Entrepreneur's Live Interviews 🎙️

In this episode, we sit down with Vineet Agrawal, Co-founder of Jiraaf, to discuss his incredible journey from a small town in Orissa to the forefront of India's fintech revolution.Vineet shares his experiences working in corporate banking and private equity, the key insights that led him to identify a massive gap in the fixed-income market, and the story of how he built Jiraaf from the ground up during the COVID-19 pandemic.Tune in to learn about the structural barriers that kept retail investors out of the bond market, how Jiraaf is making high-yield, fixed-income opportunities accessible to everyone, and Vineet's hard-won lessons on resilience, building relationships, and long-term thinking in the world of entrepreneurship.Chapters(00:00) - Intro(00:27) - Vineet's Journey: From a Small Town to XIMB and Corporate Finance(03:43) - The "Aha!" Moment: Uncovering a Gap in the Investment Market(08:27) - The Leap of Faith: Starting Jiraaf During the Pandemic(11:10) - Why Were High-Yield Bonds Inaccessible to Regular Investors?(14:52) - Building a New Category: How Jiraaf Developed its Platform(18:53) - How Jiraaf Breaks Down Large Bonds for Retail Investors(21:34) - The Challenge of Educating a New Market(26:21) - Why Competition is a Good Thing for a New Industry(29:29) - Overcoming the Challenges of Building a Fintech Company(31:21) - The Story Behind the Name "Jiraaf"(34:15) - Key Lessons Learned on the Entrepreneurial Journey(36:48) - Outro

In this episode of the ELI podcast, host Priya chats with Nupur Khandelwal, the co-founder of CarePay. Nupur shares her journey as an entrepreneur, starting from her background as a chartered accountant to co-founding two ventures in the healthcare space. She delves into the challenges and insights that led to the creation of CarePay, a platform aimed at making healthcare treatments more affordable through innovative financing solutions. Nupur also discusses the role of AI in their technology, their future plans for expanding into the broader healthcare payments ecosystem, and her personal definition of entrepreneurship.Chapters:00:00: Nupur's Background and Entrepreneurial Journey.01:36: The Problem CarePay Solves.02:49: CarePay's Zero-Cost Financing and Merchant Benefits.03:51: Addressing Fraud and Risk with a Smart Scoring System.04:36: AI's Role in Improving Patient Onboarding and Experience.06:15: Future Plans: Expanding into Healthcare Payments.08:52: Advice on Entrepreneurship.

In this episode, we sit down with Sanjog Anand, the co-founder of Rostrum Education, a leading global admissions consultancy. Sanjog shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his school days to building a company that has helped over 5,000 students get into top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League schools.We dive deep into the booming industry of education consulting, the impact of AI on learning, and what the future holds for higher education. Sanjog offers invaluable insights for students and parents navigating the competitive landscape of international university admissions.Chapters0:00 - Introduction to Sanjog Anand, Co-founder of Rostrum Education0:55 - Sanjog's Journey: From Delhi to Singapore, the US, and Back2:51 - The Evolution of Rostrum: From Tutoring to University Counseling6:14 - Rostrum's Business Model and the Shift During COVID7:50 - The Booming Industry of Studying Abroad12:33 - The Emotional Drivers Behind Education Choices18:15 - The Impact of AI on the Value of Higher Education Degrees23:45 - The Future of Education: Skill Building vs. Traditional Learning

In this episode, we sit down with Deepak Narayan, the visionary founder of Practus, a leading business consulting firm. Deepak shares his incredible journey, from a childhood spent moving across six different states to becoming a Chartered Accountant and eventually, a pioneering entrepreneur.Discover the key traits—like mastering trade-offs, resilience learned from sports, and a rebellious spirit—that shaped his path. Deepak opens up about the evolution of his company, from its beginnings as WealthTree, pivoting to MyCFO, and finally transforming into the 360-degree consulting powerhouse that is Practus today.YouTube Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction to Deepak Narayan, Founder of Practus(00:21) - A Spiritual Perspective on "Past Lives"(01:40) - A Nomadic Childhood: Moving Across Six States(03:05) - The Pros and Cons of a Constantly Changing Environment(04:26) - The Journey to Becoming a Chartered Accountant(05:05) - The Origin Story: From WealthTree to MyCFO(05:47) - How a Nomadic Upbringing Shapes an Entrepreneur(08:02) - The Art of the Trade-Off: A Key Entrepreneurial Trait(10:11) - Learning to Break the Ice and Build Connections(11:30) - The Role of Sports in Building Resilience and Teamwork(12:43) - Why Trade-Offs are Crucial in Business and Life(14:15) - A Real-World Example: Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic(16:45) - Gut Feeling vs. Logic: Making Tough Decisions(19:43) - The Intersection of Spirituality and Entrepreneurship(22:43) - The Genesis of Practus and the Family's Reaction(26:43) - Leaving a Secure Job for the Entrepreneurial Leap(31:13) - Overcoming the Initial Difficulties of Starting a Business(36:49) - The Strategic Pivot from WealthTree to MyCFO and Practus(39:18) - The Future of Consulting in the Age of AI(45:20) - Closing Remarks

