Javeed Dar in conversation with Prof. Puran Singh, IIT Mandi and Vishwanath N, Arnetta Technologies
In the dynamic world of startups, one question resurfaces often, especially among student entrepreneurs: Should I start now, or should I gain some experience first? At first glance, both paths seem valid. But which one truly sets you up for long-term success?
The GUESSS India 2023 Survey brought out an interesting statistics related to this. 14% of Indian students intend to startup up right after graduating, while 31% say they will start five years later. To explore these two options further, we bring you a friendly and insightful debate between two seasoned voices:
Prof. Puran Singh, an academic who has enablered over 400 startups through IIT Mandi Catalyst – an incubator in Himachal Pradesh, and an ardent advocate for starting early.
Vishwanath N, an experienced corporate professional, who later turned entrepreneur. He has founded two successful ventures and believes in the power of real-world experience before starting a new venture.
Let us open the dialogue then!
1. Opportunity Cost vs Experience Gain
Javeed: Let’s begin with the most debated issue — when is the right time to start? Is it better to dive in while you’re still a student or wait to build a base through experience?
Puran: “Starting a venture while still in college is like planting a tree in fertile soil — there’s time, flexibility, and a safety net. The costs of failure are low. I’ve seen student founders bounce back from missteps and land top-tier opportunities, simply because they tried. The biggest loss isn’t a failed venture; it’s the missed learning if you never start.”
Vishwanath: “That’s a fair point, Puran. But starting a company also means making hundreds of decisions — hiring, product strategy, finances — that you may not be equipped to handle yet. A few years in the workforce gives you the context and confidence to navigate these challenges. Experience doesn’t prevent mistakes, but it makes you better prepared to handle them.”
Javeed: Those are solid points. While students may be able to compensate for lack of work experience with the support ecosystem, mentors, and professional help in their institution, how do they bridge lack of experience of leading people and teams. That brings me to the next question that focuses more on the individual: Are students personally ready for this leap?
2. Ecosystem Readiness vs Personal Readiness
Puran: “The Indian student entrepreneurship ecosystem is the most supportive it’s ever been. With institute innovation councils (IICs), E-Cells, incubators, and government grants on campuses, it’s like the wind is at your back. If you’re waiting for a better timing, you may wait forever. Passion and commitment can go a long way especially with this fertile environment.”
Vishwanath: “No doubt the ecosystem is enabling. But personal readiness is another story. Are you prepared for the grind? Can you handle the pressure of leading a team and managing finances with little to no buffer? These aren’t just operational questions — they’re emotional and psychological. And sometimes, maturity only comes with age and experience.”
Javeed: Maturity is a key point. But so is learning. So let’s look at how each path teaches you differently. Is it better shaped by hands-on failure or structured exposure?
3. Learning Through Failure vs Learning Through Structure
Puran: “There’s no better classroom than a startup. Every mistake is a mini-MBA. You learn customer empathy by being ignored, financial prudence by running out of money, and leadership by necessity. College is the time to build that thick skin, and it’s forgiving enough to allow second and third tries. And I have this ‘third venture’ theory where I argue that students must arrive at their third venture. Thats when they taste success.”
Vishwanath: “I agree failure is a teacher, but structure has its place too. When you work in a high-performing company, you see how scalable systems are built, how teams collaborate effectively, and how markets respond to decisions. It’s like being a part of a well-oiled machine before you build your own. That foundation can be priceless.”
Javeed: Great insights from both of you. The students have a lot to take away from this debate. Let’s shift gears a bit. No startup succeeds alone — let’s talk co-founders. Finding the right co-founder is often half the battle. Where does that happen more naturally — college or the workplace?
4. Finding Co-Founders
Puran: “Campuses are incredible places to find co-founders. You’re surrounded by bright, driven people from different domains — tech, design, business, even humanities. You build trust working on class projects and competitions. The campus is where you have seen your peers, through all seasons, in their different colors. You can find most compatible co-founders in your hostel dorms.”
Vishwanath: “That’s true, but shared passion in college doesn’t always translate to shared resilience in a startup. In a corporate job, you see how colleagues operate under real pressure — deadlines, accountability, shifting priorities. Those interactions reveal a lot more about who you’d actually want in the trenches with you.”
Moderator: Interesting contrast there. Seems to be both approaches have pros and cons. Let’s talk next about building your professional circle — the people who can help you grow and back your ideas. Where do the most meaningful connections get made?
5. Building a Network
Puran: “College networks are deeply underrated. Alumni can be incredibly generous, professors open doors, and guest speakers often become mentors. Our incubator’s best success stories often started with a conversation at a college event. Your network starts here if you know how to nurture it.”
Vishwanath: “Yes, but it scales in the corporate world. You build industry-specific relationships, gain access to mentors who’ve seen decades of business evolution, and often meet future investors or partners. These networks are built on trust and execution — which comes with time and performance.”
Javeed: Seems like both sides have strong arguments. But does it always have to be one or the other? Do we have a Middle Ground? Is There a Hybrid Path?
Interestingly, many successful founders started exploring entrepreneurship in college but launched their serious ventures after gaining some experience. They treated their college years as a sandbox — a time for experimentation — and their early jobs as finishing schools.
Students should take time to build side projects while in college. Participate in hackathons, join startup clubs, take internships in startups or venture capital firms. These experiences blur the line between the two camps. You’re starting and learning. You’re failing and preparing.
So, my closing thoughts are: It’s Not Either/Or — It’s About Fit. What should a student ultimately keep in mind?
Prof. Puran and Vishwanath don’t disagree on the ‘why’ of entrepreneurship — they are just debating the ‘when’. There’s no one right answer that applies to all students. Your path depends on your risk appetite, maturity, clarity of purpose, and support system.
If you have an idea that excites you and a team ready to build — go for it. If you want to gain experience and refine your thinking — that’s smart too. What matters is not when you start, but that you keep moving forward.
So, are you Team Puran or Team Vishwanath? Or maybe, you’re carving out your own timeline — and that’s perfectly okay too.
The crux is – starting up is a real career option for Indian students today!
