Venkat Terugu

Yeshwanth Pulijala’s journey from dentist in a coastal suburb of Karnataka, India, to founder and CEO of a healthtech startup in London, has many waypoints. I am guessing that it was his time at The Glasgow School of Art (he’s an artist too) that spurred Pulijala’s interest in medical imaging and visualisation, leading to his short-lived venture with VR specialist Edward Miller (now a product manager at Meta’s Reality Labs) developing surgical simulation tools for medical students and trainees to practice fundamental skills for Laparoscopic surgery. Pulijala’s current venture, Scalpel, founded in 2017 with computer vision researcher Shahnawaz Ahmed (CTO), melds together medical imaging with digital twinning to identify and track surgical instruments. The idea is that Scalpel generates digital twins for surgical instruments and tracks them through the supply chain, from vendor to operating theatre. Surgeons scan the instrument tray in the operating theatre to check they have the right tools for the job – and that they are all present and correct after sewing up the patient. I have no idea how far Pulijala and Ahmed have got with this over the past seven years, as there’s no pics of imaging kit or any product detail on the Scalpel website. Maybe that will change now that Mercia Ventures have led a £3.8m funding round for Scalpel, with participation from Tensor Ventures and private investors. The idea is worthy. I just have the sense – perhaps unwarranted – that grand ambition and noble intent may fall foul of the practicalities of development and delivery.

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Gukesh created history yesterday by becoming the youngest World Chess champion It perhaps marks the culmination of a chess journey and meteoric rise that started just over a decade ago when a young Gukesh saw his Idol and later, mentor Vishy Anand lose the very title he won today A few years later one of his videos where he said he wants to be the youngest World Chess Champion became viral And he scaled some amazing peaks while getting here Youngest 2750 3rd youngest GM Olympiad 🥇 Asian Youth Championship 🥇 World Youth Championship 🥇 Candidates 🥇 And now this Don’t follow Chess ardently but his post match interview struck a chord and reminded me of an equally beautiful articulation of a topic that’s now close to me: Dreaming in Decades Life actually is quite long in the grand scheme of things, we just don't use our time wisely. When we dream, we often dream in years and forget about the decades. A year feels short yet a decade is a profound a period of time. You can do a lot in a decade. We overestimate what we can do in a year and underestimate what we can do in a decade. Dream in decades. A year away can be forecasted, but a decade can't. You can do anything you want in a decade if you work towards it. So expand your horizons and think where you want to be in ten years. The possibilities are endless, then take the actions needed today to get one tiny step closer. When you dream that far in the future, your ambition can grow in orders of magnitude. You don't constrain yourself, because literally anything is possible in that time frame. We don't zoom out enough. We are often laser-focused on what is in front of us and don't take the time to look at things from broader perspective. So, take time to think that far in the future. What person do you want to be? What do you want to be doing? It's exhilarating to reflect upon. You can master skills, leave your mark on the world, and totally uproot your life. It's thrilling. Forget about the short term. Set yourself up for the long term. Imagine the possibilities and always keep them in mind. Today may feel like slog or you may not have done what you wanted so far this year. Incrementally improve. Zoom out. You can do anything as long as you keep the decades in mind. Keep dreaming. Note to #Self and the good people @ Sanlayan #FeelGoodFriday #FridayReads #TGIF

