Entrepreneur Lounge of India (ELI)

In this episode of ELI, we sit down with Amey Naik, co-founder of 'I', a homegrown, AI-powered social media application aiming to create a unique space in the Indian market.Amey shares his journey from working in service-based and product-based companies like Capgemini and Salesforce to taking the entrepreneurial leap. He delves into the origin story of 'I', a platform that combines the best of social media with innovative AI features.Discover what sets 'I' apart from giants like Instagram and Facebook, from its AI face and video swap tools to the unique 'iCoins' system that rewards users for engagement, and a 'Family Tree' feature that brings a new dimension to social networking. Amey also discusses the rise of "Social OTT" and the future of vertical, short-form video content.Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities of building a social media platform for India, the strategy behind acquiring over 1.5 lakh users in a year, and the vision for creating a seamless ecosystem for creators, brands, and users.Chapters(00:00) Intro(00:33) Amey Naik's Background Before Entrepreneurship(02:07) The Origin Story of 'I' - An AI-Powered Social Media App(03:49) How 'I' Differentiates from Instagram and Facebook(05:26) AI Tools, Face Swaps, and Family Tree Feature(06:58) Why Will 'I' Succeed in the Indian Market?(08:08) What is Social OTT?(10:24) How 'I' Acquired 1.5 Lakh Users in One Year(14:40) The iCoins Concept: Incentivizing Content Consumption(16:42) A Deep Dive into the AI Features of 'I'(21:47) Thoughts on AI-Generated Content and Deepfakes(24:35) The Rise of Vertical Content and Social OTT(29:37) The Future Vision for 'I': A Platform for Brands and Creators(34:24) Why Hasn't India Produced a Global Social Media Platform?(38:16) Why Amey is Confident About the Success of 'I'(40:48) Closing Thoughts on Data Sovereignty and Indian Tech

Ashutosh Prakash Singh, the co-founder and CEO of Revrag AI, joins the ELI podcast to discuss his entrepreneurial journey. He talks about his background, from his early days and interest in music to becoming a product manager and eventually starting his own company. Ashutosh explains the problem Revrag AI is solving in the BFSI sector by using AI agents to reduce drop-offs during customer onboarding. He delves into the challenges of working with banks, data security, and the evolving regulatory landscape for AI in India. The conversation also covers the underlying technologies at Revrag AI, the rise of voice AI, and the company's future vision.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:23 - Ashutosh's Background and Journey05:22 - The Problem Revrag AI is Solving09:21 - How Revrag AI Works11:07 - Navigating Challenges in the Banking Sector15:37 - Underlying Technologies at Revrag AI17:16 - Data Security and Sovereignty20:17 - Challenges in Building and Growing Revrag AI22:02 - The Future of AI and Finance Regulation in India26:12 - The Rise of Voice AI29:26 - Future Vision for Revrag AI31:38 - Conclusion

In this episode of ELI, we're joined by Harsh Gupta, a Principal at Flourish Ventures, a leading early-stage global VC firm. Harsh shares his insights on the world of venture capital, offering a comprehensive guide for startup founders on the fundraising process.We delve into:- Harsh's journey from a finance professional to a VC.- The investment thesis of Flourish Ventures and their focus on fintech.- How VCs discover and evaluate startups.- The nuances of negotiation and valuation in a funding round.- The role of a VC post-investment and the support they provide to their portfolio companies.- The impact of PR and media in the startup ecosystem.This masterclass is a must-watch for any entrepreneur looking to understand the VC mindset and navigate the fundraising landscape successfully.About the Guest:Harsh Gupta is a Principal at Flourish Ventures, a global fintech fund with a purpose to improve the financial health of retail customers and small businesses. He has extensive experience in venture debt and equity investing, having worked with companies across various sectors and stages.Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:38 - Harsh Gupta's Journey to Venture Capital08:28 - About Flourish Ventures11:15 - Why FinTech?14:44 - Should a Founder Raise Funds?18:41 - How VCs Discover Companies25:55 - How VCs Shortlist Startups30:41 - Leveraging Technology in VC34:59 - The Negotiation Process39:18 - Post-Investment Engagement43:51 - The Role of PR in the Startup Ecosystem50:00 - Conclusion

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shashank Shekhar Sharma, the founder and CEO of Expedify, a conversational CRM powered by AI. Dr. Sharma shares his incredible journey from brand management at companies like Dabur and Nestlé to pioneering the future of sales and marketing with agentic AI.We dive deep into what "agentic AI" truly means and how it's creating autonomous systems that can handle complex sales tasks, from lead enrichment to sending personalized emails in minutes. Dr. Sharma explains why smaller, agile companies might have an edge over giants like Salesforce and HubSpot in this new AI-driven landscape and how they are tackling challenges like AI hallucination and failure rates.This is a must-watch for anyone in sales, marketing, or entrepreneurship who wants to understand the profound changes AI is bringing to the industry and what skills will be crucial to stay ahead of the curve.Chapters00:00 - Intro: Meet Dr. Shashank Shekhar Sharma, Founder of an AI-Powered CRM00:49 - From Healthcare Marketing to Entrepreneurship02:51 - The Spark of Interest in Data Analytics & AI05:37 - The Genesis of Expedify & Focusing on D2C Brands10:24 - Building a CRM From Scratch with Agentic AI at its Core12:21 - What is Agentic AI? A Real-World Sales Use Case18:54 - Why are HubSpot & Salesforce Lagging in the Agentic AI Race?24:42 - Tackling the Challenge of AI Errors and Hallucinations30:05 - Will AI Replace Sales and Marketing Jobs?35:32 - How Enterprises Can Prepare for the AI Revolution39:07 - The Most Powerful Use Cases for Agentic AI in Business42:53 - What Does Entrepreneurship Mean in the Age of AI?46:22 - Outro

In this episode of the ELI Podcast, we sit down with Aditi Sinha, the co-founder of Locale.ai, a sales automation platform that raised over $5 million in VC funding. Aditi shares her raw and honest story of building a company from the ground up, navigating multiple pivots, and ultimately making the difficult decision to shut down and return capital to investors.Join us as we delve into the highs and lows of her five-and-a-half-year journey, the personal toll of founder burnout, and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way. Aditi offers a refreshingly transparent look at the startup world, providing practical advice on everything from fundraising and finding a co-founder to the importance of mental health and knowing when to walk away. This is a must-listen for any aspiring or current entrepreneur.YouTube Chapters:(00:00) Intro: Meet Aditi Sinha, Co-founder of Locale.ai(00:30) Aditi's Journey: From Patna to BITS Pilani to Entrepreneurship(02:34) The Genesis of Locale.ai(04:51) The Difficult Decision to Shut Down(08:16) The Problem with the Second Idea(10:13) The Reality of Founder Burnout(12:19) How to Shut Down a Company Gracefully(17:10) The Slack Story & The Future for Aditi(19:25) Aditi's Fundraising Experience(24:38) Finding the Right Co-Founder(27:41) The Personal Toll of Shutting Down a Venture(30:58) A Message to Other Entrepreneurs(35:17) Redefining Failure and Success

In this ELI podcast episode, Naveen Tiwari, co-founder of Scrabble and Jigsaw, shares his journey from a small-town upbringing in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, to building a successful executive search and recruitment firm. With a background in private banking and seven years in recruitment at Michael Page, Naveen co-founded Scrabble with his wife and a colleague, focusing on leadership hiring (₹30L+ salaries) and later expanding to mid-level hiring through Jigsaw. He credits his wife's push for entrepreneurship, family support, and strong client relationships for helping them scale from an initial ₹50 lakh revenue target to over ₹21 crore in four years. Naveen emphasizes action over overthinking, innovative low-cost strategies like profit-sharing with returnees, and the power of storytelling through their own podcast to inspire professionals at every stage of their career.

In this insightful episode of ELI, we speak with Raghvendra Nath, the Managing Director of Ladderup Asset Managers, a leading private wealth management firm in India. Raghvendra shares his extensive experience in the Indian capital markets since 1994 and provides a deep dive into how family offices and high-net-worth individuals approach investments. We discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in India's wealth management landscape, the crucial role of trust and quality advice, the differences in investment strategies compared to the middle class, and Raghvendra's perspective on the future of wealth management in the age of robo-advisors and AI. A must-listen for anyone interested in finance, investments, and understanding the world of high-end wealth management in India.Chapters:0:00 Introduction to Ragavendra Natad & Ladderup Asset Managers0:33 Ladderup Asset Managers: 14 Years of Managing Wealth in India1:54 Ragavendra's Early Journey in Capital Markets (1994)2:39 The Evolution of Indian Capital Markets and SEBI's Role3:57 Joining Birla Life Mutual Fund in the Nascent Stage5:36 Developing the Northern Region and Understanding Investor Behavior6:41 Leading Investment Strategy and Launching Innovative Products8:00 The Transition from Employee to Entrepreneurship9:55 The Landscape of Wealth Management in India: Fragmentation and Competition11:58 Identifying the Gaps: The Need for Quality and Trustworthy Advice13:51 The Importance of Protecting Hard-Earned Wealth16:28 Building Trust with High-Net-Worth Clients: Leveraging Experience18:58 The Challenge of Building Credibility in a Market Full of Promises21:58 How HNIs and Family Offices Invest Differently from the Middle Class22:33 Fundamentals of Investing: A Timeless Perspective23:57 The Underlying Belief in Startup Investments24:42 AIFs, PMS, and Mutual Funds: Understanding the Nuances26:54 Advantages of PMS Managers and the Importance of Investment Rigor27:20 Debunking Myths: Risk Appetite and Returns of Wealthy Investors28:22 Why Wealthy Individuals Tend to be Risk Averse30:39 Higher Risk Doesn't Always Mean Higher Return, But Higher Volatility32:59 The Future of Ladderup: Navigating Technology and Robo-Advisors34:09 The Rise of DIY Investment Solutions34:53 Risk Management: A Concept That AI Cannot Fully Grasp36:15 The Importance of Human Advisors During Market Downturns37:53 Wealth Management as a Guide: The Enduring Need for Human Expertise39:11 Closing Remarks and Thank You

