Author: M.K. Elango

Thirukkural verse (in Tamil script)தெய்வத்தான் ஆகா தெனினும் முயற்சிதன்மெய்வருத்தக் கூலி தரும்.Transliteration (in English):Even if fate does not favor, efforts to achieve will yield fruits of labor.Startup Concept: Perseverance and ResilienceExplanation: In this Thirukkural, Thiruvalluvar emphasizes the importance of perseverance and hard work, even in the face of adversity or unfavorable circumstances. He suggests that consistent efforts will ultimately lead to success, regardless of one’s fate or destiny.Connection to Startups: Launching and scaling a startup is often a challenging journey filled with obstacles and setbacks. Entrepreneurs must cultivate a strong sense of perseverance and resilience to navigate these challenges and keep pushing…

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Thirukkural verse (in Tamil script)ஞாலம் கருதினுங் கைகூடுங் காலம்கருதி இடத்தாற் செயின்Transliteration (in English):Nyalam karudhinum kaikodum kaalamKarudhi idaththaal seyinEnglish translation”Though the whole world be your field of action, success comes only if you act at the right time and place.”Modern startup concept connectionThis Thirukkural aligns closely with the concept of “product-market fit” and “timing” in the startup world. It emphasizes the crucial importance of launching a product or service at the right time and in the right market.Practical application for startups:For startups, this verse suggests- Conduct thorough market research before launch- Be aware of market trends and timing- Ensure your product solves…

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எண்ணித் துணிக கருமம் துணிந்தபின்எண்ணுவம் என்பது இழுக்குEnglish translation: Think, and then undertake the work;To say ‘We’ll think after starting’ leads to failure.”Modern interpretation:This Kural emphasizes the importance of thoughtful planning before taking action. It warns against the pitfalls of rushing into projects without proper consideration.Startup principle connection:This ancient wisdom aligns closely with the modern concept of strategic planning and the Lean Startup methodology. It echoes the importance of validating ideas and creating a solid business plan before fully committing resources.Startups can apply this principle by:Conducting thorough market research before product developmentCreating a detailed business plan and financial projectionsDeveloping and testing a…

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As an aspiring or early-stage founder, you’re likely familiar with the challenges of building a successful startup. The journey from idea to profitable business can be long, arduous, and filled with uncertainties. But what if there was a proven framework that could dramatically accelerate your path to success? Enter CCI: Copy, Customize, and Innovate – a powerful model that’s revolutionizing how startups launch, grow, and scale.Understanding CCICCI, which stands for Copy, Customize, and Innovate, is a strategic approach to building startups that has been refined over years of practical application. Developed by M.K. Elango, a seasoned practitioner with over 10…

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