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Humble vs. Arrogant CEOs : A Tale of Two Leadership Styles Recent #public interactions by two notable tech #CEOs bring out the stark contrast between #humble&arrogant approaches to leadership. Aravind Srinivas CEO of Perplexity AI, faced tough questions at TechCrunch #Disrupt with calm #professionalism. Rather than deflecting, he focused on articulating Perplexity’s mission and vision, #emphasizing transparency and ethical practices. He openly acknowledged areas for #improvement, responding with humility and respect even under intense scrutiny. This approach reinforced his dedication to customer trust and constructive dialogue, a hallmark of effective leadership. In contrast, Bhavish Aggarwal CEO of Ola recently responded to #criticism on social media with #aggression, making #personal attacks against a critic and dismissing valid #customer concerns. His #resistance to feedback and escalation of the #conflict drew attention not to his #leadership but to his #unwillingness to address issues thoughtfully. Such an approach can shift focus from growth and improvement to defensiveness and division, potentially #undermining trust. The contrast couldn’t be clearer. #Great #CEOs #listen to #feedback, especially when it’s challenging, and they respond with a focus on product improvement and #customer #satisfaction. By #admitting mistakes and #recognizing areas for growth, they lead with humility and set a powerful example under pressure. In the end, #humility is not about weakness; it’s about recognizing that no leader is perfect, and #growth often comes from difficult conversations. Which leadership style do you believe is more #effective for long-term success? How can leaders #cultivate humility while still driving results? #Leadership #CEOAdvice #HumbleLeadership #GrowthMindset

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Establishing a deep-tech focused VC fund would greatly benefit entrepreneurs at the idea, seed, pre-Series A, and Series A stages. Moreover, startups also require grants, joint investment opportunities with deep-tech vendors (both public and private), mentorship, orders, timely payment of invoices, prompt approvals, and access to a global knowledge-sharing platform. These supports enable them to build upon existing foundations rather than starting from scratch. Indian entrepreneurs are currently emphasizing the development of consumer-centric products such as food brands and cosmetics, rather than investing to build deep-tech assets that could enhance production capabilities. We anticipate that this will change with the backing of all stakeholders. Startup India | Invest India | Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India | MeitY Startup Hub | SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd | SiriusOne Capital | Angel Scions | O2 VC Fund (fund under process)| o2 Angels Network https://lnkd.in/dtfBpWUF?

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A major issue is the obsession with #𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 #𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. #Founders often chase inflated numbers, but without building real value, such valuations are unsustainable. Real impact comes from solving genuine problems, not from chasing investor hype. Another challenge lies in the #𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗳 #𝗩𝗖𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 #𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀, who largely favor safe, copycat models over bold, original ideas. Most Indian startups mimic Western business models rather than creating something truly innovative, leading to a landscape of mediocrity. This approach confines them to fighting for crumbs left by industry giants. Investors in India can't make a big buck because they are after a quick buck. The lack of advanced #𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 continues to stifle innovation in India. While IITs and IISc have made strides, their research infrastructure is nowhere close to that of top global institutes. Private institutes are even worse. India’s academic ecosystem must move beyond theory, fostering a culture of curiosity, exploration and innovation. Government policies need to heavily invest in cutting-edge infrastructure to position India as a global hub for breakthrough #research and #technology. Culturally, the "𝗝𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗮𝗱" #mentality — fixing problems with makeshift solutions—prevents long-term #innovation. With the "if it works, let it be" mentality, this culture discourages change, improvement, and innovation. It’s a disaster. The mindset of simply accepting things as they are, rather than pushing for better, holds back progress. Add to this a hierarchical system where questioning authority is discouraged, and you have an environment that suppresses creativity and risk-taking. This mindset, coupled with societal pressure to avoid failure, makes Indians highly risk-averse, an attitude incompatible with entrepreneurship. But it’s not just the systems—it’s also the #𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁. From a young age, Indians are taught to follow, not think. Questioning your teacher? That’s disrespectful. Questioning your boss? Forget it. This hierarchy kills curiosity and #criticalthinking early on. By the time people start a venture, they’ve been conditioned to play it safe, follow the rulebook, and avoid taking risks—and not think critically at all. And they can’t all of a sudden start thinking differently. By adulthood, curiosity and critical thinking are often dead, replaced by a rigid adherence to norms. At the heart of many of #India's challenges, especially when it comes to #startups, is its values. There's a deep-rooted respect for hierarchy and conformity that discourages questioning, challenging the status quo, and thinking independently. Until we shift these values toward curiosity, creativity, and risk-taking, India's potential in the startup ecosystem will remain largely untapped. The change needs to come from within—starting with our attitudes, our education system, and how we view success and failure.

