Interview with Ankur Goel | Skwerup

Skwerup.com are providing core value-added services of Startups ecosystem under one roof like investment support, Quasi CFO, Valuation from Category 1 Merchant Banker, fund management, strategic tie-ups, media connect, Incubation knowhow, Innovation support etc.

1. What gets you out of bed in the morning i.e what’s your source of motivation?

Good Question. I would say not just in morning but at night, it usually happens. i am always in fond of figuring out something niche or new, which may create value proposition for me and public at large. I usually keep this mode on all the times and it serves the source of my motivation all the time. By GOD grace, i have been able to do that as well, where either i have created it or worked on something related to it. Also, I am currently in the process of developing something niche on same lines.

2. Why should people choose your product/services?

See, people should always choose the product or service which tends to create value for them and talk sense. Also, All are our services under Skwerup.com are focused around it. If there is anything where we cannot serve the expectations or cannot create value, we are open to say no directly to the people. Also, I believe all your services & the way you provide it, should involve some sort of innovation. You can sense the flavour of same in our services. This is something which creates us as a differentiator.

3. What’s your competitive advantage and why can’t it be copied?

Our think tank is our competitive advantage. Also, we believe in continuous learning. Services can be copied but the way how to make them innovative in terms of deliverables & to find innovative solutions differentl is something non-copiable.

4. What risks are you facing?

Every business has risks. Our risks are associated with a right skillset that we look for expansion in future. We already have a core niche team but I see from future expansion perspective, we would need innovative minds, with the flexible thought process. Although, with a clearly defined process, and innovative means to reach out to search resource, we are confident enough that we will mitigate it.

5. Have you considered any alliance/partnership?

Yes, we do have and it is increasing with time and with requirements.

6. What are your cash flow projections? When will you break even? How much will you need in investments?

This question is more applicable to startup businesses. We don’t need any investments.

7. What comes first for you money or emotions?

I am an emotional person. Business needs to have emotions, not personal, obviously, but business ones like concern for quality deliverables, client satisfaction, targets & roadmaps, you planned & how you will achieve it, etc. Money is obviously the priority but I believe if your value creation process is right for others, money will automatically come as an outcome of it.

8. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

My strength includes the flexibility to deal with people, to figure out flexible solutions to toughest problems, always think to create value for all and not just for myself. Weakness is that, sometimes, I tolerate people for long. Although I am straight forward sometimes I delay it.

9. Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of.

I have successfully carried out Pre IPO advisory for a Government undertaking under the supervision of great mentors I have. It was a challenging task as the sector for which we were executing it, was complicated. Even, parallel hired consultants were not that effective as compared to our work and Organisation fired them. But due to the continuous trust of my immediate supervisor in me, I have been able to carry out successfully.

10. How do you handle the pressure?

I handle pressure by avoiding it and keep my focus over the work or target. Because I believe, if you will take pressure a lot, your 120% will give only 60%-70% output. Without pressure, the productive output will surely be higher.

11. What advice would you give to someone starting out?

I always work on a tag line ‘add value to get value’. Don’t focus primarily on money or investments but keep your focus on creating a sustainable venture & value creation. I believe, rest things will automatically set with time. Also, if you are starting up a venture, feel free to reach out to us. You will find us a great partner or mentor to you with innovative means.