THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At 22, Geethu Sivakumar might look unassuming. But do not be fooled by her looks. This youngster who is driven by her passion towards technology helms an IT company PACE Hi-Tech and is one among the youngest CEOs in Kerala.
Nothing excites Geethu more than the challenge of surmounting a bug in a program. This is one girl who is ardently passionate about problem-solving and coding. And no wonder, the passion for technology and the world of computers has her at the top of the firm based in the city. The girl has achieved yet another milestone with the company spreading its wings into Sri Lanka and Singapore. “We have expanded to Sri Lanka and Singapore. My dream is to expand to all countries,” the youngster says.
She was always the tech wiz, participating in many competitions from school days. “Even while in school, I used to take part in tech fests,” says Geethu, an alumnus of Nirmala Bhavan School, Kowdiar. Seeing her interest in programming, it was a teacher in her school who suggested that she stay back after classes and learn to programme. That was the start, she recalls. And ever since, she has been enchanted by the world of technology and programming.
She had one of the biggest exposures when she went to Japan as part of the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths Program. She was also adjudged the best web developer in Kerala in the IT fest conducted by the state government, IT Mission and Technopark.
Although she was always enchanted by the world of computers and programming, when it came to choosing her subject in graduation, she chose Electronics and Communication over Computer engineering. “I wanted to learn more about the hardware area and that has helped tremendously,” says the alumnus of Government Engineering College, Barton Hill. While still in college she developed a news app ‘Voice of GECB’ for the college apart from undertaking several freelance works in web development.
At 19 she launched her startup in the incubator set up in her college, hers being the first company. And then there was no looking back. Even after getting offers from several companies, she stuck with her idea of starting her own venture. And when Beta Group acquired her startup under the Group’s arm PACE Hi-Tech, Geethu’s dreams got wings.
Even after being a young achiever, at times, her age does get in the way. “To get people to listen to you is a problem at times. In those junctures, it is our work that does all the talking,” Geethu says. She mentioned that earlier there was pressure from family to search for a stable job. But seeing her strong resolve and determination to take forth the company, her parents are also rendering all support.
The youngster is thoroughly enjoying her new role and responsibilities as the CEO. Our company deals in offering technology solutions and specialises in developing digital products, she elaborates. “There are challenges and responsibilities that come with the job. But I am extremely passionate about this and so I get to enjoy every aspect. One has to be willing to take risks to achieve big,” she adds.