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Startup > My Story > Rajesh M. R
Rajesh M. R

Rajesh M. R

CEO
SourceEdge

Short Description

I am the CEO of SourceEdge.

Brief about company, offerings and foundation of the company

SourceEdge Software Technologies is a privately held company in Bangalore, founded in 2004. SourceEdge is into IT outsourcing and Software Development services, provides Software Product Engineering and Application Development services to several industry verticals. Internally, these service delivery units are categorised into: Micro Offshore Development Centers, Outsourced Product Engineering and Custom Apps and Enterprise Business Solutions With 8 years of business track record on 100% service revenue realisation model and running sustainable business, the company explores now building it’s own IP rights, Product solutions that can spur the growth, create resilient revenue streams and value to the company. 

Most critical decision

The growth registered between 2004 to 2010 was at an average of 66% growth y-o-y. We decided to get our company acquired by another Indian BPO company and grow faster. However, it was proved to be wrong decision within short time that thoughts between the new management and SourceEdge founder members was going tangential in the decision process, diluting  business attention, entangled in rough decisions and stability to company business directions. It was tough decision but with no option to get the control of company in our hands, buy back the equity shares to get the full control of company. 

Some of the difficulties faced while building product/ solution

As self funded company, and 100% focus on service value realisation, it was difficult to focus on building own products with dedicated team. Financial support, quality of resources and strong marketing team were causes of delay in realising our business values as per the plans. 

My thoughts related to entrepreneurship/ leadership and management

It is all about Vision one sees in his subconscious mind as virtual image and reality as Conscious minds puts into action. One should impregnate all the goods in thier subconscious mind to make that journey successful. Entrepreneurship should have Great Vision, Patience & Conviction and Sustainable thoughts to succeed. Leadership should have self-belief & self-values to lead the team in good and bad times,Management qualities should bring principled business decisions to draw distinction for good of Company to Succeed and Sustain.

Different actions if I rebuild my company from scratch all over again

I would address on above three factors: Lay down strong control as financial sustainability, identify the right people and control over plan as close to realisation. 

Motivation and Drives factor

The India growth story ever since Indian IT created difference in the global IT industry as China do to Manufacturing, is matters most to me to be one to drive my business in IT. With our new product road map for global market, that is continuously inspiring me to create a global product and build a Successful company in the Global IT space. 


Unique about my way of motivating troops

I emphasize ‘Company First’ as we say the Nation First. So we are COMPANIONS of the COMPANY like Citizens of the Nation. I consider we are all family members to this business. I share our experience, success and risks and rewards in this common journey of our Professional Life.  

Way of choosing my people

We chose them by their ability to take higher responsibility, the right attitude that matches to common vision of the company, having open mind and self-motivation to excel in their individual career. 

The challenges and lessons learnt to get first customer

When we met our FIRST CUSTOMER, our company name was not registered neither the office location was made. We just demonstrated the transparent fact, created confidence in their mind we have the capability and experience to undertake the project and DELIVER. We had ‘No office’, ‘No bank account’ and ‘No resources’ when we signed up the project.Bringing the process maturity and professional experience was crucial to do business with global customers. 

Experience of reaching out to potential investors

It is a tough job as equal to matching ‘Bride and Groom’ in true sense of Indian marriage. The expectations are different, thoughts process and evaluation as ‘REAL COMPANY’ in the minds of INVESTOR always have precedence whatsoever you treat and consider your company is GREAT BET to invest. One should articulate great degree of excellence in presentation of what is we self-assume as VIRTUAL recognition as REAL realisation of Investors mind. 

Three big lessons/ mistakes encountered while building company

1)Lack of planning in the Financial Sustainability. 2)Long realisation to identify the right people to the job.3)Longer gaps in Planning and Action 

My role at different dimensions as the company evolved

I did not see difference as if I were to run my proprietor company of managing all odd jobs to good jobs I would do. As a small company with limited resources, I learnt to wear the personality of multi-role in multi-tasking from low level jobs as gatekeeper to head of organisation as CEO.

As a leader how I make sure that I am connecting the right dots

It is the blend of formal and informal communication in the business practice that brings visibility in the internal communication to be proactive and reactive as business demands. Always listen to ups and downs and make informed decision within and outside. 

Risks involved in business and way of addressing

We started focusing on service exports to developed countries where more than 90% of revenues were realising as export revenues, of which about 60% revenue were related to product development services contributed by 4 clients as dependent to revenue realisation. We started de-risking by focussing on building product solutions and diversifying our offerings into different Lines of Business (LoB) such as enterprise solutions, enterprise mobility and professional services.

Best company I admire globally

GE. It’s all about Imagination one thinks and apply mind to bring reality in LIFE. 

Advice for fellow entrepreneurs

 There is no-shortcut to SUCCESS. It is all effort of hard work blended with smart work, attentive what other needs of you; sincere and faith in yourself that YOU can Achieve.