Start-ups should solve problems before chasing profits: Krishnakumar Natarajan

“Innovation should not aim for instant returns. Address real issues first, success will follow,” advised Krishnakumar Natarajan, Managing Partner at Mela Ventures, at the Ramaiah Evolute Start-up Award 2025 ceremony in Bengaluru on December 3. 

Emphasizing the importance of global thinking while tackling local challenges, Mr. Natarajan urged entrepreneurs to focus on creating meaningful solutions rather than rushing for profits.

The event celebrated Bengaluru’s thriving start-up ecosystem, with Italy’s Consul Giandomenico Milano encouraging founder’s to ‘create locally, expand nationally, then globally’.

Ramaiah Evolute co-founder Dr. Samarth Nagabhushan announced ₹2 crore in grants for 22 promising ventures selected from 500 applications, reinforcing the programme’s mission to nurture high-impact start-ups since 2021. 

“We launched Evolute to strongly encourage start-ups. With rapid technological growth, companies must use their ideas effectively and scale quickly,” said Dr. M.R. Seetharam, Chairman, Gokula Education Foundation.