Raj Anand

Raj Anand came up with the idea of his successful social networking software business Kwiqq while he was still at university.

Now, at just 26 years old, Raj has built the business up to a global level, can boast a range of top blue-chip clients including First Choice, SEEDA and Highams Plc., and has won BusinessWeek’s Europe’s Young Entrepreneur Award.

Raj graduated from Sussex University with a Masters degree in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. It was at an event at the University where he got his first big break through networking when he was introduced to professor of entrepreneurship at Cranfield University. There he entered an enterprise competition, the Upstart Programme (funded by BusinessLink), which involved coaching and a Dragons’ Den-style pitching session hosted by Peter Jones. It was here he learnt the basics of running an enterprise, and gained the confidence and knowledge to work in a high growth business.

Raj knows how important this kind of experience is in achieving your goal, having also taken internships with the European Union, Shell STEP scheme and in the Sussex University Computer Graphics research laboratory. He says, “I learned several skills including management and technical abilities, which have helped me with my business. Although sometimes I felt a little constrained and not able to fully explore my entrepreneurial talents – this in many ways inspired me to give my own venture a shot when I got the chance.”

In order to turn his business dream into reality, he secured backing from some Angel investors and also used his savings to set about developing the product for showcasing. He could then demonstrate to potential investors, employees and board members.

He adds, “I believe this is the safest way to raise capital as entrepreneurs learn about the market and product and as they build it. Also it allows entrepreneurs like myself to get real life experience of the environment they are involved with.”

Raj is one of the Ambassadors supporting Make Your Mark with a Tenner.

Being a social media supremo, Raj was one of our experts in our webchat ‘go online and keep your business on top!’. Read what he had to say!