Published in The Times of India on 23 May 2026, this article, written by Ardhra Nair, explores Persistent Systems Managing Director Anand Deshpande’s perspective on what it takes to build and scale a technology business. Speaking at the launch of CanDid Volume II, Venture Center’s publication chronicling the journeys of emerging technology startup founders, Deshpande delivered a session titled Scaling Technology Startups.
Drawing on his entrepreneurial journey, Deshpande highlighted why startups must begin with customer needs and the problems they are trying to solve, rather than focusing solely on their technology. He also touched on choosing the right markets, developing sales capabilities and building strong teams and organisational cultures. His message offers founders a valuable reminder that successful innovation depends not just on what a business builds, but on how effectively it addresses a genuine market need.