By: Maria Williams
Sharmin Ali, a New York-based Indian-American serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, exemplifies unyielding resilience and bold innovation. Her journey is a testament to overcoming profound adversity—from witnessing genocide and enduring a major earthquake in India to surviving a cardiac event and battling relentless stress as an entrepreneur. Today, she channels her formidable experiences into empowering others through her ventures and the Sharmin Ali Foundation for Entrepreneurs (SAFE).
The Magnetic Pull of New York
Ali’s decision to make New York her home was driven by its electrifying opportunities in marketing and publishing, fields that are the lifeblood of her work. “Life goals, aspirations, and desires brought me here,” she declares. The city’s eclectic culinary scene, from the West Village to Little India, was an irresistible draw, as was her love for New York winters. But it’s the city’s unique energy that genuinely captivated her. “New York is an emotion, an enigma, and an ecstasy,” Ali exclaims. “I love the food, the people, and the noise. There is a constant drive that doesn’t let anyone sleep. I love hanging out around the Hudson and the art scene in Williamsburg. MOMA and MET are my favorites when I’m in need of some inspiration.”
Techstars New York City: A Crucible of Innovation
Ali’s entrepreneurial journey in New York was significantly shaped by her transformative experience with the Techstars New York City accelerator. “Techstars was phenomenal,” she recalls. The program offered financial backing and invaluable mentorship from over 100 successful entrepreneurs. “The whole community is extremely supportive and empathetic towards entrepreneurship. They love founders and go to the earth’s end to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges while building disruptive startups.”
Ali highlights the Techstars community’s collaborative spirit and its leadership’s support. “Jordan Fliegel, the MD, is incredibly friendly, kind, and empathic. Andrew Hippert and Elliott Mack excel at investor networking and are relentless problem solvers,” she notes. This nurturing environment was instrumental as she navigated the challenges of building groundbreaking startups.
Founding SAFE: A Mission Fueled by Passion for Fellow Entrepreneurs
The creation of SAFE was a deeply personal crusade for Ali. Having endured a cardiac arrest and battling depression due to skyrocketing cortisol levels and an unforgiving lifestyle, she understood the critical need for mental health support in the entrepreneurial world.
“My journey through multiple startups and the high-pressure fundraising environment exposed me to immense stress and burnout,” she explains. “I have suffered cardiac arrest and depression in the past due to my high cortisol levels and terrible lifestyle patterns.” Witnessing similar struggles among her peers and recognizing the pervasive stigma around mental health in the tech industry galvanized her resolve to create SAFE. “There is a pervasive stigma around mental health in the entrepreneurial world, where admitting to struggles can be perceived as a weakness. I wanted to create an environment where mental health discussions are normalized, and support is accessible.”
Through SAFE, Ali aims to transform the lives of 10,000 entrepreneurs over the next three years. “By starting the foundation, I aim to champion better mental health practices and policies within the industry,” she asserts. “My goal is to create a more supportive, empathetic, and resilient tech community, where mental health is prioritized, and entrepreneurs can thrive both personally and professionally.”
Entrepreneurial Triumphs and Tribulations
Ali’s entrepreneurial saga began when she boldly turned down a job offer from a Fortune 100 company to join a startup. She propelled that startup to hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue but eventually felt unfulfilled. “One day, it felt like I was just helping the rich get richer and not adding any value to my own life. I knew it was time to move on and carve my own entrepreneurial path,” she says. This led to creating a Netflix-like platform for Indian vernacular languages, which achieved an eight-figure exit in 2018.
Her next venture was the world’s first Emotion AI company for product reviews, which evolved to include content analysis for marketers and emotion-based selling. “My relentless drive and desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, coupled with a passion to support women and underrepresented communities, is what fuels me,” she asserts.
However, Ali’s journey was fraught with challenges. From bootstrapping her first company to navigating the pandemic and global recession with her second startup, she faced relentless hardships. “I’ve taken loans against my credit cards, mortgaged my house, liquidated my investments, and even pawned my jewelry,” she recalls. Her struggles culminated in a cardiac arrest, a turning point that reshaped her perspective. “Health is paramount, and mental well-being is grossly misunderstood by many. Every entrepreneur needs access to a full-time therapist for their peace of mind.”
A Future Ablaze with Possibility
Ali’s future is as dynamic and bold as her past. She is writing her third book and preparing to launch her website. “I’m exhilarated by the overwhelming support and love the American media has shown me on this journey,” she says. Her ongoing mission is to support and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the resources and resilience to conquer any challenge.
Sharmin Ali’s story is one of unyielding triumph over adversity, driven by an unrelenting passion to make a difference. Through her ventures and the Sharmin Ali Foundation for Entrepreneurs, she continues to blaze a trail for a healthier, more supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. “My unquenchable drive and desire to make a difference in people’s lives, coupled with a passion to support women and underrepresented communities, is what keeps me going.” Her journey from adversity to advocacy is a powerful inspiration for entrepreneurs everywhere.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
