Shashwat Samudra is the tech entrepreneur with a focus on cloud technology startups. Shashwat is a thought leader, influencer, visionary, and successful entrepreneur. Shashwat provides the leadership and energy that has inspired the creation of many startups. Shashwat Samudra joins other leading entrepreneurs taking part in our Leader Roundtable Interview Series. The DotCom Magazine editorial team is delighted to have Shashwat join us for our Leader Roundtable Interview.
Shashwat Samudra is a tech entrepreneur with a focus on cloud technology startups. Over the last decade, Samudra has invested in startups that have hit valuations of over a billion dollars. Samudra’s success has a basis in his background in finance and economics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and graduated with high honors. He then deepened his industry knowledge with an MBA, before moving to Wall Street to pursue a career in high finance. His skills and passion for finance saw him work for some of the biggest private equity firms and hedge funds in the country. It is at these firms that he mastered the art of startups valuation and leveraged it to start his firm in San Jose California. Besides his work valuing companies, Samudra is also an avid philanthropist and uses his fortune to help the less fortunate in society. He is particularly active in non-profits that handle issues of homeless people in California, and nationally. When not working or giving to charity, Samudra loves spending time with his 5-year old daughter, and regularly takes her to various holiday destinations to bond and have fun. Samudra is a perfect example of how to live a balanced life, while positively impacting society.
Let’s start by telling us about your business.
My business involves identifying high potential cloud tech startups and getting in before they go public.
Q: Please tell us how you make sure your customers will become raving fans of your company?
By delivering on my promises. If I promise a client a given rate of return on capital, I always try my best to meet and exceed the target.
Q: Please tell us the one thing that separates your business from the competition?
I have a good reputation for always delivering results.
Q: And to finish this section, please tell us what is the one major key to your company’s success?
I invest heavily in the right people to help me scout for high potential tech startups.
Q: For our readers just starting to build a company, what advice can you give entrepreneurs just starting out with a new venture?
Invest in knowledge and perfect your skills in the business you want to venture into. It will give you an edge over your competitors.
Q: For entrepreneurs seeking to build a business as successful as yours, what one big piece of advice can you give them when times get a little challenging?
Use hard times to innovate. It’s the secret to building long-term resilience.
Q: In today’s fast-changing business environment, how do you stay abreast of things?
I am always online researching the latest trends in finance and technology. Networking with industry peers helps a lot too.
Q: What is your “Why”? In one sentence, why do you get up in the morning?
To positively touch people’s lives, while enjoying mine.
Q: In one sentence, what is the most important thing one has to do to be a great leader?
Every great leader needs to be a great listener.
Q: In one sentence, describe how important your customers are to your business?
My customers are the reason my business has come this far.
Q: In one sentence, describe a positive way that technology can make the world a better place?
It can create unlimited wealth and improve the lives of everyone on earth.
Q: In one sentence, tell us how something positive to motivate our readers?
Hard work and focus on a goal always pays.
Q: In one sentence, tell us how you start your day to get ready?
I work out early morning to build the mental stamina to face the day’s challenges.
Q: In one sentence, describe how you handle rejection and setbacks?
I use them as a stepping stone to build resilience for handling future challenges.
Q: In one sentence, describe what your hiring philosophy is?
I value creativity over academic papers.
Q: In one sentence, describe how you keep your sanity in a competitive business environment?
When things get tough, I take a holiday just to rejuvenate and gain new perspectives.
Shashwat Samudra, thank you so much for participating in the DotCom Magazine Leader Roundtable Interview Series. We appreciate you participating in this important roundtable interview series, and helping our readers learn more about what it takes to build a great company and become a great leader.
