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Chandra Kumar

Chandra Kumar

CEO, SkillSonics India
Bangalore

About Me

I am an active member of the Indian Angel Network and co‐invested in a few startup companies. I am an electronics engineer by education and spent more than 25 years in the IT Industry. Was a first generation IT entrepreneur for 17 years and built Linc Software with offices in 6 countries. Linc was acquired with Mindtree in 2005 and I assisted in the integration of the two companies.

Investment Strategy

I am a member of the Indian Angel network, a Rotarian and also mentor young entrepreneurs. I would like to invest in start-ups which has a potential to create many jobs, create business value and is self-sustainable for a long time.

My Criteria for Investing in Startups

Firstly, Passion in the team to go through a tough entrepreneurial journey is the most important. Secondly, the depth of knowledge in the sector and the proposed business is another important factor and finally, a good projected model on how the business can survive against all odds and create value.

Attributes I Look for in an Entrepreneur
  • Passion to create an organization
  • Maturity in people skills
  • All round knowledge in business models
  • Ability to go through all phases of a business with clear goals
Common Mistakes Startups Make
  • Lack of proper research
  • Lack of a team which complements each other
  • Lack of a mentor
  • Poor in financial management
Most Popular Types of Businesses in India at the Moment
  • Opportunities exist in many sectors 
  • The field has to be chosen by the entrepreneur based on knowledge, experience and a vision
Thoughts on Being a First Angel and Follow-on Investments
I am open to be the first Angel. It may be even better to have multiple angels to start with. Follow on purely depends on the plans of the angel investor. Angels can help get other angels and also follow on investments.