ChaiNet: The Agentic Commerce Podcast

On this episode of ChaiNet, we sit down with Apeksha Jain, Founder & CEO of The Gourmet Jar.In 2012, long before clean labels and D2C food were mainstream, Apeksha launched a gourmet condiments brand in India with zero preservatives, small batches, and premium pricing. Growth was painfully slow for years, but she stayed committed to quality when shortcuts could have accelerated everything.Today, The Gourmet Jar has sold 2.5 million jars and helped redefine Indian gourmet proving that conviction and patience can build something lasting.We explore:* Why did she start when no one believed Indians would pay a premium for local gourmet products?* The reality of painfully slow growth and the moment she almost quit.* Staying stubborn on clean ingredients, even when it hurts financially.* What building a slow business teaches you that fast growth cannot.* Her advice for founders who feel too early, too small, or too niche.If you’re building with patience, betting on quality over quick wins, or simply need a reminder that meaningful brands are built over years not months this episode is for you.Listen to Apeksha’s journey of conviction on ChaiNet. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

On this episode of ChaiNet, we sit down with Darshankaur Khalsa, co-founder of Pets of Paradise.After pitching dog ice cream brand Waggy Zone on Shark Tank India and receiving five “nos,” Darshankaur didn’t quit. Instead, she transformed her vision, merged into Pets of Paradise, and shifted focus to serving India’s massive first-time pet parent market.We dive into:* What she learned from scaling Waggy Zone to 200+ stores before Shark Tank* How hearing “no” on national television fueled a bigger, more resilient business model* Why an authentic, human-driven community beats AI-generated content even in a tech-first world* Competing as a bootstrapped brand in a category crowded with funded rivals* Building trust as a certified pet wellness coach in an industry driven by transactions* Her advice to women founders on resilience, category creation, and community as a core strategyIf you’re building in D2C, pet care, community-led commerce, or navigating life after a “no,” this episode is packed with real, relatable founder wisdom.Tune in to hear Darshankaur’s unfiltered journey on ChaiNet. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

On this episode of ChaiNet, meet Shweta Poddar, founder of CandidMen India’s only men’s-only rental fashion platform. A woman founder in the world of men’s formalwear, she built a profitable, bootstrapped brand by ignoring conventional startup wisdom.Shweta’s journey began when her own data revealed a clear mismatch her inventory was women’s, but her customers were men. Instead of following the crowded women’s fashion market, she doubled down on men’s formalwear, renting premium sherwanis and tuxedos at a fraction of retail price.We explore:* Building a men’s-only brand as a woman founder and how it became her advantage.* Why she pivoted from online-only to opening six physical stores, and where most sales actually happen.* How CandidMen stays profitable in an industry where funded competitors burn cash.* Her real Shark Tank experience before, during, and after the tank.* The unglamorous truths of running a rental business: fraud, perception, and unit economics.If you’re building a brand, thinking about rental, or just tired of the same old D2C playbook, this conversation is a refreshing lesson in building differently.Tune into ChaiNet to hear Shweta Poddar’s unfiltered founder story. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

On this episode of ChaiNet, we sit down with Aasis Katyal, founding member of GOAT Life, just seven days after their game-changing Shark Tank India appearance.While the spotlight showed five Sharks fighting to invest, the real story unfolded off-camera over 16,000 orders flooding in within a week, backend systems pushed to the limit, and a 15-person team operating under unprecedented pressure.In this raw, real-time conversation, Aasis pulls back the curtain on what viral growth truly looks like from the inside:✅ The first chaotic hour after the episode aired and the first order.✅ How “backend chaos” met “inside clarity” to keep operations running.✅ Why quick commerce (like Blinkit) drove nearly half of all sales.✅ The compressed lessons learned in 7 days that normally take startups years.✅ Managing team exhaustion while scaling production and maintaining quality.✅ The honest prep that worked, what didn’t, and what they wished they’d done.If you’re building a D2C brand, preparing for your own breakthrough moment, or simply want to understand the reality behind viral success, this episode is an unfiltered look at scaling under fire.Hear the full story with Aasis Katyal on ChaiNet. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

