Introduction To Entrepreneruship NEW
Introduction To Entrepreneruship NEW
I (M & E)
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Entrepreneurs:
An entrepreneur is a person who starts a new business by taking risks and using creative
ideas. They identify problems or needs in society and find ways to solve them through products or
services. Entrepreneurs are important because they create jobs, bring innovation, and help grow
the economy. They often invest their own money or time to start a company and make it successful.
For example, Dhirubhai Ambani, who started Reliance, or Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who founded
Biocon, are famous Indian entrepreneurs. Even a person opening a food stall or a small shop using
a new idea is also an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship requires confidence, hard work, and
willingness to take risks.
Origin :
Entreprendre (French verb) meaning "to undertake"
Entre = "between"
Prendre = "to take"
The word entrepreneur first appeared in the early 18th century in France to describe someone who
undertakes or manages a business project.
It was introduced into English in the mid-19th century, particularly in economics, to describe a
person who organizes and operates a business, taking on greater than normal financial risks.
Entrepreneur in Other Countries & Languages
Local Term for
Country/Region Language Meaning / Notes
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur Original word; “one who undertakes”
France French
(from entreprendre) (entreprendre = to undertake)
“Undertaker” (in business), from
Germany German Unternehmer
unternehmen = to undertake
One who starts a business or takes on a
Spain Spanish Emprendedor
challenge
Italy Italian Imprenditore Business owner, manager of a business
Предприниматель One who undertakes or initiates
Russia Russian
(Predprinimatel') (businessperson)
Entrepreneur; literally “business-starting
Japan Japanese 起業家 (Kigyōka)
person”
One who sets up an enterprise or
India (Hindi) Hindi उद्यमी (Udyami)
business
India (Marathi) Marathi उद्योजक (Udyōjak) One who creates or drives a business
One who undertakes a venture or
Brazil Portuguese Empreendedor
business
Entrepreneurship:
Entrepreneurship means starting and running your own business using new ideas and taking
risks. It involves identifying a need in the market and creating something valuable to solve that
need. Entrepreneurs play an important role in society by creating jobs and helping the economy grow.
Entrepreneurship also involves planning, organizing, managing resources, and taking financial
risks to earn profit. For example, Narayana Murthy started Infosys, and Falguni Nayar launched
Nykaa with new ideas. Even a person who starts a small bakery or tailoring shop in their town is
doing entrepreneurship. It requires creativity, hard work, and a strong desire to succeed.
Definition Entrepreneur:
Joseph A. Schumpeter
"An entrepreneur is a person who introduces new products, new methods, and opens new
markets."
Peter F. Drucker
"An entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and uses it as an
opportunity."
J.B. Say
"An entrepreneur is one who shifts economic resources out of an area of lower
productivity to an area of higher productivity."
Frank H. Knight
"An entrepreneur is someone who takes responsibility for uncertainty in business."
Jean-Baptiste Say
"An entrepreneur is the economic agent who unites all means of production and directs
them to produce goods and services."
Definition Entrepreneurship:
Joseph A. Schumpeter
"Entrepreneurship is the process of innovation and carrying out new combinations."
Peter F. Drucker
"Entrepreneurship is not magic; it is not mysterious, and it has nothing to do with genes.
It is a discipline."
J.B. Say
"Entrepreneurship is the act of bringing together land, labor, and capital to produce
goods."
Robert D. Hisrich
"Entrepreneurship is the process of creating something new with value by devoting time
and effort."
Frank H. Knight
"Entrepreneurship is about dealing with uncertainty and taking business risks."
3. Innovative
A successful entrepreneur always thinks of something new and different. They bring fresh
ideas or improve existing ones to solve problems. Innovation makes their product stand out
in the market. They also use innovation in marketing, service, or management. It
helps in winning customer attention and loyalty. For instance, Steve Jobs introduced the
iPhone, which changed the mobile phone industry forever.
