PACE: Geethu Sivakumar on Transforming Businesses through Practical IT Solutions
The world of IT services is often criticized for being "boring" and "process-heavy." Geethu Sivakumar, Founder of PACE, is on a mission to inject creativity and practicality back into the sector. Having started her entrepreneurial journey while still in college, Geethu has spent over five years building a sustainable consultancy that focuses on high-quality software development and business transformation. Her story is a testament to the power of starting early, breaking gender stereotypes in tech, and prioritizing practical experience over academic credentials.
Geethu’s spark for entrepreneurship was lit during her engineering days. "I started my first project in college, and by the time I graduated, I knew I didn't want a traditional nine-to-five job," she recalls. This early drive led her to participate in startup competitions conducted by the Government of Kerala, providing the initial validation and network needed to launch PACE. Today, she leads a team focused on helping businesses navigate the complex digital landscape with mobile applications and customized IT solutions.
Practical Experience vs. Academic Degrees
Geethu is a firm believer that in the tech world, what you've built matters more than where you studied. "I don't place much emphasis on college degrees during hiring," she asserts. "I look for people who have enough practical experience to handle real-world challenges. Tech is evolving so fast that the ability to think practically and execute is the only true currency."
Breaking the 'Boys Club' in Tech
As a female founder in a predominantly male industry, Geethu has faced her fair share of challenges. "The IT industry, especially at the leadership level, is still very male-dominated," she notes. She points out that while women are increasingly entering the workforce, the "top roles" are often out of reach due to societal expectations and the "family-first" narrative. "We need to stop seeing household responsibilities as solely a woman's job. When the support system at home is equal, more women will find the bandwidth to build national brands."
Despite these barriers, Geethu has successfully built a cohesive team by focusing on complementary skills. "Arguments are good," she says with a smile. "They show passion. Whether you are working with male or female co-founders, the goal is the same: to solve the customer's problem in the most efficient way possible."
Finding Inspiration in Einstein
When asked about her role model, Geethu points to Albert Einstein. "I admire how he thought differently," she explains. "Creativity isn't just for artists; it's essential for tech founders. To build something that hasn't been built before, you need to see patterns that others miss. Einstein's ability to imagine the impossible is what I strive for in my business."
This creative approach is what allows PACE to differentiate itself in a crowded market. Rather than just following templates, the team dives deep into the client's business logic, ensuring that the technology actually drives growth rather than just being a cost center.
Geethu's Advice for Student Founders
- Understand Your 'Why': Before you leap into entrepreneurship because it seems 'cool,' ask yourself what you truly desire. If you crave stability and a fixed income, a nine-to-five might be a better fit.
- Start Small, Iterate Fast: Use your college days to experiment. The stakes are low, and the learning is high.
- Find Complementary Partners: You don't need all the skills. Find a partner whose strengths fill your gaps.
- Leverage Free Resources: From YouTube to government startup cells, there are endless resources available today to help you learn the rules of the trade for free.
The Vision for PACE
Looking ahead, Geethu aims to grow PACE into a national brand known for its technical excellence and customer-centric approach. She is passionate about traveling and learning from diverse cultures, which she believes will help her bring fresh perspectives to the Indian IT landscape. For Geethu, success isn't just about revenue; it's about creating an organization where engineers can flourish and businesses can find the technology partners they truly deserve.
PACE at a Glance
- Focus: IT Consultancy and Custom Software Development.
- Legacy: 5+ years of sustainable growth since college inception.
- Philosophy: Prioritizing practical agility over traditional corporate hierarchy.
About the Guest
Geethu Sivakumar is the CEO and Director of PACE. An Electronics Engineer by training, Geethu is a visionary leader who has dedicated her career to transforming businesses using technology. She is also a partner at Beta Consultancy and is actively involved in mentoring young entrepreneurs in Kerala. Geethu is a recognized voice for women in tech and is a frequent speaker on the importance of creative thinking and practical execution in the startup ecosystem.
PACE is an IT consultancy services company dedicated to helping businesses transform their operations through technology. By providing high-quality software development, mobile application design, and digital strategy, PACE empowers organizations to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.