HERALD: What is your company’s field of expertise?
SUDHIR SHETTY: We focus on providing an aesthetic design, having a Goan blend to all our products. We customize our designs in a manner that would be very simple and easy to use for anyone, irrespective of previous knowledge and experience. The Goan market, being very new to the tech world, needs to be made to understand the importance of the products. For this, we first study the business of the client and then suggest exclusive products.
HERALD: How does your company help Goans, especially start-ups?
SS: For starters, we follow the ‘Made in Goa’ policy with all our products and services having a blend of Goan essence. We focus on employing a hundred per cent Goan candidates to help boost the talent pool in the State. We also have extensive internships for college pass-outs to offer them the latest industry craftsmanship. We understand the requirements of the Goan clients, especially the start-ups, and cater to their needs accordingly.
HERALD: Who are your major customers?
SS: We service customers based in and outside Goa. We have special pricing for Goan customers and startups to show our support. However, a majority of our client base is based outside Goa as the requirement is greater there. Countries we service include the US, UK, France, Egypt and Sweden. Surprisingly, the foreign companies prefer working more with us because of our professionalism.
HERALD: What issues did you have to face when you thought of launching this company?
SS: A lot of hassles and paperwork is involved whenever we interact with the government. The government does not clearly classify a software company. This ambiguity makes it nearly impossible to get the necessary licenses. If one is not able to procure license, the bankers will also not open an account for the company, which leads to virtual no banking and business transactions. One can never expect a banker to provide loan to start-ups in the software development sector. However, we got a lot of support from CIBA.
HERALD: What made you work as an entrepreneur in Goa? You could have easily gone to Hyderabad or Bangaluru or even abroad?
SS: The thought did surface in my mind a multiple of times. However, the craze and the passion to do something in my hometown and for our own people kept me back. Also, the love for the xit-koddi and feni kept us from going away. Goa also provides the serene environment along with the right operational conditions that make working here fun.
HERALD: How do you see the Goan software market? Is there a demand for software in Goa?
SS: It is still emerging and requires tender nurturing. Goan businesses have just started to realize the importance of software, websites and other internet services and have gradually started investing in it. The trends of the West and the rest of India are just catching up in Goa and hence everyone wants to have the best in the industry.
HERALD: Where do you see yourself and your company in next five years from now?
SS: We have no dreams to become the next Facebook or the next Flipkart, but what we want to be the company that helps change the tech scenario of Goan businesses. We want to help Goan entrepreneurs grow and flourish and at the same time provide more opportunities to our budding students. We are investing our time and resources to help put Goa on the global map in whatever small way we can.