4. Self-confidence
Entrepreneurs believe in their skills, decisions, and business ideas. This confidence keeps
them going even when things get difficult. They don’t fear failure and face criticism
positively. Self-belief encourages others to support and invest in them. Confidence helps
them speak, lead, and negotiate well. For example, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw overcame
doubts and started Biocon in a male-dominated industry.
5. Leadership Skills
A good entrepreneur leads a team with motivation and clarity. They give direction, share
responsibilities, and solve problems. A strong leader keeps the team united and productive.
They respect others’ ideas and help team members grow. Leadership builds trust and keeps
the business on track. Ratan Tata is known for his calm, ethical, and effective leadership
style.
6. Decision-making Ability
Entrepreneurs must make many important decisions every day. They must choose what to
produce, how to sell, or whom to hire. Their decisions should be quick and based on facts.
Wrong or late decisions can harm the business. They also learn from past decisions to
improve in the future. For example, Narayana Murthy made key decisions that helped
Infosys grow globally.
7. Hardworking
Entrepreneurs don’t work just 9 to 5 – they work day and night when needed. They give
full dedication to achieve their business goals. They manage many tasks like planning,
selling, managing, and more. They often sacrifice comfort and rest for success. Their
consistent effort brings long-term rewards. For example, small shop owners work 12+
hours daily to keep their business running.
8. Adaptability
Business conditions keep changing – a good entrepreneur adjusts easily. They accept
changes in the market, customer needs, or technology. They don’t stick to old ways if new
ones are better. This flexibility helps them survive and grow in tough times. They use
challenges as new opportunities. During the pandemic, many restaurants adapted by
starting online delivery and takeaways.
9. Creative Thinking
Creative thinking helps entrepreneurs find smart, new solutions. It brings fresh ideas for
products, marketing, or solving problems. Creativity helps them attract customers and beat
competitors. It is not just about art – it’s about thinking differently. Creative minds keep
the business exciting and innovative. For instance, Byju Raveendran created a fun way to
teach students through an app.
10. Good Communication Skills
Entrepreneurs must share their ideas clearly with others. They talk to employees,
customers, investors, and suppliers daily. Clear communication builds trust and reduces
misunderstandings. They also listen to feedback and improve. Good communicators inspire
others to support their vision. For example, Narayana Murthy communicated honestly
with his team and built a strong Infosys culture.
11. Goal-Oriented
Entrepreneurs set clear and practical goals for their business. Goals give them direction and
a reason to keep working. They break big goals into small daily tasks. They check
progress and change plans if needed. Having goals keeps them focused and motivated. For
instance, a fashion designer may aim to sell 1,000 dresses in 3 months.
12. Financial Knowledge
Understanding money is very important for any business. Entrepreneurs must know how
to handle income, costs, and profits. They plan budgets, reduce waste, and increase savings.
Smart financial decisions help them avoid losses. They also manage loans, pricing, and
taxes well. For example, a grocery shop owner tracks all sales and purchases daily to make
a profit.
13. Persistence
Success doesn't come overnight – entrepreneurs must keep trying. They may face losses,
failures, or rejection many times. But they do not quit and continue with more strength.
They see failure as a lesson, not the end. Persistence builds strength and experience.
For example, Thomas Edison kept trying and failed over 1,000 times before inventing the
light bulb.
14. Customer-Centric Approach
A good entrepreneur always keeps customers happy. They understand what customers
want and improve their products. They listen to feedback and fix problems quickly.
Satisfied customers come back and bring new ones. Customer loyalty builds long-term
success. For example, a bakery that remembers regular customers’ tastes earns their trust.
15. Time Management
Entrepreneurs manage time carefully to balance many tasks. They plan their day and
prioritize important work. They avoid wasting time on unproductive things. Good
time use improves results and reduces stress. They even make time for rest and learning.
For example, a freelance graphic designer divides time between projects, client calls, and
new learning.
