The NEN course on VC - Sep 19-21, 2011 - Part III

Day three dawned bright and beautiful - it was drizzling and the ducks in the lake seemed happier than ever...

The class was quite excited as we were about to discuss the story of "The Loot" - the discount apparel store that has now cropped up across the country. The case of a boy who retailed shoes in exhibitions and grew to opening up the first 365 day discount store chain in India was most fascinating. A great way to illustrate how Jay Gupta adapted to suit customer needs, improvising store formats. Remarkable travel to Plan B , rather Plan E in Jay Gupta's case :-)

{With the NEN consultants team}

Finally, we had the juiciest of all lessons - the "Nantucket Nectars" case that showed a case of a hugely profitable exit, which later on led to the juice brand stagnating in the hands of the buyer. With the exit strategy lessons completed, we had a debriefing session, summarizing all key concepts covered during the three days.

{Our class over looked the Powai lake and this bench was my favourite place to sit and gaze into the horizon - it was especially gorgeous at sunset. Felt very happy for the kids staying with their parents in the campus: they are growing up in fresh air and green surroundings, they are growing up with birds and dogs and cats, in harmony with nature,they have space to play and make friends, they will learn appreciate the value of natural resources and wildlife. At least, these handful of children are getting this opportunity in India's commercial capital. }

As it drew to a close, we made commitments to pass on the lessons and thanked Prof.John Mullins for the enlightening sessions.

I thoroughly enjoyed the three days - made new friends from all over the country, took some great sessions on how to look at a business , stayed at a place straight out of fairy stories. Question in my mind during the closing session - I have had a great three days of learning entrepreneurial finance and there are people out there who need it - I need to pass this on now, Opportunities like these are a rarity - I felt a sense of immense gratitude to NEN and Vishnu for having nominated me. The least I can do is pass on the message to more and more people who need it.

A gush of optimism had engulfed me all through the sessions - I felt happy all through, because I was doing what I like doing best - learning and talking to people. Heartfelt thanks to the NEN community and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women for bringing entrepreneurs who have a need and experts who can give a solution. I could visibly see the impact created from the faculty feedback - a LOT more students are starting up in campuses, thanks to the awareness and advise offered.

I consider myself a perennial student (as is everyone else) and for this fabulous learning experience, this piece is for you Vishnu - for being such a brick of support. I would not be writing this if it were not for you :-)