How to create a successful startup

Sometimes the best ideas come when you least expect them. 

Sunny Gupta got an idea for a new business from a Wall Street executive who told him she was having trouble managing the financial side of her business. He decided to build a company that would assist CIOs manage their IT dollars.

Gupta then talked to more than 40 CIOs and found out there really was a problem relating to finances.

He started Apptio Inc. to help business people get a better understanding of the cost of IT services. Apptio launched its product a year ago and has since landed more than 36 customers--not a bad start for the first year. Gupta predicts there will be strong demand for his product as the role of the CIO shifts from technology buyer to a provider of tech services.

For more on an entrepreneur with a good idea:
- see this Wall Street Journal article

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