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#wednesdaywission Incubation Centers in #Tier2 and #Tier3 Indian Cities: Challenges and Path Forward #India's startup ecosystem focuses on metropolitan areas, but Tier 2 and 3 cities have significant untapped entrepreneurial potential that incubation centers can nurture. However, these centers face unique challenges that hinder their ability to support local startups. 🔍 Limited Awareness: Only 38% of entrepreneurs in Tier 2 and 3 cities are aware of incubation centers, resulting in underutilized resources. 💰 Funding Gap: Just 10% of venture capital funding is allocated to startups outside Tier 1 cities, constraining their growth prospects. 📡 Infrastructure Hurdles: About 30% of rural areas in India lack access to high-speed internet, which adversely affects business operations. 🎓Talent Pool Constraints: Tier 2 and 3 cities have 20% less skilled talent availability than metropolitan areas, making it harder to attract and retain professionals. 🚩Despite these challenges, there is a silver lining: A 2023 KPMG report highlights that startups in Tier 2 and 3 cities have created over 8 million jobs, significantly impacting employment. These cities offer lower operational costs and unique market opportunities, attracting various startups. ✨ Strategic solutions to tackle challenges include: ▶ Awareness Campaigns: Target 50% of beneficiaries in a year via workshops and media. ▶ Diversified Funding: Aim for a 20% funding increase in two years through various sources. ▶ Infrastructure Partnerships: Improve internet access for 80% of incubation centers by 2025 with local authorities and telecoms. ▶ Talent Development Programs: Work with universities to raise the skilled talent pool by 15% in three years. ▶ Policy Advocacy: Support startup-friendly policies with industry organizations. ▶ Increased Visibility: Enhance website traffic by 30% annually through events and media partnerships. 🔸 Incubation centers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities can drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth by addressing challenges and implementing strategies. They can harness local entrepreneurs' potential, foster #innovation, create job opportunities, and revitalize communities. --- 📌 Follow Anji Reddy Talakola for actionable tips and real-world examples to help you on your entrepreneurial journey. I Anil Tentu (Ph.D) I RajKishan GANTA I Sai Naresh Mantri I Nallamilli Venkata Reddy I Korrapati Chaitanya I Dr.BLReddy I.N. l Deenanath Harapanahalli l Meet Jain I Dr Ajay Reddy l Sandeep N l Narendra Nerla l Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society I Prabha Shah l Narendra Nerla l Rupali Singh I Santhosh Kumar (Sandy) Manchala MBA, PMP n CSCP l Singamala Sreedhar l Sriharsha Vardhan l Dr Sai Suguna Kotamraju l l Sakuntala Kasaragadda l Divya Chandrasekaran l Radhika T. Vardhan l Sriharsha Vardhan l Jagadish Babu lNarender Mergu l Sathya Peddapally l Sriharsha Nallamilli l Maithreye Murali Reddy l Arun Kumar Reddy Kona l Parini Ojha l Zaran Bhagwagar

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Indian startups struggle to invest in research and development (R&D) due to various challenges. Lack of funding, infrastructure, and short-sighted VC hinder R&D investments. Indian startups focus on scaling existing solutions rather than innovating new ones. The Indian startup ecosystem prioritizes short-term gains over long-term R&D investments. Government initiatives, corporate partnerships, change in VC mindset and tax incentives can encourage R&D investments in Indian startups.

