In Conversation with Sandeep, Anil, Dharin and Kuldeep, Founders of Optimized Electrotech.
Let's start with knowing your story. Please tell us what inspired you to start it and what brought you all together.
Sandeep: Drawing upon my previous experience working with ISRO and long-range imaging, I recognized a promising opportunity to establish a presence in the defense sector. This led me to conceptualize Optimized Electrotech.
The stringent qualification standards for defense projects made it difficult to enter. Fortunately, in December 2016, the Honorable Prime Minister updated the defense procurement procedure to allow startup involvement without necessitating all qualifications. During this period, I had numerous discussions with Dharin, addressing various concerns and solidifying our ideas. We also onboarded Anil, our scientist, along with ISRO veteran Kuldeep.
Dharin: Prior to joining Optimized Electrotech, I had experience in the semiconductor industry, including running my own startup that got acquired. All along, electronics has always fascinated me. Sandeep and I explored various ventures, and the idea of long-range imaging systems and collaborating with ISRO intrigued me. After much deliberation, I left the corporate world to embark on this entrepreneurial journey. Our discussions highlighted the need for diverse expertise, and that's where the collaborative journey with Kuldeep, Anil, and Sandeep began.
Kuldeep: I had the opportunity of meeting Sandeep, who recognized my expertise in optics despite my initial doubts. With 40 years of experience in the field and having worked with ISRO, I understood the intricacies and complexities of systems. Sandeep's vision of developing long-distance surveillance systems aligned with my passion. We complimented each other with my focus on optics and satellite systems. Taking up the challenge, I'm proud to say that within a few years, our startup has gained recognition and achieved remarkable success.
Anil: Dharin and I had known each other through voluntary groups, forming a connection over time. Mathematics and statistics fascinated me from childhood, especially in the context of imaging and cameras. I would invest in cameras to improve their capabilities, and long-distance capture intrigued me. Sandeep introduced the idea of long-range cameras, which perfectly complemented my skills and expertise in imaging technology. Having worked as a freelancer and in startups before, I was accustomed to taking calculated risks. These factors influenced my decision to be part of this endeavor.
They say “Teamwork makes the dream work”. What is your mantra at Optimized Electrotech in making the most out of the team?
Sandeep: From the very beginning, I've held onto the mantra of 'Trust your co-founder.' I firmly believe there's no need to meddle in every aspect of a specific domain; we always ensure that our skills complement one another. Given our collective business backgrounds, we understand the risks we've taken, which instills confidence in our decision-making. We're constantly evolving, and we still have a lot to learn about how to make the most out of the team. So my two cents to all the startup teams would be to put trust first and then start double checking on the accountability over a period of time, rather than, building trust over a period of time, which is a standard way of doing things.
Anil: Effective teamwork and timely communication among board members and within sub-teams are critical aspects. Addressing emerging issues early on and resolving them promptly is key. Even though we may occasionally disagree, our division of responsibilities keeps us on the right path. we make an effort to foster strong connections among team members, enabling them to interact and develop a deeper understanding of the product to instill a sense of ownership. This greatly influences our success.
Dharin: Running the company feels like raising a child and being in a committed partnership. It requires constant nurturing, attention, and a deep sense of responsibility. In the realm of business, perfection is elusive, but we must prioritize the bigger picture and have faith in its success, much like in a marriage. Despite our varying opinions, working styles, and mindsets, we collaborate to address any challenges and ensure a comprehensive and polished outcome.
Kuldeep: I strongly believe that every individual on the team needs opportunities for personal growth and the pursuit of excellence. With this in mind, we actively encourage and foster a motivating environment for the entire team. inspiring them to go above and beyond. By instilling a sense of purpose, providing continuous learning opportunities, and recognizing achievements, we create a culture where everyone is motivated to reach their full potential.
Any fascinating wartime stories or anecdotes that have stayed with you?
Sandeep: During my visit to one of the Indian Army Trial locations, I had a captivating experience witnessing the vast desert from a hilltop. While we were stationed lining up an artillery gun on one side, the Indian Air Force aircraft conducted training exercises on the other end. Our task was to aim for distant points that were barely visible to the naked eye while constantly adjusting our aim. The army gave instructions, displaying their remarkable accuracy, the dangers they face on a daily basis, and their unwavering professionalism. Each morning, the desert transformed into a well-organized tent city, returning to pristine conditions in the evening. This consistent professionalism across locations was truly extraordinary.
