E192 - The Untold Secrets of Building a Billion-Dollar Marketplace: Umang Dua, Keychain (Previously built Handy, acquired by $ANGI)

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

#Business #India #Jivraj Singh Sachar #Entrepreneur

23:28

My guest today has been keeping us up to date with the current state of hiring for marketers on a quarterly basis, which has taken us on quite a roller coaster ride. Today we’re going to look at how marketing and communication execs are responding to the latest developments in the world while still needing to get their work done. To take a look at the latest here, I’d like to welcome back to the show Sue Keith, Corporate Vice President at Landrum Talent Solutions. About Sue Keith Sue Keith is Corporate Vice President at Landrum Talent Solutions. With deep expertise in navigating complex labor markets, Sue has a front-row seat to the evolving dynamics of marketing roles, hiring trends, and the broader implications of AI and economic uncertainty. RESOURCES Landrum Talent Solutions: https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com This episode is brought to you by Landrum Talent Solutions, a national recruiting firm specializing in marketing and HR positions. https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…

рік тому 1:26:00

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In this episode, we sit down with Umang Dua, the co-founder of Handy, one of the world’s largest home services marketplaces, which was acquired by Angi, a billion-dollar public company. Now building his second startup, Keychain, Umang shares the untold secrets behind scaling a marketplace business and the lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey. We dive deep into Umang’s insights on building a billion-dollar company, from navigating the early days of Handy, scaling through intense competition, and the emotional rollercoaster of startup life. Umang sheds light on how to build successful marketplaces, his approach to overcoming near-death moments, and the foundational lessons that shaped his approach as a founder. Umang also reflects on his experience on both sides of the founder's table, offering advice to new entrepreneurs, and discussing the differences between building startups in India and the US. He shares key insights into raising capital, dealing with investors, and the mindset required to build a high-growth company. This episode is a must-watch for aspiring founders, marketplace entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in learning from a founder who has scaled businesses to billions. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:52 - How the last 10-12 years shaped Umang as a founder 4:15 - Early memories of starting a company 6:35 - Foundational lessons Umang learned 12:45 - Advice for new founders in marketplaces 20:05 - Differences in the entrepreneurial journey between the US and India 26:15 - Umang’s thoughts on the other side of the founder’s table 30:55 - Things not shown or glorified in entrepreneurship 35:19 - Umang’s near-death or biggest doubts moment 40:40 - Key insights from the 0-1 journey of Handy 47:30 - How Umang built empathy to solve for supply 51:15 - The acquisition phase and how it happened 59:35 - The importance of energy around Umang 1:05:12 - Standout lessons from Umang’s journey 1:09:06 - Umang’s angel investing journey 1:12:19 - How Umang’s friends would describe him 1:15:25 - Umang’s superpower and fear 1:18:10 - Defining a life of success 1:21:45 - What Umang would tell his younger self 1:25:29 - Outro Instagram of Jivraj: instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar #indiansiliconvalley #isv #indiansiliconvalleypodcast #isvpodcast #umangdua #entrepreneurship #startups #marketplaces #founderjourney

212 епізодів

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

E192 - The Untold Secrets of Building a Billion-Dollar Marketplace: Umang Dua, Keychain (Previously built Handy, acquired by $ANGI)

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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212 епізодів

#Business #India #Jivraj Singh Sachar #Entrepreneur

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Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

1
E199 - Nithin Kamath: The 10,000 Crore Comeback After the Toughest Year 1:33:13

24 weeks тому1:33:13

1:33:13

In this milestone episode, we sit down with Nithin Kamath, the founder and CEO of Zerodha, to uncover the untold secrets behind building India’s largest broking platform. Nithin shares his incredible journey of scaling Zerodha into a billion-dollar empire while remaining bootstrapped, customer-first, and uncompromising on values. From navigating personal challenges like a health scare earlier this year to reflecting on wealth, freedom, and long-term thinking, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of India’s most visionary entrepreneurs. Nithin opens up about his philosophy of "growth at what cost?", the role of luck in success, and how Zerodha disrupted the financial services industry with transparency and simplicity. We delve deep into how Nithin approaches: - Building a resilient team and culture without hiring from competitors. - Aligning incentives between customers and stakeholders. - Marketing through authenticity instead of flashy ads. - Betting on future trends, like climate change and health tech, through his Rainmatter fund. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an investor, or someone passionate about personal and professional growth, this episode is packed with timeless lessons and actionable insights that will leave you inspired and reflective. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:40 - Personal challenges Nithin Kamath faced this year 6:16 - Advice to his younger self 8:12 - Thoughts on the role of luck 12:35 - How to think long-term effectively 17:25 - Nithin’s key mental models 21:00 - Shifts in investing behavior 26:55 - Zerodha’s approach to understanding customers 31:30 - Aligning investor and customer incentives 41:15 - Insights on hiring and building a strong team 44:30 - Lessons learned from hiring experiences 47:00 - Thoughts on marketing and brand building 52:12 - Breaking down customer personas 55:45 - How he approaches social media 58:25 - What freedom means to him 1:02:35 - Wealth distribution in India and its impact 1:07:35 - Advice for those working on self-improvement 1:11:12 - Reflection, mental models, and decision-making 1:20:35 - Balancing ambition and personal freedom 1:23:55 - Predictions for climate-focused businesses in five years 1:26:15 - Companies that inspire Nithin Kamath 1:32:41 - Outro Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with friends, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment. Your support helps us bring more inspiring stories to light. Follow JIvraj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar #IndianSiliconValley #Zerodha #NithinKamath #Bootstrapped #Entrepreneurship #Startups #FinancialFreedom #Rainmatter #Leadership #LongTermThinking #InvestingInIndia…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E198 - ₹250 Crore in 2 Years: How NewMe Reinvented Women’s Fashion in India - Sumit Joria, Co-founder 1:49:28

25 weeks тому1:49:28

1:49:28

In this episode, we sit down with Sumit Joria, the co-founder and CEO of NewMe, one of India's fastest-growing fashion brands redefining how young Indian women shop. Sumit shares the untold story behind NewMe's success, revealing the bold decisions, innovative strategies, and consumer-first philosophy that have made the brand a household name among Gen Z shoppers. From humble beginnings to launching nine stores across seven cities, this conversation is a deep dive into what it takes to build a globally aspirational fashion brand out of India. We explore how NewMe disrupted the cluttered fashion market by prioritizing freshness, data-driven design, and an inventory-light supply chain. Sumit reflects on NewMe's foundational values, including the brand's unique approach to retail expansion, creating Instagram-worthy in-store experiences, and ensuring its DNA resonates with every customer interaction. He also sheds light on navigating funding challenges, building a resilient team, and the pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. This episode is packed with practical insights and authentic reflections for anyone interested in fashion, entrepreneurship, or consumer brands. Whether you're a budding founder, a business leader, or a fashion enthusiast, you'll find immense value in Sumit's transparent storytelling. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:20 - How did they build NewMe? 4:12 - What observations did they make while building NewMe? 8:00 - What is the branding and marketing strategy of NewMe? 12:50 - What foundational aspects were they clear about? 17:10 - What should you know about the supply chain in the fashion industry? 22:58 - How does NewMe approach design? 28:35 - Key learnings from the pop-up in Guwahati 33:45 - What did NewMe founders observe in pop-ups? 39:55 - How do they view retail expansion? 47:10 - What is the customer experience like within the store? 52:00 - Where is consumption happening in India? 1:09:00 - How do they build confidence with investors? 1:16:50 - When things weren’t working out for NewMe 1:26:20 - Sumit’s life beyond NewMe 1:36:10 - How do Sumit’s friends describe him? 1:38:40 - How does Sumit view life? 1:48:56 - Outro Follow JIvraj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with friends, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment. Your support helps us bring more such incredible stories to light. #IndianSiliconValley #NewMe #FashionEntrepreneurship #SumitJoria #GenZFashion #Startups #RetailExpansion #IndiaFashion #ConsumerBrands #Leadership…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

1
E197 - India's Health CRISIS: What's Going Wrong and How to Fix It - Prashant Desai, Stanford 1:50:04

26 weeks тому1:50:04

1:50:04

In this episode, we sit down with Prashant Desai, a seasoned business leader, investor, and health influencer, to uncover why Indians are sicker than ever before and how to fix it. With over three decades of experience in business and investing—including his role as Managing Director at Everstone—Prashant brings a unique perspective to the health challenges facing India today. Beyond his corporate journey, he has become a prominent voice in health and wellness, creating content that educates millions on fitness, sleep, and lifestyle changes. We delve deep into the systemic issues plaguing India's healthcare system, including the alarming rise in diabetes, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Prashant shares his personal motivation behind his mission to make India healthier, reflecting on his own family's experiences with health challenges. He debunks common health misconceptions, discusses the impact of quick commerce on eating habits, and offers practical solutions for individuals to take control of their health. Additionally, Prashant combines his business acumen with his passion for wellness to explore opportunities within India's health and fitness market. He provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs on building trust, scaling, and distribution in their brands, and shares his views on the future of organic and health-focused products in India. This episode is packed with actionable advice and profound reflections, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in health, entrepreneurship, and the socio-economic factors affecting well-being in India. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:31 - What matters most to Prashant Desai? 5:59 - What’s wrong with India’s healthcare system? 19:59 - How can we prevent diabetes, obesity, and being overweight? 26:55 - What are some common health misconceptions? 47:29 - Opportunities in India’s health and fitness market 54:49 - What have nutrition companies achieved in India? 1:02:17 - How is India’s protein market evolving? 1:07:39 - What should you check when buying groceries? 1:11:59 - If Prashant built a health company, what would it look like? 1:15:19 - What’s Prashant’s view on organic brands? 1:18:23 - Tips for building trust, scaling, and distribution in a brand 1:20:49 - How does quick commerce affect eating habits? 1:25:18 - Is longevity only for the privileged? 1:31:09 - What does Prashant think about Kolkata? 1:46:41 - How does Prashant excel in everything he does? 1:49:32 - Outro Instagram of Jivraj: instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar #indiansiliconvalley #ISV #PrashantDesai #HealthInIndia #Wellness #Entrepreneurship #Startups #HealthTech #Fitness #Longevity…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E196 - The Indian College Where Students Build Startups in 7 Countries - Pratham Mittal, Tetr 1:02:03

27 weeks тому1:02:03

1:02:03

In this monumental 100K episode of the Indian Silicon Valley podcast, we welcome back Pratham Mittal, Co-founder of Masters’ Union and TETR, to explore his vision for the future of education. Pratham shares the incredible journey of launching TETR, a groundbreaking undergraduate program that blends global travel with experiential learning. (Watch here: YouTube Link) We dive into how Pratham is rethinking education with a focus on real-world problem-solving, interdisciplinary, and the transformative power of AI in the classroom. The conversation explores his unique approach to scaling institutions without sacrificing quality, building a global-first mindset from India, and his bold ambition to challenge the world’s top universities. Pratham also discusses the practical challenges of education in India, such as the mismatch between job creation and college graduates, and how MSMEs, not startups, hold the key to bridging this gap. From hiring strategies to insights on process-building and work-life balance, Pratham offers candid reflections on what it takes to build world-class institutions in a rapidly evolving landscape. This episode is a must-watch for anyone curious about the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, and technology—and how India is poised to lead the way. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:10 - What is TETR? 6:38 - What did Pratham get right the first time? 16:18 - How is ambition scaling for Pratham? 19:19 - How is Pratham expanding? 22:58 - Pratham's 5-10 year plan 26:18 - What’s missing in education? 38:08 - How does Pratham bridge education access? 45:08 - How does Pratham hire? 50:48 - How does Pratham manage his days? 53:19 - How far ahead is India? 59:33 - What is Pratham predicting for the future? 1:01:33 - Outro Follow us for updates: Instagram: www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar #IndianSiliconValley #ISV #PrathamMittal #MastersUnion #TETR #EducationInnovation #EdTech #Entrepreneurship #India…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E195 - How We're Fixing India’s Broken Education Market - Rohit Gupta, College Vidya 47:02

29 weeks тому47:02

47:02

In this episode, we sit down with Rohit Gupta, Co-founder and COO of College Vidya, to discuss how he is tackling India’s broken education market. Rohit shares the journey of building College Vidya, an ed-tech platform that simplifies and democratizes access to online education, catering to millions of students from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. (College Vidya Website link - https://cvadm.com/HaXvQo) We dive deep into the foundational phase of College Vidya, exploring how they built trust in a market filled with skepticism, the role of data-driven consumer patterns, and how they are utilising AI to scale. Rohit discusses the challenges of marketing in the education sector, his vision for the future of College Vidya, and the importance of being adaptable in a rapidly changing landscape. Rohit also reflects on the personal side of his entrepreneurial journey, sharing the toughest moments of building the company and the lessons he would impart to his younger self. This episode is packed with insights for aspiring founders, educators, and anyone interested in the future of education in India. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:27 - Problem of education and access 6:57 - What was the 0-1 phase of College Vidya 10:57 - How much usage is driven by consumer patterns 13:52 - How Rohit plans to build additional features 16:42 - How College Vidya built trust 18:17 - Education marketing/brand building 22:22 - How to move from B to C to D 24:26 - Usage data split in education 29:52 - Positive aspects in education 34:27 - How College Vidya used AI 37:32 - Daily priorities for College Vidya 41:07 - College Vidya's goal setting 43:07 - How Rohit’s friends would describe him 43:57 - Challenges in building College Vidya 46:47 - What Rohit would tell his younger self 48:53 - Outro Instagram of Jivraj: www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar #indiansiliconvalley #ISV #RohitGupta #CollegeVidya #EducationReform #EdTech #Startups #Entrepreneurship…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E194 - India’s Hidden IQ Crisis: Rocket Learning’s Radical Plan to Save Our Kids 1:43:26

31 weeks тому1:43:26

1:43:26

In this episode, we sit down with Azeez Gupta, Co-founder of Rocket Learning, an ed-tech nonprofit dedicated to revolutionizing early childhood education in India. Azeez shares his journey of building Rocket Learning, an organization that partners with government schools and anganwadi centers to create digital communities that empower educators, parents, and children alike. With an emphasis on the bottom 40% of India's income pyramid, Rocket Learning is on a mission to bridge educational inequalities and give every child a chance to thrive. We explore the operational intricacies of scaling an impact-driven nonprofit, including how Azeez and his team manage challenges from policy engagement to community building. Azeez discusses the lessons learned from testing new approaches, the role of technology and data in influencing behavior change, and the hard-won insights that come from experimenting with new methodologies at scale. Reflecting on the personal aspects of his journey, Azeez dives into the trade-offs, motivations, and the unique mindset required for impact-driven work. He also shares his philosophy of “additionality” — the belief that one's work should add unique value to the world — and the power of clarity and boldness in making high-impact decisions. This conversation is packed with insights for aspiring social entrepreneurs, impact investors, and anyone passionate about educational equity in India. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:24 - Rocket Learning Coverage 6:34 - Transformational Change 11:34 - Rocket Learning Mindset 16:07 - Reality of Nonprofit Work 21:44 - Success Factors at Rocket Learning 28:19 - Impact-Driven Mindset 31:24 - Rocket Learning Backend Process 44:04 - Gaining Empathy 50:04 - Depth of Efforts 57:29 - Unique Experiences 1:04:11 - Nonprofit Economics 1:10:54 - Life-Changing Stories 1:17:29 - Progress in Education 1:22:20 - Azeez’s Role Models 1:27:04 - Azeez’s Morning Motivation 1:31:54 - Friends’ Description of Azeez 1:33:46 - Life Without Rocket Learning 1:40:04 - Advice to Younger Self 1:42:55 - Outro Instagram of Jivraj: instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar #IndianSiliconValley #ISV #AzeezGupta #RocketLearning #EdTech #EducationReform #NonProfit #SocialImpact #Entrepreneurship #FutureOfEducation…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E193 - From 0 to ₹700 Crore: Our D2C Blueprint for Explosive Growth - Suyash Saraf, Dot & Key 59:10

32 weeks тому59:10

59:10

In this episode, we sit down with Suyash Saraf, the co-founder of Dot & Key, a leading D2C beauty and personal care brand in India. Starting from scratch, Suyash and his team scaled Dot & Key to an impressive ₹700 crore business, which was recently acquired by Nykaa, a market leader in the beauty space. In this candid conversation, Suyash shares the strategies behind Dot & Key’s explosive growth and the hard-earned lessons from his bootstrapped journey. We dive deep into Suyash's insights on building a successful D2C brand, from navigating the challenges of early-stage product development, leveraging data to stay ahead of the competition, and developing a powerful marketing strategy. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Dot & Key landed a major acquisition offer, and what founders need to know about scaling profitably without external funding. Suyash also reflects on what it was like to bootstrap a business in a highly competitive industry, the highs and lows of running a business with his life partner, and his advice to new founders on navigating the entrepreneurial journey, including the critical decision of bootstrapping vs. raising funds. This episode is a must-watch for aspiring D2C founders, entrepreneurs seeking growth strategies, and anyone interested in learning how to build a brand from the ground up without relying on VC money. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:22 - Dot & Key's story 7:20 - Early successes 10:10 - Dot & Key's scale 13:00 - Scaling channels 17:50 - Staying ahead of the curve 21:21 - Dot & Key's marketing strategy 30:00 - What kept Suyash on track 31:55 - Behind-the-scenes of product development 34:17 - Using data to their advantage 36:45 - Early hiring strategies 38:45 - Getting an acquisition offer as a bootstrap company 41:16 - Key points to consider during acquisitions 42:20 - Feeling of having ₹50 Cr in the account 45:05 - Suyash's advice for young founders 47:30 - Thoughts on raising funds vs. bootstrapping 51:40 - How Suyash’s team describes him 52:15 - How Suyash’s friends describe him 53:00 - Challenges in the Dot & Key journey 55:07 - Running a business with a life partner 56:45 - What Suyash would do if they hadn’t built Dot & Key 57:49 - Advice to his younger self 58:40 - Outro Instagram of Jivraj: instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar #indiansiliconvalley #isv #indiansiliconvalleypodcast #isvpodcast #dotandkey #suyashsaraf #d2c #entrepreneurship #startups #founderjourney…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

1
E192 - The Untold Secrets of Building a Billion-Dollar Marketplace: Umang Dua, Keychain (Previously built Handy, acquired by $ANGI) 1:26:00

33 weeks тому1:26:00

1:26:00

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E191 - How Manyavar Built a ₹30,000 Crore Fashion Empire and Took Over India: Vedant Modi, CRO 1:23:54

34 weeks тому1:23:54

1:23:54

In this episode, we sit down with Vedant Modi, Chief Revenue Officer of Manyavar, to uncover the secrets behind building one of India’s most iconic ethnic wear brands. Manyavar has become synonymous with Indian weddings and celebrations, and Vedant shares his journey of taking the brand from its early days to a ₹30,000 crore empire. We dive deep into how Manyavar started, the brand's massive scale in the Indian fashion market, and how Vedant and his team stay on trend and innovative while preserving tradition. Vedant sheds light on the business strategies behind working with top celebrities, running large-scale actor campaigns, and justifying ROI in a competitive fashion landscape. Vedant also reflects on his leadership journey, balancing the challenges of running a public company, managing retail expansion, and staying ahead in the fast-changing fashion industry. He offers advice for younger entrepreneurs and shares valuable insights on privilege, luck, and the true meaning of success. This episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, fashion enthusiasts, and anyone looking to learn from the story of a homegrown brand that conquered the Indian market. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:49 - When Vedant joined the business 6:39 - What the early days were like 9:19 - How Manyavar started 13:39 - How big Manyavar is in the market 15:39 - How Manyavar brings joy to customers 17:29 - What matters most for Manyavar 19:24 - How Manyavar stays on trend 22:39 - Vedant's observations from a customer POV 26:09 - How large-scale actor campaigns work 27:49 - How ROI is justified 30:50 - Vedant’s story of working with celebrities 31:54 - How Vedant views expansion strategy 37:14 - How Vedant prioritizes what's important 39:04 - How Manyavar stays innovative as an old company 42:09 - How Vedant evolved the business 44:59 - How Vedant’s team manages scale 47:39 - Vedant’s learnings from retail expansion 54:19 - How Vedant gets store-level data 55:39 - Vedant’s focus for the next 10 years 58:09 - International focus of Manyavar 59:39 - The mindset behind raising capital 1:01:09 - What it means to lead a public company 1:03:14 - Vedant’s advice to younger people 1:04:39 - Vedant’s tips for new founders 1:08:12 - How larger brands can help younger companies 1:09:39 - What Vedant sacrifices to run the business 1:11:49 - How Vedant’s friends describe him 1:12:52 - How Vedant views privilege vs luck 1:13:51 - What success means to Vedant 1:15:29 - What’s not so great about the business 1:17:15 - Business lessons from Vedant’s father 1:20:39 - What advice Vedant would give himself on day one 1:24:05 - Outro Instagram of Jivraj: instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar #indiansiliconvalley #isv #indiansiliconvalleypodcast #isvpodcast #jivrajsinghsachar #entrepreneurship #startups #finance #leadership…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E190 - Spotify Chief EXPOSES the Future of Indian Music - Amarjit Singh Batra (Spotify India MD) 1:40:20

35 weeks тому1:40:20

1:40:20

In this episode, we sit down with Amarjit Singh Batra, Managing Director of Spotify India (and General Manager of 59 Countries), a visionary leader shaping the future of music streaming in one of the world’s largest music markets. Amarjit shares his fascinating journey, from being at the forefront of the Indian internet economy to leading Spotify's expansion across India, South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. We explore the key shifts in music consumption in India, Spotify’s unique “last-mover advantage,” and how Amarjit and his team have built a thriving business by leveraging personalized experiences and supporting local artists through initiatives like playlist curation and artist masterclasses. Amarjit also reflects on his role as a corporate leader with a founder’s mindset, the evolution of the Indian internet economy over the past two decades, and his thoughts on why it's crucial to adopt a long-term approach in a dynamic market like India. He candidly shares his thoughts on retaining customers in a competitive space, the booming independent music scene in India, and how Spotify is empowering creators to build global audiences. This episode offers a deep dive into the business strategies, leadership insights, and the future of India’s music industry, making it a must-watch for entrepreneurs, music lovers, and anyone navigating the fast-changing consumer landscape. 0:00 - Introduction 1:26 - Amarjit's thoughts on changes in the Indian economy 6:31 - Amarjit's view on his roles in companies 11:01 - Differences when Amarjit joined Spotify 22:41 - How Amarjit found the Spotify opportunity 31:11 - How India consumes music 46:21 - Split for a company to focus on music in India 52:20 - How an artist can become successful 1:00:00 - Establishing yourself meaningfully 1:09:23 - How Amarjit learns from international markets 1:16:20 - Amarjit's learning from Danial 1:19:05 - What Amarjit's friends would say about him 1:21:45 - Amarjit's strengths and fears 1:23:57 - How Amarjit has stayed at the top for decades 1:34:40 - What Amarjit would say to his younger self 01:39:48 - Outro Instagram of Jivraj: instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar #indiansiliconvalley #isv #indiansiliconvalleypodcast #isvpodcast #jivrajsinghsachar #entrepreneurship #startups #finance #leadership…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E189 - Why Most D2C Brands Fail: Rohit Chawla (Innovist) on Cracking the Code for Success 1:21:40

36 weeks тому1:21:40

1:21:40

In this episode, we sit down with Rohit Chawla, the visionary founder behind Innovist and The Man Company, to explore his journey as a serial entrepreneur in the competitive direct-to-consumer (D2C) space. Rohit shares invaluable insights into product development, customer acquisition, and the critical decisions that shaped his brands' growth. We begin by discussing Rohit’s thoughts on the structure of Innovist and the vision he has for the company in the current market landscape. He offers a glimpse into the foundational decisions that guided his entrepreneurial journey, including early trade-offs in customer prioritization and how these shaped his approach to hyper-personalization for the Indian market. Rohit delves deep into the essential elements of building great products and his internal theories on product-market fit. From launching in crowded markets to managing customer acquisition costs (CAC), Rohit’s practical advice offers listeners a clear roadmap for navigating challenges in today’s D2C ecosystem. We also dive into his core learnings from The Man Company journey, and Rohit shares his personal strategies for capital utilization and building efficient teams. For budding entrepreneurs, Rohit reflects on what drives him, the hidden trade-offs in a founder’s journey, and key lessons learned from industry leaders like Falguni Nayar. Whether you're a D2C founder, a product innovator, or simply interested in the story of one of India’s prominent entrepreneurs, this episode is packed with insights on product building, market entry strategies, and managing business growth. 0:00 - Introduction 2:00 - Rohit’s thoughts on Innovist and company structure 4:30 - Rohit’s vision for the market and current state 8:25 - Key decisions made on day one by Rohit 11:30 - Early trade-offs in customer prioritization 14:55 - Reception of hyper-personalization in India 17:40 - Insights that led Rohit to product choices 21:50 - Essentials for building a good product 23:50 - Internal theory for product-market fit 26:13 - How Rohit decides which products to launch 27:25 - Rohit’s take on a crowded market and CAC as a founder 29:20 - Rohit’s theory on CAC 31:50 - Importance of quick commerce 35:20 - Core learnings from the MAN Company journey 38:00 - Rohit’s strategies as a founder 42:20 - Rohit’s approach to capital utilization 46:22 - What drives Rohit to build Innovist 48:10 - Rohit’s geographical focus 51:55 - Story behind the bottle design 54:17 - Rohit’s framework for company prioritization 56:02 - Story behind the brand’s name 58:30 - Rohit’s entrepreneurship journey 1:05:26 - How Rohit’s friends describe him 1:06:06 - What strengthens Rohit and his fears 1:08:24 - Rohit’s favorite brands 1:09:30 - Hidden trade-offs in a founder’s journey 1:13:22 - Rohit’s learnings from Falguni Nayar 1:16:00 - Rohit’s advice for new D2C founders 1:18:45 - Rohit’s advice to his younger entrepreneurial self 1:21:09 - Outro Instagram of Jivraj: instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar #indiansiliconvalley #isv #indiansiliconvalleypodcast #isvpodcast #jivrajsinghsachar #entrepreneurship #startups #finance #leadership…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E188 - He built a ₹1000 Crore Lingerie Empire in India: Pankaj Vermani, Clovia (Acquired by Reliance) 1:09:09

37 weeks тому1:09:09

1:09:09

In this episode, we sit down with Pankaj Vermani, founder and CEO of Clovia, one of India's most successful lingerie brands. From building the business from scratch to selling a majority stake to Reliance, Pankaj opens up about the journey and the lessons learned along the way. We dive into how Clovia stood out by balancing premium quality with affordability, a strategy that has resonated deeply with consumers across India. Pankaj shares how controlling the supply chain was a game-changer, helping Clovia maintain quality and keep prices accessible, even as the brand scaled rapidly. He also explains why the word "jugaad" doesn't fit with Clovia’s approach and how real innovation comes from sustainable processes. As a seasoned entrepreneur, Pankaj reflects on the challenges of moving from online to offline retail, how the pandemic impacted their business, and the importance of understanding the evolving needs of Indian consumers. He shares fascinating stories of navigating supply chain obstacles and unexpected customer insights that shaped the company’s product development. Pankaj also gives a glimpse into his personal life, talking about what it’s like to build a business alongside his wife and co-founder, and how the support of his team carried the company through difficult times. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a marketer, or simply interested in the inner workings of one of India’s top brands, this episode is full of valuable takeaways. 0:00 - Introduction 2:24 - Starting Clovia and advice for future founders 5:52 - How product passion drives founders 10:12 - Unique things Pankaj did in 2015 14:02 - Why Pankaj dislikes the word “JUGAAD” 15:13 - Insight and action taken 18:59 - Indian consumers want value for money 20:52 - Early customer communication 21:35 - Delivering premium quality at affordable prices 25:52 - New product development process 29:31 - Balancing quality vs data 31:32 - Managing inventory at Clovia 33:57 - Insights that changed Pankaj’s views 36:52 - Why customers choose Clovia 41:45 - Clovia’s retail strategy 45:27 - Retail footprint advice for founders 49:27 - Clovia’s market distribution 55:02 - Lessons from Reliance 57:26 - How friends describe Pankaj 1:01:52 - Help Pankaj received on his journey 1:04:12 - Core values and challenges in Pankaj’s journey 1:09:00 - Outro Instagram of Jivraj: instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar #indiansiliconvalley #isv #indiansiliconvalleypodcast #isvpodcast #jivrajsinghsachar #entrepreneurship #startups #finance #leadership…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

1
E187 - Everything You Know About Startups is WRONG: Dr Ritesh Malik - Investor in 100+ Companies 1:40:04

39 weeks тому1:40:04

1:40:04

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ritesh, a finance expert and entrepreneur who has carved out a unique path in the Indian financial landscape. Dr. Ritesh takes us through his journey to financial freedom, sharing his self-realization about the true priorities in life and how he maintains discipline to stay ahead of the curve. We delve deep into Dr. Ritesh’s disciplined approach to mastering problem-solving and his predictions for the future of Indian finance. He opens up about the often-overlooked negative impacts of over-glorifying certain aspects of entrepreneurship and the misunderstandings surrounding raising investment for companies. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Ritesh offers candid insights into whether investors should have the right to advise founders on key decisions and shares his thoughts on what systemic changes are needed in the Indian startup ecosystem. We also explore his experiences engaging with the youth in India, the guiding principles that shape his life, and the advice he would give to his younger self as a medical graduate. This episode provides a comprehensive look at Dr. Ritesh’s philosophy on entrepreneurship, finance, and life, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating the complexities of the Indian startup ecosystem. 0:00 - Introduction 2:28 - What matters to Dr. Ritesh and why 5:23 - Dr. Ritesh’s journey to financial freedom 11:18 - Dr. Ritesh’s self-realization about life's important aspects 26:41 - How Dr. Ritesh stays ahead of the curve with discipline 34:58 - How Dr. Ritesh approaches and masters problem-solving 45:14 - Dr. Ritesh’s prediction for the future of Indian finance 53:48 - Humanizing the entrepreneurship journey 1:02:48 - Negative impacts of over-glorifying certain aspects 1:07:58 - Misunderstandings about raising investment for companies 1:13:33 - Do investors have the right to advise founders on key decisions? 1:16:28 - Dr. Ritesh’s perspective on exits 1:20:48 - Dr. Ritesh’s experience engaging with youth in India 1:24:48 - Dr. Ritesh’s view on systemic change 1:29:33 - Dr. Ritesh’s guiding principles in life 1:33:48 - Dr. Ritesh’s advice to his younger self as a medical graduate 1:39:32 - Outro Instagram of Jivraj: instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar #indiansiliconvalley #isv #indiansiliconvalleypodcast #isvpodcast #jivrajsinghsachar #entrepreneurship #startups #finance #leadership…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E186 - He's Making India HEALTHY with TECHNOLOGY! Gaurav Gupta, Gabit (Ex-Zomato Co-Founder) 1:07:29

40 weeks тому1:07:29

1:07:29

In this episode, we talk to Gaurav Gupta, co-founder of Gabit and former COO at Zomato. Gaurav shares what initially attracted him to Zomato and the deeper reasons behind his decision. He provides an inside look at Zomato during its hyper-scaling years and discusses what it meant to be elevated to a founder role in a company he didn't start. Gaurav reflects on the journey leading up to Zomato’s IPO and offers insights into building a company ready for such a milestone. He also discusses his experience during COVID, the market opportunity that led to Gabit, and the core principles guiding his new venture. We explore Gaurav’s non-negotiables, his vision for Gabit, and how he ensures products meet customer expectations. Gaurav also touches on India’s health consciousness, stakeholder alignment, and key learnings from his consulting days. The conversation wraps up with Gaurav’s thoughts on the future, his habits, and how his friends would describe him. This episode provides a comprehensive look at Gaurav's journey, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, and the Indian startup ecosystem. 0:00 - Introduction 1:59 - What caught Gaurav’s attention to join Zomato? 3:14 - Deeper reasons for joining Zomato. 5:29 - What was happening within Zomato during the hyper-scale years? 7:59 - What did Gaurav witness during the hyper-scaling period? 9:24 - Key factors that shaped Gaurav’s mindset as a founder. 11:39 - What does it mean to be elevated to founder in a company you didn’t start? 14:19 - Tactical insights on being elevated to founder. 16:29 - What was leading up to the IPO like internally? 19:39 - Gaurav’s insights on building a company ready for an IPO. 22:00 - Gaurav’s journey during COVID. 24:43 - How did Gaurav identify a market opportunity? 25:54 - Core learnings that fueled Gaurav’s passion for the core objective. 28:06 - Principles Gaurav established for guiding Gabit forward. 29:29 - Things Gaurav won’t compromise on. 31:43 - Gaurav’s vision for Gabit’s future. 34:24 - How does Gaurav ensure products don’t fail customers? 35:59 - How much does India care about health? 38:49 - How did Gaurav align stakeholders? 41:19 - Gaurav’s thoughts on raising capital. 42:34 - Surprising learnings that shaped Gaurav’s mindset. 44:19 - Thoughts on few people paying for health products. 46:29 - How to break through market clutter. 48:44 - Core habits for health. 50:29 - Valuable lessons from Gaurav’s consulting days. 51:41 - Key learnings from Gaurav’s foundational days. 53:14 - How would Gaurav’s friends describe him? 53:43 - What would Gaurav do if not Gabit? 55:24 - What would Gaurav do better? 57:29 - What else is Zomato doing beyond deliveries? 58:46 - Gaurav’s thoughts on founders thinking about the future. 1:01:49 - When does Gaurav spend time alone? 1:03:47 - Framework for engaging stakeholders. 1:07:00 - Outro Instagram of Jivraj: instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar #indiansiliconvalley #isv #indiansiliconvalleypodcast #isvpodcast #jivrajsinghsachar #entrepreneurship #startups #leadership…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E185 - How the Founder of ISB, Ashoka Uni is Changing India: Pramath Raj Sinha 1:28:31

41 weeks тому1:28:31

1:28:31

In this episode, we talk to Pramath Raj Sinha, a visionary entrepreneur and academic leader who has revolutionized Indian education through founding institutions like ISB, Ashoka University, and Harappa Education. Pramath shares how his multidisciplinary background shaped his approach to building educational institutions. He offers insights into the K12 segment and reflects on the crucial decisions that led him down an unconventional path in his career. The conversation explores Pramath's learnings from his experiences, his approach to managing stakeholders, and his thoughts on navigating complex problem statements. We delve into how Pramath's initial vision for his projects compared to how they actually played out, and his observations on people throughout his journey. He discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by the transformation from offline to online education, and how he navigated various tradeoffs in his career. Pramath also shares his perspective on the India story for aspiring students and entrepreneurs, offering valuable insights for the next generation. The episode touches on his learnings from mentors like Rajat Gupta and Chandra Babu Naidu, as well as his thoughts on education centers. Finally, Pramath reflects on the role of people in his life and how he's managed to successfully wear multiple hats throughout his career. This episode offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in education, leadership, and personal growth, providing a unique perspective from one of India's most influential figures in the field. 0:00 - Introduction 2:25 - Multidisciplinary background's impact on educational institutions 8:42 - Insights on K12 education 14:34 - Key decisions and outcomes in unconventional paths 19:58 - Valuable lessons learned over time 31:37 - Stakeholder management strategies 39:47 - Tackling complex problems 46:45 - Vision vs. reality 52:57 - Observations on human behavior 1:01:30 - Transition from offline to online education 1:12:05 - Handling trade-offs in decision-making 1:15:12 - Vision of India for students and entrepreneurs 1:17:53 - Lessons from mentor Rajat Gupta 1:19:05 - Insights from working with Chandra Babu Naidu 1:20:58 - Future of education centres 1:22:15 - Significance of relationships 1:25:15 - Balancing multiple roles 1:28:00 - Outro Instagram of Jivraj: instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar #indiansiliconvalley #isv #indiansiliconvalleypodcast #isvpodcast #jivrajsinghsachar #education #leadership #entrepreneurship…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

1
E184 - The Future of India According to a Billion Dollar Investor: Sanjay Kukreja, ChrysCapital ($10Bn AUM) 1:39:24

42 weeks тому1:39:24

1:39:24

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of private equity and India's economic future with Sanjay Kukreja, Chief Investment Officer and Partner at ChrysCapital, India's largest PE firm. Sanjay shares invaluable insights from his 25-year journey in the industry, discussing how ChrysCapital grew from a $60 million fund to managing $9 billion in assets. He offers a candid look at the evolution of private equity in India, from the early days of venture capital to the current focus on growth and control investments. Sanjay explores the art of generating alpha in the market, emphasizing the importance of backing quality businesses and entrepreneurs over chasing valuations. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the intricacies of supporting portfolio companies to navigating IPOs in the Indian market. Sanjay shares his thoughts on new-age companies and the differences between emerging founders and established businesses. Throughout the interview, Sanjay offers key lessons learned from both successes and mistakes, providing a masterclass in long-term investing and institution building. He also discusses the challenges of building a world-class investment firm in India and identifying young talent in the industry. His unique perspective on India's economic potential and the role of private equity in shaping its future offers valuable insights for investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders alike. 0:00 - Introduction 1:47 - Sanjay's broad investing journey 4:25 - How Sanjay generates alpha in the market 22:57 - The LP side of the narrative 28:14 - Different investment styles 34:07 - Support provided to companies 48:19 - Experiences with IPOs 50:08 - Impact of primary capital on Sanjay's business model 54:02 - Sanjay's thoughts on new age companies 56:45 - Backing new age companies in the portfolio 1:08:08 - Sanjay's leadership and franchise-building efforts 1:13:24 - How Sanjay identifies young investors 1:19:02 - Lessons Sanjay has learned from mistakes 1:24:22 - Differences between new age founders and established businesses 1:27:49 - How Sanjay's friends and partners would describe him Instagram of Jivraj: instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar #indiansiliconvalley #isv #indiansiliconvalleypodcast #isvpodcast #jivrajsinghsachar #privatequity #chryscapital #indianeconomy #investing #venturecapital…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

1
E183 - From Hike's Billion-Dollar Loss to India's Gaming Revolution: Kavin Mittal 1:41:03

43 weeks тому1:41:03

1:41:03

In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Kavin Bharti Mittal, founder and CEO of Hike, as he shares insights on building India's first unicorn messaging app and its evolution into a Web3 gaming platform. From Hike's meteoric rise to a $1.4 billion valuation to its pivot in the face of changing market dynamics, Kavin offers a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of tech entrepreneurship in India. He discusses the importance of self-reflection and clarity in decision-making, sharing a pivotal moment when he took three days of solitude to reassess his company's direction. Kavin explores the intersection of Eastern philosophy and modern business practices, drawing from concepts in Zen Buddhism and Vedanta to inform his leadership style and company culture. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the intricacies of building and scaling a tech startup to the future of gaming and crypto in India. Kavin's unique perspective on personal growth, adaptive thinking, and the evolution of digital platforms offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders. 0:00 - Preview 2:22 - Kavin Bharti Mittal's 12-Year Journey as Hike Founder 9:14 - Decision-Making Factors in Building Hike 10:57 - Does the Mindset of Not Complicating Things Help as a Founder? 12:54 - Scaling to 100M Customers: How He Did It 17:48 - Unknown Factors Founders Can't Predict 22:54 - His Outlier Success 25:08 - His Decision- Making Ability 46:43 - How He Made His Hardest Decisions 52:38- His Core Learnings from Life 1:00:04 - How He Developed His Traits 1:07:40 - His Curiosity Behind Building His First Company 1:14:34 - How One Should Consume Content 1:26:16 - His Thoughts on the Gaming Ecosystem 1:35:08 - What Makes His Journey Worthwhile Instagram of Jivraj: instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar #indiansiliconvalley #isv #indiansiliconvalleypodcast #isvpodcast #jivrajsinghsachar…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

1
E182 - This woman is taking on India’s Junk Food Empire: Suhasini Sampath, Yoga Bar 1:24:27

45 weeks тому1:24:27

1:24:27

In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of Suhasini Sampath, Co-Founder of Yoga Bar, a trailblazing health food brand that has disrupted India's junk food landscape. Yoga Bar has revolutionized the way Indians snack, offering healthy alternatives in a market dominated by less nutritious options. From its humble beginnings in 2015 to its recent ₹500 crore acquisition by ITC, Yoga Bar's story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to improving India's eating habits. Suhasini shares invaluable insights on building a brand in the challenging food industry, the evolution of consumer behavior, and the intricacies of navigating an acquisition by a major conglomerate. She discusses the importance of product quality, brand consistency, and the power of founder-led marketing in creating a successful health food empire. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the challenges of creating a new category in the Indian market to balancing entrepreneurship with personal life. Suhasini's perspective on company culture, investor relationships, and the future of health food in India offers a comprehensive look at what it takes to build a disruptive brand in today's competitive landscape. Timestamps: 0:00 - Preview 0:53 - Introduction 2:45 - Building a Brand: 2015 vs. 2024 7:20 - Challenges in Building a Food Brand 11:55 - The Importance of Category Share 12:46 - Day 0 Learnings 15:48 - Key Lessons from Childhood and Family 23:55 - Passing Wisdom to the Next Generation 25:54 - Can Entrepreneurs Have It All? 28:12 - Great Product, No Market: What Next? 30:53 - Consumer Evolution: 2015 to 2024 33:58 - Thoughts on Founder-Led Marketing 37:20 - Performance Marketing for New Brands 38:34 - Building Company Culture 40:41 - Navigating Acquisition by ITC 46:25 - Distribution Strategies: Pre vs. Post ITC 47:14 - Lessons from Deal Negotiation 51:34 - What Makes ITC Stand Out? 53:30 - Founder's Vision vs. Consumer Needs 57:15 - Suhasini’s Next Journey 58:17 - Traits of an Exceptional Founder 1:00:11 - Intuition vs. Data 1:03:16 - Insights on Investors and Exits 1:06:17 - Investor Experiences 1:08:50 - New Age Brands That Fascinate Her 1:10:18 - Core Personal Values 1:13:43 - Relationship with Money 1:17:19 - Importance of Personal Relationships 1:19:02 - How Friends Describe Her 1:20:37 - Thoughts on Overcoming Challenges 1:21:30 - Message to Her Younger Self 1:22:29 - Outro Instagram of Jivraj - https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/ #indiansiliconvalley #isv #indiansiliconvalleypodcast #isvpodcast #jivrajsinghsachar…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E181 - Secrets of a Billionaire Wealth Manager in India: Himanshu Kohli (Founder of Client Associates) Reveals All 1:13:21

46 weeks тому1:13:21

1:13:21

In this episode, we speak with Himanshu Kohli, Co-Founder of Client Associates. Client Associates is a leading private wealth management firm dedicated to providing personalized financial solutions to high-net-worth individuals and families. With a strong presence in the Indian financial landscape, Client Associates has built a reputation for trust and excellence, guiding their clients through complex wealth management processes. Himanshu Kohli's journey is one of vision, innovation, and a deep understanding of wealth dynamics. Since its inception, Client Associates has evolved to address the growing needs of India's affluent, adapting to changing market conditions and client expectations. Himanshu's commitment to building a firm that not only manages wealth but also plans for succession and legacy is truly inspiring. His insights into building capabilities, fostering trust, and understanding the mindset of the wealthy in India offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in wealth management. In our conversation, we delve into the origins of Client Associates, the challenges and successes faced along the way, and the future of private wealth management in India. Himanshu shares his personal experiences, life learnings, and advice for the younger generation aspiring to enter this field. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the intricacies of managing wealth and the importance of adapting to a rapidly changing environment. We're also very delighted to share that we are now a part of the Zerodha Collective Network! Grateful to be a part of and have the support. Here's what we talked about: 0:00 - Preview 0:48 - Introduction 1:38 - Emerging Indian Wealth 4:22 - Starting Private Wealth Management 11:56 - Entering the Market 19:26 - Evolution of Client Associates 22:36 - Planning Succession Wealth 28:32 - Building Capabilities 33:04 - Building Trust 36:48 - How the Rich in India Think 41:56 - Adapting to Change 49:43 - Managing Risk 52:59 - Learning from Clients 53:42 - Himanshu’s Life Lessons 56:11 - Leading Client Associates 1:03:48 - Life Beyond Client Associates 1:08:48 - His Biggest Superpower 1:09:48 - Advice for the Younger Generation 1:12:45 - Outro Tune in to gain insights from one of the leading minds in private wealth management and learn how to navigate the complexities of wealth creation and preservation Instagram of Jivraj - https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/ #indiansiliconvalley #isv #indiansiliconvalleypodcast #isvpodcast #jivrajsinghsachar…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E180 - India’s Largest Travel Company - Deep Kalra, Founder of MakeMyTrip ($9 Billion Business) 1:11:07

47 weeks тому1:11:07

1:11:07

In this episode, we chat with Deep Kalra, the former CEO of MakeMyTrip. Deep opens up about his amazing 24-year journey as an entrepreneur, sharing his experiences and the lessons he’s learned along the way. We discuss how he navigated the pandemic, his thoughts on reinventing oneself, and the exciting impact of AI. Deep also talks about the skills he’s picked up, his approach to building and hiring great teams and the unique challenges in the tourism industry. Tune in for an inspiring conversation where Deep shares his formula for better business and the significant learnings from different phases of his life. Instagram of Jivraj - https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/ 00:00 - Preview 01:01 - Introduction 01:49 - Deep Kalra’s 24-Year Entrepreneurial Journey 09:16 - Pandemic Learnings 14:37 - His Entrepreneurial Journey So Far 16:35 - What Reinventing Means 22:08 - The Impact of AI 27:30 - Skills Mastered Along the Way 31:56 - Mastering Team Building and Hiring 38:08 - Fascination with His Business 48:45 - Tourism Industry Challenges 55:31 - Leveraging AI 1:00:46 - Formula for Better Business 1:06:24 - Key Learnings from Life Phases 1:11:06 - Outro #indiansiliconvalley #isv #indiansiliconvalleypodcast #isvpodcast #jivrajsinghsachar…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

