Age is no longer a barrier to achieving something in life as long as one is determined and passionate. It has been proven time and again; and senior Entrepreneurs only further amplify this fact. When people spend five to six decades of their life, it is assumed that it is their time to retire and do things that do not involve work.

But there are often examples that make us think as they do not conform to the societal norms. This article features the stories of Indian senior entrepreneurs who show us that attaining success at any age is possible through hard work and perseverance. Let’s take a look at their individual stories.

1. Anand Anandkumar (Co-founder Bugworks Research Inc.)

Anand began the operations of his start-up at age 49 in 2014. Bugworks Research is a drug discovery company that works to identify novel treatments for resistant bacterial infections. He believes that age doesn’t matter in front of a VC (venture capitalist) when someone pitches them.

The two co-founders with Anand were almost the same age as him, making them an inspiring trio of entrepreneurs over 50. According to him, a senior founder understands life and corporate dynamics better. So, such founders who are above the average age of entrepreneurs in India are better at managing the business.

2. Radha Daga (Founder-Managing Director Triguni Food Pvt. Ltd.)

Radha was involved in a garment export business in her forties. However, she pivoted to launch her food business in 2010 at age 69. She believes that age can be advantageous as it gives you maturity and the ability to tackle challenges better.

Based in Chennai, her venture has ready-to-eat food items like Rava Upma that get served to air travellers. She wishes to continue her business as long as she can, and hopes to find someone suitable to take it over from her at some point in time.

3. Harbhajan Kaur (Barfi business)

Harbhajan Kaur found a new life at age 94, making her example as one of the most awe-inspiring ones. Her barfi recipe found many takers among her family and friends. She could not make it a business all those years because of her husband’s reluctance.

In 2016, she told her daughters that she did everything in life except making money. So they suggested she start a barfi business and sell it a weekly organic market in Chandigarh. She is an excellent example of entrepreneurs over 90 and proves there is no age barrier to transform your passion into your profession.

4. Yamini Mazumdar (Laundry business)

She is the mother of Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who is the founder of Biocon. In 1999, at the age of 68, she set up a laundry business after the demise of her husband. An example of entrepreneurs over 80, she wanted to start something of her own. Today, in her late 80s, she feels she is young. Her daughter, Kiran, too, thinks that her entrepreneurial genes are because of her mother.

5. Geeta Manjunath (Co-founder-CEO Niramai)

She was working at an MNC as head of their data analytics research wing before launching her independent venture, Niramai, in 2016 in her mid-40s. Two of her cousins succumbed to breast cancer, which triggered her to launch cancer-care setup Niramai. Based out of Bengaluru, it is a health-tech start-up that has created an AI-based breast cancer screening tool.

It can be a different ball game for a woman in the tech field, but she has always believed in doing things differently. She neither feels to hide her age nor flaunt it as a badge. When presenting to VCs, she feels the need to be humble and drop any prejudices. She makes for an excellent example of successful female entrepreneurs over 50.

Summary

So these were the five Indian senior entrepreneurs to get inspired from. They prove that age is no barrier to start a business. It is just a number that doesn’t matter as long as one has enough passion and dedication. If you have any dreams of starting a business later in life, there is no better time than now. Contact people around you whom you feel can help you take things ahead. Remember, patience, motivation, and dedication will be strong points to succeed.

Looking for more such inspirational stories and insights? Join our thriving community today to learn, grow, and engage with fellow seniors.

The post Indian Senior Entrepreneurs: 5 Inspiring Stories appeared first on Unmukt - The Senior Hub.