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Indian Government’s support for Future AI and democratization of AI will be a game changer. For instance, availability of GPUs at cheaper rates will enable high growth. The ministry aims to secure over 10,000 Graphic Processing Units, the chips that power most AI technology, to increase the country’s computing capacity; provide finance for local startups; increase access to high-quality datasets; expand access to AI educational opportunities for Indians; and develop its own state-of-the-art AI models. Our focus at Randev Ventures (Family Office) remains focused on backing the next gen of Indian entrepreneurs. We continue to fund companies in #Deeptech, #Biotech, #Cleantech. Portfolio: www.randevventures.com #IndiaAi #NextGen #India #Bharat #AI #GPU #RnD INDIAai MeitY Startup Hub Government of India Digital India Programme Ashwini Vaishnaw Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology STPI - Software Technology Parks of India Invest India Department of Science and Technology Atal Innovation Mission Official https://lnkd.in/drEzwYXs

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Credits to Shashank Mehta for putting this into words. <All founders are assholes. Must read for all working in startups. Here is a glimpse of it.> We see a vision. We want to create it. We have no idea what path shall take us there. But we know we ain’t getting there alone. We need a team that believes in the dream. So, once we are fully sold, we start selling everyone else. Of course, we don’t tell everyone that we have no clue how to get there. People need certainty. To varying degrees. And then one day, it stops. If you’ve already built something worthwhile, sell. Exit. Take the cash. Leave the game. Die a hero. This is a great option. Everyone makes decent money. Founder might even make generational wealth. But what if, by the time you hit this plateau, you’ve not built something worthwhile. Or you have, but you don’t wish to exit. In both cases, you want to continue building. You have to! Your vision is unfulfilled. You just can’t let the dream end! Unlike the case studies you debated retrospectively in B-School, the one single reason for your troubles isn’t clear at all. Everything seems to be falling apart at the same time. Demand, supply, systems, process, culture - everything is crumbling. This is the point where heroes tend to become assholes. So, before we proceed, let’s define asshole. In my conversations, I’ve found three traits that people identify as assholish behaviour. One, is integrity. Two, is when founders change. Three, is when founders deviate from the dream. A dream which was received as a promise. Of course, you may argue that over-communication is the answer. Tell your team everything that’s going on. Explain every action. Why you are doing what you’re doing. They’ll understand. If this is your argument, I bet you’ve never seen wartime. When you’re being shelled from all ends, there’s no time or energy for explanations. A good general takes the reins and leads. And changes tact and strategy to whatever keeps the dream, in some shape or form, alive (remember, Mr. General is winging it too). Some people, some culture, some promises get sacrificed in the bargain. We’ll heal those wounds once the shelling stops. But first, we live. https://lnkd.in/gpFmNqNu

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🌟 India’s Incredible Contributions to AI in the U.S. 🌟 Did you know that Indian innovators are leading the charge in building some of the largest AI-focused billion-dollar companies in the U.S.? 🇮🇳✨ Here are some remarkable achievements: 🔸 HighRadius – Valued at $3.10 Billion 🔸 Uniphore – Valued at $2.5 Billion 🔸 Eightfold.ai – Valued at $2.2 Billion 🔸 Moveworks – Valued at $2 Billion 🔸 H2O.ai – Valued at $1.5 Billion 🔸 Cambridge Mobile Telematics – Valued at $1.5 Billion 🔸 SparkCognition – Valued at $1.4 Billion 🔸 SeekOut – Valued at $1.2 Billion These companies are transforming industries with cutting-edge AI technologies, thanks to Indian founders and co-founders. India’s talent continues to redefine global innovation in technology and artificial intelligence. 🚀 #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #India #Innovation #TechLeadership #Startups #Entrepreneurship #Technology #GlobalImpact #IndianTech