In this episode of ELI, we sit down with Pranav, the founder and CEO of The Hosteller, India's largest self-operated backpacker hostel chain! Discover the journey of building a brand new hospitality concept in India, the key differences between hotels and hostels, and how The Hosteller caters to the adventurous spirit of young Indian travelers. Pranav shares his insights on overcoming initial challenges, navigating the COVID pandemic, fostering a strong community, leveraging social media for growth, and the importance of persistence in entrepreneurship. Tune in to learn about the booming backpacker culture in India!Chapters:0:00 Intro to Pranav & The Hosteller0:45 Understanding the Hostel Concept vs. Hotels1:29 The Hosteller's Target Audience and Their Needs2:10 Identifying the Gap in India's Budget Hospitality Market3:21 The Early Days: Educating the Indian Traveler4:04 Pranav's Journey to Entrepreneurship and the Love for Travel5:18 Discovering the Backpacker Hostel Concept in Europe6:27 Starting The Hosteller: Overcoming Initial Challenges8:21 Bootstrapping and Early Growth: Jaipur, Delhi, Manali9:08 Educating the Market About Backpacker Hostels10:11 The "Sticky" Nature of the Hostel Experience11:13 The Rapid Growth of the Backpacker Hostel Category in India12:04 Customer Acquisition Strategies: Website and OTAs12:57 The Importance of Social Media and Content Creation14:40 Addressing Safety and Security Concerns in Hostels15:57 Positioning Towards Travelers Who Understand the Culture17:00 Peer-to-Peer Watching and Female-Only Dorms18:33 Safety Record and Measures Taken19:45 Navigating the COVID Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities21:39 The Lean Hospitality Model and Flexibility During Crisis22:24 Bold Moves During COVID: Expanding The Hosteller23:06 Building a Community Experience in Hostels24:20 Tapping into Accommodation, F&B, Transportation, and Activities24:59 Free Tours, Events, and Activities to Connect Travelers26:12 The Hosteller's Web App for Community Interaction26:44 Insights from User Analytics: Solo Female Travelers and Community Engagement28:20 The Trend of Smart Stays and Automation29:46 The Role of Customer Feedback and Negative Reviews in Improvement32:07 Defining the Entrepreneurial Journey: The Importance of Persistence33:33 Final Thoughts and Thank You

In this episode of ELI, we delve into the fascinating world of lab-grown diamonds with Achal Gupta, the founder of Craftier! Discover his journey into the jewelry industry, the truth about the natural vs. lab-grown diamond debate, and the challenges and future of the Indian jewelry market. Achal shares valuable insights on transparency, the power of omni-channel retail, and his innovative franchise model for Craftier. A must-watch for anyone interested in diamonds, jewelry, and entrepreneurship!Chapters:0:00 Intro to Achal Gupta & Craftier0:30 Achal's Background and Entrepreneurial Journey1:17 From Bookish Knowledge to Diamond Grading2:00 Launching Rivera Diamonds and Entering Retail4:32 The Attraction to the Luxury Jewelry Industry6:56 Understanding the Underlying Problems in the Jewelry Market10:25 The Importance of Transparency and the Role of Karatometers14:01 Gold vs. Diamond: Fundamental Differences18:37 Natural Diamonds vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: What's the Real Difference?21:07 The Pricing Difference Between Lab-Grown and Mined Diamonds21:41 Why Launch Craftier? Sustainable Luxury and Affordability25:00 The Power of the Omni-Channel Model for Jewelry Retail28:51 Challenges for Online-Only Jewelry Brands31:38 Craftier's Innovative Franchise (Business Partner) Model35:59 Rewarding Long-Term Business Partners with Equity38:31 Lessons Learned: Achal's Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs39:49 Outro1

In this inspiring episode, we delve into the journey of General Instruments Consortium (GIC), a 60-year-old Indian manufacturing powerhouse led by third-generation CEO, Sarva Kulkarni. Discover how GIC has become a leading exporter of pressure, temperature, level, and flow instruments to over 37 countries, embodying the spirit of "Make in India" for a global market. Learn about their history, innovative approach to customized manufacturing, and Mr. Kulkarni's vision for taking an Indian manufacturing company to multinational status. This is a must-watch for entrepreneurs and anyone interested in India's growing manufacturing capabilities and global impact.Chapters Timestamp:0:00 Intro - The Rise of Make in India Manufacturing0:30 Meet Sarva Kulkarni - Third Generation Leading a 60-Year-Old Legacy1:05 Sarva's Background and Journey to CEO3:56 The Evolution of GIC: From Post-War Vision to Global Leader (1966-Present)5:55 Pioneering Manufacturing in India & Early Challenges6:46 Transitioning Generations & Expanding Global Reach8:10 Consecutive Export Excellence from India8:50 Understanding GIC's Products: Essential Instruments for Global Industries9:29 Serving Key Sectors: Oil & Gas, Pharma, Food & Beverage, and More (India & Global)11:57 Global Approvals and Presence in Over 35 Countries13:23 Vision: Building India's First Multinational Instrumentation Company14:04 India as a Global Manufacturing Hub: Insights and Challenges14:57 Why China Isn't GIC's Competition: The Power of Customization16:24 India's Strengths: Technology, Customization, and Skilled Workforce17:25 Scaling a Massive Product Portfolio & Global Expansion Strategy18:55 The Importance of Quality and Proven Track Record20:07 Navigating the Dynamics of a Family Business: Third Generation Leadership21:22 The Power of Knowledge and Respect in Leadership23:53 Intra-Family Dynamics and Succession Planning25:57 Empowering Growth: Father's Role in Sarva's Leadership26:48 Aiming for Exponential Growth: From 1 to 100 to 100028:02 Key Strategies for Double Growth in 3 Years: Capacity, Pricing, and Market Expansion29:36 Focus on Manpower, HR Systems, and a System-Driven Approach30:29 Navigating Global Challenges: Supply Chains and Geopolitical Tensions31:34 India's Strength: Self-Reliance and Domestic Focus33:54 Message to Entrepreneurs: Persistence, Learning, and Focusing on Manufacturing35:28 The Importance of Manufacturing for India's Economy36:06 Exploring Unexplored Areas: Semiconductors and High-Tech Manufacturing36:50 The Role of Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing38:07 GIC's CSR Initiatives: Fostering Innovation in Education38:30 Conclusion: Uplifting India Through Manufacturing and Innovation

Welcome to ELI, the podcast where we bring you conversations with India's most innovative founders. In this episode, we delve into the booming coworking industry with Sparsh Khandelwal, the founder and CEO of Stylework Workspaces, a leading flexible workspace aggregator in India. Join us as we explore Sparsh's entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of coworking in India, and how Stylework is leveraging technology and AI to shape the future of work.**Chapters:**(00:00) Introduction(00:26) Sparsh's Background and Early Entrepreneurial Journey(01:51) First Venture: Modular Products and Pod Hotels(04:39) The Genesis of Stylework Workspaces(05:41) Pivoting and Building a Technology-Driven Platform(06:33) Stylework's Core Offering: Aggregating Coworking Spaces(07:51) Partnering with Coworking Space Providers(08:33) The Need for a Coworking Aggregator(09:59) Managing Check-ins Across Multiple Locations with Technology and AI(12:12) Providing Space Management Software to Operators(12:51) Geolocational and QR Code-Based Check-in Technologies(13:42) The Evolution of Coworking in India: From Bubble to Boom(15:14) India as the #1 Coworking Market Globally(16:54) The Rise of Managed Offices and Global Capability Centers (GCCs)(17:53) Success Stories: How Stylework Helps Coworking Spaces Grow(21:26) Leveraging AI in the Coworking Space with Flex AI(22:32) AI-Powered Space Discovery and Personalized Recommendations(24:03) Showing External Amenities Near Coworking Centers with AI(25:21) The Future of Flex AI in Stylework(25:52) Why India is Now the #1 Coworking Market in the World(26:47) The Role of Human Resources and Global Capability Centers(28:25) India's Talent Pool as a Driving Force(28:49) Conclusion and Thank You#coworking #india #futureofwork #entrepreneurship #podcast #AI #technology #startups #stylework #sparhandelwal #ELIpodd

