Quote of the day by Ratan Tata: A founder who is in for the short run, or has no...

“A founder who is in for the short run, or has no passion for the sector he is in, doesn't give me a great deal of comfort.”

Ratan Tata's words highlight the importance of passion, commitment and long-term thinking in entrepreneurship. The former Tata Group chairman believed that founders should have a genuine interest in the sector they operate in and remain committed to building something meaningful over the long term.

Tata's approach to investing in startups was also influenced by his focus on the people behind a business idea. He said he relied more on intuition than numbers when evaluating entrepreneurs and looked at factors such as passion, commitment and innovation.

Ratan Tata made these remarks in 2016, during a live conversation with Snapdeal co-founder Kunal Bahl at a TiECON conference in Mumbai.

Ratan Tata was born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai. He served as chairman of Tata Sons from 1991 to 2012 and later as interim chairman in 2016-17.

Under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded its global presence and made several major international acquisitions, including Tetley, Corus and Jaguar Land Rover. He was also associated with the development of the Tata Nano.

Beyond business, Tata was known for his philanthropy, humility and emphasis on ethical business practices. He received the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008.

After stepping down as Tata Sons chairman, he became increasingly involved with India's startup ecosystem and invested in several young companies. He passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86.WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE QUOTE?

Ratan Tata's quote highlights two qualities he considered important in a founder --- passion and long-term commitment. Building a business often involves uncertainty, competition, financial challenges and setbacks. A founder who is genuinely passionate about the sector may be better placed to remain committed and work through such challenges.

The quote also suggests that entrepreneurship should not be viewed simply as a way to make quick profits or achieve a short-term exit. Tata believed in founders who were willing to stay invested in their ideas and focus on building and growing their businesses over time.

This philosophy was also reflected in Tata's approach to startup investments. He said he relied more on intuition than numbers when evaluating entrepreneurs and paid attention to their ideas, passion and commitment.HOW IS RATAN TATA'S QUOTE RELEVANT TODAY?

Tata's words remain relevant in an environment where startups and businesses often operate under pressure to grow rapidly and deliver quick results.

For entrepreneurs, the quote serves as a reminder that financial opportunities alone may not be enough to sustain a business through changing market conditions. A strong understanding of the sector, genuine interest in solving a problem and commitment to business can be important when challenges arise.

The message can also apply to students and young professionals choosing a career. Selecting a field only because it appears financially attractive may not always lead to long-term fulfilment. Developing an interest in work and continuously building expertise can help individuals remain committed as their careers evolve.WHAT ARE SOME OTHER QUOTES BY RATAN TATA?

Ratan Tata shared several thoughts on leadership, success, failure and life. Some of his widely cited quotes include:advertisement“I don't believe in taking right decisions, I take decisions and then make them right.”“If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.”“Ups and downs in life are very important to keep us going, because a straight line even in an E.C.G. means we are not alive.”“None can destroy iron but its own rust can. Likewise, none can destroy a person, but his own mindset can.”“If there are challenges thrown across, then some interesting, innovative solutions are found. Without challenges, the tendency is to go on the same way.”These quotes reflect recurring themes in Tata's views on resilience, teamwork, decision-making, challenges and personal responsibility.KEY TAKEAWAY FROM RATAN TATA'S QUOTE

Ratan Tata's quote underlines that building a business is a long-term journey rather than a short-term pursuit.

His message for entrepreneurs is centred on passion, commitment and the willingness to stay invested in a chosen field. For founders and young professionals alike, the quote serves as a reminder that genuine interest in one's work can be an important part of sustaining the effort required to build something meaningful.- EndsPublished By: Apoorva AnandPublished On: Sep 21, 2026 07:30 ISTREAD | Quote of the Day by Ratan Tata: I don't believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and...READ | Remembering Ratan Tata, trailblazer who globalised Tata Group