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Manoj Deshmukh
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Essay · 5 Jul 2025 · 2 min read

🇮🇳 My Own Independence Day: 4th of July 🇺🇸

By Manoj Deshmukh
🇮🇳 My Own Independence Day: 4th of July 🇺🇸

10 Years Since I Took the Leap into Entrepreneurship

On 3rd July 2015, I wrapped up my final day at L&T Infotech (LTI), closing a significant chapter of my professional career. The very next day, 4th July, while the USA celebrated its Independence Day, I began celebrating mine—a decade of independence from the corporate world, and a step into entrepreneurship.

What a journey it has been.

Leaving the comfort of a stable job, structured career path, and predictable paychecks was not easy. But looking back, it was one of the boldest and most rewarding decisions of my life.

🌱 The Journey So Far

Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege to:

  • Build and scale iConnect Info Solutions, working closely with UK- and Europe-based startups and agencies.

  • Co-found and lead Eteva Tech Consulting, enabling technology strategy and innovation for businesses of all sizes.

  • Drive real product thinking—not just code delivery—alongside a team that believes in ownership and long-term partnerships.

  • Work with nonprofits like Seva Arogya Foundation, contributing meaningfully to the community in Pune.

  • Guide startups and students, mentor teams, wear multiple hats, and stay hands-on with technology while leading from the front.

🧠 Learnings and Reflections

The entrepreneurial path is far from easy—there were moments of self-doubt, financial constraints, project failures, and sleepless nights. But those were balanced by client appreciation, successful product launches, business transformations, and, above all, personal growth.

The biggest achievement I cherish is not the number of clients served or platforms built. It’s the confidence that I can stand on my own, support my family, and build something meaningful—on my own terms.

🙏 Gratitude

This journey wouldn’t have been possible without:

  • My family, for being my rock during uncertain times.

  • My team and my partners, for trusting my vision and walking the path with me.

  • My mentors and clients, who gave me the opportunity and belief to make a difference.

🚀 What’s Next?

Even after a decade, it feels like the journey has just begun. With AI, digital transformation, and startup ecosystems evolving rapidly, I’m more excited than ever to learn, adapt, and contribute.

To anyone on the edge, wondering whether to take that leap:

It’s not easy. But it’s worth it.

First published on LinkedIn.

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