S3 E05 | How Anand Deshpande Built a $9 Billion Powerhouse: The Persistent Systems Story
Description
This episode provides a deep dive into the journey of Persistent Systems, from its humble beginnings to becoming a global technology powerhouse.
Anand Deshpande shares insights on company growth, leadership transitions, and the importance of adapting to market changes. His perspectives on entrepreneurship, technology trends, and social impact offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business leaders alike.
Key Topics:
Persistent’s growth journey and evolution through multiple business orbits
Entrepreneurship challenges, scaling strategies, and leadership transitions
Technology trends, including the impact of AI on the IT industry
Social impact initiatives and philanthropic efforts
Global expansion and understanding international markets
Timestamps
00:03:18 - Early life
00:06:55 - IIT Kharagpur experience
00:09:59 - US education and work
00:19:34 - Founding Persistent Systems
00:26:29 - Indian IT challenges in 1990
00:32:00 - Business model evolution
00:35:25 - Persistent’s S orbits
00:39:46 - Transition from ‘My’ to ‘Our’ company
00:56:18 - VC funding and IPO
01:01:42 - Philanthropic initiatives
01:08:16 - Research projects
01:14:12 - AI impact on IT
01:16:36 - Rapid-fire questions