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Vinod Kalkotwar

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Vinod Kalkotwar

President

Kalozal Consultants, Bangalore

Vinod Kalkotwar is a member of:

- Expert

Raising Capital For Young Startups

Over last 12 I have worked with Kalozal Consultants and also closely with 10+ young startups in Telecom, Media, IT, Healthcare and Technology. We have worked closely with founders refine their business plan, product/service offerings, revenue/business models, link them to established companies through our network of contacts for business development & validation of their business models/technology etc. Proactively work with VCs/Angel investors in refining/validating the business plan.

Some of the Startups I Worked With

Some of the startups we have helped raise angel/venture capital are –
• Surewaves Mediatech, Bangalore
• Sloka Telecom, Bangalore
• Jeeves Consumer Services, Bangalore
• Healthsprint Networks, Bangalore
• enStage Inc., CA, USA
• Mindlogicx Technologies, Bangalore
• Plus At Home Healthcare, Bangalore
• Poseidon Systems, Bangalore
• ECAD Technologies, Bangalore (acquired by AT&S in 2005)
• Comcreation Technologies, Bangalore (M&A with Cambridge Technology Enterprises, 2005
• Deccanet Designs, Bangalore (acquired by Flextronics in 2004)

My experience with the above start ups has been exhilarating and most satisfying.

Common Challenges Startups Face

Challenges are many, to name a few
• Lack of focus on revenue generation and customer acquisition
• Incoherent vision of the company
• Madly in love with own IP/Technology with complete disregard to competitors’ IP/Technology
• No knowledge of customer needs/wants
• Absence of clear sales / Go-To-Market plan
• Lack of basic financial knowledge e.g. cashflow planning/management
• Absence/lack of corporate governance
• No unanimity for achieving performance in team (No unity of command in team)
• No clear role plays for team members – post investment
• One up-manship – I know all attitude

How I help positing a story

Work closely with founder(s) and refine their ideas/business model/positioning. Get the startup idea validated with potential investors – An iterative process.

3 Piece Advice

• Do not be desperate while raising capital
• Do not sign a deal @very high valuation, stringent performance criteria/milestones and with investors who have questionable track record
• Prepare a comprehensive business plan covering all aspects of your business. If required – get professional help including accounts, finance, legal & secretarial