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In all the years that followed, Wipro benefited from the angel like interest Som took without any expectations whatsoever. Many years after, when I left Wipro and Som left VLSI, we still kept in touch. Som left VLSI to join Walden, a $1 Billion venture capital firm from California that specialized in high-tech deals.
Som persuaded Walden to set up an India fund and later hired Sudhir Sethi to head it. As our business plan progressed, I felt awkward to speak to either Som or Sudhir as it might look like I am taking advantage of a lifetime of relationship - till the afternoon I made a presentation to their 40-odd potential investees at the Gateway Hotel in Bangalore. At the end of the presentation, I invited Som and Sudhir for lunch at home next day.

It was at my sparsely furnished, temporary apartment in Bangalore where we were living out of suitcases, while waiting for my house to be built. Providence makes me meet Som always in such state. My wife Susmita has by now learnt to serve a meal with makeshift cutlery without apologies. As I got home that night, I asked KK whether we should shed our inhibition and make a pitch to Walden. He saw no harm and agreed to join for lunch.

Next day, before lunch was served, we made our presentation to Som on my dining table for the second time in our relationship. At the end of the pitch, Som and Sudhir agreed that it made sense to carry the discussion forward. We agreed to discuss the business plan with special emphasis on the financials. This led to at least two more serious, subsequent discussions with Sudhir. A meeting with Som was considered important and we figured out that it could be done whenever I visited US next. We agreed to wait.

Kamran, Scott, Kalyan and Rostow

This narrative is largely sequential. Except in some places where I have taken liberty with timing of certain events. In a way, it is the confluence of happenings that become more pertinent than what happened when. With that disclaimer, let me share with you, how we met with four outstanding individuals who agreed to sign on to our dream and helped shape the Mission, Vision and subsequent roll out at different stages.

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Subroto Bagchi is co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for MindTree Consulting (P) Ltd. The "Making of the MindTree" is told in the first person by Subroto Bagchi. In condensed form, it was published by Business World, filmed by InfiniTV, and aired on CNBC, IT Hour. Websites: www.mindtree.com & www.mindtree.com/subrotobagchi