IT WASN'T THAT SIMPLE

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Unlike most of their previous experiences, they were called in right at the schedule time. After a brief introduction, they got started with the presentation which was followed by question answer round. As Punit and Sid pitched their idea, Abhimanyu scribbled his doubts in his diary. He was one of those who never interrupted the flow of a presentation and preferred shooting his queries once it's done.

Following the query round, he laid back on his chair and said, "Your idea is a good one. Though, at this present scenario, the Indian e-commerce market is densely populated and heavily dominated by big names, but I believe that the USP of your idea is strong enough to make a mark of its own." He took a glance of his notes and continued, "The best part of your idea is that it's not a copy book. It's fresh and it addresses a definite pain point of the existing customers. On pen and paper it looks like something that should work but there are a few things that I would like to point out. Firstly, your prototype needs a few modifications. You have to make it more user friendly. I will go through it once again and mail you the changes that I feel are required. Secondly, you need to reconsider the packaging and delivery cost. It's going to be higher than your estimation but, if you can negotiate the targeted percentage with the vendors, the margin per product will still look handsome and lastly, I need more market research. I want you guys to go down to the streets, meet the vendors and brief them about your concept. Once you have their opinions, you will have a realistic judgement of where you and your idea stand in the business world. Understood?"

"Yes sir." Voiced Punit and Sid in unison.

"Good. I guess that's it for the time being. Tonight I will mail you everything that I have said now and also the things I may have missed. Anything that you guys would like to ask?"

"I have one question." Sid raised his hand.

"Go ahead."

"Are we getting funded? You didn't mention anything about that at all."

"Well, I can't say that you got funded but you have certainly got a foot inside the door. For the next four weeks, I will judge you two on the basis of your skills, dedication and how good you guys are individually and as a team. There can be three possible outcome of that. If I am completely convinced that you are worth of being funded then I will myself provide the entire funding against a certain percentage of equity and I will mentor you. If I am partialluy satisfied then next month you will get one more chance to pitch your idea in front of the entire board of investors of Nine Arrows Venture Capital Firm in Bengaleru. The third outcome is a rather simple one. I am not at all convinced and we are done."

Punit raised his hand and asked, "Are there any chances of you being our mentor even if we don't get funded?"

Abhimanyu wasn't impressed with his query. "Thinking about not getting funded won't resolve your issue. In the next four weeks, what's important for you is to convince me that you and your idea is worth of my money, time and reputation. So, just focus on that and don't worry about something that's out of your hands. By the way, the answer to your question is no."

Though Punit felt a bit schooled down, Sid was happy. He was not only thrilled about the fact that they were having a real opportunity of getting funded, the chance of being mentored by Abhimanyu was the icing on the cake.

"So what will be our working pattern?" Sid jumped straight to the point. "Are you going to give us one or should we make one of our own?"

"I will give you one," replied Abhimanyu. "Both of you will have different sets of tasks each week and you have to complete them within the stipulated time. If you finish your task early, don't sit back and wait for the deadline. Mail it to me there and then and most importantly, whenever you have a doubt, no matter how lame it may appear to you, ensure that you get it clarified from me. Doubts are the sign of involvement and progress. It helps to have a clear vision."