In an inspiring episode of Jam with Sam, Harish Menon, co-founder of House of Alpha and Principal Partner at India Accelerator, shared his remarkable journey. From growing up in Ulhasnagar to managing multiple ventures and contributing to the startup ecosystem, Harish embodies resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
Humble Beginnings in Ulhasnagar
Born and raised in the modest town of Ulhasnagar, Harish’s journey began in a simple environment shaped by his hardworking father and protective upbringing. While his schooling and college years were local and unassuming, they laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial spirit.
“Stepping out of my comfort zone was critical,” Harish reflects. His decision to pursue chartered accountancy (CA) became a turning point, equipping him with the tools to navigate the financial world and set the stage for future ventures.
Diving Into the Entrepreneurial World
After starting his career in financial markets and research at ING Vysya Bank, Harish faced a growing dissatisfaction with corporate life. His tipping point came in 2008 with a shift in management and increasing ethical conflicts in financial product sales. On his 25th birthday, he boldly left his corporate job, signalling the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.
Harish started as a freelance trainer in financial markets before scaling up to larger ventures like Scale Up, a proprietary trading firm, and House of Alpha, a wealth management company. Each step reflected his focus on providing ethical, high-value solutions to his clients while leveraging his expertise in financial markets.
Ethical Wealth Management: The Vision Behind House of Alpha
House of Alpha stands out in the crowded wealth management space for its commitment to transparency and client-first principles. Harish identified pervasive mis-selling issues in the industry and resolved to operate differently. Key differentiators of the House of Alpha include:
- Fee-Only Advisory: The firm avoids commission-based sales, eliminating conflicts of interest and ensuring clients receive unbiased advice.
- Innovative Products: Beyond traditional offerings, House of Alpha develops unique investment strategies, offering clients access to tailored opportunities.
- Focus on Education: Harish and his team prioritize client awareness, empowering them to make informed decisions about wealth creation.
“Trust and education are the cornerstones of true wealth management,” Harish asserts.
Scaling Ventures: From Proprietary Trading to Startup Mentorship
Harish’s firm Scale Up manages over ₹500 crore, providing robust returns through proprietary trading strategies. Simultaneously, he has embraced the startup ecosystem as a Principal Partner at India Accelerator (IA). This accelerator identifies and nurtures early-stage startups, offering mentorship, co-working spaces, funding, and access to a robust investor network.
Harish’s investments in over 40 startups reflect his belief in backing innovation. “Startups solve problems that big businesses don’t. Supporting these founders means becoming a part of their growth journey,” he notes.
Beyond Business: A Passion for Animals and Advocacy
Harish’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to his social initiatives. He co-founded the Citizen for Animal Protection Foundation, a Thane-based NGO that rescues and rehabilitates stray animals. Currently housing over 60 rescues, the shelter is a testament to his empathy and commitment to societal welfare.
“I judge a society by how it treats its animals,” Harish says, underscoring his drive to create a more compassionate world.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Harish emphasizes the importance of focusing on core strengths. “Wealth creation comes from mastering your primary business, not juggling multiple ventures,” he advises. Whether it’s a steel business, software development, or travel, he believes in channelling energy into one’s area of expertise and outsourcing non-core activities.
For family businesses, Harish recommends specialized courses designed for the unique challenges of scaling multi-generational enterprises. “India thrives on family businesses. Effective conflict resolution and forward-thinking strategies are crucial for their success,” he adds.
About Harish Menon:
Harish Menon is a dynamic entrepreneur, co-founder of House of Alpha, Principal Partner at India Accelerator, and founder of the Citizen for Animal Protection Foundation. With expertise in financial markets, wealth management, and startup mentoring, Harish balances his professional ventures with a deep passion for animal welfare and ethical leadership.