From Flipkart to Startup Struggles: Harsh Pokharna’s Hard-Hitting Entrepreneurial Journey
Many young professionals aspire to become their own bosses after experiencing long working hours, difficult bosses, or the repetitive nature of corporate jobs.
The entrepreneurial path often appears to promise greater freedom and financial success. However, the reality of starting a business can be much harsher than expected.
A Leap Into Entrepreneurship
Harsh Pokharna, an IIT Kanpur graduate and CEO of Bengaluru-based OkCredit, shared his entrepreneurial journey on social media. He revealed that he left his secure job at Flipkart to start his own company, hoping to earn wealth quickly.
“Founders were raising millions of dollars in funding all around me. It seemed easy,” he said in a recent Instagram post.
However, his expectations soon met reality as he encountered significant challenges in the early stages of his entrepreneurial journey.
Initial Struggles and Failures
Pokharna’s first two years in the startup ecosystem were marked by failures. He experimented with three different business ideas, none of which succeeded. With his savings depleted, he had to take up freelancing to sustain himself.
He shared a crucial lesson from his experience: success in entrepreneurship is not instant.
“It’s a long-term game, not a get-rich-quick scheme. Play it only if you truly want to solve a problem, or you’ll end up disappointed,” he emphasized.
Building OkCredit: A Long-Term Vision
After facing early failures, Pokharna co-founded OkCredit in 2017. The digital bookkeeping platform was designed to help small businesses manage their credit transactions efficiently.
Over the past eight years, he has been dedicated to scaling OkCredit, acknowledging that the journey is far from over.
“Been building OkCredit for 8 years now, still a long way to go,” he stated.
Netizens React to His Story
Pokharna’s candid revelations resonated with many aspiring entrepreneurs. His post attracted responses from people who shared similar experiences and sought mentorship.
One user commented, “Your story and perseverance always push me to never give up. I want to share my ideas and want your review.”
Another user highlighted the challenges of seeking mentorship, stating, “Our situation is kinda similar, but the idea we are working on is unique. A small help from people like you could help us overcome obstacles faster. But the problem is, whenever we seek help or mentorship, nothing is free of cost, and that holds us back.”
A third user appreciated his insights, saying, “Thank you for sharing these real experiences and lessons.”
Who Is Harsh Pokharna?
According to his LinkedIn profile, Harsh Pokharna worked at Flipkart for eight months as a graduate trainee before venturing into entrepreneurship. He co-founded OkCredit in 2017 and has been its CEO since then.
He holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kanpur.
Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged that he initially viewed startups as a means to make quick money but soon realized the complexities involved.
His struggles reinforced the understanding that entrepreneurship requires persistence and problem-solving skills rather than just chasing funding.
The OkCredit Startup Journey
OkCredit was founded to simplify credit transactions for India’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The platform digitizes bookkeeping, improving cash flow management and financial transparency for business owners.
With millions of active users, OkCredit has gained widespread adoption, thanks to support from major investors like Y Combinator and Tiger Global.
It has significantly contributed to financial inclusion and digital transformation for small businesses in India.
A Hard-Earned Lesson
Pokharna’s journey highlights the stark contrast between the perceived glamour of startups and the challenges they entail. While media often celebrates success stories, the reality involves years of setbacks, sacrifices, and perseverance.
His message is clear:
“Startups ≠ instant success. It’s a long-term game, not a get-rich-quick scheme. Play it only if you truly want to solve a problem, or you’ll end up disappointed.”
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted. As Pokharna’s journey shows, it demands resilience, patience, and strategic thinking.
While the rewards can be significant, the road to success is rarely smooth. Aspiring entrepreneurs should be prepared for setbacks and focus on solving real problems rather than seeking quick financial gains.