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We are overjoyed to share the fantastic news about Treacle Technologies Private Limited , the cybersecurity startup we have had the privilege of mentoring. After a period of hard work, dedication, and innovation, Treacle has successfully secured its pre-seed funding round, marking a significant milestone in their growth journey. Their unique and forward-thinking approach to cybersecurity has the potential to revolutionize the tech industry. It's not every day that you come across a team as passionate and driven as Treacle, and their dedication to improving cybersecurity measures is truly commendable. As mentors, we've had the opportunity to witness their growth and development first hand, and it's been an incredible journey. We've seen them overcome challenges, refine their strategies, and emerge stronger at every step. We're incredibly proud to have been a part of their journey and to have contributed to their success. The future for Treacle looks exciting. This funding round is just the beginning, and we're extremely eager to see where their journey takes them next. With their innovative solutions, we have no doubt that they will continue to make waves in the tech industry. Congratulations, team Treacle! Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and this is just the beginning. We're looking forward to continuing to support you on your exciting journey. #cybersecurity #startups #fundraising Subhasis Mukhopadhyay Neeraj Saxena Ashwani Agarwal Mohit Pandey Nidhi Shah Aarti Garg Abhishek Gupta Xscale - Scaling B2B Companies using Expertise & Technology.

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I’ve wanted to express something to consultants, mentors, and coaches across the industry. We’ve all seen it: advice from so-called “experts” who lack real, hands-on experience. It’s frustrating to see advice that’s often generic and ineffective—especially when we know how much of a difference practical insights can make. Recently, I came across a clip that perfectly resonates with what I’ve wanted to say all along. It’s a reminder that real impact comes from those who’ve truly been in the trenches, not just read about it. We need voices who can bridge theory with the practical realities of our industries. Let’s champion expertise that makes a real difference. Here’s to all those who lead from experience, not just theory. #Leadership #ExperienceMatters #Mentorship #Consulting #Coaching https://lnkd.in/ePDtFdtj

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The Tough Job of Testing Energy Gadgets and IoT Devices Testing gadgets like power banks, smart devices, and energy storage systems is not just about checking if they work. It is about making sure they can handle the ups and downs of daily life, whether that means a scorching summer day or a freezing winter night. But this is easier said than done. Here are three big challenges in #EnvironmentalTesting. 1️⃣ Simulating Everyday Wear and Tear These devices face a lot, from extreme #heat and #cold to #moisture and everyday bumps and #drops. Recreating all of that in a lab can be tricky. For example, solar panels need to withstand blazing sunlight, dusty winds, and big #temperature swings without falling apart. Similarly, chargers and cables must survive bending, twisting, and occasionally dropping while still doing their job. The goal is to ensure that these devices work reliably no matter what stress life throws their way. 2️⃣ Testing Energy #Efficiency and #Longevity Nobody likes gadgets that waste energy or wear out too quickly. Testing how long batteries last and how well they store energy can take a lot of time. For example, power banks and sensors with lithium-ion #batteries need to perform well even in tough conditions. Chargers also need to save energy and avoid overheating to stay efficient. At the same time, balancing performance with eco-friendly #standards adds another layer of difficulty. 3️⃣ Balancing Cost and Time in Testing Figuring out how a product will last over years of use often needs to happen in just weeks or months, which is not easy or cheap. Products like solar-powered #IoT devices need to be tested for #durability without blowing the budget or delaying production. A Closer Look at Solar-Powered Devices Outdoor smart sensors and other solar-powered gadgets face their #challenges. They need to charge under dim sunlight and still work during cloudy days or long winters. Testing for these conditions is tough but critical to ensure these devices are dependable. Environmental testing makes sure that the gadgets we rely on every day are tough, efficient, and kind to the planet. It is all about building #products that last while keeping sustainability in mind. How does your team tackle these challenges? Share your insights in the comments, we would love to hear from you! #EverydayGadgets #BuiltToLast #SustainableTech #FutureReady