In this episode of ELI, we sit down with Harinie Sekaran, the founder of Leadle Consulting, a Go-to-Market consulting firm that has helped over 500+ B2B companies build predictable, profitable revenue engines without hiring large sales teams.Harinie breaks down the evolution of outbound sales, from the days of cold calling and field visits to today's tech-driven landscape. We explore why generating pipeline is harder than ever and how a "back to basics" human-centric approach, augmented by AI, is the key to standing out.Dive deep into the strategies that are working right now, including multi-channel outreach, leveraging "signals" for personalization, the role of AI in sales, and how to build integrated GTM playbooks that actually deliver results.If you're a founder, sales leader, or anyone struggling with sales ops, this episode is packed with actionable insights to transform your process.Chapters(00:00) Intro: Meet Harinie Sekaran, Founder of Leadle(00:31) Harinie's Accidental Journey into Entrepreneurship(06:00) The Evolution of B2B Sales: From Cold Calls to Modern Tech(08:02) Why Sales is Harder Today & The Return to Basics(10:00) The Real Impact of AI on Sales Teams (It's Not What You Think)(14:24) Using "Signals" to Supercharge Your Outreach(17:25) Do Cold Calls Still Work in 2025?(19:43) Is Email a Low ROI Channel?(22:48) Leveraging WhatsApp for B2B Sales(25:16) The Power of Personalized Video in Sales(27:07) Why Account-Based Marketing is Now for Everyone(30:16) The Constant Challenge of CRM Management(32:29) Building Integrated Go-To-Market (GTM) Playbooks(35:21) Using AI for Call Analysis & Next-Level Sales Coaching(39:16) The Future of Sales: Adapting to Technology & AI(42:29) Outro & How to Connect

Ever wondered how brands go viral in today's digital age? In this episode of ELI podcast, we sit down with Himanshu Singla, the visionary CEO & Co-Founder of Idiotic Media, one of India's leading influencer and meme marketing agencies!Himanshu is at the forefront of transforming traditional marketing, focusing on meme marketing, influencer marketing, and cutting-edge content strategies that resonate with modern audiences. With over 7 years of experience steering Idiotic Media to success, he shares invaluable insights on:- The art and science behind viral content: How do memes become powerful marketing tools?- Navigating the influencer landscape: What does it take to create impactful, data-driven influencer campaigns?- Building a bootstrapped empire: Lessons learned from 6.5 years of building Idiotic Media from the ground up.- The future of digital marketing: What trends should brands and marketers be paying attention to?Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a marketing professional, or simply curious about how the internet shapes consumer behavior, this conversation with Himanshu Singla is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.About Himanshu Singla:Himanshu Singla is the CEO & Co-Founder of Idiotic Media, a pioneering agency specializing in new-age marketing, including meme and influencer marketing. He's passionate about replacing old-age marketing tactics with innovative, engaging strategies. Prior to Idiotic Media, he co-founded Movense Entertainment, a virtual reality video sharing platform, and served as CTO at Creatify Web Services, focusing on digital technology and marketing.#HimanshuSingla #IdioticMedia #Podcast #Marketing #DigitalMarketing #InfluencerMarketing #MemeMarketing #ContentMarketing #Entrepreneurship #Startup #India #Business #ViralMarketing #NewAgeMarketing #Innovation #PodcastName #[YourPodcastName]

This episode of ELI features Rohit Sethi, the founder of Seclude, a chain of unique homestays and boutique resorts across India. Rohit shares his entrepreneurial journey, from being a chartered accountant to building a successful hospitality business focused on offbeat locations. He discusses the evolution of the homestay industry in India, the target audience for Seclude, their technology usage, operational aspects, challenges faced, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction0:35 - Rohit Sethi's Background and Early Ventures1:15 - The Genesis of Seclude3:48 - Growth of Seclude and Meeting the Partner5:36 - Evolution of the Homestay Industry in India6:54 - Seclude's Unique Positioning (Beyond Just Homestays)9:20 - Target Audience and Discovery of Seclude12:48 - Leveraging Technology in Seclude14:50 - Operational Aspects and Staff Management18:18 - Financial Challenges and the Asset-Light Model21:36 - Biggest Challenges Faced Over the Years23:38 - Current Trends in the Vacation Rental Industry26:22 - Thoughts on India's Tourism Costs28:14 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Tourism30:34 - Conclusion

In this episode of Eli Podcast, we delve into the entrepreneurial journey of Anand, the founder of Ignite Solutions, a software development firm based in Pune. With over three decades of experience in the tech industry, Anand shares his background, from his masters in computer science to his experiences in the US and the eventual founding of Ignite Solutions.We explore Ignite Solutions' evolution from a product company to a professional services firm focused on product development, catering primarily to US-based startups. Anand also introduces their exciting new AI-powered product, Chhatur G, designed to enhance teamwork and collaboration for small and mid-sized businesses by positioning AI as an active team member.The conversation dives deep into Anand's perspective on the current AI wave, discussing its potential impact on jobs and the importance of embracing AI for both individuals and enterprises. He shares insightful thoughts on the rapid advancement of AI technology and the need for continuous upskilling.Finally, Anand offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the technology space, emphasizing the importance of validating ideas and leveraging the power of modern technological tools.Tune in to learn about building scalable solutions, the future of AI in business, and practical advice for navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape!Chapters:0:00 Intro0:03 Introduction of Anand, Founder of Ignite Solutions0:39 Anand's Background and Entrepreneurial Journey1:00 About Ignite Solutions: Product Development Services2:06 Introducing Chhatur G: AI for Team Collaboration2:45 Early Career and Learning from Startups4:06 Consulting Experience and Return to India5:20 Founding Ignite Solutions: Initial Product Idea6:32 Pivoting to Services and Finding Success7:22 Exploring Other Product Ideas7:56 The Genesis of Chhatur G: Addressing Team AI Challenges8:23 Ignite Solutions as the Mothership Funding Chhatur G8:44 The Overhype and Reality of AI9:25 Anand's Perspective on AI as a Technologist10:23 AI is Here to Stay: Embracing the Change11:48 Resistance to Fully Embracing AI in the Workplace12:31 Internal Success with AI Tools at Ignite Solutions12:59 AI for Pattern Matching and its Potential Impact14:21 Exponential Growth of AI Capabilities15:43 Embracing the Fast-Flowing River of AI16:24 Moore's Law and the Rapid Pace of AI Development16:57 The Need for Continuous Upskilling in the Age of AI17:16 Anxiety and the Rapid Changes in Technology18:25 Market Adoption of AI and Potential Step Changes19:36 The Future of Work and Life with AI20:33 AI Replacing Jobs vs. Human Adaptation21:36 The Importance of Common Sense and Smart Thinking21:59 AI's Strength in Pattern Matching and Weakness in Novel Problems23:16 Using AI as a Brainstorming Partner for New Challenges24:43 Engineering Education: Learning to Attack Problems25:31 AI as a Tool to Help Humans Solve Problems26:06 Introducing Chhatur G in Detail26:21 The Hypothesis Behind the Name "Chhatur G"27:22 Chhatur G as a Supportive and Intelligent Assistant28:03 The Mascot of Chhatur G29:00 Combining Multiple AI Models in Chhatur G29:23 The Challenges of Merging Different AI Models30:02 Chhatur G's Agentic Approach to Model Selection30:43 Balancing Speed, Cost, and Value in AI Responses31:28 Observing and Refining AI Responses31:51 Target Audience for Chhatur G: Knowledge-Based Companies32:38 Focusing on Small and Mid-Sized Businesses33:16 Companies Where Knowledge Work and Collaboration are Key33:44 Example of Knowledge Flow in a Company34:16 Chhatur G's "Room" Concept for Organized Knowledge34:52 Asking Questions within the Context of a Room35:24 Using Rooms for Different Projects and Information35:54 Concerns about Data Security with AI Tools36:40 Data Sovereignty and Sensitive Information

