After my first business attempt failed, even before taking off, in the first year of my college (~1996), I was left with nothing but a modem.
While I was mourning my loss, through some conversations I came to know that an internet connection from provides not only email, but also web browsing.
Next day, I was at VSNL office to apply for a ‘student’ plan for ₹500 for 500 hours of Internet access! And then started my tryst with configuring my modem to connect to VSNL servers. After digesting the modem manual many times over, and three day (and night) of experimentation with command line configuration, I finally got connected to VSNL server and experienced Internet for the first time. It was magical as I was connected to the whole world through the window of my desktop. That was the moment I knew that Internet will be my career.
I spent days browsing, sending emails to odd people and companies I stumbled across on the Internet, and chatting on IRC (Internet relay chat). It was a transformative experience, and I could see how individuals and businesses benefit from the connected world 
With this newly acquired skill, I was out in the market helping people configure their Internet connection, teaching them how to use different Internet tools, and reach out to the world. I also came across IP telephony, and helped exporters set up Internet based calling, which would save them thousands of ₹ every month.
Each engagement was full of learning. Each assignment will get me between ₹100 to ₹2500. I will zip around the city on my Suzuki Samurai bike, with a hard disk with all device drivers in my pocket. I had a solution for every connectivity problem!
I further learnt PC troubleshooting, assembled computers, solved virus problems and even went on to dabble in networking and animation.
This was getting me good pocket money for a first year student. But more importantly, I learned professionalism, people skills, and customer centricity, which is an asset even today. None of these activities were scalable, but I was learning a lot and had my ears on the ground.
I had no idea to start Indus Net Technologies (INT.) till H2 of 1997. But this gave some cash to keep me going (Dial up internet used to drive up massive phone bills in those days!). All these experiences and interactions added up over time.
After two decades I came across an article by Paul Graham explaining “do things that do not scale” (must read to understand the importance of this one year that I spent as a digital nomad)
Three takeaways:
1) Starting capital will come from many sources, specially by applying your personal skills. Do not blame lack of capital for not starting up!
2) Do things that do not scale.
3) Explore widely, but focus on the biggest opportunity that comes your way. (the story of how I accidentally started @indusnettech in my next post)
I am still a digital nomad!