Dharin: We gain a lot of insights from the stringent standards that the Indian Army upholds and how they effectively collaborate. It gives us a fresh perspective on the value of precision, documentation, and adhering to high standards. It broadened our horizons and served as an invaluable learning experience for us.
What has been the most rewarding experience so far in your entrepreneurial journey?
Kuldeep: We had the opportunity to showcase our prototype at an exhibition in Delhi, where we presented our product to the then Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force and other esteemed military personnel. It filled us with immense pride to demonstrate our creation to such high-level individuals. A similar sense of pride engulfed us at the Aero India showcase.
Sandeep: In the past, foreign firms would often bypass many of the trials we were facing due to their high standards. As opportunities opened up for Indians to serve the sector, the army also displayed its readiness by giving us numerous opportunities to demonstrate our work by carrying out more rigorous testing. This moment filled us with a deep sense of pride.
Anil: Witnessing our hard work manifest into tangible results brings us great joy. In one of our initial projects, we collaborated with the Railways to develop an object-tracking algorithm. During the process, we encountered some issues with the functionality of a large device in our dummy system. But after numerous hours of hard work and unrelenting efforts, we finally witnessed the product working perfectly. The sense of fulfillment and reward upon seeing our perseverance culminate in success was truly gratifying.
Your work would involve working out of the office, in the lab, or on the field under harsh conditions. How do you maintain a work-life balance while running a startup?
Dharin: For us, work is life. We have been trying to establish a strong foothold, which requires lots of effort and work. Late evenings are often dedicated to accomplishing tasks and meeting deadlines. It is during these moments that the magic of Optimized Electrotech happens, and we strive to remain actively involved in the process. As a result, the remaining time in our busy week is cherished and spent with our families, making the most of the limited moments we have together.
What do you envision for Optimized Electrotech in the coming years?
Sandeep: Our unwavering belief in constant evolution drives us forward. Our ultimate goal is to establish ourselves as a prominent name in the global surveillance industry. With a focus on manufacturing products in India, we aspire to supply them across the world. While our initial emphasis is on making a substantial impact in the defense market, we recognize this as just the beginning. Over the next year or so, our efforts will be concentrated on fortifying our presence in the defense sector. However, we envision expanding our horizons beyond this market, as there are numerous untapped opportunities awaiting us in diverse industries. We are eager to explore these markets and leave a lasting impression with our innovative solutions.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are just starting their own ventures?
Sandeep: India stands at a pivotal juncture, and we consider ourselves fortunate to be part of this journey. It is our privilege to contribute to our nation's progress and maximize its potential, just as we embrace the opportunities it offers for our own growth. Together, let us strive to make the most of our presence in India and empower the country to reap the maximum benefits from our collective efforts. For those with business ideas that they believe will resonate with the Indian audience, there is an abundance of opportunities to pursue. However, it is important to remain realistic about the turnaround time. In my opinion, it is wise to front-load with enough capital rather than starting with limited resources and relying solely on customer cash flow. Beginning from scratch is not my recommended approach now that plenty of cash-rich startups are around.
What do you believe you are at heart— a core businessman or a patriot?
Kuldeep: I aim to offer my assistance and appropriate guidance, which in turn contributes to the progress of our country. This encompasses both my personal fulfillment in the technical field and my sense of patriotism.
Dharin: Our growth is closely intertwined with the progress of our country. As the nation advances, we are positioned to grow alongside it, leveraging our expertise to provide top-quality solutions. Our commitment to delivering high-standard products ensures that we can contribute effectively to the development of our country while simultaneously achieving our own growth objectives.
Anil: Patriotism transcends the realm of business and extends into our everyday lives. To me, patriotism entails a deep love for our country and a commitment to acting in its best interests. It goes beyond business considerations and encompasses a genuine desire to contribute to our nation.
Sandeep: I am a core businessman at heart, and I strive to balance my business expertise with meaningful contributions to our nation, following the example of Tata. They brought numerous companies to India while maintaining national integrity, embodying entrepreneurial success, and unwavering patriotism. Similarly, we aim to use our skills for India's growth, combining business acumen with unwavering dedication to our country.