On this episode of ChaiNet, we speak with Denil Dedhia, founder and CEO of Bowlful Foods, a bootstrapped D2C brand bringing authentic, convenient Indian meals to the world through freeze-drying technology.Tired of bland ready-to-eat options while studying abroad, Denil returned to India and bet on an overlooked food-tech method to preserve taste, nutrients, and authenticity. Without outside funding, he has since scaled Bowlful into a global brand, offering a wide range of dishes that rehydrate in minutes.We dive into:✅ Why he chose freeze-drying over conventional ready-to-eat methods.✅ How he built and scaled a capital-efficient food brand from the ground up.✅ The unique challenges of competing against established giants without VC backing.✅ Navigating price sensitivity while maintaining a premium positioning.✅ Why did he develop a specialized product line for niche dietary needs?If you’re building in D2C, foodtech, or are curious about bootstrapping with patience and product belief this episode offers honest, actionable insights from a founder who’s done it.Listen to Denil Dedhia’s story on ChaiNet. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

On this episode of ChaiNet, we speak with Masroor Lodi, founder of Unlock Fit, a pioneering wellness platform that builds AI-powered health programs based on your DNA.After a successful career at Unilever, Sanofi, and founding The Entrepreneurship School, Masroor walked away at age 40 when genetic data revealed a truth he couldn’t ignore: most wellness plans are generic, but our bodies are not.We explore:✅ The genetic discovery that made him reset his entire career.✅ What your DNA reveals about diet, fitness, and health that wearables and trackers cannot.✅ Why he transitioned from teaching entrepreneurship to becoming a student again.✅ How combining genetic insights with AI creates truly personalized wellness.✅ The future of predictive health and what genetics can tell you about your well-being years in advance.If you’re in healthtech, interested in AI-driven personalization, or curious about building from a truly foundational insight, this episode is for you.Listen to the full conversation with Masroor Lodi on ChaiNet. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

On this episode of ChaiNet, a mechanical engineer turned operator shares how a semiconductor supply chain career became the launchpad for a D2C fashion brand in India serving 1 lakh+ customers and doing around $65,000 in monthly revenue.We discussed:* Moving from engineering and supply chain into fashion without formal fashion training, and scaling 5x by focusing on business fundamentals and complementary co-founder skills.* Finding an edge with bamboo-cotton essentials, prioritising comfort, fabric innovation, and repeat customers over chasing trends.* Using engineering rigor and AI tools for material research, quality control, demand and inventory planning, and AI-powered customer service in a SKU-heavy category.* The reality of D2C unit economics at $65K MRR in India and why the focus is on sustainable profitability, not vanity growth.The contrarian truth is that you don’t need fashion school if you bring operator discipline, systems thinking, and smart use of AI. Listen to this story on ChaiNet. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

On this episode of ChaiNet, Mahipal Singh, founder of Revaa, reveals how a father’s lockdown experience sparked a bold period care brand that rejects stigma and disposables.We discussed:* His pivot from 23 years in hospitality to building Revaa during the pandemic* The “wrong founder” problem: a man destigmatizing menstruation* Why the category’s soft, apologetic positioning fails—and Revaa’s unapologetic alternative* Reusables over disposables: the harder path for sustainability* AI’s role in brand-building, from design to customer touchpoints* Hospitality principles for operations and loyalty in long-lasting products* Measuring societal change beyond revenueMahipal shares the contrarian truth: bring an outsider’s lens to treat periods with dignity, like family care. Perfect for purpose-driven founders, femcare innovators, and mission-led builders.Listen to Mahipal Singh on ChaiNet. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

On this episode of ChaiNet, Karthik Koppula, founder of Islands of Loom, shares his journey from optimizing speed at Amazon and Zomato to creating anti-fast fashion with organic fabrics, natural dyes, and small-batch handwoven production.We discussed:* Why did he leave high-speed logistics for deliberately slower craftsmanship* Business model of products designed to last years, not months* How identical mall racks create opportunity for differentiated brands* Physical retail is the new battleground when products look the same* AI’s role in his low-tech artisanal approach vs fast fashion’s AI arms race* Website experience, ecommerce challenges, and customer support strategiesFrom supply chain expert to sustainable commerce founder, Karthik reveals how constraints become competitive advantages.Experience Islands of Loom’s contrarian approach on ChaiNet. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

