Varun Chandran, CEO and Founder of Corporate 360, stands for making a difference with his work. He believes real heroes can be found amongst the common people, and not just the poster boys celebrated for their success.
People say you are "Varun Chandran, CEO & Founder of Corporate360". Who do you say you are?
A curious small town guy who loves football. I am working hard to make a living and trying to make a difference with my work.
Presently, I run Corporate360, a SaaS based marketing data software startup for B2B marketers to help discover sales leads, ideal buyer profiles & competitive intelligence.
Best moment in your startup life. It was so good you wanted to fly BusinessClass somewhere with someone, and pop open the most expensive bottle of champagne there.
When we hit the 1st million, it felt good achieving that milestone being bootstrapped. The day my team grew to 30 members, I was so happy to have created that many new jobs.
What secret did you hide from your co-founder or partner or parent for the longest time? Why?
None, I am bad at keeping secrets.
What's the most eccentric thing about you? If VCs found out, they wouldn't have signed the term sheet then. But hell with that now.
I am a communist!
Have you ever cried? Or what was the lowest, crappiest moment in your start-up life. You wanted to give up everything. You wanted to kill someone. (During your startup career of course) Tell us more!
Ups and downs are part of life; I have had my own share of experiences. I am getting better at dealing with them.
What are you up to today? What gets you up in the morning?
I am trying to figure out the possibilities of how all of these digital data out there can be better utilized to make lives better! These days, I wake up every morning hoping to win a new customer.
How do you keep yourself physically and mentally fit for start-up life?
Playing football keeps me physically and mentally strong. Travelling to new places gives rich and refreshing experiences.
Offer a life hack (or two) to a young founder.
I don't know if I am qualified to give advice! Invent something that changes lives. Learn something new every day, have a sense of urgency in anything you like to do.
Movie or song that best describes you.
Cinderella Man movie.
Favourite quote.
I believe!
Who and what inspires you?
The other day, I saw a stressed man sitting on the pavement. A bystander stops, checks on him and offers help realizing that he was going through a cardiac arrest and calls for help. This act of compassion and selflessness inspired me. Many similar incidents happen around us every day. I realized, inspirations could be next door, everywhere. Real heroes can be found amongst the common people around you, not just the poster boys celebrated for their success.
Tell me about Varun Chandran in 2030.
I don't know, I would have created more jobs and travelled 60 countries.
Name 2-3 startup founders in Singapore you'll like to hear answer these questions.
Kenneth Lou, Founder of Novelsys.
That's great to hear. Anything you'd like to add?
We're sorry to hear that. How can we do better?