1. How the career journey started? Or who inspired you to enter in this field? Share some info about your career graph.
Came from typical upper middle class background, was not sure what I wanted to do, gave entrance test for MBA in Pune university and passed in merit. After MBA started first job by selling Electronic Typewriters, then moved in to concept selling. I wanted to come in IT as I was clear that IT industry will boom ( 1988-90), I got opportunity in Datapro, moved in corporate training and setting up franchise network of training centers, then over period of time got offer from TATA Unisys, then Oracle India based on my field track record. After 5 years in Oracle wanted to something of my own so started IT company with Mr. Ajit Gulabchand of HCC. Grew the company to 150 strong team, during this period I got interested in M&A and private equity space. Moved out from venture and started my own advisory firm did several Private Equity deals and then joined hands with old friend Mr. Rahul Patwardhan by taking minority stake in IndiaCo ventures Ltd. Last couple of years got involved with several PE deals, raised money, invested in Private and Public companies and was responsible for successful exits. Now works as Executive Director and COO of IndiaCo Ventures Ltd., listed Financial Advisory and Private Equity company in India.
2. What exactly you wanted to do when you started career?
I was the first MBA in family, was dependent on my experience and friends circle for my career moves. When I moved in IT industry I wanted to head and IT company and manage global operations of company.
3. What kind of difficulties you had faced while entering into this career field? Share with our readers about discovery period when you were facing difficulties in your career?
I had no formal education in IT, during Datapro days I learned about computers, operating systems and applications like lotus, wordstar etc.
When I wanted to move ahead ( during this period Microsoft came with Windows OS and MS word, Excel and Powerpoint I stayed in office for 4 nights and learned the products from my technical support head.
Once my base was cleared, later on I simply went on learning new technologies ( not technically but from user perspective )
When I wanted to move from IT to finance, it was tough journey no one had faith in me for my finance / fund raise abilities I worked on two deals without money took shares of the company as success fees. I was cheated by the promotors even while giving free shares after I delivered what they wanted. I learned my lessons, I then worked on retainer and success fee basis.
5. Share with our readers about your experiment period after discovery period?
My biggest experiment was to get in to Finance Industry and prove my capabilities. Once I discovered I can deliver and when market saw I can deliver I could negotiate my way forward.
6. What are your future plans? Or now what is your vision for next five years?
As on date I would like to excel in the PE industry and carve out my space in this industry. Later on who knows my idol is Warren Buffet like many others.
7. What will be your advice/suggestion for new candidates for entering into your field?
Everyone thinks its easy to be in the PE or IB space after doing MBA or CA but one learns that the industry has its own rule and formulas for success. One has to go through research, Investment banking, deal making, investing, exits and most important one should develop good gut feel on how the deal will flow.
8. LinkedIn URL http://in.linkedin.com/in/dhananjaybendre
9. Websites URL http://www.indiaco.com
