Meet Siddharth Shankar | Tech Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Siddharth Shankar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Siddharth, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for CloudCores originated from a commitment to addressing educational and economic disparities in underserved communities, inspired by our research revealing significant opportunity gaps. Recognizing that startups often struggle to find affordable digital solutions while talented students from underrepresented backgrounds lack practical experience, we created CloudCores to bridge these needs. By pairing startups with interns, CloudCores fosters a mission-driven approach that empowers both parties, promoting innovation and inclusivity within the tech industry while contributing to long-term social change.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
CloudCores is a mission-driven startup that empowers both emerging businesses and underrepresented students in the tech industry by providing affordable, high-quality digital solutions. What sets us apart is our dual impact model, which combines premium services at 1/3 the market price with hands-on training for interns from underserved communities. Our journey has been challenging, requiring us to balance quality with affordability and build trust in a competitive market, but we overcame these hurdles through innovation and strong partnerships. We take pride in our achievements, including winning the Baker Institute Eureka! Pitch Competition and receiving positive client feedback. Ultimately, CloudCores stands for inclusivity and innovation, believing that by empowering startups and students simultaneously, we can create a more equitable tech landscape and foster meaningful change in the industry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Start with a visit to Times Square and enjoy a classic slice of pizza at Joe’s Pizza. Spend time in Central Park with a picnic lunch, followed by a visit to the American Museum of Natural History. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, grab pizza at L&B Spumoni Gardens, and hang out at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Explore the 9/11 Memorial and enjoy street food from The Halal Guys. Discover the High Line and Chelsea Market, then relax in Washington Square Park. Shop at thrift stores in Williamsburg, enjoy casual meals, and catch free outdoor events. Finally, wrap up your trip with brunch at Ess-a-Bagel before heading to the airport, creating lasting memories without breaking the bank!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In the spirit of the Shoutout series, I would like to dedicate my shoutout to the Lehigh Baker Institute. Their unwavering support and mentorship have been instrumental in our journey at CloudCores. The resources and guidance provided through their Venture Program have not only helped us secure crucial funding but also equipped us with valuable insights into navigating the startup landscape.

Additionally, I want to acknowledge the dedicated mentors and educators who have inspired and guided our interns. Their commitment to fostering talent in underrepresented communities has been pivotal in shaping the next generation of tech leaders.

Lastly, a heartfelt shoutout goes to our amazing team of interns. Their passion, creativity, and hard work drive our mission forward every day. Together, we are building a more inclusive future in tech, and I am grateful for each individual’s contributions to our collective success.

Website: https://cloudcores.org