Start-ups Are Driven by Innovation — Anu Acharya, CEO, MapmyGenome
An entrepreneur who started her journey in the telecom and IT sectors, Anu Acharya is well-regarded for her contribution to genomics research, mainly through her molecular diagnostics company MapmyGenome. In an exclusive interview with Thinking Aloud, Anu talks about the start-up environment and what it takes to scale up a start-up and become a successful entrepreneur.
Originally published on Thinking Aloud.
On Kicking Off a Start-up
“It’s the team with the right attitude and a vision that matter the most. A shoestring budget is often a norm in the start-up environment. Start-ups are driven by innovation, and if you are not able to execute your ideas at the right time, there is someone better out there.”
On Capturing Investor Attention
“Before you go to an investor, do the groundwork. First build the product right and get your first few customers. Grow your network and build relationships. Identify potential investors after due diligence. Perfect your pitch and work on your presentation. Meet the investors with confidence and the right attitude.”
On Building Habit-Forming Products
“At MapmyGenome, we build healthy habits through our DNA-based personalised healthcare solutions. Every customer gets a session with our genetic counsellors, who correlate genetic reports with health history and recommend the best-suited action plan to build healthy habits.”
On Gaining Market Share
“Constant innovation — in the product, marketing efforts, and user experience — is the best route to generate consumer interest. Strategic partnerships also matter. At MapmyGenome, partnering with healthcare providers has always been part of our strategy.”
On the Way Forward for MapmyGenome
“Currently, we are focused on creating customer delight and finding out what other genetic products customers and physicians would want. We are also expanding our team and now have a presence in 6 cities. We are also planning another round of fund raise to build on our R&D capabilities and scale up operations dramatically.”
Experience the Innovation Behind MapmyGenome
Genomepatri by MapmyGenome is India’s most comprehensive at-home DNA wellness test — covering 100+ health conditions, nutrition, fitness, and drug response traits. Backed by certified genetic counsellors and a CAP & NABL-accredited laboratory.