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#Startup #BuildingBusiness #Entrepreneurship Building businesses beyond a level is not easy. Many get stuck. I often meet startup teams, small and medium business founders including family businesses, and large corporates on my advisory, mentoring, and coaching engagements. Corporate training work is often only with big corporates. Many of these have achieved a decent level of success and many aspire to be way bigger and achieve a greater level of success. However, aspirations alone cannot go very far. Overconfidence, irrational hope, rent seeking nexus, cutting corners and impatience become a recipe for getting stuck at a level. Here is Jensen Huang underscoring the need to find competent people, building effective teams (it is even more challenging to build a stable effective team of competent people), and addressing competition (to be better than them in serving customers). Strategy is often about being able to create greater value than competitors to be able to reward stakeholders more than anyome else. And yes it is like a guiding principle it does not provide a fixed path or guaranteed outcome. Done with the right spirit, this is also an incredible journey of personal growth for leaders.

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Nexus of Good portal was down for a few days as on account of some technical glitch, the domain had to be changed. The new address now is www.nexusofgood.com Nexus of Good Foundation was set up to identify, understand, appreciate, replicate and scale good work. Attempt is to create an alternative narrative to the negativity around us. Do join the movement at https://lnkd.in/gpP3AG9K

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An interesting article caught my attention, India has less than 2,000 senior engineers who can build core AI products. In the race to equip India's workforce with AI skills, there's an evident paradox. On one hand, we witness technology giants like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Accenture, and Microsoft undertaking massive upskilling initiatives, training hundreds of thousands of employees. Yet, on the other hand, we confront a stark reality—a severe shortage of seasoned engineers capable of building core #AI products. This dissonance begs the question: are we investing in skill acquisition without ensuring its effective utilization? The numbers might be impressive, but they mask a deeper issue—the gap between training and practical application. While the focus on mass skilling is commendable, it's imperative to ask whether we're fostering an ecosystem conducive to #innovation and #entrepreneurship. India's future prosperity hinges not merely on acquiring technical competencies but on cultivating a mindset of relentless innovation and problem-solving. We must transition from a culture of routine employment to one that champions #creativity and #disruption. This requires a fundamental shift in our approach—a departure from the traditional 9-to-5 mindset towards a culture that celebrates risk-taking, experimentation, and learning from failure. Absolutely, the need for this paradigm shift is most critical at the top level. Here, bureaucratic tendencies often hinder execution and decision-making. What's required is a shift towards a results-oriented, mission-driven approach, where leaders prioritize #action and drive change effectively; even if require to make some hard decisions. At this pivotal juncture, India cannot afford to rest on its laurels. The AI revolution demands not just skilled workers but visionary #leaders who can harness technology's potential to drive meaningful change. It's time to bridge the gap between skill acquisition and real-world application, empowering a new generation of Innovation pioneers to chart the course for India's technological prowess on the global stage. Let's seize this opportunity to shape a future where innovation knows no bounds. Let's build together, lets contribute our best of efforts. https://lnkd.in/gHfjGQEt #AI #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Startup #WorkForce #IndiaAI

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It’s undeniable that a large percentage of venture capitalists, roughly 99%, often fail to offer meaningful assistance, connections or sales assist to startups beyond mere funding. Elon Musk has previously voiced similar concerns about the role of VCs / Investors. With limited government support for startups, VCs frequently become one of the few funding avenues available. Vinod Khosla has been quite frank about the reality: around 90% of VCs / Angel Investors are unable to deliver significant returns on their investments. More often than not, their contributions lack value beyond financial backing. Simply channeling money into a venture doesn’t automatically translate into success, and ineffective board members from VC firms can further complicate matters such us big dilutions or changing agreements against the founder's benefit. The once unique VC culture of Silicon Valley that Vinod experienced while building Khosla Ventures has now spread globally. Being a VC in the tech sector has turned into a trendy profession, with Vinod’s statistics highlighting this on an international scale. Many individuals, from entry-level analysts to partners, often lack the hands-on experience needed to create products, build teams, or launch companies. Without the essential grit and determination, they may find themselves on startup boards as part of a learning process, which can lead to a lack of genuine value addition—or even harm— to the startups involved. #Startups #Entrepreneurship

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