Assisted Living for Startups and Why #Refreshed.Space makes sense.
The closest I have gotten to being an entrepreneur is not being one. Over the past two decades I have watched, listened and observed founders. I have cried out loud at times, and sobbed in private. I have even celebrated tiny moments of entrepreneurial highs.
All that, as a bystander.
I have never jumped into entrepreneurship as I have never been able to be a #1 guy. I consider myself as a good #2 guy.
For most of my professional life, I have always been around entrepreneurs and in one-way or the other, I have been associated with entrepreneurship for over 15 years now and probably met several hundred founders. This journey has given me joy, it’s given me the comfort of many good friends, and has moved me and shaped me to who I am.
In return, in my own simple ways, I have tried to do as much as possible for the community, as a person who can connect with others, and in the process learn from them. I have a deep connect with over 150+ founders and with ease I can talk to them about my challenges, my passion for the eco-system and also get them to talk about their challenges. Many times, I know that they are going through a tough phase and at times I feel they deserve much more…but they are just caught up on not giving up.
I am an emotional-person, however, I was deeply moved when I read this blog post on Startup-failures by Andrew Lee, Formerly with Esper. I had also read Atul Gawande’s book “Being Immortal” and could completely connect with Andrew when he says there is no hospice or assisted living for startups (a place where dying startups can receive support on job placement for team members, acquisitions, or legal matters). This article resonated deeply within me I really wanted to do something about this.
It was a few months back, and I was moved, and I am motivated to do something with emotions after reading that blog post. I was moved to do something for entrepreneurs who are stuck somewhere in their journey. I did reach out to few friends (created a separate whatsapp group) and brainstormed on several occasions about what can be done to help entrepreneurs who are going through this tough phase. I then started informally helping entrepreneurs/employees who were going through troubled times…I enjoyed the conversations, made some connects and even tried to be an empathetic listener to all the conversations.
After having helped few friends in their journey, I feel there is a good fitment and I’m now ready to move forward and launch this space called the Refreshed space. I have got a few friends who are willing to be part of this space and we will try and put all our efforts to help people who will knock at our doors.
How do we plan to create this space? What to expect?
Startup life, and the founder’s journey is definitely not easy. As the blog post from startup-grind, points out, A founder’s greatest strength is their resolve — their ability to “rage against the dying of the light.” Yet at the same time, their greatest weakness is that they sometimes just don’t know when to quit.
In times of distress, most founders and entrepreneurs, find themselves depressed, fighting the societal stigmas of failure, tolerating the pangs of rejection, worst-of-all, they find themselves isolated. In this phase of burden, dejection, rejection, isolation and social stigma, what they most need is a space filled with empathy, the solidarity of peer-support, and most importantly the faith and trust of friends and well-wishers.
Entrepreneurs suffer not just from financial costs, but also from emotional, social and psychological-costs. Honestly, these are costlier than the financial burden. We believe there are providers who can fix and provide financial support but few who can fix the other issues. At Refreshed Space we plan to listen, help, and heal, while facilitating connections in the eco-system. We might just meet 1–2 people every week, but the objective is to have needle-moving meetings.
Who can benefit and who should apply?
Are you a Founder / Entrepreneur who is struggling with your startup? Are you confused and looking for clarity to navigate your path.
In short, if your business is in the ICU, you should apply. We know there are entrepreneurs who are also tired and weary with all the blows-and-punches they have absorbed. Whose business might be just-okay, but there is fear of uncertainty. You need a space to relax, refresh and rejuvenate yourselves. Yes, this is the space for you.
As Atul Gawande says, “You may not control life’s circumstances, but getting to be the author of your life means getting to control what you do with them.”
So, what are you waiting for? Visit the website, apply and spread the word to your friends and fellow travelers. Good luck and all the very best!
Who else is part of this journey
I want to now introduce Manju Nanjaiah, a fellow Entrepreneur, whom I have known over the past 5 yrs. We share a lot of common values, one of them is definitely a resonating-heart to listen deeply and attentively to the stories and journeys of fellow co-travellers in the Entrepreneurial space in India, especially in-and-around Bangalore. I have always enjoyed Manju’s company and now once-again working with Manju, I am excited to be part of this space along with him. Let me add, while I am looking forward to listen-and-connect, I am sure he can bring with him his healing-touch.
Another entrepreneur whom I have always enjoyed is Phanindra Sama, the former RedBus Co-Founder. He has been kind enough to be part of this initiative. I have always enjoyed working with Phani who is probably one of the most humble human beings I have come across. He is very thoughtful and is always willing to give a helping hand to founders.
Pleased to also have Suvarchala Narayanan(Suvi),a digital nomad and someone who has a very powerful healing touch. I have already connected a few founders with Suvi and they have benefitted from Suvi’s work with them. She does workshops on self-transformation and authentic relationships. Having been a founder and worked in the startup ecosystem herself, she has a deep connection with Startups and founders.
I have many more founders who have already committed their time and help for this initiative. I will announce more people as we go along.
Today, with the help and contribution of few more enthusiastic founders, with the support of many friends, well-wishers and the backing of some stalwarts in the Software Ecosystem, we are happy to announce the launch of Refreshed space.