In this episode of the Eklavya Podcast, we sit down with Rohit Sakunia, the Founder Director of ArtE Mediatech, a full-stack creative and technology agency.Rohit shares his incredible 40-year journey in a nutshell—from growing up in a business-oriented family in Rourkela and dreaming of filmmaking, to his time at ESPN and Google, to finally taking the entrepreneurial plunge. He opens up about his hits and misses, including his first venture, Glance Media, and the lessons that led him to build ArtE Mediatech from a one-room office to a 150-person powerhouse with a presence across India and plans for global expansion.We dive deep into the current state of the media and advertising industry and discuss the elephant in the room: AI. Is AI a threat or a tool? Rohit offers a compelling, optimistic perspective on how AI will enhance creativity and make the excellent magnificent, rather than replacing human storytellers.YouTube Chapters(00:00) - Intro: Meet Rohit Sakunia, Founder of ArtE Mediatech(00:26) - The Nuances of Running a Company from Home(01:29) - The Secret to Scaling: Hiring Great People(03:06) - A Founder's Life: Juggling Travel and Multiple Offices(04:41) - From a Small Town in Odisha to the World of Business(06:19) - The Entrepreneurial Bug & a Childhood Dream of Filmmaking(07:18) - Education, Early Career, and an MBA during the 2008 Recession(09:27) - Why He Left His Dream Job at ESPN(10:34) - The Life-Changing Call from Google(11:48) - First Startup Failure: The Story of Glance Media(13:09) - The Genesis of ArtE Mediatech with a College Friend(15:19) - Side Hustles with Impact: The 3min.life Initiative(18:33) - Building a Full-Stack Agency Through Acquisitions(21:27) - The USP: Why ArtE Mediatech Doesn't Outsource Work(22:35) - Is the Media Industry Being Disrupted by AI?(24:10) - "Tools Don't Build Brands, Stories Do"(26:10) - Can AI Replace a CMO?(29:01) - How ArtE Mediatech Uses 13+ AI Platforms Daily(30:24) - Are Clients Cutting Budgets Because of AI Tools?(33:17) - 5-10 Year Prediction for the Media Industry(35:35) - An Eternal Optimist's View on AI's Future(36:55) - Closing Remarks & Best Wishes for ArtE Mediatech

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Vivek Tandon, a serial entrepreneur and the visionary founder behind revalyu (formerly known as perPETual Technologies), a groundbreaking company transforming the future of plastic recycling.Join us as Dr. Tandon shares his incredible journey, from being born in Uganda and attending school as a refugee to founding multiple successful technology companies in the environmental and renewable energy sectors, such as Aloe Private Equity and Greenko Group PLC. He discusses his earliest entrepreneurial ventures, born out of necessity, and the educational path that led him from a BSc in Physics at Imperial College to a PhD in Engineering.Dr. Tandon delves deep into the story of revalyu and its mission to tackle the global plastic waste problem. Learn about the innovative chemical recycling technology (glycolysis) that allows revalyu to convert used PET bottles and polyester back into high-quality material—a concept he calls "minds above ground."We explore the logistical challenges of recycling over 9 billion bottles, the state of the recycling industry in India (a world leader in collection), and the evolution of brand adoption from a marketing "gimmick" to a core business strategy.This is a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs, environmental advocates, and anyone interested in how technology and determination can create a sustainable impact on our planet.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Vivek Tandon, Founder of revalyu00:55 - From Uganda to India: Dr. Tandon's Early Life and First Entrepreneurial Steps03:05 - University Ventures and Early Success in Telecoms05:21 - The Genesis of revalyu: The Concept of "Minds Above Ground"08:44 - The Science: How revalyu's Technology Chemically Recycles PET Plastic11:55 - Why Focus on Bottles? Understanding Different Types of Plastic13:56 - The Logistics Behind Recycling 40 Million Bottles a Day in India16:21 - The Biggest Challenges: From Investor Skepticism to Market Volatility20:33 - Beyond the Gimmick: How Brands Are Genuinely Embracing Sustainability22:24 - India's Role as a Global Leader in Plastic Recycling25:13 - The Future for revalyu: Scaling to Meet a Global Problem27:35 - A Message for Entrepreneurs: The Mega Trend of Recycling30:12 - Closing Remarks