1
E179 - Meet India's Biryani King: Vishal Jindal of Biryani By Kilo 1:05:19

48 weeks тому1:05:19

1:05:19

In this episode, we chat with Vishal Jindal, the co-founder of Biryani By Kilo (BBK), a leading food delivery service revolutionizing how India enjoys biryani. Vishal, who ventured into entrepreneurship at 40, shares his journey of turning a passion for biryani into a thriving business. We explore why biryani is so beloved, the consumer trends driving its popularity, and the foundational principles behind BBK's success. Vishal discusses the challenges of maintaining quality while scaling, the importance of innovation, and BBK's unique marketing strategies. He also offers insights into managing a team, ensuring sustainability, and balancing quality with growth. Join us for an inspiring discussion packed with valuable lessons from Vishal's entrepreneurial journey and his vision for the future of food delivery Biryani By Kilo: https://biryanibykilo.com/ Instagram of Jivraj - https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/ 00:00 - Preview 00:33 - Introduction 00:53 - Why is Biryani So Popular? 04:09 - Consumer Trends in Biryani Consumption 06:33 - Building a Food Company at 40 10:42 - Importance of Passion in Building a Company 13:51 - Meeting His Co-Founder 15:01 - Foundational Principles of Biryani by Kilo 19:41 - Maintaining Quality Across India 22:47 - Scale of Biryani by Kilo 27:56 - Thoughts on Dining and Offline Channels 31:05 - Growth Rate of Food Delivery 33:45 - Revenue Split of BBK 34:29 - Behind the Scenes of BBK Operations 39:41 - Balancing Quality and Growth 41:16 - Learning the Food Business 42:06 - Managing Team Attrition 45:18 - BBK Marketing Strategy 48:33 - Attracting Consumers 51:40 - Healthy Food Branding 53:42 - Sustainability Insights 54:57 - Thoughts on Premium Pricing 56:45 - Lessons from Large Food Businesses 1:00:00 - Vishal’s Strengths 1:01:47 - Vishal’s Fears 1:02:14 - How Friends Describe Vishal 1:03:11 - Message to Younger Self 1:04:26 - Outro #indiansiliconvalley #isv #indiansiliconvalleypodcast #isvpodcast #jivrajsinghsachar…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

1
E178 - How Robin Hood Army Feeds 14 Crore People Worldwide: Neel Ghosh, Co-Founder 1:50:03

49 weeks тому1:50:03

1:50:03

In this episode, we speak with Neel Ghose of Robin Hood Army. Robin Hood Army is a volunteer-based organization that works to get surplus food from restaurants and communities to serve less fortunate people. They have a presence in multiple countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and many others. They have successfully fed over 14 crore people worldwide, making a massive impact on hunger and food wastage. Neel Ghose, the co-founder, started this noble initiative with a simple mission: to fight food waste and hunger on a large scale. Neel's journey is one of dedication, innovation, and relentless pursuit of social change. He has leveraged technology and community power to address one of the most pressing issues in society. Using social media extensively, Robin Hood Army has engaged thousands of volunteers and partnered with numerous restaurants to expand its reach and effectiveness. This conversation dives deep into the challenges, successes, and future plans of Robin Hood Army, showcasing the incredible impact that can be made through collective effort. We're also very delighted to share that we are now a part of the Zerodha Collective Network! Grateful to be a part and have the support. Instagram of Robin Hood Army - https://www.instagram.com/rha_india/ Instagram of Jivraj - https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/ 00:00 - Preview 01:08 - Introduction 02:31 - How He Got Started 05:08 - Secrets Behind Insane Numbers 09:08 - What Drives People to Join Robinhood Army 13:08 - Why He Started the Robinhood Army 17:58 - Strong Fundamentals of Robinhood 29:26 - How They Ensure Quality Control 38:10 - Sources of Meals 43:55 - Early Days & Initial Drive 52:55 - Robinhood Army Beyond Food 1:04:03 - Thoughts on the Robinhood Team 1:15:44 - Growing the Mission 1:24:26 - Insights After Serving 114 Million Meals 1:28:26 - Neel’s Biggest Fear 1:28:41 - Neel’s Superhero 1:29:05 - Lessons from the Zomato Journey 1:32:21 - Life Beyond Google and RHA 1:34:49 - Neel’s Experience Working at Google 1:36:48 - Learnings from Harvard 1:41:23 - Neel’s Personal Values 1:45:34 - Jivraj’s Personal Values 1:47:00 - Message to Younger Self #indiansiliconvalley #isv #indiansiliconvalleypodcast #isvpodcast #jivrajsinghsachar…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

1
E177 - From Freelancer to Multi-Crore Agency Founder : Ayush Wadhwa of OWLED Media 1:45:17

50 weeks тому1:45:17

1:45:17

In this episode, we speak with Ayush Wadhwa of OWLED Media. OWLED is a leading marketing solutions company that works with the best companies in India, including the likes of Groww, Unacademy, PhonePe, Dezerv, Flipkart, Meesho and many others. They're the folks behind the Nikhil Kamath Podcast, Indian Business Podcast by Think School, Unacademy's Next Level Podcast and many leading productions in the country. Ayush is the 26-year old founder who started creating content at the age of 13 and self-learnt the craft of production. He has been working since the last 13 years and has built a business as a solo-founder which does multiple crores of revenue in a year, bootstrapped. He is deeply entrenched in the startup ecosystem and has a strong marketing worldview, alongside being a creator with 340K+ followers on Instagram. He was recently listed in the Forbes 30 under 30 Asia List and has over the years been awarded at multiple forums for his great work. This was a phenomenal conversation, hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Instagram of Ayush - https://www.instagram.com/ayushwadhwa/ Instagram of Jivraj - https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/ 0:00 - Introduction 01:30 - Why Companies do not understand Marketing? 04:10 - What Drives Ayush 07:12 - Why Ayush works like he does? 10:16 - Content & Money at the age of 13!!! 16:43 - From Freelancer to Agency Founders 29:36 - What does OWLED Stand for? 36:50 - Behind the Scenes of a Solo Founder 46:22 - Importance of Human Relationships in any Business 51:15 - How to Build Strong Relationships? 53:23 - What does being a creator mean to him? 1:01:04 - Why Someone Should Not Be Creator for Life? 1:05:40 - Storytelling on day to day basis 1:12:44 - Biggest Fear 1:14:44 - Superpower? 1:16:27 - How to Balance Personal & Professional Life as a 26 year-old Solo Founder 1:20:00 - Angel Investing 1:29:30 - Marketing Learnings 1:36:21 - Life Principles 1:40:00 - Message to his Younger Self…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E176 - 1000Cr+ Profits from Mamearth & Nykaa! 💸 | Rishabh Mariwala, Sharrp Ventures | ISV 55:50

1 year тому55:50

55:50

In this episode, we speak with Rishabh Mariwala - Managing Partner, Sharrp Ventures. He is a director at Marico and Kaya, alongside leading Sharrp Ventures into the premier consumer investing arm in the country. Rishabh's insights on consumer brands, his personal entrepreneurial experience and the past track record that he exhibits are all beyond phenomenal. We are absolutely glad to have had him on the show. Hope you enjoy the episode! Rishabh's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishabhmariwala/ 00:00 - Preview 00:45 - Introduction 01:25 - Rishabh's Journey Begins 03:35 - First Startup Experience 08:00 - Starting as an Investor 13:50 - Criteria for Investing in Fund Managers 18:10 - Traits of Successful Founders 20:50 - The Mamaearth Investment Story 24:47 - Lessons from His Father & Marico 30:35 - Rishabh's Favorite Consumer Brand 35:54 - Building a Consumer Brand 41:16 - Understanding Indian Consumers 45:05 - Thoughts on Offline Distribution Channels 47:28 - Key Insights for Starting a Brand 49:56 - Friends' Perspective on Rishabh 52:29 - Staying Grounded 54:10 - Advice to His Younger Self 55:34 - Outro…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E175 - The 1000 CR brand - VEEBA, India's most loved Sauce Company ft. Viraj Bahl 1:37:26

1 year тому1:37:26

1:37:26

In this episode of the Indian Silicon Valley Podcast, we host the Founder & Managing Partner of Veeba - India's most loved sauce brand. All of us find Veeba sauces in our kitchen and sachets in our deliveries. Veeba in the last 10 years has become all incumbent brands in its category and become the market leader, crossing a revenue mark of INR 1,000 CR!! Veeba is India's leading brand story and we are incredibly glad to feature its journey in the most candid way on the podcast. Check out one of the best episodes on the Pod. https://veeba.in/ Viraj Bahl on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/viraj-bahl-82a595aa/ Jivraj Singh on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jivrajsinghsachar/ 00:00 - Introduction 01:03 - Meet Viraj Bahl, Founder of Veeba 02:03 - How to build a Consumer Brand 03:58 - All about Distribution 08:27 - Learnings from the Family Business 11:27 - Beginning of his Founder Journey 14:15 - Running a Food Business 22:24 - Vision for Veeba 27:07 - Setting up Manufacturing since Day 0 38:04 - The Dominoes Order that saved it all 40:59 - Strategy is Everything 50:52 - Early Days at Veeba 1:01:29 - Establishing the Brand 1:04:44 - Mastering Marketing 1:05:36 - Innovation in Product 1:07:48 - All about Retail 1:08:20 - All about Scale 1:25:19 - Motivation to build Veeba 1:30:00 - Conclusion…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E174 - The Man behind AKASA AIR & INDIGO - Aditya Ghosh, Legendary Indian Businessman | ISV 1:09:53

1 year тому1:09:53

1:09:53

In this episode, we speak to Aditya Ghosh - the legendary Indian Business Figure. He has Co-Founded Akasa Air and he previously built INDIGO as its President. He is also the Founding Trustee of Ashoka University and is the Founder of Homage, his investing arm that invests across new-age companies, philanthropy and other noble initiatives. Watch an incredible conversation with the legend. 00:00 - Introduction 01:02 - Meet Aditya Ghosh: Co-founder of Akasa Air 02:11 - How India Travels 14:00 - Life as a Leader of a Listed Company 19:45 - Early Signs of Institutional Builders 29:49 - Aditya on Risk-Taking and Curiosity 39:40 - Opportunities for Youngsters in Large Organizations 44:23 - Highlights of Aditya’s Leadership 50:30 - Managing an Organization: Aditya’s Approach 55:00 - Vision and Achievements: Aditya’s Path to New Possibilities 58:35 - Aditya’s Biggest Strength and Fear 59:20 - Friends’ Perspectives on Aditya 01:00:30 - Aditya’s Childhood Memory of Responsibility 01:02:00 - What Excellence Means to Aditya 01:05:30 - Lessons from Akasa Air 01:09:00 - Advice to His Younger Self 01:09:30 - Outro…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E173 - Meet the man who manages your favourite celebrities - Vijay Subramaniam, Collective Artists Network 48:51

1 year тому48:51

48:51

In this episode, we speak with Vijay Subramanian - the leading man in the Artists Management space, building Collective Artists Network. They manage some of the best actors and creators in the country, championing the creator wave. They are also building a group company, as they have many underlying initiatives including the Gruhas Collective Fund to invest in new-age consumer companies, Under 25 for events and many more aspects that solidify their positioning as the Google for the Creator Economy. Check out the most thrilling 50 minutes on the Creator Economy. IG Profile of Vijay - https://www.instagram.com/vijaysubramaniam84/ 00:00 - Introduction 01:03 - Meet Vijay: Scaling Collective 03:28 - Key Learnings for Scaling Services Companies 09:00 - Early Career and Academic Insights 13:00 - Engaging Audiences and Receiving Applause 16:00 - Evolution in Media and Adaptation Over Time 18:30 - Transitioning from Creator to Entrepreneur 22:00 - Sustainable Creator Business Models 27:35 - Challenges Faced by Creator Companies 30:50 - Secrets to Success for Creators and Celebrities 33:10 - Choosing Collaborators and Team Members 35:35 - Qualities of a Great Talent Manager 39:00 - Managing Large-Scale Creators at Collective 43:30 - Collective’s Vision for the Future 48:25 - Frameworks and Strategies Used by Vijay 50:39 - Conclusion…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E172 - Ankur Warikoo Unfiltered On Money, Education Business, Content Creation & Life | ISV 1:45:11

1 year тому1:45:11

1:45:11

Ankur Warikoo is the legendary entrepreneur and content creator having more than 10Mn followers across social media. He is a celebrated entrepreneur who built Nearbuy in India and is now building a profitable, bootstrapped venture doing 27Cr+ in revenues every year. He is a content creator with more than 100Mn impressions with his posts every year, impacting lives at scale. He is also a bestselling author having written 3 books that have been widely read across the world. He is currently building an Education venture that we are all very excited about and cannot wait to see the success of! It was lovely chatting with him on all things money, life, business, content creation and much more. Stick around till the end for a great conversation!! 0:00 : Preview: 0:58 : Introduction 02:28 : On balance & Life 07:47 : How to take control of your time 12:10 : Risk-Taking Ability 20:17 : Making Decisions 24:03 : Entrepreneurship in 2009 33:23 : Celebrating Funding 34:48 : Indian Business Evolution 43:58 : Why Ankur isn't building a VC Backed Company 51:58 : Dark sides of Business 58:49 : The Content Creation Journey 01:05:28 : Selling via Content 01:09:24 : Content Creation or Business 01:12:09 : How he Deals with Negativity 01:19:54 : ONE Thing to Appeal to Audience 01:23:51 : Journey as an AUTHOR 01:28:52 : Building Education Empire 01:30:36 : How He Built an Educational Business 01:38:56 : Rapid Q&A 01:40:55 : Thoughts on Conventional Path 01:43:20 : 3 Things to Avoid in the Entrepreneurial journey 01:45:04 : Message to Ankur’s Older Self 01:46:38 : Outro…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E171 - Millionaire Investor turned Philanthropist ft. Ashish Dhawan - Chrys Capital, Ashoka, CSF | ISV 42:07

1 year тому42:07

42:07

In this episode, we speak to the Millionaire Ashish Dhawan, who is the CEO of Convergence. He is an institutional builder at its core, the best India has ever seen. He has built Chrys Capital, India's largest PE Firm (backed companies like Infosys, Axis Bank, YES Bank). He then exited the PE world at the age of 43 to pursue philanthropy and started the Central Square Foundation (CSF) - transforming the world of Indian philanthropy. He has now started the Convergence where he is the CEO - building the 2nd phase of his philanthropy career. He has also started Ashoka University along with 160 phenomenal trustees, being at the centre of raising 2000Cr for premier education in the country. He is also the only Indian on the Gates Foundation' Board. Through this episode we discuss how Indian philanthropy will rise and how youngsters can participate, while understanding how to build long-term successful institutions. 0:00 - Teaser 01:35 - Introduction 02:00 - Building Institutions 04:56 - Phenomenal Career Decisions 11:48 - From Capitalism to Philanthropy 17:35 - Unlearning & Growth 19:28 - Transitioning to Philanthropy 24:05 - Building Ashoka University 29:37 - Evolution of Philanthropy 32:49 - Global Philanthropy Perspective 36:22 - Driving Forces 37:28 - Aspirations 38:47 - Advice to Younger Self by Ashish 41:45 - Conclusion…

Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

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E170 - The Marketing Masterclass: Ft. Sahiba Bali - From Zomato to Acting | Indian Silicon Valley 1:00:20

1 year тому1:00:20