On this episode of ChaiNet, we speak with Tanay Gaur, co-founder of boutique Shopify agency Windborne Solutions and founder of GlidingGear, a premium D2C leather accessories brand.What’s rare? He lives in two worlds at once, advising e-commerce brands while risking his own capital to run his business. This dual lens gives him a unique filter for what drives real revenue vs. what’s just marketing hype.We dive deep into the raw truths of today’s AI-driven commerce landscape:✅ Why popular agency growth tactics often fail when you’re the one spending money.✅ Which AI tools actually move revenue and which are just shiny objects?✅ How to talk to Shark Tank-level founders about what they really need.✅ Where D2C is heading: from AI-generated visuals to chatbots that close sales.If you’re building, scaling, or advising ecommerce brands, this is an unfiltered look at what works when real money is on the line.Listen to the full episode with Tanay Gaur on ChaiNet. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

On this episode of ChaiNet, Kapil Khanna, co-founder of On-Chair Marketing and Wizon Media, reveals why most D2C brands fail by scaling ads too early and ignoring what actually matters.We discussed:* Why he pivoted from selling glucometers on Amazon to building marketing agencies* The ROAS trap: why this popular metric actually hurts growth* Funnel leaks that make brands lose money before checkout* Seven deadly mistakes, like weak unit economics and no repeat customer strategy* When organic posting wastes time vs when to focus on paid ads* How quick commerce changes everything for D2C survivalKapil shares the contrarian truth fix your foundation before spending on ads. Perfect for D2C founders, marketers, and ecommerce builders.Listen to Kapil Khanna on ChaiNet. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

On this episode of ChaiNet, Rachna Sarup, founder of B77 Lifestyle, shares her journey from 25 years as a garment exporter to revolutionizing sustainable fashion. She reveals how the industry produces massive carbon emissions and sends most garments straight to landfills.We discussed:* The exact moment she realized business as usual was destroying the planet* Making fabric from Himalayan wild grass and organic roses* 3D body mapping tech that dramatically cuts returns* Gen Z paradox: claiming they’ll pay more for sustainability, yet fast fashion thrives* AI’s role in fashion and Big Tech’s growing emissionsRachna proves sustainable fashion can look good and do good. Perfect for engineers, founders, and conscious consumers.Listen to the full episode with Rachna on ChaiNet. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

On this episode of ChaiNet, Priyanshu Soni, founder of Agylex Global and Director of Sprinx, shares how he built a multi-million dollar international staffing business in an era where AI was supposed to kill HR.He breaks down why he bet on recruitment when others were running scared, what human recruiters can do that AI cannot, and how to use AI as a tool while still prioritizing cultural fit and human potential.If you are in talent, leadership, or navigating AI disruption in any industry, this episode is a masterclass in adapting, future-proofing your career, and betting on human judgment.​ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

In this episode of ChaiNet, we sat down with Noel Mathew, founder of Skie Labs and creator of Shopscan. After years of witnessing performance issues destroy stores at scale at Fynd, Noel built an AI tool to identify hidden conversion killers that cause stores to quietly bleed revenue due to slow loads and broken experiences.We discussed the reality check of how many potential sales are lost to poor infrastructure, and why store owners often focus on the wrong things.Key topics covered included: ✅ The paradox of spending heavily on ads while the store’s foundation hemorrhages conversions. ✅ Why faster stores convert significantly better, and exactly what breaks first when yours is slow.✅ Insights gained from using AI to audit millions of live production pages. ✅ An analysis of Shopify’s new native AI tools for reporting and fixing issues.✅ Actionable advice for store owners on what to check immediately to stop losing sales.This podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking for practical insights on solving expensive hidden challenges. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

In this episode of ChaiNet, we speak with Hitesh Matlani, who oversees the performance of over 166 Shopify stores. We explore the urgent question for every merchant and agency: what happens when AI tools become standard inside every e-commerce platform, and does this make human expertise obsolete?Hitesh explains that the value of an agency is shifting from technical implementation to strategic curation and emotional intelligence. He breaks down which AI features actually drive sales, which often fail in practice, and why a merchant’s strategy now matters more than their access to tools.Listen to the full episode for a clear view of what it takes to win in e-commerce when everyone has the same AI and how to build a business that lasts beyond the hype. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

On our latest ChaiNet episode, Chris Baxter, co-founder of Aeva AI, shares how he built an AI receptionist for health clinics to significant monthly revenue without a technical background.Chris spent years in real estate, making thousands of calls and seeing firsthand how missed calls lose business. He later discovered clinics faced the same problem. So, with no coding experience, he and his co-founder created Aeva, an AI phone assistant that books appointments and supports receptionists, not replaces them.We discuss:* Moving from real estate to SaaS without writing code* Nailing product-market fit in the allied health space* Growing to a strong MRR in under a year without venture capital* Competing against funded companies as a bootstrapped team* Why niching deep beats building another generic AI toolFor non-technical founders, operators, and anyone building with AI, this is a real-world look at how to turn domain experience into a scalable product.Tune in to learn how understanding a problem beats having a technical pedigree. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

🎙️ On our latest ChaiNet episode, Dhruv Kantak, Business Head of SEO at Hovers, explores what happens when AI becomes the world’s biggest shopping engine.Dhruv has driven millions in organic traffic for e-commerce and D2C brands. But now, as AI rewrites search and consumers ask chatbots for buying advice, traditional product pages and SEO tactics face obsolescence.We discuss:✅ The urgent shift from SEO to Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)✅ How D2C brands survive when AI curates products directly✅ Why metrics like keyword rankings are losing meaning✅ What actually drives growth in a zero-click search landscape✅ Building marketing careers as the rules change in real timeFor founders, marketers, and anyone growing a brand online, this conversation breaks down what to do when search stops sending traffic and where real opportunity lies now.Tune in for a practical look at the future of organic visibility. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

Our latest guest on ChaiNet is Nikhil Sewak, the founder and CEO of Yett. He’s building an AI-driven discovery platform for offline retail, drawing lessons from 16 years of building distribution networks across UP, Bihar, and other tier-two cities.We explore: ✅ His journey from mechanical engineering and manufacturing to recognizing the gap in offline retail discovery. ✅ How Yet helps shoppers find malls, hubs, and stores with a chatbot that answers local retail questions. ✅ The challenges and triumphs of onboarding 2,500+ retailers who aren’t tech-savvy. ✅ Why tier-two cities like Lucknow, Indore, and Agra are where physical retail’s future is being built.This conversation provides a focused look at innovation, resilience, and the practical application of AI in markets where offline shopping still retains its charm.Listen now for insights on why retailers are receptive to digital adoption, how to build trust in non-technical markets, and why the currency of relationships, not transactions, drives growth in physical retail. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

Our next guest on ChaiNet is Anmol Sood, co-founder of Alai (YC W24). Anmol made a significant leap from a prestigious career at Meta to build an AI-native presentation tool that transforms how ideas are communicated.We’ll talk about his bold decision to leave one of tech’s most coveted roles for the high-stakes world of AI entrepreneurship. We’ll also dive into what truly sets Alai apart in the crowded presentation software landscape.Things like:✅ The profound motivation behind leaving Meta as a Staff Engineer to build an AI presentation startup.✅ How Alai’s AI helps users create clear, compelling, and context-aware presentations.✅ What makes Alai’s approach uniquely effective in a market filled with AI slide generators.✅ Anmol’s candid perspective on the future of human communication in an AI-augmented workplace.✅ The challenges and learnings from transitioning from a big-tech engineer to a founder.✅ Honest advice for anyone considering a similar career jump from a secure, high-profile role.If you’re interested in innovative AI tools for communication, contemplating a major career pivot from big tech to startups, or want to learn about building from zero in the competitive AI space, this conversation is a must-watch. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com

Our next guest on ChaiNet is Yuliya Fomina, co-founder of Tailo. Yuliya made a significant leap from a prestigious consulting career to build an AI agent platform that transforms website visitors into customers through dynamic demos and conversations.We’ll talk about her bold decision to leave corporate stability for the high-stakes world of AI entrepreneurship. We’ll also dive into what truly sets Tailo apart in the crowded sales automation market.Things like: ✅ The profound motivation behind leaving a top consulting firm to build an AI startup.✅ How Tailo’s AI agent delivers personalized demos and engages prospects.✅ What makes Tailo’s approach uniquely effective in a competitive AI sales landscape?✅ Yuliya’s candid perspective on the future of human sales roles in an AI-driven world.✅ The challenges and learnings from transitioning from a strategic advisor to a builder. ✅ Honest advice for anyone considering a similar career jump from a comfortable jobIf you’re interested in innovative AI solutions for sales, contemplating a significant career pivot, or want to learn about building a startup from the ground up, this podcast is a must-play. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chainet.substack.com