This essay recounts the experience of Nithin Hassan, who moved from California to Bengaluru, India, in 2023 to start his own business. The conversation has been condensed for clarity.
Nithin grew up in Bengaluru during the late 1990s and 2000s. He moved to the U.S. in 2006 to pursue a master’s in computer science. Over the next 13 years, he worked at companies like AT&T, Cisco, Amazon, and Microsoft. In 2021, he joined Meta, where he helped build data centers.
Married in 2013, Nithin and his wife both had successful careers in the tech industry. They enjoyed their life in the Bay Area, owning a home and having a close circle of friends. Together, they earned about $1 million a year and had two daughters, aged six and two. Although he felt satisfied with his career and even wrote books on business, Nithin sensed something was missing in his life.
He wanted to give back to his hometown and recognized a problem he could address. Additionally, he longed to be near his family while his parents were still healthy. He realized that his lucrative job in the U.S. was holding him back from returning home, leading to a decision to leave his job.
When Nithin shared his plans with his colleagues at Meta, they thought he was making a mistake. Just before his decision, the company had gone through significant layoffs, but he chose to resign anyway. In December 2022, after nearly two decades in the U.S., he returned to India.
Once back, Nithin took a month to brainstorm ideas. He noticed that temperatures in Bengaluru had increased dramatically over the past decade, making even the rainy season feel too hot due to urban development. Concerned about the lack of initiatives to address these issues, he decided to launch an e-commerce platform aimed at improving urban greenery. This venture allowed him to combine his passion for technology with his love for gardening, which he always found relaxing.
Nithin officially launched his startup in January 2023 and has been working on expanding it. He also created a platform for mentorship and job readiness to help those seeking career advice. Both ventures are self-funded, and he plans to bring on partners only if they align strategically with his goals, wanting to avoid pressure from investors that could distract him from his mission.
While he enjoys being back home, Nithin faces challenges, particularly the bureaucratic hurdles in setting up his startups in India. His wife, still working at a tech company, now spends more time commuting than she did in the U.S. Nithin also worries about inequality in Indian workplaces and the safety of his daughters.
However, he finds fulfillment in addressing the local issues he grew up with, like enhancing greenery and improving access to mentorship. The Indian market presents opportunities, as even established companies are still navigating its complexities, making it easier for newcomers. One of his first orders came unexpectedly from a distant part of the country, highlighting the potential of the market.
Most importantly, Nithin feels he has discovered what was missing in his life. Reflecting on his parents’ regrets about unfulfilled dreams, he wants to avoid similar feelings when sharing his own story with his children. He plans to explore his entrepreneurial journey for the next five to ten years, with the option to return to a corporate job if needed, gaining valuable experiences and stories along the way.
Blue & Gold NLR Team is a dedicated journalist at blueandgoldnlr.com, where he provides insightful and up-to-date news coverage. With a passion for uncovering the truth and a commitment to delivering accurate information, Blue & Gold NLR Team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. His work ensures readers stay informed about the latest events and developments.