Sign in to follow 's advice will appear in your account when you log in. Follow specific Community Members and never miss out on their views and insights. Build a group of Members who you want to listen to.

Email: Password:

Don't have SiliconIndia account? Sign up Forgot your password? Reset

Ask Pradeesh Thomas for Advice

If your advice request is relevant to other Community members, our Editorial team may choose to send this request to all Experts to attract a wider range of answers and share them with the Community. Rest Assured, we will protect your privacy (unless you recommend otherwise).

Advice Request

Submit Cancel

Pradeesh Thomas

Next Member >>

Pradeesh Thomas

CEO, AlphaVista Services

San Francisco

Pradeesh Thomas is a member of:

- Expert

Portfolio Companies

Preferr - Acquired by NIIT
My CEU Store - Company in which I am an angel investor currently & mentoring a first time entrepreneur
My Health Jobs - A healthcare job site

My Criteria for Investing in Startups

First is team and second are idea and the market it is addressing.

Attributes I Look for in an Entrepreneur

I prefer companies with 2-3 founders with a good mix of technology and sales skills. I look for entrepreneurs who have a great knowledge about the industry they are addressing.

Common Mistakes Startups Make and How to Avoid Them

They try to do too many things rather than focusing on one core idea
They have a lack of Market Research Data
They do not invite a good advisory team who are industry experts

I would advice entrepreneurs to focus on the core product idea and execute efficiently.

Most Popular Types of Businesses in India at the Moment

Consumer Business focusing middle class & upper is a good area to focus.
My experience is healthcare & Education. I strongly feel business in this areas will have long term success and have several short term struggles to gain momentum.

Thoughts on Being a First Angel and Offerings to an Angel Investor

I am very open on mentoring & giving angel money if the entrepreneurs are very passionate and ready to take a big risk. I always prefer people with a good experience in the field.

I strongly feel 10 – 20 % is a good angel % you can give away for angel money & experience of the investor and his involvement and connect for the growth of the business.

It is up to entrepreneur whether he wants to give the board seat. It is always good for an entrepreneur to get the angel into the board which will help him in a lot of great decisions.