From Soccer Dreams to Startup Success: How Entrepreneurship Rescued My Life

Imagine dedicating your entire childhood to one dream, only to watch it crumble just as you're about to achieve it. That’s exactly what happened to me when my lifelong goal of becoming a professional soccer player fell apart at 19. What felt like a devastating life crisis turned out to be the push I needed toward a career as an entrepreneur.

I was born in Miami, but when my family moved to Hyderabad, India when I was 5, it introduced me to a completely new world. School was never really my thing; soccer was my true calling. At 14, my passion caught the attention of India's national team manager, and I got a chance to train with one of the top German teams. It was a huge opportunity, but adapting to a new culture at such a young age was overwhelming.

My soccer journey continued at Ellesmere College in the U.K., where I played for the varsity team. Despite all the hard work, a professional contract eluded me. The alternate path took me to play soccer at Monroe College in the U.S. Though we won the NJCAA Division I national championship, I often found myself on the sidelines, realizing that I wasn't good enough to go pro. It was a devastating blow.

The day I accepted that my dream of becoming a professional soccer player wouldn't come true is seared into my memory. I felt directionless and unmotivated. I had hit rock bottom. But then I found a new path at Babson College, where I continued to play NCAA Division III soccer and joined eTower, an entrepreneurial living community that reignited my passion for building ventures. It not only gave me a renewed sense of purpose but also helped me overcome that feeling of not being good enough.

Surrounded by driven people, I launched Kickstart Sports, a consulting business helping athletes in India find opportunities in Europe and the U.S. The pandemic cut that venture short, but it opened up new opportunities. In 2020, I worked at Compstak, a real estate data company, took on a role at a real estate hedge fund in China, and ran a VR/AR sneaker startup. All of these experiences eventually led me to create DesignAI, a company that leverages technology to redesign how cities are built.

My entrepreneurial journey has been filled with failures and successes. Here are three key lessons that have shaped my journey:

1. Rebuild Confidence and Find a New Purpose

When my soccer career ended, I had to rebuild my confidence from scratch. This exploration was crucial in helping me find a new sense of purpose, which eventually led me to entrepreneurship. My advice: Actively seek out new experiences, even when uncomfortable.

2. Build and Leverage a Strong Support System

During this tough transition, I learned just how important a solid support system is. I reached out to mentors, leaned on friends, and found therapy incredibly helpful. My advice: Build a support system with people who can challenge you and support you.

3. Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone

The failure of my soccer dream taught me resilience. I started seeing failure as a learning opportunity, a chance to grow and pivot. My advice: Don't fear failure. It's a vital part of the entrepreneurial process and helps you refine your approach.

Challenges will come and the path will be messy. But if you surround yourself with the right people and refuse to back down, you can carve out your own version of success.