B2B Software for the New Generation of Workers with Indrajit Datta

Timecoded Guide:

[00:00] Podcast begins 

[01:04] Starting out as a field engineer and seeking to take advantage of potential

[06:05] Seeing the potential for Equipt in the oil and gas industries, and beyond

[09:52] Inspiring users to adopt customizable software in a larger company 

[17:25] Key takeaways from the Softeq Venture Studio

[20:00] Building trust with the world’s largest steel producer 

What was it like for you, going from working at large companies, to take that red pill and jump into the startup space?

After earning a Masters in Petroleum Engineering, Indrajit was involved in oil and gas corporations like FMC Technologies. At the time, Indrajit saw a gap in his work, where he was left wanting for a software that would give him the transparency to pinpoint problem areas and how to solve them. Teaming up with his co-founder and receiving support from his family, Indrajit took a chance on Equipt, even when it resulted in him waiting a long time to get paid.

“The need is there, not just for the oil and gas industry. But the oil and gas industry is primed for this because of all the external pressures, whether it's environmental or people or COVID, or these constant ups and downs because of the price volatility.” 

What do you find the most challenging about being a startup entrepreneur?

While Equipt has been a learning process since its founding in 2020, Indrajit believes that the hardest challenges of startup entrepreneurship have been work-life balance and the variety of expertise needed. In large corporations, each department does its part to help the company thrive. In startups, founders have to put in a large quantity of work, which has taught Indrajit a lot about coping with stress and learning the ropes of marketing and sales.

“I always had a marketing department [at larger companies] that would help me, but here we are. I never really had to bother about some of these things, but now, I have to think about it. I have to consult with people and get the appropriate help.”

How is Equipt trying to forge the future in this B2B space?

Equipt is ready to forge the future, but Indrajit understands that immediate action might not yield immediate results. A large challenge for Equipt’s customers has been user adoption. Through focusing on the workforce, demonstrating fast implementation abilities, and caring about customizing their product, Indrajit hopes Equipt will be able to build trust with customers and continue to expand their already agile product. 

“People have to adapt to it within our customer's organization. How do we simplify that, so people don't get intimidated? It also takes a lot for a large company to give their business to a young startup. To gain their trust, we try to demonstrate that we can deliver fast.”

How does a small company, like Equipt, sell to medium enterprises and gain trust? 

Building trust is a struggle for many startups, especially when the product is new and requires a corporation or company to take a chance on such a small company like Equipt. Indrajit explains that trust has been greatly helped for Equipt thanks to the first client they secured early on in their creation, the world’s largest steel producer. Having such a high profile client helps build trust and confidence with other clients and expand Equipt’s visibility. 

“It's really our clients that are helping us build it, which makes us feel validated. The need is there, and the next line comes along. We're little ways away from getting the entire vision of Equipt realized, but we're moving along nicely.”