to later question if he should have pursued them. He emphasized that every decision, whether right or wrong, provides valuable learning experiences.
• Exit Dilemma: When posed with the hypothetical question of exiting either Meensatti or Mudhal VC, he gave a thoughtful response, highlighting the unique value of both ventures. He acknowledged that difficult decisions like these are part of entrepreneurship and require careful consideration of long-term impact.
• Hidden Challenges: While the excitement of entrepreneurship is often highlighted, Mr. Suresh shed light on the less-discussed aspects, such as the mental and emotional toll. He emphasized the importance of mental well-being, perseverance, and building a strong support system to navigate the uncertainties of the entrepreneurial world.

The event concluded with an open discussion, where Mr. Suresh actively engaged with student entrepreneurs, addressing their queries and offering personalized advice on their ventures. His candidness, humor, and practical insights left a lasting impression, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs at SRM University.

The session with Mr. Aravind Suresh provided students with invaluable insights into the realities of entrepreneurship. His journey, filled with lessons on resilience, decision-making, and adaptability, served as a source of inspiration for many aspiring entrepreneurs. The interactive discussion allowed students to gain clarity on their own ventures, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning and perseverance in the entrepreneurial world. SRM University looks forward to more such engaging interactions that foster innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among students.

As Founders club, we always love to venture different ways to improve the experience of every event we take upon, this time we had a chill conversation with Mr. Aravind Suresh, asking questions and hosted a rapid-fire round which was co-hosted by Ashley from MBA! Special mentions to her!