Hari Gautham Somasundaram
Founder
Hari Gautham Somasundaram’s journey is a testament to his entre-preneurial spirit and determination. He completed his engineering in computer science from JEPPIAAR SRR Engineering College (affiliated by Anna University) in 2012. Entrepreneurship was always his passion, leading him to explore various business ideas even before joining the workforce. “During my internship, my project was honored with “The Wise Crackers Award” for having the most significant business impact, which secured me an immediate Pre-Placement Offer (PPO) from Wipro Technologies”, shares Hari. After securing job offers from esteemed companies, Hari decided to delve into business ventures, focusing on opportunities requiring minimal investment due to limited funds.
His early ventures included working in sales for an e-commerce company and network marketing with Oxi9 Essentials. This period, marked by extensive travel and learning, honed his skills in sales and people management. However, realizing the need for more control over his efforts, Hari and his partner started Phoenix Restaurant, achieving initial success but facing challenges in scaling due to external factors. Seeking to formalize his business acumen, Hari pursued an MBA at IIT Madras, enriching his knowledge and network. Post-MBA, he joined Wipro as a product manager and later moved to Great Learning, where he gained valuable insights into product management and customer acquisition. These experiences culminated in the founding of Highshine IT Solutions, focusing on Odoo ERP solutions, particularly IFS, leveraging his diverse background to drive success.
Leveraging International Networks in Entrepreneurship
Hari Gautham Somasundaram’s journey into entrepreneurship was significantly influenced
by his time at IIT Madras, where practical applications of theoretical knowledge left a lasting impression. Unlike traditional education systems, IIT Madras integrated real-world scenarios into classroom learning. For instance, in a marketing course, students gathered data from diverse demographics, engaging with people in parks and playgrounds. This hands-on approach enriched Hari’s understanding beyond textbooks. Moreover, IIT Madras’s curriculum emphasized depth over breadth, allowing Hari to delve deeply into subjects and interact with professors and peers from diverse backgrounds. These interactions and networks continue to provide valuable insights and support in his entrepreneurial endeavours.
His entrepreneurial vision was further shaped during an exchange program at the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz RheinAhrCampus in Germany. Initially seeking respite from IITM’s rigor, the experience proved pivotal. Engaging in practical projects and cultural exchanges broadened his global perspective. Hari’s ability to connect with German clients and navigate cultural nuances has been crucial in his entrepreneurial journey, illustrating the transformative impact of international exposure on his professional development.
Entrepreneurial Journey with Highshine IT Solutions
Highshine IT Solutions, founded by Hari Gautham Somasundaram, specializes in delivering ERP solutions globally, focusing on enhancing business efficiency without interruptions. The motivation behind establishing this venture stemmed from Hari’s fascination with building businesses from the ground up and optimizing their operational processes. His extensive experience and expertise in ERP systems, particularly IFS, underscored a niche opportunity in the market characterized by its complexity and unmet customer needs.
However, the journey was not without its challenges. Initially, Hari faced the daunting task of establishing credibility in a competitive market with limited prior success stories. Financial constraints compounded the challenge of recruiting and retaining skilled consultants essential for project execution. Moreover, balancing his role at Great Learning while building Highshine posed a significant mindset challenge, requiring a seamless transition to an entrepre-neurial mindset from a corporate one.
Despite these hurdles, Hari’s strategic approach and relentless commit-ment paid off. Highshine gradually gained traction, securing prestigious projects like the HAL and partnering with industry giants like Tech Mahindra. These milestones validated Highshine’s capabilities and cemented its reputation in the ERP solutions domain, marking a successful transition from startup challenges to sustainable growth and industry recognition.
Besides, in the first two years of establishing Highshine IT Solutions, Hari Gautham Somasundaram focused almost entirely on his professional life, leaving little room for personal time. However, he emphasizes that achieving balance is crucial. Hari ensures his employees maintain this balance by creating a process-oriented company with clear, defined procedures dictating roles and responsibilities. This minimizes constant oversight and allows the company to run smoothly, enabling everyone, including Hari, to achieve a healthier work-life balance.
Hari also values mentorship, having benefited from it throughout his career. He feels obligated to support budding entrepreneurs, especially IITians. He actively shares his experiences in entrepreneurship, B-school journeys, and product management. He plans to create a community to offer organized mentorship.
In conclusion, Hari Gautham Somasundaram exemplifies a dedicated entrepreneur committed to achieving balance and fostering mentorship, embodying resilience and strategic foresight in his journey with Highshine IT Solutions.
Highshine IT Solutions, founded by Hari Gautham Somasundaram, specializes in delivering Odoo ERP solutions globally, focusing on enhancing business efficiency without interruptions
His entrepreneurial vision was further shaped during an exchange program at the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz RheinAhrCampus in Germany. Initially seeking respite from IITM’s rigor, the experience proved pivotal. Engaging in practical projects and cultural exchanges broadened his global perspective. Hari’s ability to connect with German clients and navigate cultural nuances has been crucial in his entrepreneurial journey, illustrating the transformative impact of international exposure on his professional development.
Entrepreneurial Journey with Highshine IT Solutions
Highshine IT Solutions, founded by Hari Gautham Somasundaram, specializes in delivering ERP solutions globally, focusing on enhancing business efficiency without interruptions. The motivation behind establishing this venture stemmed from Hari’s fascination with building businesses from the ground up and optimizing their operational processes. His extensive experience and expertise in ERP systems, particularly IFS, underscored a niche opportunity in the market characterized by its complexity and unmet customer needs.
However, the journey was not without its challenges. Initially, Hari faced the daunting task of establishing credibility in a competitive market with limited prior success stories. Financial constraints compounded the challenge of recruiting and retaining skilled consultants essential for project execution. Moreover, balancing his role at Great Learning while building Highshine posed a significant mindset challenge, requiring a seamless transition to an entrepre-neurial mindset from a corporate one.
Despite these hurdles, Hari’s strategic approach and relentless commit-ment paid off. Highshine gradually gained traction, securing prestigious projects like the HAL and partnering with industry giants like Tech Mahindra. These milestones validated Highshine’s capabilities and cemented its reputation in the ERP solutions domain, marking a successful transition from startup challenges to sustainable growth and industry recognition.
Besides, in the first two years of establishing Highshine IT Solutions, Hari Gautham Somasundaram focused almost entirely on his professional life, leaving little room for personal time. However, he emphasizes that achieving balance is crucial. Hari ensures his employees maintain this balance by creating a process-oriented company with clear, defined procedures dictating roles and responsibilities. This minimizes constant oversight and allows the company to run smoothly, enabling everyone, including Hari, to achieve a healthier work-life balance.
Hari also values mentorship, having benefited from it throughout his career. He feels obligated to support budding entrepreneurs, especially IITians. He actively shares his experiences in entrepreneurship, B-school journeys, and product management. He plans to create a community to offer organized mentorship.
In conclusion, Hari Gautham Somasundaram exemplifies a dedicated entrepreneur committed to achieving balance and fostering mentorship, embodying resilience and strategic foresight in his journey with Highshine IT Solutions.