In this insightful episode of ELI (Entrepreneur Lounge of India), host Priyaranjan Mohanty sits down with Vikas Nawal, the CEO and Founder of Interspace Communications, a leading media and communication agency in India.Vikas shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his roots in Pilani to building a successful agency competing with multinational giants. He dives deep into the evolution of media spending in India over the last few decades, the impact of technology, the rise of digital and political marketing, and his predictions for the future of the advertising and media industry.Chapters:00:00 Intro00:33 Introduction of Vikas Nawal and his background01:00 Early life and inspiration for entrepreneurship01:45 Journey into the advertising and media industry02:33 The appeal of the advertising industry04:08 Starting with Out-of-Home advertising05:47 Moving to larger agencies and diversified learning06:23 Leadership role at DDB Mudra and the shift to entrepreneurship07:48 Learning financial aspects and business head responsibilities08:10 The right time to take the entrepreneurial plunge09:36 Mindset and motivation for work11:18 Challenging the existing framework in the industry12:10 Funding a business and the importance of mentorship13:21 Building a sustainable business takes time14:10 The easiest thing is to get a million dollars with the right proposition15:17 Clarity on the type of investors and their expectations16:10 The challenge of a zero differentiator business in the media industry16:44 Taking the entrepreneur plunge in a market dominated by giants17:15 The gap: Delivering integrated communication solutions faster18:57 Agility and client-first approach19:37 Building Interspace step-by-step22:37 Starting as an Out-of-Home agency and gradual expansion24:57 Focusing on younger talent and investing in them26:17 Acquiring a traditional media agency for full-service offerings27:03 The 10-year plan for sustainable growth27:42 Being a profitable and debt-free setup28:21 The changing media landscape: Split between creative and media agencies29:03 Evolution of agency commissions29:40 Skill sets required for media and creative businesses30:55 Evolution of creative agencies and their offerings31:34 Changes in the media landscape and emergence of new media32:19 Rise of experiential marketing and shopper marketing32:56 Out-of-Home advertising as a function of real estate34:05 Evolution of the media mix34:48 Interspace's evolution alongside the changing media landscape35:21 The impact of COVID on digital adoption36:44 Digital Out-of-Home advertising: Opportunities and challenges40:18 Political Marketing in India: Evolution and Trends41:26 General ad spend during elections and the shift to brand campaigns44:24 Increased stakes and funding in political campaigns44:52 Professional agencies and focus on brand value45:47 Learning from US elections and the power of perception46:29 The common narrative of nationalism47:09 Focusing on brand value over manifesto47:49 Political campaigns turning into brand campaigns48:34 Investing in brand building vs. product campaigns49:05 Utilizing the plethora of media options49:47 Catering to diverse demographics across multiple platforms50:31 Shift from Delhi-centric campaign planning to trial and testing51:09 Experimenting with different media and the role of local languages51:43 Professionalism and focus on ROI in political campaigns52:18 Hiring top talent and strategic planning52:57 Driven by ROI and implementing proper structures53:39 Elections as major events with significant spending54:20 Radical shift in mindset and approach to campaigns54:43 Role of consultants in understanding local dynamics55:31 Crafting local and national content specific to each media55:53 The future of media and advertisement industry and the impact of new technology56:14 Challenges with the decline of traditional search and rise of chat-based search

In this episode of ELI, we delve into the fascinating journey of Entod Pharmaceuticals, a leading international research company with over four decades of expertise in ophthalmology, ENT, and dermatology. Host Priyaranjan Mohanty sits down with Mr. Nikkhil K. Masurkar, the CEO of Entod, to explore the company's rich history, its evolution from a contract manufacturer to a research-driven innovator, and India's burgeoning role in the global pharmaceutical landscape.Mr. Masurkar shares insights into his early life, his education in pharmacy and research in the UK, and how he brought that knowledge back to India to propel Entod forward. We discuss the vision of his grandfather, the founder, and how Entod's specialization in niche segments is addressing the growing healthcare needs in India.Discover the inside story of pharmaceutical research and development in India, the intricacies of clinical trials and regulatory approvals, and Entod's commitment to bringing innovative and affordable medicines to patients. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the pharmaceutical industry, entrepreneurship in healthcare, and India's journey towards becoming a global pharma leader.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to ELI and Guest Mr. Nikkhil K. Masurkar00:43 Nikkhil K. Masurkar's Early Life and Background01:28 Joining and Growing Entod Pharmaceuticals02:29 The Evolution and Founding Story of Entod (1977-2025)03:59 The Meaning Behind Entod's Name and Logo04:25 Entod's Early Days as a Contract Manufacturer05:06 Transitioning to Own Brands and R&D in the Early 2000s05:47 Internationalizing the Business and Current Focus06:49 Learnings from Studying Pharmacy and Research in the UK07:58 India's Growing Strength in Pharmacy and Medicine Post-COVID09:15 India as the "Pharmacy of the World" and the Shift Towards R&D10:32 India's R&D Ecosystem and Future Growth in Pharma12:38 Specializing in Ophthalmology, ENT, and Dermatology: The Rationale13:56 Increasing Stress on Senses Due to Modern Lifestyles15:14 India's Success Story in the Ophthalmology Industry16:46 Accessibility and Affordability of Eye Care in India17:55 Factors Driving the Success of Ophthalmology in India19:43 Expansion and Future of Eye Care and ENT in India21:03 Continued Need and Potential in Ophthalmology21:39 Entod's Investment and Logistics in R&D22:21 Cost-Effectiveness of R&D in India22:50 Clinical Trials and Regulatory Approval Process in India (CDSCO)23:26 Developing World-First Therapies in India24:02 Untapped Potential of the Indian Domestic Pharma Market24:25 Entod's Focus on World-First Therapies for Global South25:41 Timeline for Developing and Launching a New Medicine26:25 Credibility and Value of Regulatory Approvals in India27:06 Marketing and Distribution Logistics for Pharmaceutical Products in India27:42 Role of Medical Representatives and Field Force28:11 Academic Support and Events in Ophthalmology, ENT, and Dermatology29:06 Shifting from Foreign-Led to India-Led Academic Events29:21 Reaching Out to Patients and Raising Disease Awareness30:15 Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs in the Healthcare Sector30:57 Identifying Unmet Healthcare Needs Specific to India31:33 Importance of a Research and Innovation Mindset32:12 Innovate and Take Calculated Risks for Long-Term Success33:00 Closing Remarks and Thank You to Mr. Nikkhil K. Masurkar33:23 Thank You and End

In this episode of ELI, we host Samir Mathur, the Managing Director of ROInet, a company building India's largest last-mile financial services network. Learn about Samir's journey from a transferable job background and MBA at MIT Sloan to tackling the crucial issue of financial inclusion in India.We delve into:The inspiration behind ROInet and the research done at MIT and Harvard.The definition and current state of financial inclusion in India.How ROInet built a massive network of 4 crore customers and 3.78 lakh service points through a partner-driven model.The challenges faced in onboarding and training partners across diverse regions.ROInet's strategy for leveraging technology, including localization and AI chatbots.The future of financial inclusion in India and ROInet's evolving role.Valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to solve India's real problems.Tune in to hear Samir's insightful perspectives on entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and building a business that impacts millions of lives in India.#FinancialInclusion #IndiaStartup #Entrepreneurship #ROInet #Fintech #Podcast #BusinessJourney #StartupStory #ELIChapters:0:00 Introduction to Samir Mathur and ROInet0:39 Samir's Background and Journey to Entrepreneurship3:28 The Genesis of ROInet and Financial Inclusion4:48 Research Insights on Financial Inclusion in India8:11 Comparing Wealth Distribution in the US and India9:01 Is Per Capita Income a True Measure of Development?11:17 Positive Changes and Progress in India12:21 Defining Financial Inclusion and India's Progress15:43 ROInet's Massive Customer Base and Network16:49 The Partner-Driven Model of ROInet Explained20:16 Deep Dive into ROInet's Service Points: Operations and Services22:48 Challenges Faced in Onboarding and Managing Partners25:00 Localizing Digital Products and Leveraging Technology27:20 The Future of Financial Inclusion in India and ROInet's Evolution31:11 Advice for Entrepreneurs on Solving India's Problems34:17 Closing Remarks and Thank You

Join us for an insightful conversation with Saurabh Marda, co-founder of Freyr Energy, a leading rooftop solar company in India. Saurabh shares his journey into the booming solar sector, the reasons behind its recent surge in India, and Freyr Energy's unique approach to making solar accessible for homes and businesses. Discover common misconceptions about solar power, the impressive payback periods, and Saurabh's vision for India's clean energy future beyond solar. A must-watch for anyone interested in renewable energy and India's sustainable development!

In this episode of ELI, we speak with Karun Kandoi, the founder of Vidysea, an innovative platform revolutionizing how students find the right educational path, both domestically and internationally. Karun shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from his early exposure to family business to working at tech giants like GE and Microsoft before founding his own ventures.Discover how Vidysea utilizes AI-powered matching to connect students with suitable universities and courses based on their profile and preferences. We delve into the critical aspects of funding higher education abroad, including scholarships and affordable options in Europe. Karun also provides valuable insights into the initial challenges and successes of building Vidysea and his unique approach to student acquisition.Finally, we discuss the evolving landscape of international education, addressing concerns about tighter immigration policies and exploring the exciting future of global student mobility. Whether you're a student planning your academic journey or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with valuable information and inspiring stories.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to ELI and Karun Kandoi, Founder of Vidysea01:23 Karun's Background and Journey into Entrepreneurship05:57 The Trigger Moment for Starting Vidysea: Helping Students Find Their Calling07:55 Finding Your Calling: Evaluating Student Strengths and Passions12:45 AI-Powered Matching: How Vidysea Recommends Universities and Courses18:20 Funding Your Education Abroad: Loans and Scholarship Opportunities20:19 The Journey of Building Vidysea: Initial Days and Key Learnings26:51 Student Acquisition Strategies: Creating Value for Prospective Customers29:23 The Future of Studying Abroad: Navigating Immigration and Global Trends35:15 Global Expansion Plans for Vidysea36:30 Closing Remarks and Thank You

ELI: India's only podcast dedicated to founder journeys. In this episode, we sit down with Sonali Chowdhry, CEO of Netcomm Labs and Officenet, a leading SaaS-based HRTech platform. Hear Sonali's story of building her company over two decades, the evolution of Officenet's comprehensive "Hire to Retire" HR solutions, her perspective on the biggest trends shaping the HR landscape and the future of work, plus valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the tech space.