Types of entrepreneur:
1. Innovative Entrepreneur
Innovative entrepreneurs bring new ideas, products, or technologies into the market. They think
differently and try to solve problems in creative ways. They are the first to do something that has
never been done before. These entrepreneurs are responsible for major changes in industries. They
take high risks but also get high rewards if their ideas work. Their innovation often improves
people's lives or creates new markets. For example, Steve Jobs created the iPhone, changing the
way people use phones. Such entrepreneurs are the face of modern progress and invention.
2. Imitating Entrepreneur
These entrepreneurs do not create new ideas but copy or improve existing ones. They observe
successful businesses and apply the same model with changes. This helps them reduce risk since
the idea is already tested in the market. They bring popular products or services to new areas or
groups. They often improve the original version to attract customers. It helps in business expansion
and local economic development. For example, someone opening a local version of Amazon in a
small town. They succeed by following proven paths smartly.
3. Fabian Entrepreneur
Fabian entrepreneurs are very cautious and traditional in their approach. They avoid taking risks
and prefer to follow old methods of doing business. They make changes only when they are forced
by circumstances or [Link] fear failure and do not like experimenting. They wait and watch the
success of others before taking action. Such people often run small, stable businesses without much
growth. For example, a shopkeeper who starts online payments only after losing customers. They
maintain their business with slow and safe steps.
4. Drone Entrepreneur
Drone entrepreneurs completely resist change and modern methods. They stick to their old way of
working even if it causes loss. They do not accept new technology, trends, or customer needs. This
kind of attitude can lead to business failure in the long run. They are not open to advice or
innovation. Such entrepreneurs often lose customers to modern competitors. For example, a
printing press owner who refuses to use computers or digital design. They are often left behind in
a changing market.
5. Intrapreneur
An intrapreneur works inside a company like an entrepreneur. They develop new products,
processes, or projects for the company. They are given freedom to be creative and take initiative.
Their ideas help the company grow and stay competitive. They take risks, but the company
provides support and funding. This allows businesses to stay innovative without external startups.
For example, Gmail was developed by an intrapreneur at Google. Intrapreneurs bring fresh
thinking from within an organization.
6. Women Entrepreneur
Women entrepreneurs are females who start, run, and manage businesses. They may work alone
or with others and can belong to any field. They face many challenges like social pressure or lack
of funding. Yet, many succeed through determination and creativity. Women
entrepreneurship helps in empowering women and reducing unemployment. They are active in
fashion, beauty, education, food, and IT sectors. For example, Falguni Nayar, founder of Nykaa,
built a beauty empire. Women entrepreneurs are key to inclusive economic growth.
7. First-Generation Entrepreneur
These entrepreneurs start a business without any family background in business. They take bold
steps on their own with no inherited company or wealth. They often face many challenges but
show strong passion and commitment. Their success depends entirely on their skills and efforts.
They bring fresh energy and ideas into the business world. They also inspire others from non-
business families. For example, Dhirubhai Ambani started Reliance with no business
[Link] entrepreneurs create a legacy from nothing.
8. Social Entrepreneur
Social entrepreneurs start businesses to solve social, environmental, or community problems. Their
goal is to help people more than earn profit. They often work in education, health, rural
development, or clean energy. They find creative ways to make the world better and self-
sustainable. They still manage the business side to keep it running long-term. Their work brings
change in poor or ignored areas. For example, Verghese Kurien started Amul to support rural
dairy farmers. They are change-makers who blend heart and business.
9. Small Scale Entrepreneur
They start small businesses with limited resources and budget. Their operations are usually local,
serving a specific area or need. hey manage most of the work themselves or with a small team.
They include shop owners, food stall vendors, artisans, etc. Their contribution to employment and
local economy is huge. They usually depend on customer satisfaction and quality service. For
example, a person running a home-based [Link] grow slowly but steadily with strong
customer support.
10. Large Scale Entrepreneur
These entrepreneurs start big businesses with large investment and infrastructure. They create
companies that operate on national or international levels. They hire hundreds or thousands of
employees and use advanced technology. They aim for high profits and strong market presence.
