TGV 630 – Building Big from the Heart of a Tier-2 City: The Shrey Sharma Story

In the world of entrepreneurship, the spotlight often shines on metro cities—Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Gurgaon. But every now and then, someone proves that brilliance isn’t bound by geography. Enter Shrey Sharma, the dynamic force behind Syintha, an IT company bootstrapped in Jaipur that has grown into a 450+ member strong, globally serving brand. His journey? A blend of hustle, humility, and heartfelt strategy—and it’s all captured in this enlightening episode of The Guiding Voice.

“Put Your Head Down and Work” – Rain or Shine

Shrey’s mantra is simple yet powerful:
“If the times are bad, put your head down and work. If the times are good, still put your head down and work.”

His approach isn’t driven by hype or headlines, but by consistency, grit, and an uncanny ability to focus on what matters. Even as venture capital chases founders, Shrey reminds us that funding isn’t always necessary, especially for service-based businesses. What’s more important is building value, not just valuation.

Watch Full Episode Here:

Jaipur Roots, Global Reach

You might expect an IT success story to be born in a Silicon Valley-esque setup. But Shrey’s journey began in Jaipur—a city known more for palaces than tech parks. While many would see this as a challenge, he saw it as a strategic advantage:

  • Lower operational costs
  • Higher retention rates, as local talent preferred staying near family
  • A deeply personal connection to his hometown, freeing his mental space to focus solely on building the business

When experienced talent was hard to find, Shrey innovated—he manufactured it. Through internal training, cultural onboarding, and skill development, Syintha grew into a talent powerhouse.

Lessons in Self-Reliance & Startup Simplicity

Shrey bootstrapped his business with just ₹3 lakhs, choosing value over vanity. While many entrepreneurs rush for plush offices and high salaries, he stayed frugal. For two years, his own salary was ₹25,000/month – a conscious choice to keep more fuel in the business engine.

His insight?

“Don’t focus on what people think about you. Just do the work. The results will speak.”

Hard Work, Grit & Luck: The Success Trinity

Unlike many founders who dismiss luck, Shrey openly embraces it as one of the three pillars of his success, alongside hard work and grit. It’s this refreshing honesty that makes him relatable—and incredibly grounded.

“Even if you give your best, not everything is in your control. And that’s okay.”

Talent: Build It, Don’t Buy It

One of the most powerful parts of the conversation was his approach to hiring. While many startups chase ready-made “experienced” candidates, Shrey built a system where fresh minds and even experienced professionals from other domains are retrained, re-skilled, and embedded into Syintha’s culture.

“We don’t just hire for skills—we build for mindset, values, and adaptability.”

The Truth About Networking (And Why He Doesn’t Do It)

Here’s where Shrey flips a common startup belief on its head:

“99% of networking is a waste of time—unless you have real value to offer.”

Instead of chasing contacts, he built authority and brand through content, particularly his YouTube channel Salesforce Hulk, which helped him connect with a global audience without ever setting foot in the U.S. (until recently).

Redefining Success

So, what does success mean to someone like Shrey? Not unicorn status. Not flashy headlines.

“Success is the freedom to do what I want, when I want—and to enjoy doing it.”

His goal with Syintha isn’t to open offices in 10 cities or raise millions. It’s simple: create value for people, at scale.

Hidden Gems & Deep Reflections

In the lighter moments of the podcast, Shrey shared his love for Ramgarh Lodge, a serene, lesser-known heritage spot near Jaipur—his go-to place to relax and recharge.

He also quoted Kabir Das and reflected on spiritual growth, showing that his journey is as much inward as it is outward.

For Entrepreneurs in Tier-2 Cities: Shrey’s Final Advice

“Don’t try to fake being a metro brand. Understand your city, serve your people, and localise your strategies.”

His advice is gold for founders outside traditional startup hubs: Embrace your roots. Don’t imitate. Innovate.

Final Word

This candid conversation with Shrey Sharma is a masterclass in grounded entrepreneurship. Whether you’re starting in a small town, bootstrapping with limited resources, or building a brand on values, this episode proves that real success doesn’t shout. It builds, one meaningful choice at a time.