Thirukkural verse (in Tamil script)
சுற்றத்தால் சுற்றப் படஒழுகல் செல்வந்தான்
பெற்றத்தால் பெற்ற பயன்.
Transliteration (in English):
The benefit of wealth is to live surrounded by and
to support one’s relations and friends.
Modern interpretation for startups:
This Kural emphasizes the importance of using one’s success and wealth to build and nurture a supportive ecosystem. For startups, it suggests that the true value of success lies not just in personal gain, but in creating a positive impact on the community and stakeholders around the business.
Key startup principle or concept:
Stakeholder Capitalism, Social Responsibility, Ecosystem Building
Practical application for entrepreneurs:
– Invest in your team’s growth and well-being
– Create a supportive work environment that fosters loyalty and collaboration
– Engage in corporate social responsibility initiatives
– Support and mentor other startups in your ecosystem
– Build strong relationships with suppliers, partners, and customers
– Reinvest profits into community development or industry advancement
Real-world example:
Consider companies like Salesforce, which is known for its 1-1-1 model (1% of equity, 1% of product, and 1% of employee time to philanthropic causes). This approach has not only benefited the community but has also helped Salesforce build a strong, loyal ecosystem of employees, customers, and partners.
Reflection questions for startup founders:
– How are you using your startup’s success to benefit your team and community?
– Are you building a network of supporters and collaborators beyond just business transactions?
– How can you create a culture of giving back within your startup?
– What long-term benefits could come from investing in your business ecosystem?
