<strong>Charlotte</strong>’s <strong>Young</strong> <strong>Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals</strong> 8 Abhishek Mehta, founder <strong>of</strong> Tresata
Tresata Finds Success When describing <strong>Charlotte</strong> in one word, some would say “opportunity.” Enter Tresata, founded in January <strong>of</strong> 2011 by Abhishek Mehta and Richard Morris. Abhishek, Abhi for short, saw an opportunity in the “big data” (applying analytics to information) space and jumped in to claim the financial services vertical. “Big data” is growing quickly in Silicon Valley, so Abhi and his partner had to make a decision. They could start their company anywhere, and conventional wisdom would have led them to New York or Silicon Valley. But they didn’t need conventional wisdom and a crowded marketplace; they needed opportunity. “We chose <strong>Charlotte</strong> for multiple reasons. Our vertical is financial services, and the majority <strong>of</strong> our clients are on the East coast, which makes <strong>Charlotte</strong> the perfect choice in terms <strong>of</strong> accessibility.” <strong>Charlotte</strong>-Mecklenburg workers who drive to work have a mean commute time <strong>of</strong> 28 minutes, which is less than those <strong>of</strong> Atlanta (35 minutes) and Washington, D.C. (41 minutes). However, the <strong>Charlotte</strong> Area Transit System (CATS), the largest transit system between Atlanta and D.C., <strong>of</strong>fers over 70 local, express and regional bus routes, a light rail line and vanpools. When opened, the LYNX light rail was so successful that it doubled its projected weekly ridership in its first year <strong>of</strong> operation. “Second on the list was talent. The talent war in the big data space is very competitive in the [Silicon] Valley, which makes it difficult to hire. We have been pleasantly surprised by the universities in the area and recently hired three interns from UNCC’s science department.” “Third is the unique blend <strong>of</strong> industries. We believe that with the unique combination <strong>of</strong> industries in our area, <strong>Charlotte</strong> should become the second hub <strong>of</strong> big data.” “The final reason and cherry on top is quality <strong>of</strong> life. People come to <strong>Charlotte</strong> not just for the money but looking for something else — a balance that is difficult to get in larger cities. When you combine all <strong>of</strong> those, it is a unique and easy sell for us to pick <strong>Charlotte</strong>.” CareerBliss recently ranked <strong>Charlotte</strong> fifth out <strong>of</strong> 10 cities for “Happiest Cities for Working Dads.” Starting a business is never easy, just ask any entrepreneur. But there are ways to make the rollercoaster ride a little easier. Abhi agrees. “From an entrepreneur’s perspective, “You can start a business in <strong>Charlotte</strong> for a fifth <strong>of</strong> what you can in NYC or California. Money goes farther, and that is a massive, massive advantage.” — Abhishek Mehta, Tresata there are three main things you need to find success. Those three are to get the right talent, start the business with a low investment and be able to get to anywhere you want to be. It’s pretty cool because you can get all three in <strong>Charlotte</strong>.” <strong>Charlotte</strong> was ranked the fifth “Most Desirable Place to do Business” out <strong>of</strong> 100 cities by Area Development Special magazine. <strong>Charlotte</strong>’s <strong>Young</strong> <strong>Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals</strong> 9