Journey of Yogini Bende: Founder and CTO of Peerlist- Entrepreneur
Biography of Yogini Bende:
Foundation of Knowledge
Yogini Bende’s journey into the tech world began at Amravati
University, where she pursued her education in computer science. She completed
her Bachelor of Engineering (BE) from 2010 to 2014, followed by a Master of
Engineering (MEng) from 2011 to 2014. This educational background equipped her
with the technical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for her future
endeavors in the technology sector.
Early Career Beginnings
After her academic achievements, Yogini ventured into the
professional realm as a freelance web developer with Designerdada from March 2017
to January 2018. This initial experience allowed her to hone her development
skills while providing her with insights into client needs and project
management. Working independently helped her understand the intricacies of
delivering quality software solutions.
Journey of Yogini Bende: Founder and CTO of Peerlist- Entrepreneur/ what is net worth & age/professional network for top developers & designers
Growth as a Developer
Following her freelance work, she joined Clairvoyant LLC as
a Frontend Developer from January 2018 to September 2019. Here, Yogini took on
more responsibilities, contributing to significant projects and collaborating
with teams to build user-friendly applications. Her time at Clairvoyant was
pivotal, as it solidified her technical expertise and provided a deeper
understanding of frontend technologies.
Rising Through the Ranks
Yogini’s journey continued as she transitioned to Espressif
Systems, where she worked as a Full Stack Engineer from October 2019 to October
2021. In this role, she was an individual contributor focusing primarily on
frontend development. Her ability to navigate both backend and frontend tasks
showcased her versatility and commitment to delivering comprehensive tech
solutions.
The Birth of Peerlist
In October 2021, Yogini co-founded Peerlist, where she
currently serves as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Peerlist is designed to be
a professional network for the top 10% of developers and designers, providing
them with a platform to showcase their portfolios and connect with potential
employers. This initiative reflects her vision of creating meaningful
connections in the tech community.
A Developer's
Perspective
Yogini describes herself as a developer turned founder, and
her experiences in the tech industry have profoundly shaped her entrepreneurial
mindset. Like many tech founders, she immersed herself in startup literature
and resources, such as Paul Graham's essays and various podcasts, believing
that building a successful startup was merely a matter of understanding the
basics and executing them well.
The Reality of Founding
However, Yogini soon realized that the startup journey is
often more complex than it appears. She noted how family and friends can
question the decision to leave a stable job for entrepreneurship, often voicing
doubts that can lead to self-doubt. This experience taught her that while
advice is plentiful, the journey of building a startup is uniquely personal and
requires unwavering belief in one’s vision.
Navigating Advice and Doubts
Throughout her journey, Yogini encountered a flood of
unsolicited advice from various sources. While some advice was genuinely
helpful, she also faced criticism and skepticism. This mixture often made her
question her decisions, highlighting the importance of filtering external
opinions and trusting her own judgment based on the context she had as the
founder.
The Importance of Self-Confidence
Yogini emphasized that early in the startup process, it’s
natural to seek reassurance and validation from others. Excitement about
potential investments or customer interest can make founders overly receptive
to feedback. However, she learned that what she often needed most was simple
encouragement—someone to remind her to keep going despite challenges.
Embracing the Rollercoaster
The past two years as a founder have been filled with highs
and lows, but Yogini describes them as some of the best days of her life. The
enjoyment she finds in building Peerlist and engaging with the community keeps
her motivated. Despite the challenges, her passion for technology and helping
others drives her forward.
Learning from Experiences
Yogini reflects on the diverse advice she has received,
ranging from well-meaning but misguided suggestions to insights from
experienced entrepreneurs. Each piece of advice carries its own weight, but she
has learned to take it with a pinch of salt, recognizing that what works for
one person may not apply to her situation.
Peerlist's Mission
At Peerlist, Yogini aims to create a supportive environment
where developers and designers can showcase their work and connect
meaningfully. The platform embodies her belief in the power of community,
allowing top talent to find opportunities that align with their skills and
aspirations. This focus on quality and connection sets Peerlist apart in a
crowded market.
A Vision for the Future
As Yogini continues her journey at Peerlist, she remains
committed to fostering a culture of innovation and support. Her experiences as
a developer and founder have shaped her vision for the platform, and she looks
forward to empowering more professionals in the tech industry. Through her
leadership, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their paths, regardless of
the challenges they may face.
A timeline of Yogini Bende's journey:
2010-2014 - Completes Bachelor of Engineering (BE) and
Master of Engineering (MEng) in Computer Science from Amravati University.
March 2017-January 2018 - Works as a freelance web developer
at Designerdada, honing development skills and project management.
January 2018-September 2019 - Joins Clairvoyant LLC as a
Frontend Developer, contributing to significant projects and deepening frontend
expertise.
October 2019-October 2021 - Serves as a Full Stack Engineer
at Espressif Systems, showcasing versatility in frontend and backend
development.
October 2021 - Co-founds Peerlist, becoming Chief Technology
Officer (CTO) and creating a professional network for top developers and
designers.
2023- Navigates the complexities of startup life,
emphasizing self-confidence and filtering advice while fostering a supportive
community at Peerlist.
2024 - Aims to empower tech professionals and inspire
innovation through Peerlist’s mission and culture.