Selecting a Business & Tech Consultant: What Startups Need to Know

Look for someone who understands business operations, technology, team management, and product development. Direct startup experience can be an added advantage.

- SAURABH SHARMA

Think of the movie 3 Idiots. Director Rajkumar Hirani did not just understand storytelling – he grasped cinematography, sound design, visual effects, actor management, and budget control. His comprehensive knowledge turned a coming-of-age film into a cultural phenomenon.

But when movies fail, it is harder to pinpoint a single cause. Was it poor direction, weak script, miscast actors, or marketing issues? Often, it is a combination.

This same dynamic plays out in startups. India now has over 128,000 recognized startups, with projections reaching 180,000 by 2030. Yet 90% do not survive, with 20% failing in year one and 30% in year two. Like a failed movie, startup failures rarely have one clear cause. So, it is imperative for a startup to have not just a great idea, but also a well-designed product, strong engineering, marketing, and a capable team to bring an idea to life. But, to be good at all these things comes with experience. So, the key question becomes how do startups bring diverse expertise with experience on their table but within manageable cost. One of the most cost-effective and smart ways is to have a well-rounded Consultant on the table.