Empowering Innovation and Fostering Mental Health in Startups: Insights from Tech Leader Sanjay Subbarao
I had the pleasure of interviewing Sanjay Subbarao. Sanjay is a Technology Leader with 10+ Years of Experience in Wireless, IOT, Consumer Electronics, Data Science and Analytics. He works as an Evangelist at Dextego, building AI Coaching as a SaaS, defining the future of work. He identifies as a POC and ESL First Generation Immigrant. He is a trained Crisis Text Line Counselor. He is working on Mental Health Awareness through his podcast Mental Health @ Work, Joyyus Foundation, a Non-Profit, to create conversations about mental health at all ages. He is a Mentor at the University of Washington I-Corp NSF Sponsored Comotion Lab and the NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center. He is a Fellow at the Royal School of Arts. He is building an Incubator at Venture Bay Labs for underprivileged founders.
How did you break into tech investing?
My first venture into Startup Investing was through Fundrise, a Real Estate-based investment company. I had to figure out how to successfully invest in real estate without taking on large loans or risking too much capital. The idea behind it was brilliant, with crowdsourcing funds democratizing access to financing and developing fractional ownership.
What is it that excites you about investing?
The entrepreneur’s energy and the idea itself drive me. I enjoy the challenge of trying to solve problems and finding innovative solutions to market needs. Investing in early-stage startups gives founders access to capital, which can be used to develop new technologies or products that will benefit society. Seeing a great team succeed and bring their product or service into the world is incredible! It’s also a great way to diversify and empower the future of the different ecosystems.
What has been your biggest challenge when finding the “right deals”?
Understanding the vision and need for clarity in the problem definition is a challenge in startups today. Many startups need a definitive business model and a well-thought-out GTM strategy. This can lead to a great idea that cannot take off or, even worse, lose money. Investors must do their due diligence and look at market trends, competitive landscapes, and how the product or service will be differentiated. Additionally, startups must focus on the customer’s needs and not just their problems. This is an ongoing challenge for startups, as a lack of clarity on the pain points and their magnitude defines their growth patterns in the future.
How is Mental Health impacting founders, building Startups, and the need for diversity?
Learning that Mental Health is the core of our products significantly impacts the founders. It is essential to understand the unique and sometimes difficult experiences of entrepreneurs when dealing with mental health and how it can be addressed positively.
Diversity plays an integral role in creating products tailored to meet customer needs. This includes the voices of those from different cultures, backgrounds, or experiences who can bring different approaches to problem-solving.
What significant trends do you expect to see in technology innovation over the next five years that excites you?
Several developments are particularly noteworthy:
- AI and ML Augmentation: I foresee these technologies playing a more dominant role, from task automation and enhanced decision-making capabilities to birthing innovative products and services.
- 5G Mainstreaming: The advent of 5G is poised to usher in groundbreaking applications, spanning areas like autonomous vehicles, augmented reality, and immersive virtual experiences.
- Metaverse Evolution: While still in its developmental infancy, the metaverse is set to redefine our professional, recreational, and social paradigms.
- Quantum Computing Progression: With the promise of outpacing their traditional counterparts, quantum computers could be the linchpin in resolving some of the globe’s most complex challenges.
If you had to share, “words of wisdom,” with a Founder who’s about to start their startup, what would they be?
When considering your bare metal implementation, it’s essential to prioritize conducting thorough customer discovery. By engaging in extensive market research and gathering insights from potential customers, you can better understand their needs and preferences. This valuable information will guide you in making informed decisions and developing a solution that genuinely resonates with your target audience. So, take the time to delve into customer discovery and lay a strong foundation for your bare metal implementation success.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
They can find me on Linkedin, and a list of other socials
This was very insightful. Thank you so much for joining us!
