Harsh Pokharna, the CEO and co-founder of OkCredit, is currently carving his niche in the startup ecosystem. Recently, he shared his entrepreneurial escapade on social media, where he acknowledged having a "long way to go". His inspirational story resonates with many aspiring entrepreneurs, reflecting not just the highs but also the palpable lows of startup life.
Pokharna's entrepreneurial path began after he left his former role as a graduate trainer at Flipkart. With aspirations of launching his own business, he took the plunge seeking not only success but also the quick financial gains often publicized by startup success stories. "I wanted to make a lot of money quickly, but it's more complicated than it looks," he noted.
The initial years posed substantial challenges, as Pokharna tried three different startup ideas, none resulting in success. These failures left him grappling with dwindling resources, forcing him to transition to freelancing to sustain himself. "I burned through all my savings during those two years and had to freelance to survive," he recounts.
Despite the early setbacks, determination led him back to the entrepreneurial table. His resolve culminated in the founding of OkCredit in 2017, where he has since dedicated considerable effort over the past eight years. OkCredit is recognized for its digital bookkeeping solutions targeted at Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The platform simplifies credit transactions, making financial management accessible for small business owners and catering to the unique needs of the Indian market.
The startup has gained traction and is widely used, bolstered by backing from influential investors such as Y Combinator and Tiger Global. With millions of active users, OkCredit has made significant strides toward promoting financial transparency and enhancing operational efficiency among MSMEs across India.
Reflecting on his experiences, Pokharna emphasized key lessons learned through his arduous yet rewarding startup odyssey. He remarked, "It’s not just about the money; you must genuinely want to solve real problems. Otherwise, you'll end up feeling disappointed." His candidness about failure runs counter to the often glamorized narratives surrounding startup successes. "Startups do not equal instant success. It’s definitely more of a long-term game," he reiterated.
Pokharna's insight struck chords with many followers online, generating conversations about the realities of entrepreneurship. Comments poured in as users related to his struggles. One user shared, "Our situation is kinda similar, but the idea we are working on is unique. I believe small help from people like you can accelerate our pace for overcoming challenges, but mentorship often costs money, which is disheartening."
Another user remarked, "Your perseverance and story inspire me to keep pushing through. I want to share my ideas and hear your take." The responses unambiguously speak to the community’s appreciation for Pokharna's openness and willingness to share the realities of the startup world.
"Failure is part of the game. Resilience matters. Your shared experiences are remarkable. Thank you for being candid," was the feedback from another follower reflecting support and solidarity with Pokharna's entrepreneurial narrative.
Behind this entrepreneurial success is the educational foundation Pokharna laid at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, where he obtained his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree, specializing in Mechanical Engineering. His tenure at IIT Kanpur also showcased his leadership as he served as the Cultural Secretary of Hall 5, raising significant funding and initiating various improvement programs on campus.
Looking back at his past experiences, Pokharna recognizes the fundamental truth of startup culture: successes are often built on the relentless pursuit of problem-solving rather than mere profitability. His story is not just one of triumph; it deeply communicates the importance of resilience, learning from failure, and the unglamorous hard work behind entrepreneurship. With OkCredit, Pokharna is contributing to transforming the financial management of MSMEs, laying the groundwork for future entrepreneurial innovations.
Harsh Pokharna’s startup story continues to evolve, highlighting the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship, one fueled by ambition but grounded in reality. His message resonates clearly: perseverance, genuine problem solving, and the willingness to learn from mistakes are the cornerstones of building not just successful businesses, but meaningful entrepreneurial journeys.