Sanju Sriram: Turning Complexity Into Simplicity
Inefficiencies are often dismissed as unavoidable realities. For Sanju Sriram, they are not just inconveniences; they are opportunities for transformation. Whether it is an overcomplicated workplace system or a cumbersome government process, her instinct is to ask, “Why settle for this when it can be better?” That question inspired the creation of Simple720, a platform that replaces the frustration of federal excise tax filings with the ease of IRS-approved returns in just two minutes.
This shift from the tedious days of paper filing and mailing to a streamlined, digital process is not merely a technical solution. It is a testament to what is possible when simplicity and innovation come together to solve real-world problems.
The Reluctant Entrepreneur
Sanju Sriram never planned to become a CEO. “I’m an engineer at heart,” she says. “I love solving problems, not running businesses.” Her career across finance, marketing systems, and gaming brought her face-to-face with problems that most people avoided. For Sanju, those challenges were not obstacles; they were opportunities to make things better.
“I’m not interested in disruption for its own sake,” she explains. “But when something is clearly broken and can be improved, I feel a responsibility to act.”
One such challenge was the federal excise tax filing process, especially Form 720. It was tedious, confusing, and unnecessarily time-consuming. Small business owners, accountants, and operations teams often found themselves stuck in a cycle of frustration and wasted hours.
“No one gets excited about filing taxes,” she says with a smile. “But I saw a chance to eliminate some of the pain and give people back their time. Even a small improvement could make a meaningful difference.”
Building Simple720: A Step-by-Step Approach
The idea for Simple720 began with a single question: why should something as essential as tax compliance feel so overwhelming? For Sanju Sriram, the challenge was not just to build another tool but to rethink the entire experience.
“It’s not just about technology,” she explains. “It’s about listening to the people who are stuck in these systems, understanding their frustrations, and designing something that truly helps.”
Every step in creating Simple720 was grounded in empathy and precision. Sanju focused on reducing unnecessary steps, eliminating confusion, and building trust. The result was a platform that doesn’t just work but transforms how users feel about a once-dreaded task.
For Sanju, Simple720 is a reflection of a bigger belief: that simplicity is not a luxury but a necessity. By addressing the root of the problem, she created more than a platform; she created a solution that empowers its users and sets a new standard for how we approach complicated processes.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Entrepreneurship has been a crash course in growth for Sanju.
“I have made so many mistakes,” she admits. “It often feels like I take two steps back for every step forward, but that is how you learn.”
Her biggest revelations include learning to ask for help and embracing uncertainty. “I used to think I had to do it all myself,” she shares. “But building something meaningful requires a team that believes in the vision and is willing to share the journey.”
As an engineer, she once thrived on clarity and order. Now, as a startup founder, she has learned to work through ambiguity. “You cannot wait for everything to be perfect. Progress comes from taking the next step, even if the path is not fully clear.”
Staying Grounded in the Chaos
In the whirlwind of running a startup, Sanju finds balance through discipline. Her mornings begin with meditation and mindfulness, habits that help her stay focused and see the bigger picture.
“It is easy to get consumed by your work,” she says. “But taking time to clear your mind is what keeps you grounded.”
Authenticity is also a cornerstone of her leadership style. “I do not pretend to have all the answers,” she says. “I am honest with my team about what I am learning and where I am struggling. That vulnerability makes us stronger.”
What We Can Learn From Her Journey
Sanju’s approach to entrepreneurship offers practical lessons for anyone facing daunting challenges:
- Start small. Tackle big problems in manageable steps. Progress begins with what is within reach.
- Embrace the chaos. Growth is not linear. Trust the process, even when it feels messy.
- Ask for support. Collaboration builds resilience and amplifies impact.
- Stay curious. Innovation stems from curiosity. Keep asking “why.”
Looking Ahead
For Sanju Sriram, Simple720 is not the destination but a step forward in a much larger journey. “I don’t have all the answers, and I don’t know exactly where this path will take me,” she says. “But what I do know is that as long as I’m working to make complex things simpler and more accessible, I’m moving in the right direction.”
In a world often fixated on instant results, Sanju’s story is a reminder that meaningful progress is rarely fast or linear. It requires patience, persistence, and a commitment to improving what others might overlook. Her journey underscores that real impact isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about asking, “How can this be better?” and taking action, one thoughtful step at a time.
