Pavitra Anakru

Introduce yourself to our audience. Tell us who you are and what you are currently focused on.

I'm Pavitra Anakru, a serial entrepreneur passionate about empowering women in leadership. With over 20+ years of experience, I've built two successful technology companies catering to different market segments. Finmax Tech LLC (founded 2010): A globally recognized leader providing comprehensive front, middle, and back-office technology solutions for capital markets. Our flagship application empowers sell-side firms with trade capture, regulatory reporting, and STP processing across various asset classes. DealMagik Inc.: Focuses on empowering local businesses by providing a state-of-the-art e-commerce platform and mobile apps. This platform connects local businesses with consumers and offers them the technology to run their businesses and promote themselves effectively. Beyond building businesses, I'm committed to ethical practices in the financial industry. I provide regulatory review services with a focus on technology and have held leadership roles like Finra-appointed monitor and Court-appointed monitor for CFTC reviews.

Tell us about your favorite Ellevate Network memory or success story. Why are you a member?

I'm particularly impressed by Ellevate's mission to advance women in business leadership. My experiences as a founder and leader across both the high-tech and Main Street sectors can offer valuable insights and support to the Ellevate community. I'm eager to connect, share my knowledge, and explore collaborative opportunities to empower more women in tech and beyond.

How would you define your professional mission?

I'm a passionate advocate for bridging the digital divide. My professional mission is to promote equitable access to technology for both Main Street businesses and women in the tech industry.

What qualities does it take for someone to be successful in your line of work?

Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Thriving in this field requires a strong commitment to lifelong learning and a willingness to adapt to new technologies and trends. Proactiveness and Agility: The ability to anticipate change and move quickly is crucial. Being proactive allows you to stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on new opportunities. Collaboration and Support: Strong collaboration skills are essential for success. Building a network of supportive peers and mentors is invaluable. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze information, solve complex problems, and think critically is fundamental for success.

What is one of your most memorable career accomplishments?

One of my most memorable career accomplishments was founding Finmax Tech LLC in 2010, right in the midst of the financial crisis. At that challenging time , I saw an opportunity to create a company that would provide comprehensive technology solutions for capital markets. Despite the difficult economic climate, I took the initiative to build a strong team, developed a robust product offering and created a follow the sun model for support. Today, Finmax Tech is a well-established, successful company serving clients globally . The experience of launching and growing a company during such a tumultuous economic period has been incredibly rewarding and is something I'll never forget.

What are some career challenges on your radar?

Customer Acquisition: A competitive landscape with multiple vendors and internal IT departments acting as gatekeepers can make it difficult to reach decision-makers and showcase the value proposition of your product/service. Ensuring sufficient capital is crucial for any business, especially in competitive markets where continuous innovation and development might be required. Technology is constantly evolving. Staying ahead of the curve by monitoring market trends, investing in research and development, and adapting our offerings to meet emerging needs can be a challenge. Finding and retaining top talent in the tech industry can be difficult, especially in a competitive job market.