Welcome to ELI, India's premier podcast where we delve into the journeys of visionary founders. In this episode, we host Nikhil Gangamkote, the CEO of Prime Toolings, a leader in precision engineering and manufacturing.Nikhil elaborates on Prime Toolings' unique integrated approach, blending industrial design, simulation, and manufacturing under one roof, and how this benefits their clients and fuels innovation. Discover the driving force behind their strategic pivot towards becoming a product-based industry, focusing on propulsion and aerostructures, and their ambitious long-term goals in these cutting-edge areas.Get an exclusive insight into Prime Toolings' groundbreaking development of a Rotating Detonation Engine for short-range missiles – from the development process and potential impact to the challenges faced. Nikhil also sheds light on the extent of AI integration within their fully automated manufacturing operations and how it enhances efficiency, precision, and impacts their workforce.Learn about Prime Toolings' significant contribution to the growth of indigenous defense manufacturing in India, aligned with the "Make in India" initiative and backed by their ISO 9001:2015 certification. Nikhil also discusses their impactful internship program aimed at shaping the future generation of aerospace engineers.Finally, Nikhil shares insights into how Prime Toolings stays ahead in a rapidly evolving industry and offers a glimpse into their upcoming projects and milestones as they strive to become a global leader in precision manufacturing with a focus on sustainable engineering solutions.Tune in to gain valuable knowledge and inspiration from the remarkable journey of Nikhil Gangamkote and Prime Toolings.

Discover the entrepreneurial journey of Rahul Veerwal, the founder and CEO of GetWork. From his experiences managing placements at NIT Allahabad to building an AI-driven hiring platform impacting thousands of students across India, Rahul shares valuable insights on the challenges fresh graduates face, the impact of AI on job opportunities, and his vision for empowering the next generation of talent. We discuss the evolution of GetWork, their go-to-market strategy, and the future of recruitment in a rapidly changing world.

Welcome to ELI, the podcast where we interview startup founders in India. In this episode, we speak with Avinash Shekhar, the founder of Pi42, India's first crypto-to-INR futures trading platform. Avinash simplifies the world of crypto futures trading, explaining how it works in the crypto space. We delve into the advantages of leverage (up to 75x on Pi42), the regulatory landscape of crypto in India, including taxation and the role of the government in preventing fraud. He also shares his journey into the crypto world and his vision for Pi42 in the next 5 to 10 years, aiming to be a leading crypto exchange globally. Tune in to understand the potential of crypto and blockchain in India and the opportunities for entrepreneurs in this evolving space.Chapters & Timestamps0:00 - Introduction0:11 - Meet Avinash Shekhar, Founder of Pi420:58 - Understanding Crypto Futures Trading2:27 - Demystifying Leverage in Crypto4:20 - Crypto Regulation in India vs. Traditional Finance5:22 - Evolution of Crypto Regulation and Fraud Prevention8:20 - India's Position in the Global Crypto Race12:06 - Avinash's Journey into the Crypto World15:26 - Building a Crypto Startup: Technology and Team19:24 - Navigating Regulatory Challenges in the Indian Crypto Market24:20 - Pi42: Current State and Growth26:49 - Entrepreneurial Opportunities Beyond Crypto Exchanges30:40 - Pi42's Vision for the Future34:33 - Conclusion

Chapters with Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction to Entrepreneur Lounge of India (ELI)0:03 - Guest Introduction: Ajay Rao, Founder & CEO of Emiza Supply Chain Services0:23 - Ajay Rao's Introduction and Background0:49 - Early Career and Entry into Supply Chain (US & India)1:27 - First Venture: ATM Cash Logistics at Writer2:18 - Moving to the Relocation Business within Writer2:56 - Role at Allcargo Logistics: Warehousing and LCL Business3:51 - The Decision to Embrace Entrepreneurship at 404:34 - Identifying the Opportunity in E-commerce Logistics for SMBs5:14 - Founding Emiza Supply Chain Services5:46 - Focusing on the Gap in Warehousing for Emerging E-commerce Brands7:40 - Challenges Faced by SMBs with Traditional 3PL Providers8:01 - Emiza's Agile Network and Business Model8:32 - Vision for Emiza: Dynamic Fulfillment Solutions8:51 - Topic Shift: Building Scalable Platforms for SMBs (Technology)9:28 - Importance of Infrastructure and Process over Technology for Emiza9:53 - Leveraging Existing Marketplaces and SAS Platforms10:24 - Emiza's Value Proposition: Plug-and-Play Infrastructure10:54 - Addressing the Real Estate Cost Aspect and Initial Capital11:44 - Advantage as a First Mover and Focus on Beauty & Personal Care (BPC)12:32 - Topic Shift: Challenges Today in Logistics (Post Quick Commerce)12:50 - Channel Proliferation and the Increasing Demand for Speed13:32 - Quick Commerce Disrupting Traditional Delivery Times13:50 - Adapting Back-End Operations for Speed and Multi-Channel Fulfillment14:12 - Inventory Replication and Management Challenges14:28 - Emiza's Solutions: Appointment Delivery, Same-Day Delivery, Inventory Replication14:59 - Efficient Inventory Management and Return on Capital15:22 - Topic Shift: India's Logistics Cost Compared to Other Countries15:50 - Debating the Reported Logistics Cost Percentage in India16:22 - Inefficiencies in Perishable Goods vs. Other Categories16:52 - Improvement in India's Road Network and Infrastructure17:30 - Rail and Air Network Status17:59 - Development of Warehousing Infrastructure18:13 - Impact of GST on Goods Movement18:33 - India's Advancement in Delivery Speed (10-Minute Delivery)18:51 - Pride in India's Delivery Innovation19:09 - Areas for Improvement: Cold Chain, Rail, Tier 3/4 Distribution19:31 - Topic Shift: Logistics as a Strategic Differentiator20:04 - Speed and Convenience as Key Customer Expectations20:28 - Brands Leveraging Logistics for Competitive Advantage20:47 - Cost Efficiency Through Intelligent Network Design21:17 - Holistic View of Supply Chain: From Procurement to Delivery21:36 - Impact of Efficient Logistics on Top and Bottom Line21:57 - Topic Shift: Impact of AI and Machine Learning on Logistics22:07 - Value and Potential Overuse of AI/ML22:33 - Warehousing and Supply Chain as Cost Centers22:44 - Need for Efficiency in Service Provision23:05 - Focus on Automation (including AI) for Efficiency23:37 - Examples of Automation: WMS, Handheld Devices, Conveyors, Data Usage24:12 - Eliminating Wastages through Data-Driven Insights24:28 - Manpower Optimization and Productivity Monitoring25:12 - Role of AI in Customer Service: Chatbots and AI Agents25:39 - Benefits of AI for Efficiency and Cost Savings25:57 - Topic Shift: Advice for D2C Vendors Based on Emiza's Observations26:18 - Upcoming Opportunities and Trends in the D2C and Logistics Sector26:32 - The Dominance of Quick Commerce26:40 - Category-Specific Reactions to Quick Commerce (Food/FMCG vs. Fashion)27:04 - Brands' Increasing Dependence on Marketplaces27:35 - Importance of Building Own Customer Base (Offline and D2C Websites)27:59 - Brands Pushing into Offline and Modern Trade28:17 - Leveraging AI for Performance Marketing and Inventory Analytics28:33 - Focus on Insight-Based Decision Making and Data-Driven Analytics28:53 - Declining RoRoAS and the Need for Smarter Spending29:13 - Closure of the Session and Thank You

In this episode of Entrepreneur Lounge of India (ELI), we speak with Vikram Marwaha, Joint Managing Director of DRRK Foods, the makers of Crown Rice. Vikram shares the fascinating history of their family business, tracing back four generations in the rice industry. We delve into the evolving challenges of rice production and export, from pesticide concerns to global logistics. Discover the unique nuances of running a family business and gain insights into DRRK Foods' strategy for navigating competition and the booming Indian basmati market.Chapters with Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction to Entrepreneur Lounge of India (ELI)0:03 - Guest Introduction: Vikram Marwaha, JMD of DRRK Foods (Crown Rice)0:30 - Vikram Marwaha's Greetings and Background0:51 - DRRK Foods: Company History and Family Legacy (Four Generations)1:18 - Core Business Values: Honesty and Integrity2:21 - Becoming a Private Limited Company and Corporate Governance3:09 - Evolving Challenges in the Rice Industry: Pesticides4:33 - Challenges in Manpower and Global Logistics6:03 - Vikram's Entrepreneurial Journey Begins (2003)6:25 - Early Roles: Managing Production and Dispatch7:48 - Transitioning to Sales and Facing New Challenges8:53 - Evaluating Business Partners: Trust and Long-Term Vision9:12 - The Importance of Traveling with Potential Partners10:07 - Topic Shift: Export and Logistics Challenges10:30 - Impact of Tariffs and Global Trade on Exports11:30 - Basmati Rice Tariffs and Market Price Adjustments13:09 - Current State of Ocean Freight Logistics13:35 - Topic Shift: Competition in the Rice Market14:05 - DRRK Foods' Approach: Knowing the Customer (KYC)14:38 - Consistency in Quality and Consumer Loyalty15:30 - Understanding Diverse Consumer Needs16:11 - Product Diversification: Price Ranges and Specialty Rice (Diet Rice)17:51 - Maintaining Quality and Fostering Loyalty for Growth18:18 - Topic Shift: Booming Domestic Market for Basmati Rice18:56 - Shifting Consumption Patterns in India19:18 - Rice Varieties Across India19:35 - Basmati: The Queen of Rice19:56 - Impact of COVID-19 on Basmati Consumption at Home21:00 - Growing Demand for Basmati in Southern India and Interiors21:54 - Health Benefits and Characteristics of Basmati Rice22:31 - Tremendous Growth in the Indian Basmati Market22:53 - DRRK Foods' Expansion Plans: New Facility in Madhya Pradesh23:26 - Growing Basmati Cultivation in New Regions (Hybrid Seeds)24:07 - Topic Shift: Innovation in DRRK Foods' Portfolio24:18 - Plans for Ready-to-Cook/Eat Rice (Frozen Division)24:32 - Innovating with Rice Crackers from Broken Rice25:11 - Adding Value through Snacks and Frozen Foods25:31 - Topic Shift: Government Support and Regulations in Agriculture25:58 - Vikram's Respect for Farmers26:38 - Farmers' Hardships and the Need for Continued Support27:28 - Impact of Government Initiatives and Technology in Farming28:00 - Positive Changes in Northern States vs. Challenges in Other Regions (Farmer Suicides)30:44 - Topic Shift: Nuances of Running a Family Business vs. a Corporate31:10 - Differences in Decision-Making Processes (Partnership vs. Corporate)31:45 - Maintaining Family Values While Operating as a Corporate32:22 - Addressing Differing Viewpoints and Reaching Common Ground32:45 - Balancing Past Experiences with Future Predictions33:15 - Empowering Professionals Within the Family Business34:03 - The Importance of Professional Voice in Family-Oriented Companies34:19 - Closure of the Session and Thank You

