New Delhi, April 16, 2025 :
MERI College’s E-Cell and Innovation Council hosted an inspiring session titled “Building a Business – An Entrepreneur’s Journey”, featuring Mr. Deepankar S. Halder, a successful entrepreneur and IIM Ahmedabad alumnus. Over 120 MBA and BBA students attended the event, which provided a rare window into the realities of starting and sustaining a business in today’s competitive landscape.
Mr. Halder opened the session by emphasizing that true entrepreneurial success begins with identifying genuine customer pain points and crafting innovative, scalable solutions. He noted that entrepreneurship is not confined to startups alone—it also thrives within established organizations when individuals step up to solve complex challenges.
Drawing from his early career at Shaw Wallace & Company and later roles in mass retail and global consulting firms, Mr. Halder shared lessons on operational efficiency and consumer behavior that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.
Referencing a Marwari saying—“Be prepared for 1,000 days of slog and self-funding”—he highlighted the resilience required to build a venture from scratch. His first e-commerce startup faced funding hurdles, but perseverance led him to successfully launch Jalongi Retail and Jalongi.com, which specialize in cold-chain seafood delivery, sourcing directly from coastal hubs in Bengal.
Mr. Halder also delved into the importance of financial stamina, trust-based team dynamics, and the role of co-founders, family support, and angel investors. He outlined the typical startup funding journey, while also spotlighting incubators, accelerators, and government initiatives that shape the startup ecosystem.
The session concluded with a dynamic Q&A, where students explored topics such as regulatory frameworks, equity sharing, and founder mindset. Mr. Halder’s closing remark—“Hope is not a strategy” resonated deeply with attendees.
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