AI has made it easier to build products, but entrepreneurs still need to decide what to build and whether they can stay committed long enough to turn an idea into a sustainable business.
For Naren Shaam, Founder and CEO of Omio Group, the answer is to solve difficult problems, stay focused, and avoid chasing the next big thing.
Speaking at TechSparks 2026, Shaam spoke about building Omio, which operates across 56 countries, and why Indian entrepreneurs should think globally from the beginning.
“If I were to rebuild Omio today, I would start here because there is so much growth and opportunity in India today. But the principles remain the same. You need to go after really hard problems and focus on solving them for a very long time,” he told YourStory.
Shaam founded Omio after identifying a problem in global transportation: operators had separate systems for trains, buses, and ferries. After moving to Germany, he spent two and a half years working on the supply side before launching the company's first product.
“Building a billion-dollar business is really hard. The stories of companies going from zero to a billion dollars very quickly are rare. Don’t get inspired by the exceptions as for most, it is a daily grind,” he said.
Shaam believes entrepreneurs need not wait until they have succeeded in India before expanding overseas. While some businesses cater to local needs, sectors such as education, healthcare, and deeptech offer opportunities across markets.
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