IIT Kanpur graduate left a high-paying job to get rich fast. After 10 years of struggle he is warning others

Leaving a high-paying job to build a startup is a dream for many, but the reality can be far more challenging. Harsh Pokharna, an IIT Kanpur graduate and co-founder of Bengaluru-based OkCredit, recently shared his decade-long entrepreneurial journey, shedding light on the struggles that come with launching a business.Pokharna left his job at Flipkart with the ambition of ‘making a lot of money quickly’, inspired by the wave of startup founders securing massive funding. However, the initial years were far from what he had envisioned. Despite experimenting with three different business ideas, none gained traction, leaving him financially strained. With his savings depleted, he turned to freelancing to sustain himself while continuing to work on potential ventures.

After two years of setbacks, he co-founded OkCredit, a digital ledger platform for small businesses. The startup gained traction over time, but Pokharna’s journey underscored a crucial lesson—success in the startup ecosystem is anything but instant. He emphasized that building a business is a long-term endeavor, not a shortcut to wealth. Entrepreneurs must be driven by a genuine desire to solve problems rather than the lure of quick riches.

What netizens said

His candid reflection struck a chord with aspiring entrepreneurs, many of whom resonated with his experiences. Some acknowledged his perseverance as a source of inspiration, while others shared their own struggles in seeking mentorship and funding. The common sentiment among responses highlighted the harsh yet undeniable truth—startups demand strategic planning, relentless effort, and above all, patience.

Another netizen said that IITian Harsh Pokharna’s journey and determination have been truly inspiring, reminding others to keep pushing forward. It’s amazing to see someone openly share their experiences—such honesty is rare, said another. A netizen asked the IITian what he did during freelancing? Harsh Pokharna replied: Coding