A Bengaluru-based entrepreneur with US citizenship has shared why he chose to build his business in India despite having the option to pursue opportunities in the US. Taking to X, Vikram Pai, CEO and co-founder of ReferRush, recently reflected on his decision, saying that money is not his main motivation and that he would rather optimise for impact.
"Someone asked why money isn't my main motivation, and why, as a U.S. citizen, I chose to build in India. It is a little ironic. So many Indians dream of moving abroad or working with American companies. I chose to come here and struggle," Pai wrote in the post before explaining his decision.
Pai said that he does not need much to be happy. He listed a hot meal, a roof, a gym, sport, books, friends and family among the things he values. He acknowledged that his priorities could change in the future, saying that with a wife and children, he would want "a beautiful home, a good car, a great education" for his kids. However, he said even his "worst-case outcome" of getting a good job in India or the US would allow him to provide those things.
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{{/usCountry}}Explaining his second decision, Pai said that the sense of financial security gives him the freedom to focus on impact rather than income. "The marginal impact I can have building ReferRush in India is far greater than the impact I could have as another well-paid executive in America," he wrote.
He also highlighted the impact he believes ReferRush is already having on its affiliates. He said some affiliates had earned enough through the platform to travel abroad for the first time.
"That means something to me. If we can help build the infrastructure and culture for affiliate commerce in India, we can create livelihoods, businesses, and opportunities at enormous scale," he wrote.
"I know my floor is enough. So I'm free to chase the highest possible ceiling of impact," Pai said.
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Social media reactions
Pai's post sparked a discussion.
Reacting to the post, one user wrote, "Don't get me wrong. If you are so inclined towards impact then please ensure that you are not opaque about this when you hire talent. Because people who join you in your ride may have real responsibilities & dreams to fulfill. Be clear and call out in first interaction that you are not doing this for money."
To this, Pai said, "Impact is made through technological progress and through technical progress you can build a great business. Its absolutely not mutually exclusive."
"Knowing your floor is enough changes the equation. Most people chase income because they've never actually tested what their floor requires. Once you know the number, the ceiling stops being about safety and starts being about choice," commented another.