Smiti Bhatt Deorah, Co-founder & COO, AdvantageClub.ai
Entrepreneurship is a dream for many, but few possess the necessary skills and gumption to make it a reality. What inspired you to pursue your entrepreneurial dream?
I was always driven to start my venture. Then I saw that while companies want to give the right experience to employees there were very few platforms that were aligned with employers or employees goals. This nagging gap made me wonder—what if technology could bring a real, human touch to how companies connect with their people? That “what if” became my driving force. AdvantageClub.ai was born out of this belief that workplaces can be happier, and businesses can thrive when they prioritize their employees via a platform made with similar intent. It wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about creating something meaningful. The idea of building something that could genuinely make a difference is what finally pushed me to take the plunge.
The Indian startup ecosystem is thriving, but perfection is still a work in progress. What is one change you would suggest in the immediate future?
More women should feel confident about starting their entrepreneurial journeys because, with the right partners, there’s plenty of support available. Whether it’s investors, co-founders, or team members, the right people can make all the difference. I’ve seen how supportive investors can be—when I had a child, they didn't ask any unpleasant questions and celebrated the milestone equally with us. This kind of backing breaks the myth that entrepreneurship and personal milestones don’t mix. The key is finding people who believe in your vision, and yourself and align with your values.
