Raj Anand started an online business in the UK last year after completing a degree at Sussex University.
The 25-year-old’s business Kwiqq.com builds on the popularity of social networking sites like Facebook but is marketed at companies’ to help them communicate with customers.
He has five people employed at his head office is in Brighton, UK and he is expecting a turnover of £100,000 (Rs 80 lakh) this year year.
His next plan is to set up a business in India.
“My family wanted me to work for a big IT firm, initially they were upset when I said I wanted to be an entrepreneur but now I have proved myself to them,” he said.
“Entrepreneurship is currently being pushed in the UK. I received over Rs15 lakh worth training by the UK Government via Business Link (a British Government—funded business support agency). Even if you are not a citizen, there are laws which allow you to test the waters.
“I'm not sure if I would have received a grant in India. One thing I really admire about UK is its liberal and results oriented policies. But entrepreneurship is still seen as unsafe and maybe not respectable among middle-class Indian families. I am one of the first to do start a business in the UK but I am sure there will be more.”