Featured Entrepreneur: Subodh Nayar, PLT
Our Featured Entrepreneur series continues this issue with Subodh Nayar, Practice Manager, PLT in Fairfax Va. Currently, PLT, is an incubator client in the Fairfax Innovation Center at the Mason Enterprise Center. We recently sat down with Subodh to explore how PLT got started.
1. Thank you, Subodh. Tell us about PLT?
Photo courtesy of PLT
PLT plans, builds and launches rural Internet Service Providers (RISPs) in partnership with community organizations. We are unique in the industry because we develop privately operated telecommunication companies that generally do not require subsidy to successfully operate in communities currently without universal access to fast Internet service. PLT’s clients include both communities who need to know how to attract RISPs to offer affordable service and investors who want to maximize the return on capital employed from their rural ISP.
2. How did you get your company started? Did you use your own money or did you have outside investors?
PLT began in 2002 as Global TeleVentures, Inc. In its original form it was responsible for the creation of the first private long distance and local telecom service provider in Brazil. Following the sale of that venture to Brazilian investors in 2003, Global TeleVentures turned its attention to launching Internet Service Providers in the USA. Initially, Global TeleVentures had three additional investors who gave both time and money to help PLT gain entry to rural communties. Principally by building a relationship with the rural electric cooperatives that provide electricity in the communities PLT wanted to deliver Broadband to. In 2004, Global TeleVentures bought the other investors out. Global TeleVentures then changed its name to PLT. PLT is a minority owned small business.
3. At what point did you realize that you needed to move into an incubator?
PLT became a virtual tenant almost immediately after being formed. It solicited a lease for space at the end of 2005, when the business grew enough to require the space.
4. How has the Fairfax Innovation Center helped you to grow your business?
Broadly, George Mason University has helped with Business Counseling and involved PLT in RFPs issued by the State of Virginia. Having the space at the Innovation Center has made it easier to work with sub-contractors. More intangibly, being around fellow entrepreneurs has helped to develop PLT's Intellectual Property and respond to solicitations for information from prospective clients. Finally, the Enterprise Center is helping PLT get its small minority owned business certification from the Commonwealth of VA.
5. As your company grows, are you looking to hire additional staff?
Yes. Our next hires will be business analysts to complete the feasibility studies we have been retained to perform.
6. What advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs?
I have a long history of entrepreneurship. I started my first business when I was 15. My advice to anyone considering starting their own business is "listen." The demands of running a business change as you grow. Initially, the business requires enthusiasm to overcome the market's reluctance to try your product or service. That, enthusiasm can quickly become seen as stubbornness as the business grows. As the entrepreneur you need to be listening to those whose advice you value to know when to change gears so that your business keeps growing and your contribution remains relevant.
For more information: