Anyone here who didn't start with a first tier and is doing well in IP now? Please guide

For IP, it is actually better to start from a small firm. Most Tier 1's do not have a thriving IPR practice, and any learning there would be minimal. The trend is in fact to work 2-3 years in a boutique place and then move ahead.

Ik of people who started off at boutique IP firms, got some good experience and then later(3-4 years later, sometimes earlier, depends on you tbh) either joined a tier 1 practice or got a good in house position, so yes I'd say it's possible.

I'm also starting off at a boutique firm soon.

P.S. I think I've seen you around in some of the IP specific threads on LI.

You need to persevere. I started with just 25K a month 8 years ago. I now get 1 cr pa.

No, you don't.

Most of the top MNCs actually work with the small boutiques.

Nope - Remfry & Sagar, Anand & Anand and Saikrishna & Associates is the gold standard.

I won't say I'm 'doing well' per se since I'm still quite junior but don't start w a tier 1 for IP, I got exposure from a very small and new firm, learnt everything including basic filing work, paid well. Start small and work your way up, you learn so much more.