Graduate Start-Up: Interview With Founders Of IDA Law, Atish Dahya and Wahid Ismail

Graduate Start-Up: Interview With Founders Of IDA Law, Atish Dahya and Wahid Ismail. Building a business from nothing is never straightforward, especially in an industry as competitive and structured as legal and debt recovery services. For Atish Dahya and Wahid Ismail, founders of IDA Law, the journey began in 2010 as a graduate start up with no clients, limited financial backing, and an uncertain path ahead. What followed was not just growth, but a series of deliberate shifts, hard decisions, and transformative moments that reshaped the business into a leading player in its field. In this conversation, they reflect on the early struggles, the turning points that redefined their direction, and the mindset that continues to drive IDA Law forward today. Read about it below!

IDA Law began as a graduate start-up in 2010 — what were some of the biggest challenges you faced in those early days, and how did you overcome them?

We had no clients and cashflow and no real backing in terms of finances. We both moved in with our parents to save costs and reduced our monthly costs to minimal.

You identified a gap in debt recovery services early on. What specifically did you see in the market that others were missing?

We saw the need to HELP THE DEBTOR which was our motto throughout since the started the business.

By 2018, the business had grown rapidly but faced internal strain. What were the key systems or processes that needed urgent transformation at that stage?

We were running a “small business” with “big clients” and we need policies and procedures and systems to automate our business processes.

How did the FNB External Debt Collectors Programme, facilitated by Edge Growth, practically change the trajectory of IDA Law?

We re-branded the business and focuses on culture which project we ran with smile consulting which had a huge impact on the business Over and above that we attended the courses and had personal coaching with Jayesh monthly which assisted the business with the correct trajectory over the period.

You’ve described mentorship as a “game-changer.” What were some of the most valuable lessons or shifts that came from working with Jayesh Nair?

BIG game thinking Process driven business General knowledge around corporate structures Importance of checks in every process.

The cultural intervention seems to have played a major role in your growth. How did redefining your purpose and values impact your team and overall performance?

This was the game changer from moving from a small business to a corporate structure We focused on employee wellness which in turn helped the business grow.

IDA Law later joined the FNB Accelerator Programme focusing on scale and sustainability. What new challenges emerged at this more advanced stage of growth?

This is where we literally doubled our business within a 2-year period being coached by Jason Krause under the 10x programme. We as the leaders needed to make fundamental changes to the core of the business and our model which was pivoted during this period to focus on debt collection and ancillary services.

The business shifted to an 80% debt collection and 20% legal services model. What drove this strategic pivot, and how has it improved your offering?

We are now a leading player in the industry being awarded top 1-5 on almost all panels. We are a leader in technology and piloting new projects.

You’ve invested in data-driven decision-making and new infrastructure like a call centre. How has technology reshaped your operations and client outcomes?

We have introduced an AI agent, AI whatsapp, AI QA and automated workflows. Essentially we are the call center of the future and are striving continually to improve that.

Through your Seta-accredited training academy, you’re creating opportunities for new entrants. Why is this initiative important to you, and how do you see it impacting the future of the industry?

This is important to us as we want to develop youth, give them an opportunity to add a skill to their CV and use this as a stepping stone to move ahead with their careers. South Africa as a whole needs this and we need to empower our youth, and we base this as a fundamental principle on our call center. I personally do MIND POWER and goal setting classes with the teams to teach them principles that they have their future in their hands despite the background and that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.