Shalini Divya started her founder’s journey by creating the company TasmanIon as an extension of her PhD research on new battery technologies, which she started back in 2018.
We first met Shalini when she brought her company into Creative HQ’s 2021 Climate Response Accelerator. Her founder’s journey is a great example of success in the challenging world of commercial value creation from academic research. We sat down with Shalini to help us tell her founder’s journey story.
Startup origin
Shalini Divya’s rooted her academic research on aluminium ion batteries during her PhD. Recognizing the global potential of her work, she was inspired to transition from the lab to the marketplace. This journey from research to entrepreneurship marked the beginning of TasmanIon, a startup aimed at revolutionising energy storage solutions.
A catalyst for leadership
Shalini entered the Climate Response Accelerator at Creative HQ during a pivotal moment of transition from founder to CEO.
This assistance was instrumental in her evolution as a leader, preparing her for the challenges of the startup world and connecting her with many of the key stakeholders who would help her to embrace her role as CEO with confidence and determination.
Lessons from Creative HQ
The programme’s impact on Shalini extended beyond the financial.
“The one thing that I absolutely love in my cohort was…everyone was sharing their stories, you know, their sad stories, their happy stories…And I think the advisors that Creative HQ came up with gave me a lot of their own stories of success and failure …about you know, it’s okay to be a CEO and make mistakes.”
These interactions imbued her with the resilience to embrace her mistakes and the understanding that the journey of a CEO is distinct from her personal narrative.
“I applied for the programme because I was a founder but not a CEO…Creative HQ came at the right time because, not only financially but I think emotionally, it prepared me for the startup world and gave me the confidence that I am capable of becoming a CEO.”
Fundamental insights
A critical lesson for Shalini was the need to detach emotional investment from her startup and adopt a more rational, vision-oriented approach.
“The biggest lesson I learned was, try not to treat your technology as a baby because it’s a startup…You have to be really rational and practical about it.”
Learning to balance emotional narratives with the practical aspects of running a startup was a significant turning point, allowing her to communicate more effectively with investors and stakeholders.
Post-programme progress
In the time after the Climate Response Accelerator, TasmanIon has successfully attracted three investors, enabling the expansion of its lab and team. Shalini has also secured substantial non-dilutive funding, facilitating ongoing research and development. The journey has included challenges, such as translating technical achievements to investors, but these experiences have fostered growth and resilience for her, both personally and professionally.
Success in key relationships
Shalini’s relationship with her board has evolved over time, and she attributes a lot of her effectiveness in leading her company to this improved relationship.
“I used to think directors are my bosses but then I realised with time that directors are my guides, you know, they are there to guide me if I’m making the wrong decision.”
This healthy dynamic has been crucial in navigating the startup’s strategic direction, underscoring the importance of having the right mix of expertise and mentorship on the board.
Advice for new founders
Reflecting on her journey, Shalini emphasises the importance of openness and honesty for new founders, especially those transitioning from academia.
“Founders have to be as vocal as possible, because I was not…Don’t be shy at all. I think it’s important for young founders to be very honest with their issues and vocal if someone’s not backing them up.”
Vision for TasmanIon
Shalini envisions TasmanIon playing a significant role in providing affordable and sustainable energy solutions worldwide, especially in economically disadvantaged areas. Drawing from her personal experiences in India, she aims to replace traditional energy storage methods with TasmanIon batteries, enhancing access to reliable power and contributing to global environmental sustainability.
Shalini Divya’s journey with TasmanIon is a testament to the transformative power of supportive stakeholders for emerging entrepreneurs. Her story illustrates the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of resilience, practicality, and good governance in achieving startup success.
