Leaders

Women currently account for approximately 20 percent of all positions in large technology firms. The number goes downwards, the higher we go looking at the top ranks. However, it is pertinent to note that women are just as capable of creating successful and lasting careers as tech entrepreneurs and business leaders. According to Amisha Ajmera, Founder, Genesis Software, women must never underestimate what they are capable of in life. Living by this motto, Amisha has taken great strides into the financial services industry for nearly two decades, providing top-of-the-line IT products, solutions, and services.

Amisha graduated from Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) with a summa cum laude in computer science. Her prior industry experience helped her hone her project management and industry skills. The entrepreneur in her desired more than merely seeing her job as a stepping stone to move abroad.

Fueled by dedication and a vision to do something big, Genesis Software was founded in 1997. For the past 24 years, the company has been delivering highly focused customized software development for the debt market, backed by domain knowledge.

The Women Entrepreneur Magazine team interviewed Amisha, the driving force behind Genesis Software's successful run in the industry. Here are choice excerpts from the conversation.

Give us an overview of Genesis Software and the key features that make the company unique?

Genesis Software was founded in 1997 with the mission of providing cutting-edge IT products, solutions, and services to the financial services industry. The company provides strategic and goal-oriented IT solutions backed by over two decades of experience in technology and financial market research and analytics. It operates in the fixed income market niche. Its areas of expertise are domain knowledge and highly focused, customised software development for the debt market. Today, the company is nearly 24 years old, and its products have evolved in tandem with the Indian industry. Genesis is home to some of the most skilled and experienced IT professionals with in-depth knowledge of the financial market.

The team provides best-of-breed software solutions by integrating a powerful unified front-end and a technology-intensive back-end for real-time analysis. Genesis is well-known for its strong project management processes and expertise, and it can complete even the most complex and technically complex projects at a cost that benefits businesses. Genesis will also be at the forefront of new age technology and solutions to meet its clients' most pressing needs.

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience that you bring to the table. Working in this industry for such a long time, what lessons did you learn as a part of your experience?

In 1993, I received a summa cum laude from VJTI in computer science. During my two years at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), I honed my project management and industry skills. The entrepreneur in me yearned for more than just seeking a job and working in a large organization. As a result, Genesis Software was created in 1997.

Since I was a complete novice in the financial markets, I had my hands full learning how the industry worked. In response to industry and statutory requirements, we have improved our software package. The goal is to create a product that is as simple to use, scalable, and dependable as possible. There was no margin for error. Debt market transactions are based on an exact calculation of yields. One of the most important lessons we learned in the industry is that an equation has no two possible solutions. Our goal was to get it right the first time and every time thereafter.

Tell us about the various roles you play at Genesis Software and the most challenging aspects of your role as the Founder? What have been the most significant milestones that you have achieved so far in your professional journey?

The most difficult challenge in the software industry is retaining talent. My role has shifted from being hands-on to being more of a mentor to the team. The experience and domain knowledge assist in guiding clients who are new to the debt market. The challenge, as with any industry, is to remain relevant for the next 20 to 25 years. The financial services industry is undergoing a complete disruption, with technology playing a key role. Genesis Software aspires to be a one-stop shop for both existing clients and new venture start-ups.

“Genesis is well-known for its strong project management processes and expertise, and it can complete even the most complex and technically challenging projects at a cost that benefits businesses”

The dependability of the brand, as well as the fact that we are still catering to the first customer we served when we first started the company, can be considered a major milestone. It is a significant accomplishment for a purely technical company when a financial industry leader consults us about improving their operations and trusts us to take their organization to the next level.

How do you keep yourself well aligned with the periodic evolutions occurring within your respective industry and the tech world? As a successful entrepreneur what would your advice be to young women and girls aspiring to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

Working with the industry's top players means that staying up-to-date is not an option, but rather a requirement. In response to customer demands, our organization is nimble and adaptable, and we can make quick decisions to scale up and push the limits of our technical capabilities.

My only piece of advice to young women is to not underestimate what you are capable of. Dedication, perseverance, and hard work are still necessary for success. Do not pursue a get-rich-quick type of career. It is far more satisfying and long-lasting to have your own software product and brand in the industry. These things take years, but they are well worth the wait.

Amisha Ajmera, Founder & CEO, Genesis Software

Amisha is passionate about IT and financial analytics and engages and deep dives into every project. She drives overall strategy, work culture, and performance and strongly feels that the highest quality and best value go hand-in-hand.