If you read my earlier post about attending the Bangalore Literature Festival and how excited I was for certain sessions, this one will totally click. Even before I boarded my flight to Bangalore, I had my eyes set on Mukesh Bansal’s session (Founder of Myntra and Cure.fit).
Held on Day 2, Mukesh spoke about insights from his new book, The Start-Up Code. The conversation was led by Prof. Mukesh Sud, a well-known academician. His thoughtful questions made the event feel like a masterclass in entrepreneurship.
In this blog post, I’ll share some of my personal highlights and reflections from that unforgettable session.
1. Can Entrepreneurship Be Taught in Schools?
Mukesh Bansal believes that while a structured program can help you avoid common mistakes, the real learning happens on the job.
Sitting in a classroom can only take you so far. The best teacher is actual experience.
What really stuck with me is his point about embracing contradictions—being able to hold opposing ideas in your head without letting them paralyze you (an ode to Scott Fitzgerald).
A successful entrepreneur balances optimism with realism, risk-taking with caution and personal passions with market demands. This delicate dance of contradictions is something you can’t fully learn from a textbook.
Takeaway: If you’re thinking about diving into entrepreneurship, don’t wait for the perfect educational program. Start small, test your ideas in the real world and learn along the way.
2. Rethinking Failure
Mukesh Bansal challenged the very concept of “failure.” He suggested that a failing company doesn’t necessarily mean a failed entrepreneur.
Those first two or three years of any startup are steeped in learning experiences, trial and error and constant iteration.
He also shared a perspective that made the entire audience nod in agreement: he’d rather hire a failed entrepreneur at starting a company than someone who’s simply stayed at a safe, stable corporate job. Why?
Because so-called “failed” founders often carry with them the resilience, creativity and adaptability that only comes from going through the wringer.
Takeaway: The word “failure” is misleading. Every setback, every pivot and every dead-end is a learning opportunity. Embrace it, and you’ll come out stronger, no matter where you end up next.
3. The Entrepreneurial vs. Corporate Mindset
One of the most striking moments was when Mukesh defined the entrepreneurial mindset as the shift from “That’s not my problem” to “Everything is my problem.”
This idea of taking full ownership and making no excuses resonates deeply.
In contrast, he pointed out that corporate employees often bring invaluable domain expertise but might also carry a “this-can’t-be-done” attitude, shaped by their more structured environments.
Takeaway: Entrepreneurial thinking is about breaking barriers and defying the status quo. Adopting an “everything is my problem” mindset fosters accountability and forward momentum.
4. A Beginner’s Mindset
Even if you’ve launched multiple startups, Mukesh stressed the importance of maintaining a beginner’s mindset.
The moment you think you know it all, you risk stagnation.
Those who continually learn, question and adapt are the ones who remain flexible enough to navigate fast changing markets.
This humility and willingness to learn is crucial not just for first-time founders, but for seasoned entrepreneurs as well.
Takeaway: Stay curious and open-minded. Assume there’s always something new to learn because – there always is.
5. Does Luck Matter?
Does luck matter? According to Mukesh, absolutely. But luck favors those who stick around.
It might take years before you stumble upon the right opportunity or meet the perfect investor or be in the right place at the right time.
If you quit too early, you’ll never experience those so-called “lucky breaks.”
Moreover, you need to be paying attention when luck finally knocks. Sometimes, the perfect opportunity is right in front of you, but you miss it because you’re too focused on something else.
Takeaway: Luck is real, but it’s also about perseverance. Stay in the game, keep your eyes open and don’t give up too soon.
6. Building to Sell? Think Again
One of the audience members asked if you should build a startup with the intention of selling it.
Mukesh’s stance was clear: you should never start a company solely to flip it in a couple of years. Market conditions can change and there are times when selling is a valid option, but that shouldn’t be the intention from day one.
Passion, problem-solving, and creating genuine value should be your foundation. If an exit comes organically, you can evaluate it at that time.
Takeaway: Focus on building a meaningful product or service that solves a real problem. Let potential acquisitions or exits be a natural outcome, not the main goal.
7. About Partnering with VCs
Venture capitalists (VCs) are, in Mukesh’s words, “critical enablers.”
Early-stage VCs can offer mentorship and guidance, while later-stage VCs can open doors to networking and partnerships. Yet VCs can also become overbearing if not managed properly.
The key is maintaining a balanced and communicative relationship. At the end of the day, both founders and investors want the same thing: a successful, thriving company.
Takeaway: Choose your VCs wisely. Keep communication lines open and remember that collaboration and mutual respect go a long way in ensuring success.
Final Thoughts
I found Mukesh Bansal’s session eye-opening. It was insightful for aspiring entrepreneurs and veterans alike.
His insights underscore the essence of entrepreneurship: continuous learning, embracing contradictions, owning your decisions and sticking it out long enough for opportunity (aka luck) to find you.
So if you’re thinking about launching your first startup or are already on your third, these pearls of wisdom serve as great reminders.
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