Reference no: EM133087918
Saurabh Gupta's Company, Gyan-I Inc.
Summary
This case examines how Saurabh, a VP of IT at a large charitable foundation, identified an opportunity to satisfy the unmet needs of smaller, less wealthy nonprofit organizations and small businesses. Simply put, these organizations did not have the resources to maintain the advanced technological capabilities that today's marketplace demands. Gyan-I serves to provide these much-needed technology consulting and managed information technology services to nonprofits and small business. Furthermore, in a time where cyber security is at the forefront of discussions, these organizations are typically left the most exposed. Gyan-I helps develop best practices and provides realistic, cost-effective cyber security solutions tailored to the unique need of each client.
Analysis
The underlying reason why Saurabh started Gyan-I has much to do with the concept of "social entrepreneurship." Saurabh felt that the technology managed services and consulting space would fit perfectly with his skill set and experience and a good place to finally fulfill his dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Furthermore, his motivations had a lot to do with something he felt passionate about, that is, helping others. The A-list social problems facing society are often considered to be any issue surrounding the environment, poverty, education, or equality. Yet, as the 21st century has proven so far, the borders that defined what are or are not as social issue have been blurred. There is much debate about whether or not this has had a positive or negative impact on society, but one thing is clear: this reality has empowered people to take action to address issues they see as imperative.
Social entrepreneurship is defined as the process of sourcing innovative solutions to social the environmental problems. The technological pain points that small businesses and nonprofits face every day hinder their ability to operate and serve the clients and communities they are so committed to serving. Saurabh's solution serves as an excellent example of an entrepreneurial venture that has huge social implications, as it aims to address those pain points head on in a way that is genuinely conscious of the client's own fiscal and operational limitations. How is this applicable to strategy in corporate America?
The Entrepreneurship Method is about taking action and trying new things. Do you see evidence of the Method during the creation of Gyan-I? How would this be applicable to innovation departments, say, for Macy's?
As you think about inspiring change for, say, Macy's, today or someday, what is your motivation for doing so?