Making of Mindtree

I wanted to publish this entry more than a month back. But, I thought let me share it with one friend (Our own Anand) first. Because, I wanted to validate if it was just me who loved this piece or others also like it... Secret it out... It's an unbelievable knowledge artifact that you may also appreciate.

We read and analyze case studies or companies that are successful or have failed. We read about good stories of how Infosys was built. Now read some "real thing". Read how Mindtree came into existence and learn what it takes to build a new company.

• Making of the MindTree - I
• Making of the MindTree - II

Thank you Mr. Subroto Bagchi for writing this gem of a piece.

Anand's Competitor: E. Sarath Babu (IIM-A, 2006)

Remember, Anand passionately talking about his "Idli on Wheels" business plan last week? Well, you have got a tough competition, my friend!

E. Sarath Babu, a software engineer (BITS, Pilani) and IIM-A graduate refused a lucrative job offer and has started a catering company (Foodking Catering Service) to sell "Idlis" in the campus of IIM-A!

• DNA appropriately noted that "E Sharathbabu’s life has come a full circle. He started off with selling idlis in the slums of Madipakkam in Chennai, then left it to graduate from IIM- Ahmedabad. He hit headlines for refusing a lucrative job offer and starting a catering company. He recently inaugurated his first outlet on the IIM-A campus and he’s back to selling idlis".
• He had to ask friends to chip in to raise his initial capital of Rs 10 lakh and form a 15-member team. But with "quality, cleanliness and delivery" as his business motto, he expects to emerge a market leader in 10 years. He says he plans to turn his company into a food chain that will be a "national brand" employing 50,000 people. As per Sarath Babu, Foodking will be worth Rs 500 crore in five to eight years!
• Infosys chief Narayana Murthy had released the business plan of 27-year-old Sarathbabu’s catering business. Mr. Murthy said: "I am happy and proud that they have opted to walk on a road less travelled."
• IIM-A director, Professor Bakul Dholakia, said, " In the last four decades, such a thing has never happened in IIM Ahmedabad. What Sarath has done is very encouraging. He will have a great learning experience here as IIM people have a reputation for being a tough clientele!
• Sarath's proud mother Deeparamani said she knew her son had declined a well-paying job but she was happy that he had chosen to be a caterer. "At least, he would be feeding people".
• Read more...
  The Hindu: He sold idlis; he will start a food chain
• DNA: This IIM grad sells idlis
  Blog:

Well, Anand, this proves that your idea of making it big in catering industry has "DUM"! Guys, mark my words: "Ye bande (Anand) me hain dum"! Join me wish Anand all the very best in becoming a top notch businessman!