Shanakt Consulting: An Indian Technology Startup's Dilemma

This case details the setting up and growth of a high technology venture, Shanakt Consulting, in India. The company is founded by skilled academicians who had limited experience in setting up and managing a business. Shanakt's innovative RFID technology can be useful across several industries including mining, healthcare, heavy industries, and aviation, among others. RFID is the precursor to the Internet of Things, which is considered by many to be the next big wave in the field of networks and communication. Being in a promising but niche domain, with few competitors, Shanakt is likely to face a positive scenario for its business. However, the events in the Shanakt story do not unfold as planned, causing its management to arrive at crossroads. Shanakt toys with several business models including refining its products to target a particular industry, providing training kits, and manufacturing and developing prototypes. It has to decide on its future course of action. This case provides a detailed view, through the eyes of a technology startup, of the internal thought processes and strategy, and the external environment in a developing country that influences the growth of a new venture. It also sheds light on interactions of the startup with public sector firms, an important part of the Indian economy. Moreover, it highlights the impact of management team composition, and strategic decision making on the performance of such a firm.