Their decisions can affect the entire industry or economy. They often take higher risks but with
bigger rewards. For example, Mukesh Ambani runs Reliance Industries, a global business group.
They are major players in the business world.
11. Trading Entrepreneur
They focus mainly on buying goods and selling them for profit. They do not produce items but
deal in products made by others. They play an important role in the distribution chain. They
understand the market, customers, and pricing very well. They often import or export goods too.
These entrepreneurs keep the flow of goods moving across regions. For example, a wholesale rice
dealer selling to retailers. They help connect producers to consumers.
12. Technical Entrepreneur
They use their technical knowledge to create and run businesses. They are usually from science,
IT, or engineering backgrounds. Their businesses often involve software, hardware, or machines.
They develop tech-based solutions and products. They constantly research and improve their
offerings. Their companies are often innovative and fast-growing. For example, Narayana
Murthy, founder of Infosys, built a tech empire. They lead in today’s digital economy.
13. Agricultural Entrepreneur
They work in agriculture and use modern farming methods and technology. They may grow crops,
raise animals, or do food processing. They aim to increase productivity and income in the farming
sector. They also sell directly to consumers or set up agribusiness ventures. They help reduce
middlemen and increase farmer [Link] often promote organic or sustainable practices.
For example, a farmer growing organic vegetables and selling them online.
They bring innovation to the rural economy.
14. Cultural Entrepreneur
These entrepreneurs promote art, culture, and creativity through business. They may run craft
shops, music schools, or heritage tourism. They preserve traditional knowledge while earning
income. They often work with artisans and local communities. Their work spreads cultural
awareness and generates employment. For example, a designer selling handwoven sarees through
an online store. They combine passion for culture with entrepreneurship.
15. Green Entrepreneur
They run eco-friendly businesses focused on sustainability and environmental care. They make
products that reduce pollution and waste. Their goal is to earn profit while protecting nature. They
may work in recycling, solar energy, organic products, etc. They educate people on green practices
through business. For example, someone starting a company that sells biodegradable packaging.
They lead the way to a cleaner future.
Introduction to Intrapreneur :
An intrapreneur is a person who works inside a company but acts like an entrepreneur.
They come up with new ideas, develop products, or solve problems creatively — but they do
it within the organization.
They don’t own the business but are given freedom and resources to innovate. Intrapreneurs
bring growth and innovation to the company from the inside. They are also called "corporate
entrepreneurs." Example: A Google employee who developed Gmail is an intrapreneur.
1. Works Within a Company
An intrapreneur is not a business owner but works within a large company.
They are given support by the management to try new ideas.
Their success brings benefit to both the company and their career.
Example: A Tata employee developing an eco-friendly car for the company.
They use company resources for innovation, not personal funding.
2. Drives Innovation and Change
Intrapreneurs think creatively and introduce new products or methods.
They help the company stay competitive in changing markets.
Their ideas often become new business units.
Example: An employee at a bank who creates a digital banking app.
They help the company improve and evolve from the inside.
3. Takes Risk but with Company Support
Like entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs take risks, but the company bears the cost.
They are protected from financial loss, which gives them the courage to try.
If the idea fails, the company absorbs the loss — not the intrapreneur.
Example: A manager trying out a new marketing strategy with a budget from the
company.
4. Gains Recognition and Growth
Successful intrapreneurs are often rewarded with promotions, bonuses, or leadership
roles.
They become role models inside the company and get more trust.
They also get to lead teams or projects in the future.
Example: A software developer at Infosys getting promoted for launching a successful
internal tool.
5. Helps Company Grow Without External Startups
Intrapreneurs help companies grow internally, so they don’t have to rely only on buying
startups.
They create innovation without starting a separate business.
This reduces cost and increases company strength.
Example: A Unilever employee launching a new skincare line after researching customer
needs.
