The “Accidental” Company – How INT. Started
Most companies start in very unexpected ways – and trust me it is not “inspiration”. It is generally a series of events that play out, and starting the company seems to be the most logical step at that point in time. And hence, many companies are born “accidentally”. Here is the story of Indus Net Technologies (INT.)
In early 1997, I was in first year of my college at St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. I had moved from my first job as an Assistant Field Officer of @DEAS (now known as The International Award for Young People, India). I was now working for a DSA of Citibank, selling their loan against equity product.
A small bike accident gave me a swollen knee, and I was bedridden for several weeks. During this time, with nothing exciting to do, I took interest in learning animation, as moving text and objects felt exciting in those days!
My new skill soon found a window of expression. Prince Edward was scheduled to visit Kolkata later in the year. I was asked by DEAS to put together an animated presentation showcasing the activities and achievements of the Kolkata chapter.
During this time, a saw a newspaper ad, for a web designer. I thought design is design, and if I can do animation, why can’t I design websites. And I landed at Lee & Nee Softwares (Exports) Ltd. office with a hard disk in my pocket, loaded with the animation project I was working on. I met the boss, @Anita Gupta, who told me what they do, and how web design is different from animation. She asked me to come back after learning HTML. And I dived right into it. That was my first introduction to building websites.
I learned website design (honestly, I am ashamed of the work I produced in those days), but before I could go to Anita didi to show my work, another interesting “accident” happened.
There was an expo called Computex that was happening in one of the most happening expo venue of Kolkata – the Ice Skating Rink. On the morning of 17th September 1997, my mother saw the advertisement of the expo, and nudged me to go and check out – what’s going on.
I landed up at the expo, and I don’t know what chemical reaction happened in my mind, I thought, why see the show, why not exhibit – after all I also do technology related services (I was already doing Internet installation, basic training; and now I knew how to make website!).
So, I hesitantly walked in and ask the gatekeeper – that I want to exhibit. He was confused, and thought I have gone mad, and asked me to go away. I requested, if I can just go and see how the expo looks like, and since the event has not started, there is no registration fees loss to them. He allowed.
The first stand was of a company called Capital Electronics, run by Mr. Agarwal, who was setting up the stand to sell modems. I walked up, and half-confidently asked – if I can share his stand. I still do not know where I got that strength from, as I had no money in hand. I am sure he was also surprised and hesitant. But, I insisted and he accepted.
The next challenge was to have “something to communicate” so that I can sell at the stand. I decided that I will sell my web design skills, something I was very excited about. I rushed out to design and print a leaflet – went to the nearest xerox outlet, quickly put together a web design plan, and put an offer of Rs. 6000/- (the exact price of my share of the stand).
Then, suddenly I realised that I have not put any company name on the leaflet. As I looked out, I saw a restaurant with the name “Indus Valley”. And I picked the name – Indus Net Technologies. And the hustle began!
As luck would have it, I got my first order on the first day itself – for the exact amount that covers the cost of the stand. It was from a leather gloves manufacturing company.
Indus Net Technologies (INT.) is open for business!
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