Welcome to Eli (Entrepreneur Lounge of India), your daily dose of inspiration for entrepreneurship! Today, we have Chirag Jadhav, the Co-founder and CTO of Tablesprint. Tablesprint is an innovative AI-powered SaaS platform enabling businesses to build custom enterprise applications within minutes, not months.Chirag shares his journey (00:47) starting as an engineer (University of Pune graduate), his early product inclination leading him to build RainCan (India's first subscription-based daily essentials delivery service), its acquisition by BigBasket (becoming BBdaily), and the insights gained from scaling operations there, especially during the challenging COVID period (03:56).Discover insights into:The Genesis of Tablesprint: How experiences at BigBasket during COVID, needing rapid system changes, sparked the idea for a platform allowing quick app modifications, even by non-technical users (04:41).What Tablesprint Does: An AI-first, no-code/low-code platform for building intuitive apps and workflows across business verticals like HR, sales, operations, supply chain, education, and pharma (00:03, 06:15, 06:58).The Role of AI: How Tablesprint uses AI as a consultant, allowing users to build apps, forms, and workflows using natural language commands, leveraging models and proprietary embeddings (08:42).Platform Features: Building complex workflows (e.g., education sector attendance, parent notifications via WhatsApp/calls), seamless integrations (e.g., Shiprocket), reusable components, and templates (10:17, 07:28, 08:18, 21:22).Target Audience & Market: Serving global clients of varying sizes, with a strong focus initially on the US market due to higher platform adoption tendencies (05:28, 14:11, 14:54).Business Model: A SaaS platform where apps are built and run on Tablesprint's infrastructure (on-premises for Tablesprint), with options to hire developers hourly and partner programs (12:17, 13:22).Customer Acquisition: Using social marketing, Google Ads, and a partner program (16:34).Future of AI & Development: Chirag's view that AI will augment developers ("super developers") rather than replace them, making development faster and more robust (17:47).Tablesprint's Roadmap: Focusing on enhancing AI capabilities (especially in workflow creation), adding more templates, and increasing platform simplicity (20:06).User Onboarding & Support: Utilizing video materials, help documentation, in-app annotations, and a Tablesprint developer certification program (22:50).Tune in to learn about building a cutting-edge AI SaaS platform, the future of app development, and Chirag's entrepreneurial insights.#EliPodcast #ChiragJadhav #Tablesprint #AIAppBuilder #NoCode #LowCode #SaaS #EnterpriseSoftware #RainCan #BigBasket #Entrepreneurship #TechStartup #India #Podcast

Welcome back to Eli, your source for entrepreneurial inspiration! In this episode, we chat with Joy Sharma, Founder & CEO of EZ Works, a unique service business leveraging AI across offerings like graphic design, market research, video production, and more.Joy shares his fascinating journey (00:55) from engineering (Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology) and working at STMicroelectronics, to manufacturing, an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, consulting with McKinsey & Company in the US and Dubai, working with governments, and finally launching EZ Works in 2018.Dive into insights on:The "Services Factory" Concept: How EZ Works applies assembly line principles and internal frameworks (like the mentioned "BAT" framework) to deliver consistent, high-quality services at scale across 70+ offerings (05:10, 08:33).Embracing AI Disruption: Why EZ Works deliberately chose services ripe for AI disruption and how they've thrived by adopting AI early (13:08, 14:10).AI as an Assistive Tool: Practical examples of using AI to enhance productivity and quality in translation, graphic design, and digital marketing, empowering employees rather than replacing them (20:17, 21:34, 22:08).Building a Future-Proof Service Business: Joy discusses the critical importance of organizational culture, hiring adaptable generalists, retaining talent through responsibility, and continuously evolving processes in the age of AI (25:12, 26:23, 34:24).Talent & Culture: The challenges and strategies for hiring the right people, fostering a culture of service and accountability, and reaching a "critical mass" where culture becomes self-perpetuating (28:52, 29:49).Entrepreneurship Insights: Joy emphasizes resilience, the necessity of complementary skills within a team, and the importance of showing up every day (36:59).Learn how to navigate the AI revolution in the service industry, build scalable processes, and foster a resilient company culture with Joy Sharma.#EliPodcast #JoySharma #EZWorks #EasyWorks #AIServices #FutureOfWork #ServiceBusiness #Entrepreneurship #DigitalTransformation #AI #BusinessStrategy #Podcast #McKinsey #STMicroelectronics #MichiganRoss #NSIT

In this episode of ELI, host Priya welcomes Ashish Goyal, Co-founder of Fibe (formerly known as Early Salary). Fibe is a leading fintech app providing quick micro-credit and diverse financial solutions in India.Ashish shares his entrepreneurial journey (00:47), transitioning from a finance career to founding Early Salary in 2015 (01:41). He discusses:The market need and research behind launching Early Salary to serve young Indians needing access to credit (02:05).The target audience: young professionals, often migrating to cities, with high aspirations (02:56, 16:01).The rebranding journey from Early Salary to Fibe (Financial Vibes) to reflect a broader range of financial services (04:50).Fibe's diverse product offerings: skill upgradation loans, education financing (coaching, etc.), healthcare funding, solar panel financing, and personal cash loans (05:27, 11:52, 12:37, 13:26, 14:14, 14:33).The sophisticated risk assessment process, leveraging data analytics and AI to underwrite customers quickly and effectively, even those without traditional credit histories (09:06, 16:51).Real-world examples of AI application, including analyzing customer photographs for creditworthiness assessment and fraud detection (18:27, 20:10).Overcoming major challenges like demonetization and the COVID-19 pandemic, and how these periods spurred innovation (21:20, 25:12).Ashish's perspective on the rapidly evolving future of digital lending in India, emphasizing customer experience and the integration of technology (28:49).Tune in to learn about building a successful fintech company in India, the role of AI in modern finance, and insights into the digital lending landscape.#ELI #Fibe #EarlySalary #AshishGoyal #FintechIndia #DigitalLending #Entrepreneurship #AIinFinance #IndianStartups #Podcast

Dive deep into the world of insurance with Tarun Mathur, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer at Policybazaar.com!In this episode, Tarun shares his fascinating entrepreneurial journey, from his early days navigating India as a "Fauji kid" and working in call centers, to co-founding one of India's largest insurtech platforms.We explore the evolution of Policybazaar and get an exclusive look into the strategy, challenges, and vision behind Policybazaar for Business (PB for Business), their dedicated B2B wing serving SMEs and large corporates.In this conversation, you'll learn about:(00:40) Tarun's unique background and how early experiences shaped his approach to business and change.(03:03) The founding principles of Policybazaar and its core focus on customer protection.(03:50) The "Why" behind Policybazaar for Business: Extending protection to SMEs and corporates.(06:14) The distinct challenges of building a B2B brand within a well-known B2C company.(07:55) The complexity and breadth of corporate insurance products (Cyber, Liability, Fire, etc.).(11:26) Why Policybazaar's value goes far beyond sales: The critical importance of service and claims management (Detailed Cyber Insurance example).(16:19) How Policybazaar tackles unique and complex "edge case" insurance needs for businesses.(19:22) Addressing industry concerns: Data privacy and unwanted calls in the insurance sector.(22:30) The persistent problem of misselling: How Policybazaar uses systems and ethics to combat it.(25:40) Unpacking claim rejections: Understanding hidden clauses, waiting periods, and the roles of different stakeholders (insurers, hospitals, brokers).(32:29) The exciting role of AI at Policybazaar: Enhancing product development, fraud detection, and overall efficiency.Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader navigating corporate insurance, or simply curious about the evolving insurance landscape in India, this conversation offers valuable insights from a key industry player.About the Guest:Tarun Mathur is the Co-founder and Chief Business Officer at Policybazaar.com, where he leads the Policybazaar for Business vertical.#Policybazaar #TarunMathur #Insurance #Insurtech #B2BInsurance #Entrepreneurship #AI #Fintech #IndianStartups #BusinessPodcast #InsuranceClaims #CyberInsurance #Misselling #DataPrivacy #PolicybazaarForBusiness

Ever wondered how massive university hostels housing thousands of students are managed in India? Go behind the scenes of Fretbox, the innovative SaaS platform transforming traditionally manual hostel operations into a streamlined, digital experience!In this episode of Eli, we talk to Ashish Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO of Fretbox, about his inspiring entrepreneurial journey. Discover how Fretbox identified a critical gap in the market and built a solution to digitize every aspect of student accommodation management.Ashish shares the fascinating origin story of Fretbox, including crucial pivots from earlier ventures and how a personal observation highlighted the urgent need for technology in managing university hostels, which often relied on outdated manual processes, paperwork, and basic communication tools.Discover the core challenges Fretbox tackles head-on: streamlining complex admissions processes, simplifying fee collection, managing daily operations like attendance tracking and meal planning, resolving student complaints efficiently, enhancing communication between residents, wardens, and administration, and bolstering student safety and security.Learn about the Fretbox platform, structured around key functional pillars – Revenue, Communication, Student Tracking, and Assistance. Ashish explains their mobile-first strategy, providing tailored interfaces and real-time notifications for students, wardens, security, and even high-level university management via dedicated apps.Ashish discusses how Fretbox leverages technology, including biometrics for security and data analytics for better planning. He shares insights on exploring AI to further enhance automation, security features like attendance tracking, and optimizing operations such as mess menu planning based on student feedback.Gain valuable insights into the realities of building a B2B SaaS startup targeting the challenging education sector in India. Ashish candidly discusses navigating long sales cycles, dealing with multiple stakeholders, the critical importance of patience and persistence, and the rewards of building long-term customer relationships.Explore Ashish's perspective on the future of student housing in India, which is rapidly evolving into a 'hospitality industry' demanding better amenities and services. Understand Fretbox's vision to support this transformation in a market driven by India's large youth population and the increasing need for digitized, safe, and efficient living experiences for students relocating for higher education.About Fretbox:Fretbox (https://fretbox.in/) is a leading B2B PropTech SaaS platform providing comprehensive management solutions tailored for university and college hostels across India. It streamlines operations, enhances security, improves communication, and optimizes the overall student living experience, currently serving over 30 universities and tens of thousands of students nationwide.Ashish Gupta is the Co-Founder & CEO of Fretbox, driving the company's mission to digitize student accommodation in India.Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction: Eli Podcast & Ashish Gupta(01:23) The Fretbox Origin Story: Pivots & Identifying the Niche(02:15) The Chaos: Problems in Traditional Hostel Management(04:30) Landing the First Customer & Iterative Development(06:38) Deeper Dive into Hostel Administration Pain Points(11:40) Inside Fretbox: Core Pillars & Key Features Explained(15:40) Serving All Stakeholders: User Roles & Mobile-First Strategy(18:27) Tech Innovation: Leveraging Biometrics, Data & Exploring AI(20:00) The B2B Grind: Challenges of Selling to Universities(23:30) Future Trends: Student Housing as Hospitality & Fretbox's Vision(25:32) Market Opportunity: India's Youth & Relocation for Education(26:40) Closing Remarks

In this episode, we talk with Manoj Dhanotiya, a serial entrepreneur and the Founder of Micro Mitti. Manoj shares his incredible journey – from starting a bootstrapped IT firm, building a successful e-commerce SaaS platform, to now revolutionizing the real estate sector with Micro Mitti.Micro Mitti is India's pioneering co-investment PropTech platform focused on making fractional ownership in potentially high-growth real estate accessible, transparent, and professional, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and villages. Manoj explains how Micro Mitti differs from traditional REITs and other fractional models by making investors actual partners in projects with institutional-level due diligence and technology-driven transparency.In this conversation, we cover:(00:44) Manoj's entrepreneurial background: From Mansour (MP) to the US and back, building GoWeb and AiTrillion.(05:50) Identifying the gap: Why Manoj shifted focus to the Indian real estate sector, particularly for the common person.(08:47) What is Micro Mitti?: Understanding their unique co-investment model, focus on Tier 2/3 cities, and use of SPVs.(15:00) Solving Real Estate Challenges: Tackling transparency, accessibility, and professional execution using technology and partnerships (JLL, IC Universal Legal).(20:30) The Role of Technology & AI: How Micro Mitti uses PropTech for live project tracking, document access, online investment, and future AI applications (price prediction, security).(25:47) Fractional Ownership Explained: Why it's gaining popularity and its potential compared to other asset classes.(28:15) Market Insights: Manoj's view on real estate appreciation in India, especially in non-metro regions, and the impact of infrastructure growth.(30:22) Real Estate Bubbles: Addressing concerns about market overheating and how to invest wisely.(35:23) Advice for Young Entrepreneurs: Manoj's key insights on building impactful businesses, especially from smaller cities (Hint: Read!).Tune in to understand the future of real estate investing in India and learn from a seasoned entrepreneur's journey!#RealEstateIndia #FractionalOwnership #PropTech #MicroMitti #ManojDhanotiya #Investment #Entrepreneurship #Tier2India #Tier3India #WealthCreation #IndianStartups #EliPodcast #RealEstateInvesting #FinTech #PropertyInvestment #AIinRealEstate

In this episode, we sit down with Manoj Adlakha, the founder of RedBeryl Lifestyle Services. Red Beryl is a unique, premier luxury lifestyle management company dedicated to curating exclusive experiences and providing unparalleled service to India's rapidly growing affluent class (HNIs and Ultra HNIs).Join us as Manoj shares his incredible journey:- From Chartered Accountant to a top executive at American Express and Visa.- His first entrepreneurial venture and the lessons learned from failure.- The inspiration behind launching RedBeryl (inspired by the rare RedBeryl gem).- Deep insights into the booming Indian luxury market – exploding HNI/Ultra HNI numbers (projected 1.7M HNIs & 20k Ultra HNIs by 2026), the shift towards experiences, and the rise of Tier 3/4 cities.- The unique challenges and desires of India's affluent population.- How Red Beryl differentiates itself from traditional credit cards and concierge services by offering a comprehensive suite of benefits under one roof – covering travel, dining, exclusive club access (3000+ globally), sporting events, concerts, wellness, bespoke requests (like sourcing vintage cars or arranging unique weddings), and more.- Red Beryl's unique value proposition, membership tiers (Red & Black cards), and high-touch service model with dedicated lifestyle managers.- How they acquired their first customers through an exclusive launch event featuring Grammy winners Stewart Copeland and Ricky Kej.- The power of word-of-mouth marketing in the luxury segment.- Discover how Red Beryl acts as the ultimate "go-to" resource, making moments of truth come true for its discerning members.Timestamps:(00:03) Introduction to Manoj Adlakha & RedBeryl(00:40) Manoj's background: Chartered Accountancy, American Express, Visa(02:15) First stint at entrepreneurship and lessons learned(05:00) Insights into the Indian market & opportunity(05:45) Role as CEO of American Express India(07:44) The decision to pivot and founding RedBeryl(08:30) Understanding the unique Indian affluent class(10:12) Exploding HNI & Ultra HNI numbers in India(14:30) Market dynamics: Private consumption, demographics, Tier 3/4 growth(18:10) What Red Beryl is (and isn't): Beyond concierge/credit cards(19:00) Membership Tiers (Red & Black) and Pricing(20:15) The Value Proposition: Focus on Service & Benefits(21:15) Pillar 1: Hotel Partnerships (e.g., Taj discounts)(23:50) Pillar 2: Dining Benefits (Standalone restaurants, free meals)(24:55) Pillar 3: Bespoke Travel Desk(26:30) Pillar 4: Sporting Events & Concert Access (Authenticity guaranteed)(28:55) Pillar 5: Exclusive Social & Golf Club Access (3000+ globally)(31:45) Pillar 6: Meet & Assist Travel Services(33:35) Concierge as a fulfillment channel & unique requests (Great Wall wedding, Ford Mustang)(37:20) The shift towards experiences over material goods(38:35) Proactive service: The "Dream Weavers" concept(39:20) Marketing Strategy: Zero ad spend, focus on referrals(40:39) Acquiring the first customers: The exclusive launch event(43:45) Building brand awareness organically (Insta, partnerships like Tata CLiQ Luxury, Kirchhofer)(46:10) Pillar 7: Wellness Partnerships(47:16) New Verticals: Wedding Planning ("With Red")(50:20) The meaning behind the name "RedBeryl" (Rarest Gem)(52:55) Flexibility and channel choices for members#ManojAdlakha #RedBeryl #LuxuryLifestyle #India #HNI #UltraHNI #Entrepreneurship #LuxuryMarket #ExclusiveExperiences #AmericanExpress #LifestyleManagement #ELIPodcast