Flipkart is one of India’s most successful startups, founded in 2007 by Sachin Bansal and Binny
Bansal, two friends and former employees of Amazon. What started as a small online bookstore
became a multi-billion-dollar e-commerce platform that changed the way Indians shop.
1. Foundation (2007)
Flipkart began in a small apartment in Bengaluru with just ₹4 lakh. Sachin and Binny
launched it as an online bookstore. They believed people would start shopping online in
India just like in the West. They personally packed books and delivered them at first.
This humble beginning showed the power of simple ideas and strong belief.
2. Focus on Customer Experience
In the early days, Flipkart focused on trust and timely delivery. To solve India's online
trust issue, they introduced Cash on Delivery (COD) – a game-changer. They made
returns and refunds easy, which built customer confidence. This customer-first mindset
helped Flipkart grow faster than competitors. Many people trusted Flipkart as their first
online shopping platform.
3. Expansion into Other Categories (2008–2010)
Flipkart added mobiles, electronics, fashion, and home goods to its platform.
This gave customers more choices and helped Flipkart become a one-stop shop.
The company created its own delivery service Ekart, making deliveries faster and more
reliable. Example: During this time, they became the top site for mobile phone shopping.
Expansion turned Flipkart from a bookstore into a complete shopping destination.
4. Introduction of Big Billion Days Sale (2014)
In 2014, Flipkart launched its biggest sales event: Big Billion Day. It broke records with
millions of orders in a single day. Though the first event faced technical issues, it
became a yearly mega sale. People waited months to shop during this discount festival.
It became a symbol of Indian e-commerce success.
5. Acquisition of Myntra and Jabong
Flipkart acquired fashion retailers Myntra (2014) and later Jabong (2016). These deals
helped Flipkart become India's largest fashion e-commerce platform. They entered the
youth market and strengthened their position against Amazon. It also showed Flipkart’s
smart strategy of buying strong competitors. Fashion became one of Flipkart’s top
categories.
6. Facing Tough Competition from Amazon (2013 Onward)
When Amazon entered India, Flipkart had to innovate quickly.
Both companies competed in price, delivery, customer service, and discounts. Flipkart
survived by focusing on local understanding, delivery strength, and offers. They also
partnered with banks to give card discounts during sales. This healthy competition made
Flipkart stronger and more focused.
7. Massive Funding and Growth (2013–2017)
Flipkart raised billions from global investors like Tiger Global, SoftBank, and Accel.
These funds helped build warehouses, grow technology, and hire talent. It gave them the
power to fight international giants like Amazon. At one point, Flipkart was valued at over
$15 [Link] fueled their rapid growth and innovation.
8. Flipkart App and Mobile Shopping
With India’s mobile internet boom, Flipkart launched a user-friendly mobile app. It
made shopping easy for people in towns and villages. Features like voice search, low-
data mode, and language options were introduced. Millions started shopping using the
Flipkart app. Mobile strategy helped Flipkart reach “Bharat” – small-town India.
9. Walmart undertaken Flipkart (2018)
In 2018, American retail giant Walmart bought 77% stake in Flipkart for $16 billion.
This became one of the biggest startup exits in Indian history. Sachin Bansal exited the
company, while Binny continued for some time. Walmart’s entry gave Flipkart more
power to grow and compete globally. It proved that Indian startups could achieve global
success.
10. Today’s Success
Today, Flipkart is a leading e-commerce platform with over 400 million registered users.
It owns Myntra, Cleartrip, and dominates in electronics, fashion, and mobiles.
It has inspired thousands of Indian youth to start their own startups. The Flipkart story
shows how vision, hard work, and customer focus can lead to greatness. It turned two
engineers into pioneers of India’s startup revolution.
Motivational Message from Flipkart’s Journey :
Flipkart started with just an idea, two laptops, and belief no big office or money.
Its founders faced failures, competition, and pressure but never gave up. They focused on solving
problems, kept learning, and created history. Their story is proof that you don't need to be rich to
build something big just determined.