This week we invited yet another promising entrepreneur Manuj Garg for an exclusive interview with us. Manuj is the Co-founder at myUpchar – which is solving a major healthcare accessibility problem. myUpchar offers a whole range of healthcare information in Indian languages. Let’s read more about his journey as an entrepreneur and his startup in detail:
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Manuj:
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey, please;
I co-founded of myUpchar.com, the country’s biggest online resource for health information in multiple Indian languages, in 2016. I have previously worked at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in San Francisco. While at BCG, I focused on models of healthcare delivery in India for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. I remain passionate about the potential of technology to deliver healthcare in every part of India.
I did a PhD in Economics from Stanford University. Before that, I studied Maths at Delhi University’s St. Stephen’s College, and Economics at the Delhi School of Economics.
How do you find the industry/niche that you’re in?
Healthcare information and services in India are scant outside of Tier 1 cities. Technology is the only way to bridge this gap. There is a lot of action in health tech now, but most of it is focused on Tier 1, where the competition is intense. Precious little is being built ground-up for non-Tier 1 India, which is really unfortunate because that’s where the biggest need is.
What gets you out of bed in the morning i.e. what’s your source of motivation?
Having a chance to solve one of the most important problems that we face today, and that too with a great set of colleagues is more than enough motivation I need. I not only get out of bed happily but also go skipping and hoping to work. Every day is a chance to make thousands of lives better.
What challenges/obstacles did you face in your journey so far?
Our biggest challenge was to convince investors and potential employees to join us when we started. Everyone was convinced of the strength of our team, but they were unaware of Tier 2 and 3 India – our target audience – and its needs. We soldiered on and slowly people came aboard as they realised we are on to something hugely important. Now we’re fortunate to have some of the best investors and people join us.
How do you handle the pressure and manage stress?
An unwavering belief in what we do and the strength of our team sees me through the toughest times. There will always be ups and downs in the short-term, but as long as we keep the long view, we’ll be fine. It helps that we have a supportive and patient board.
Other than that, yoga and meditation keep me grounded and relaxed!
What is one strategy that you believe has helped you grow as a person?
An unquenchable thirst to continuously learn and innovate.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
You have to keep an unwavering focus on what your customers need and build the highest quality solution for them. Also, it’s crucially important to know that this isn’t a one-time activity. You have to keep your ears to the ground and be willing and able to augment or alter your offerings.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Do not copy models from the west or the east because some VC might be willing to fund it. Find a real problem to solve, and one that you care about. Then build a strong team to go after it. Get a cofounder. It’s a lonely, arduous and scary journey you’re on.
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Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
