March 5, 2025, by bbztlg
Navigating start-up waters: my journey with Persomic
MBA student Pavan Katari shares his experiences of a placement with a health-tech start-up.
Working with Persomic has been a rewarding blend of learning, hands-on experience, and professional growth. As an IT professional with experience in software development, business analysis
an
d strategy, I was eager to apply my skills beyond the classroom during my MBA at the University of Nottingham. That’s when I found Persomic, a health-tech start-up using AI for real-world impact—an opportunity I eagerly took on.
Persomic uses AI to simplify lab result analysis, helping healthcare practitioners make faster, more accurate nutrition decisions—saving time and improving patient care. The chance to contribute to something this impactful excited me, and I took on the responsibility of bringing their tech development in-house, improving internal workflows, and supporting their growth plans.
Balancing an MBA with a start-up – a true challenge
Balancing high-intensity MBA modules, project work, and a fast-moving start-up was like stepping into a whirlwind. One moment, I was deep in coursework, and the next, I was making key tech decisions at Persomic, challenging me to master time management and adaptability.
This was also my first hands-on experience with AI integration, and it reshaped how I viewed technology’s role in automation and efficiency. I participated in key discussions and decisions, learning how start-ups leverage AI for practical problem-solving.
How I contributed to Persomic’s growth
My role initially focused on helping launch Persomic’s SaaS platform and securing its first customer, but it quickly expanded to bringing technology development in-house.
I managed the transition of software development and documentation from an external vendor, ensuring a smooth handover and long-term stability. To support Persomic’s future customer relationship management system (CRM), I developed structured documentation with process maps, CRM provider selection criteria, and a cost-benefit analysis, making it easier for the team to evaluate options and integrate new features effectively. Additionally, I reviewed technology partner proposals to ensure their AI solutions and cloud services were both technically effective and cost-efficient, successfully negotiating better pricing for Persomic.
Key lessons and career growth
I used to think leadership meant focusing on strategy while leaving technical details to the team. However, technology evolves too quickly to step away from it entirely. At Persomic, I realised that effective tech leaders must stay engaged with the latest advancements to make informed decisions. This experience reinforced that balancing leadership with hands-on technical knowledge is crucial. Staying connected to tech ensures smarter decision-making, better collaboration with teams, and long-term career growth.
Dr Adigo Atabo, Persomic’s founder and a great mentor, taught me a crucial lesson – to always question the value behind every effort. ‘What value are we getting out of this?’ became a guiding principle in my approach, shaping how I evaluate work and make decisions moving forward. This role also provided me with valuable UK work experience, deepening my understanding of start-up culture, business operations, and leadership in the tech space. It strengthened my aspirations in both technology and business strategy, equipping me with skills that closely align with my career goals.
Final thoughts: why this matters
For any student considering a placement, go for it. Start-ups push you out of your comfort zone, forcing you to adapt, innovate, and grow rapidly. Whether you’re in tech, business, or any field, hands-on experience at a start-up can accelerate your career in ways a classroom never could.
Opportunities like this are rare. If you get one, take it seriously, contribute meaningfully, and use it as a stepping stone for long-term growth. Looking back, my time at Persomic wasn’t just another project – it was a defining chapter in my career. It taught me the importance of balancing leadership with technical expertise, solving real-world challenges, and thinking strategically while staying grounded in execution.
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