Rahul Sharma
Student entrepreneur and founder of a bootstrapped food delivery startup serving 5+ university campuses.
Everyone thinks you need millions to start a business. I'm here to tell you that's not true. I started my first venture with just ₹5000, and here's exactly how I did it.
The key is adopting a lean approach. Don't wait for perfect conditions or massive funding. Start with what you have, test your ideas early, and iterate based on real user feedback. A Leanpreneur doesn't wait—we build, test, and learn constantly.
I didn't build a perfect product. I built the simplest version that could solve a real problem. Used free tools like Canva for design, Google Forms for surveys, and social media for marketing. Zero fancy expenses.
Before spending even that ₹5000, I talked to potential customers. I ran surveys, conducted interviews, and made sure people actually wanted what I was planning to build. This saved me from wasting money on something nobody needed.
I used free hosting services, open-source software, and bartered services with other young entrepreneurs. Every rupee was spent strategically on things that directly contributed to growth.
I shared my journey on social media, documenting wins and failures. This built an audience before I even launched. By the time my product was ready, I had 500 people waiting to try it.
Getting that first paying customer was incredible. It wasn't just about the money—it validated that people found value in what I built. That feeling is priceless and no amount of funding can buy it.
You don't need to wait for the perfect plan or massive capital. Start with what you have. Be resourceful, relentless, and real. Test early, learn constantly, and don't be afraid to pivot when needed.
Remember: you don't need to be rich or well-connected to start—just resourceful. Start lean, think big, and take action today.
