Unexpected Fellowship: A Turning Point in My Startup Journey

August 02, 2024

Finding a New Path

Hey Guys, welcome to the 3rd episode of my newsletter.

I almost quit my startup and didn’t know what to do next. But I couldn't imagine going for a regular job. Once we taste freedom and control, we never want to go back. So, I started planning something traditional that would also bring me joy. I decided to open a tea shop or bakery.

Even though I was already in debt, I decided to take out another loan to make this dream a reality. I was determined to do it right, so I researched thoroughly and gathered input from various people.

During this time, I Found Tamilpreneur on Instagram. I contacted them about my tea shop idea, and they shared one of their podcasts featuring an existing tea shop owner. I listened to that podcast thoroughly and was so inspired that I also started listening to their other podcasts. I began following their updates regularly.

"Once we taste freedom and control, we never want to go back.

One day, Tamilpreneur announced an exciting update: they were starting a fellowship program. Over 300 people applied, but only 60 were selected. They conducted interviews, and by God's grace, I was chosen. This was one of the greatest moments in my startup journey. Without this fellowship, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

The fellowship included a 6-8 week masterclass, structured to provide a complete understanding of proper business structure. Successful niche business people from Tamil Nadu taught the masterclasses, making it feel like the YC of the Tamil Nadu ecosystem. I learned so many insightful things from this program, and by the end, I was among the top 5 out of 60 participants.

I gained immense knowledge from our fellowship head, Shyam Siddharth, the CEO of Tamilpreneur. I also received valuable support from Praveen and Sriparvathi, who were instrumental in guiding me through various aspects of my business. Their advice and encouragement were crucial in helping me navigate the challenges I faced.

The fellowship also connected me with wonderful friends and fellow entrepreneurs from various places, even abroad, with different startup ideas. I went from having zero business knowledge to feeling like a hero in just a month.

Before this, I lacked structured business knowledge, a network for validation, and a mentor to guide me. Now, I have all of these and feel equipped to take my business to the next level.

Lessons Learned:

  1. Finding the right mentor can transform your journey. Their experience and guidance are invaluable.

  2. Always be open to learning new things. The more knowledge you gain, the better equipped you are to handle challenges.

  3. Build and maintain a strong network. Connections with fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts can provide support and open doors to new opportunities.

  4. Ensure you have a solid understanding of business fundamentals. Structured programs and courses can provide a comprehensive foundation.

  5. Be ready to learn and adapt quickly. The business landscape changes, and flexibility can be a key to success.

“Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to let go of the past. Learn, adapt, and keep pushing forward.”

During the fellowship, the team took the time to understand my story and the challenges I faced. They advised me not to pursue the tea shop idea and instead provided a well-planned strategy to elevate my existing business, Rapitpro. They gave me a clear roadmap, a detailed business plan, and strategies to restart Rapitpro with a fresh perspective. Thanks to their guidance, Rapitpro 2.0 was born.

Stay tuned for more updates on my journey. Thank you for being with me through this. More exciting things to come in the next episode!

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