Sonya, Co-founder of Imarticus Learning - India's leading professional education company, discusses bridging India's skill gap, the impact of AI, trending job skills (FinTech, Gen AI), her entrepreneurial path, and the future of the edtech industry. Essential listening for insights on education, careers, and entrepreneurship in India.Timestamps:(01:26) Why Imarticus Started(05:03) The Skill Gap Problem(14:16) Hot Career Trends(16:45) AI & White-Collar Jobs(21:08) Entrepreneurial Motivation(26:54) Finding a Co-founder(36:40) Future of EdTech#ImarticusLearning #EdTechIndia #SkillIndia #FutureOfEducation #AIJobs #IndianEntrepreneur

Welcome to Eli! In this episode, we talk with Aditya Mhatre, Co-founder of MyBeacon (mybeacon.ca), a fintech startup revolutionizing the immigration experience for those moving to Canada.Aditya shares his incredible journey from being an early employee at Reliance Jio and Paytm (Canada & Japan/PayPay) to founding Beacon based on his own challenges as an immigrant.Discover how Beacon aims to be a 'super app' for immigrants, offering unique services like:✅ Opening a Canadian bank account BEFORE you arrive✅ Cost-effective money transfers from India to Canada✅ Paying Indian utility bills directly from Canada✅ Planning tools for your moveWe also discuss the concept of super apps, the risks involved, the future of immigration, and the pros/cons of building a product based on personal experience.If you're planning a move to Canada or interested in fintech solutions for immigrants, this episode is for you!#ImmigrationCanada #Fintech #MyBeacon #Canada #Startup #Entrepreneurship #IndiaToCanada #SuperApp

Welcome to another episode of ELI, your daily dose of inspiration for entrepreneurship! In episode 449, we have a fascinating conversation with Jinen Dedhia, the Co-founder of DronaHQ, a cutting-edge low-code and no-code app development platform.Join us as Jinen shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early days and initial ventures to the evolution of Drona HQ.

Welcome to ELI! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of cross-border payments with Anand Balaji, co-founder of XFlow, a cutting-edge fintech startup solving India's B2B payment challenges. From his early days in engineering to shaping Amazon India's launch and leading Stripe's India operations, Anand shares his journey of building a global payment infrastructure that's fast, transparent, and trusted by thousands of businesses. ---### **

Join us on this eye-opening episode where Gaurav Dagaonkar, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Hoopr.ai & Songfest India, shares his inspiring journey from an aspiring musician and Bollywood music director to a trailblazer in AI music technology. Discover how his decade-long experience in the music industry shaped his entrepreneurial path, how Hoopr.ai is transforming music licensing and copyright management, and what the future holds for AI-driven music creation. We dive deep into hot topics like AI tools (think Suno AI), innovative revenue streams for artists, and the evolving digital landscape of music. Whether you're a musician, entrepreneur, or tech enthusiast, this conversation is packed with insights to inspire and spark change in the music world.Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories!

In this episode of ELI - Entrepreneur Lounge India, we sit down with Harshit Jain, Founder & Global CEO of Doceree, who is transforming the way pharmaceutical companies engage with physicians. A trained medical professional turned entrepreneur, Harshit has built Doceree, the world's first physician-only programmatic marketing platform, to bring efficiency and transparency to pharma marketing.

Welcome to Entrepreneur Lounge of India (ELI)! In this episode, we speak with Kiran Nambiar, Co-Founder & CEO of MyFi by TIFIN, about how AI is reshaping wealth management and empowering Indian investors with intelligent, personalized financial advice.

Welcome to ELI (Entrepreneur Lounge of India), where we bring you real stories and actionable insights to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. In this thought-provoking episode, our host Priya sits down with Sauvik Banerjjee, a multifaceted entrepreneur who has transitioned from playing professional cricket at an elite level to founding cutting-edge technology ventures.Key Discussion Topics 1. Early Beginnings and Cricket • Balancing sports and academics • Lessons in discipline, teamwork, and handling pressure 2. Building Tech Ventures in AI • Founding Rezolve AI: Enhancing e-commerce through next-gen conversational search • Sirrus.ai: Streamlining real estate transactions with AI • Ziki: Creating community platforms that connect residents in gated societies 3. The Power of Generative AI • How gen AI (ChatGPT, Midjourney, etc.) is only one slice of the entire AI spectrum • Practical use cases of conversational AI for retailers, real estate developers, and more 4. India's AI Opportunity • Multilingual, multicultural potential for AI adoption • Observing global pioneers and then innovating for India's billion-plus population 5. Entrepreneurship Mindset • The role of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning • Why profitability should be central to any new business from day one • Embracing “work-life harmony” instead of seeking a perfect balanceWhy You Should Watch • Gain a nuanced understanding of how AI is reshaping diverse industries. • Learn how to validate your startup idea before fully committing resources. • Discover how India's unique market dynamics can lead to AI breakthroughs. • Get a firsthand account of the dedication and grit required to build multiple ventures from scratch.Timestamps • 00:00 – Introduction • 00:03 – From professional cricket to founding startups • 05:30 – The vision behind Rezolve AI • 11:00 – Building community platforms with Ziki • 13:05 – The real estate tech play with Sirrus.ai • 20:45 – AI beyond just ‘generative' and ChatGPT • 33:00 – Entrepreneurship lessons and career pivots • 40:23 – India's AI journey and the global landscape • 44:00 – Final advice for budding entrepreneurs

Welcome to ELI - the place where you get your daily dose of entrepreneurial inspiration. In this episode, we chat with Anirudh V., the founder of Trailytics, an AI-powered data aggregation and analytics platform. Anirudh shares his journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, the challenges in the analytics domain, and how Trailytics is revolutionizing data insights across industries.

Welcome to ELI - the platform where you gain daily inspiration for entrepreneurship. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Sajeev Nair, the founder of Vieroots, a D2C brand specializing in personalized health, wellness, and nutrition solutions. Dr. Sajeev shares his journey from sales to pioneering breakthroughs in biohacking, AI-driven health insights, and blockchain-powered wellness ecosystems.

Welcome to ELI . In this episode, we talk to Nikhil Kurhe, the Co-Founder and CEO of Finarkein Analytics, about how his company is revolutionizing the financial services industry with their cutting-edge Flux platform. Discover insights about India's fintech ecosystem, the Account Aggregator framework, and how Finarkein is enabling seamless data-driven journeys for enterprises.

Welcome to ELI (Entrepreneurship Learning Insights)! In this episode, we dive into the world of cybersecurity with Srinivas Shekar, the founder and CEO of Pantherun Technologies, a cybersecurity and data encryption innovator. Discover his entrepreneurial journey, insights into cybersecurity challenges, and how his patented solutions are safeguarding the digital world.

Discover the inspiring journey of Pramod Kathuria, Founder & CEO of Easiloan.com, a digital home loan platform revolutionizing the mortgage industry. In this episode of ELI - 439, Pramod shares his transition from a 20-year career in banking and real estate to solving real-world problems with innovative tech solutions.

In this episode of ELI, we host Paddy Raghavan, Co-founder of Multipl, a fintech startup pioneering the concept of “Spendvesting”. Paddy shares how Multipl bridges the gap between spending and saving by encouraging users to invest for their spends instead of relying on credit. Multipl offers a smarter way to plan for life goals—travel, shopping, insurance, or savings—by combining mutual fund returns with brand discounts, resulting in 7x to 10x better value compared to savings accounts or credit.

In this episode of ELI, we feature Moiz Arsiwala, Co-founder of WorkIndia, India's largest blue-collar and gray-collar job portal. Moiz shares how WorkIndia bridges the gap between job seekers and employers by solving information asymmetry and eliminating job fraud for millions of blue-collar workers. Discover the unique tech-driven solutions WorkIndia uses, including graph analytics, NLP, and machine learning, to ensure job authenticity while empowering job seekers with a simple, intuitive platform. Learn how WorkIndia grew from the 2G era to a digital-first platform helping the underserved segment access meaningful livelihoods.

In this episode of ELI (Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative), we sit down with Samuel Joy Cherian, Co-founder of HUNTR, an AI-driven mass hiring platform revolutionizing how enterprises recruit, train, and onboard blue-collar and gray-collar workers globally. Samuel shares his entrepreneurial journey from a secure corporate job in Dubai to solving the complex problem of high-volume, cross-border recruitment. Discover how HUNTR digitizes inefficient manual processes, uses AI for documentation, demand forecasting, and ensures transparency for both enterprises and workers.

In this episode of ELI, we host Samudragupta (Sam) Talukdar, Founder & CEO of Relata, a real estate SaaS platform revolutionizing how properties are sold, managed, and optimized using technology. Sam shares his journey from working in tech to identifying critical problems in the real estate sector and building Relata – a platform that combines virtual sales tools, CRMs, analytics, and booking workflows to solve challenges in lead conversions and customer engagement.

In this episode of ELI, we sit down with Jitin Bhasin, Founder & CEO of SaveIN, a healthcare financing platform that is transforming how Indians access and afford private healthcare. Jitin shares his journey from banking and fintech to launching SaveIN in 2022. With a unique focus on outpatient care, SaveIN offers no-cost EMI solutions to cover expenses like dental treatments, dermatology, IVF, mental wellness, and fitness — areas often ignored by insurance.