Entrechat with Anuradha Chowdhary

“Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back!”

Often, the nitty gritty of tech can already be difficult enough, and more so while you are wading into the exciting but sometimes stressful waters of the legal world. These feelings are amplified for women, but you don’t have to let them eat away into your capabilities and allow them to stop you from charging ahead. Today, we have with us, a woman of sheer grit and intellect, who stands tall as a lawyer and a passionate advocate for responsible tech adoption. Anuradha Chowdhary, founder of ZeroTo3 Collective, is an experienced lawyer, who also specializes in new technologies. She advises AI, Web3, gaming, and tech businesses on corporate structuring, virtual assets licensing, token issuance, IP strategies, and Web3 fundraising. A welcomed speaker at international conferences, Anuradha has been featured in multiple publications as well. With qualifications as an advocate and memberships in reputable global organisations in emerging tech industry, her legal expertise transcends borders. Her skills empower clients to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and
achieve successful expansion across markets.

Ques. How did you think about becoming an entrepreneur?

I always knew I would be an entrepreneur- it was an inherent attribute. Exposure to the media and entertainment business, early in life, gave me a first-hand understanding of the creative and business dynamics of the industry. By the time I applied to film school, I was determined to establish my own production house after graduation.

Upon graduating with a degree in filmmaking, I co-founded YelloWarp Productions with two fantastic partners, focusing on ad films. This experience further fuelled my entrepreneurial spirit, but a growing curiosity about how law intersects with business inspired me to pursue a degree in law. After law school, I joined the legal industry, working at many different law firms where I serviced a range of Indian and international clients, from startups to multinational corporations. Through these experiences, I identified gaps in how traditional law firms engaged with clients in emerging industries—especially those involved in disruptive technologies. This realization was pivotal.

I knew it was time to create something that aligned with my ethos: ZeroTo3 Collective. My goal was simple—build a law firm that communicates in a way tech entrepreneurs understand, provides the attention they deserve, and embodies transparency. ZeroTo3 Collective was launched in 2022, but it’s my diverse experiences, coupled with the growth mindset instilled in me by my family, that have guided me along this entrepreneurial journey from a very young age.

Ques. What are some strengths that a woman entrepreneur should possess?

Key strengths for any entrepreneur include resilience, compassion, and creativity. Resilience helps navigate challenges and setbacks, as I experienced when transitioning from filmmaking to law. Compassion fosters strong, supportive relationships with clients and team members, crucial in diverse fields. Creativity drives innovative solutions and fresh approaches, essential for standing out and adapting in a constantly evolving industry.

Ques. Could you tell us about the challenges faced by you?

The challenges I faced were significant but rewarding. Establishing a law firm at age 32 in a traditionally conservative industry was a bold move that drew scepticism. However, I identified gaps in the market and was determined to implement a modern approach tailored to the new generation of tech businesses.

Again, navigating a predominantly male-dominated tech industry and finding clients was also challenging, especially given the restrictions on advertising for lawyers. To overcome this, I focused on building my reputation through global conferences, keynotes, and panel discussions, often in male-dominated spaces. Despite the uphill battle, the journey has been immensely fulfilling.

Ques. How is competition in your business area?

The competition in my niche is relatively specialized. While the broader legal field is indeed competitive, there are very few lawyers focused on disruptive technologies like AI and blockchain. I ventured into this specialized area because I saw a unique opportunity to leverage my background in both law and the creative industry.

Practicing in this field requires a delicate balance: effectively applying existing regulations while creatively anticipating and addressing emerging challenges.

Ques. How did you try to make your business different?

To differentiate my practice, I focused on addressing three key gaps:

1. Communication: Recognizing that many clients, especially younger ones, prefer modern and informal communication methods, I made it a priority to be accessible through platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. This approach ensures that clients can reach out easily and engage in quick, meaningful conversations without navigating traditional barriers.
2. Client Attention: Start-up founders can often feel overlooked by larger firms. To address this, I emphasize approachability and personal engagement. I regularly check in with clients, offer informal mentorship, and ensure that their matters are always handled by highly experienced, specialized lawyers.
3. Transparency in Billing: We offer transparent, flexible billing models. For early-stage projects, we work on fixed-fee arrangements rather than retainers, which can often be unnecessary. We also provide lenient fees for startups while being upfront that, as they secure funding, our fees will gradually increase to standard rates. This ensures clarity and trust from the outset.

Ques. What are your future plans?

Looking ahead, my vision is to expand ZeroTo3 Collective on a global scale while continuously evolving in how we approach and deliver solutions for emerging industries. As technologies like AI and blockchain rewrite the rules, we are committed to remaining at the forefront, addressing complex regulatory gaps with innovative and practical legal strategies where traditional frameworks fall short.

A key driver of this growth is our global partnerships with law firms, tech innovators, and regulatory bodies. By fostering these international collaborations, we will be well-positioned to address the evolving legal challenges of the future. Ultimately, my goal for ZeroTo3 Collective is to be recognized globally as a leader in disruptive technology law.

On a personal level, I’m focused on deepening my expertise and advocacy within the niche of disruptive technologies. As a member of global organizations, I actively work towards shaping regulations that promote innovation. Alongside growing the firm, I will continue speaking at international conferences, contributing to thought leadership, and engaging with the tech and legal communities to solidify my presence as a trusted advisor in this space.

Ques. Any tips for someone starting out today?

Approach entrepreneurship with creativity and strategic thinking. Innovate boldly and embrace calculated risks like you’re playing a strategic game; research, plan, and make those moves with confidence. Build a strong network of mentors and peers for valuable guidance and opportunities.

Don’t lose focus of your health. View setbacks as learning experiences pivot with grace. Stay true to your vision and ignore the generic “just do it” advice. You need to develop a strategy that aligns with your goals. Entrepreneurship is a dynamic journey—navigate it with purpose and resilience, and enjoy it.