Rajan Anandan, the ex-MD of Microsoft India and currently MD at Peak XV Ventures (formerly Sequoia Capital), recently visited the Scaler School of Technology. This new-age college aims to produce the top 1% of computer engineers from India and was founded by industry leaders from tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. Their vision is to bridge the gap between traditional education and modern industry requirements.
During his visit, Anandan spent quality time with the students and highlighted the importance of developing products that solve real-world problems while delivering exceptional user experiences. “Build something that people are willing to pay for,” he advised, emphasizing the critical importance of creating market-resonant value.
He lauded Scaler’s innovative approach and the impressive projects developed by the students. These projects included Bhashini, an app made for the Government of India, showcased by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit, and a viral project using hand gestures to control a video game, integrating AR/VR technology. He even offered to fund students who excel at the ACM ICPC, often referred to as the Olympics of Coding, where students compete globally to solve complex computational problems.
Anandan, who has studied at prestigious institutions like MIT and Stanford, has held leadership positions at McKinsey, Dell India, and headed Microsoft India and Google India. His illustrious career journey provided key insights and valuable lessons to the aspiring technologists and programmers at Scaler.
Reflecting on his journey, Anandan emphasized how necessity and an unyielding determination to succeed shaped his career path. His success, he stressed, stemmed from a hunger to excel and make the most of every opportunity presented. He advised students to strive for excellence in everything they do, cautioning against settling for mediocrity. “Strive for excellence in everything you do,” he urged, underscoring that continual improvement is crucial for leaving lasting impacts in their fields.
Anandan also stressed the significance of taking ownership and responsibility for one’s work. “Self-motivation and accountability are crucial,” he noted. He urged students to proactively take charge of their careers and projects, rather than waiting for external validation or direction. This mindset, he explained, is essential for achieving long-term success and making meaningful contributions to the tech industry.
Drawing from his extensive experience in evaluating startups, Anandan shared insights into the key factors that contribute to startup success. He emphasized the importance of assessing the caliber of the founding team and the potential size of the market in the early stages. For more developed startups, he stressed the need for products that not only function effectively but also possess the scalability to become significant players in their respective industries.
Anandan’s visit left a profound impact on the students of Scaler School of Technology. His emphasis on perseverance, excellence, and practical innovation provided a clear roadmap for their future careers. Aspiring technologists were inspired to set ambitious goals and leverage their skills to drive meaningful change in the tech landscape, not just in India but globally.
As students continue their journey at Scaler School of Technology, Anandan’s insights serve as a guiding principle. Empowered to innovate and create solutions that effectively address real-world challenges, these young technologists are poised for success. They embody the principles of excellence and ownership advocated by Anandan, positioning themselves as future leaders in India’s rapidly evolving tech industry. In conclusion, Rajan Anandan’s visit was more than a lecture; it was a call to action for the students of Scaler School of Technology. His words underscored the importance of continuous improvement, initiative, and building products that make an impactful difference in the world. As they move forward, these students are well-equipped to make significant contributions to the tech ecosystem, guided by the wisdom imparted by one of India’s foremost tech leaders.
