𝙋𝙐𝙍𝙐 𝙏𝙃𝘼𝙆𝙆𝘼𝙍 𝙊𝙉 𝙃𝙄𝙎 𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙍𝙀𝙋𝙍𝙀𝙉𝙐𝙀𝙍𝙄𝘼𝙇 𝙅𝙊𝙐𝙍𝙉𝙀𝙔

ABOUT PURU

Puru Thakkar is 19 year old, founder and CEO of Nyus App - a news app for teenagers that gives news in the form of news. He has been coding since he was 11 years old and has a keen interest in design and pyschology as well. He lives in Gujarat and currently pursuing BBA from GCEC, Jaipur.

FOUNDER OF NYUS

How did you get your idea or concept for the start-up?

I got the idea for Nyus in june 2020 during lockdown. I was browsing reddit which was filled with trump news. Under one such meme, a user had commented " I get all my news from memes these days". That's when the idea hit me!

How does someone turn an idea into reality?

As a programmer my first instinct is always to make an MVP and get it in the hands of the target audience. For Nyus, I made the app in under 2 days and gave it to my friends. I got a lot of feedback and I moved ahead from there.

Can you briefly share journey of Nyus ?

I started Nyus in June 2020 and it has been more than a year now. The app has grown to 15k+ downloads, 50+ memers and a wonderful team of interns as well.

What makes a successful entrepreneur?

I still don't know. Maybe ask again in 10 years? XD

Do you think anyone can be successful if they are taught?

I think success depends a lot on luck and timing but our education system can teach students to focus more on how to get started and the different and unique career paths to choose from.

How do you monetise your app?

We do not monetise the app right now, we'll do it in the future using ads.

How do you continue to grow and develop your business?

We are working on the app everyday to make it better and faster for the users. We'll be launching a big update for Nyus soon.

How do you advertise your business?

We market Nyus through Facebook, Instagram, Google Ads and twitter.

Share one personal business highlight that you've had over the past few months?

I am a very shy person so hiring and HR has been a big challenge for me but as I continue to grow Nyus I have gotten more confident and better at hiring as well.

What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

The sole reason I love doing this is to create products that millions of people will use and love.

What are your responsibilities as the business owner?

There are thousands of things to take care of while running a startup/business. This includes product, marketing, hiring, design, finance, legal and so much more. It's a 24/7 Job.

What was your parent's reaction when they heard about you starting this business?

I have always wanted to do a business and they know this as well so they were very supportive as they always have been.

Being a young entrepreneur comes with its own set of challenges. What challenges have you faced?

I don't think I have faced any major challenge due to my age as of now. If you're inexperienced like I am you'll need to push harder to prove yourself to investors, employees and customers.

Being a management student, when did you decide to learn coding? Were you always inclined towards coding or just learned it as a skill for start-up?

I am coding since I was 11 years old. I also took PCM in my 11/12 to pursue the path of CSE engineering. After 12th I decided to switched to BBA as I had no interest in Chemistry and Physics and I am could learn coding by my own. BBA has helped me learn the business side of things finance, legal and networking.

How do you manage work and studies? Does this continuous switch takes toll on your health?

I am not focussed on my studies right now as I am on Nyus so there is no real problem there.

You must be devoting a significant amount of your time towards your business, do you think you are missing something which the other guys in your age are experiencing?

Yes, this is a common feeling I get. Seeing people have fun, party, etc, does seem demotivating at times but these are temporary feelings as startup is something I love. I am not a fan of partying, clubbing, etc, anyway and I would much rather sit in my room anyway.

During your journey have you faced some failures too? If yes, what were your learning from those failures?

Yes I have had many failures and I occasionally share my failures on Twitter as well. I have made many projects and apps before Nyus which did not get the traction I wished they got. My biggest learning is to just get started! Don't wait for right moment.