In this episode of ELI - Entrepreneur's Live Interviews, we sit down with Kashiish A Nenwani, Director at Shivtek Spechemi Industries Ltd, a leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals. Kashiish shares her inspiring journey from a background in finance to becoming a leader in the manufacturing sector.In this interview, Kashiish discusses:* Her personal and professional journey.* The evolution of Shivtek Spechemi Industries Ltd from a modest start-up to a global exporter.* The company's digital transformation with SAP.* Building a people-first organization and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.* The challenges and strengths of being a woman in a male-dominated industry.* The concept of Green Finance and Shivtek's commitment to sustainability.* Her definition of impactful leadership and advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs.Join us for an insightful conversation with a leader who is making a significant impact in the industrial world.**Chapters:**(0:00) Introduction(0:27) Kashiish A Nenwani's Background and Journey to Shivtek(02:00) The Evolution of Shivtek Spechemi Industries Ltd(03:30) Shaping the Company's Vision with a Finance Background(04:40) Driving Digital Transformation with SAP(06:21) Building a Future-Ready and People-First Organization(07:47) Challenges and Strengths as a Woman in Manufacturing(09:40) Championing Diversity and Inclusion at Shivtek(12:50) Understanding Green Finance and Sustainable Growth(19:15) Defining Impactful Leadership(20:43) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Women Leaders

In this episode, we welcome Professor Vivek Singal, author of the book "Dominion and Dharma," to discuss his critique of modern capitalism and his vision for a more conscious and equitable future. A graduate of IIT Delhi and the University of Michigan, with a background in management advisory and liberal arts, Professor Singal offers a unique perspective on the intersection of capitalism, spirituality, and civilizational values.He shares the personal anguish and series of events that led him to write his book, from observing the hypocrisy at the World Economic Forum to a powerful encounter at the Age of Discovery monument in Lisbon. Professor Singal delves into the fundamental incompatibility between the Western capitalist worldview, which sees the world as a marketplace, and the dharmic worldview, which views the world as an interconnected mandala.The conversation explores the historical roots of extractive capitalism, using the island of Madeira as a prototype of a "minimum viable plantation model" that combined monoculture and slave labor. Professor Singal draws a compelling analogy between old colonial models and modern institutions like corporations and NGOs, which he argues perpetuate a form of "colonialism with a compassion filter."The discussion also touches on the Industrial Revolution's role in turning humans into surplus labor and the potential dangers and promises of emerging technologies like AI. Professor Singal concludes with a call to action for the younger generation to ask critical questions, challenge existing paradigms, and reconnect with a sense of sacred responsibility to create a future our descendants can be proud of.Chapters:[00:00] Introduction to Professor Vivek Singal[01:10] The Premise of "Dominion and Dharma"[02:10] The World Economic Forum and the Spark for the Book[03:32] The Age of Discovery Monument and Civilizational Grief[04:20] Reconnecting with Dharmic Roots in Kochi[05:15] The Goal: Not to Reject the West, but to Remember the East[06:23] Capitalism's "World as a Market" vs. the Dharmic "World as a Mandala"[07:49] The Dangers of a "Win-Lose" Mentality[09:34] Identity: "What Do I Do?" vs. "Who Am I?"[12:21] The Island of Madeira: A Prototype for Capitalist Exploitation[13:59] The "Minimum Viable Plantation Model"[17:02] "Humanitarian Capitalism": Colonialism with a Compassion Filter[18:38] The Threat of Exponentially Growing Technologies[20:17] The Hypocrisy of Modern Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives[24:35] The Industrial Revolution: Transforming Souls into Surplus Labor[27:31] The Advent of AI and the "Phygital Civilization"[30:21] The Unseen Consequences of the Automobile[31:07] The Neurons in Our Heart and Gut[33:43] A Call for Young People to Challenge the Status Quo[36:26] How to Reconnect with Dharma and Sacred Responsibility[37:25] The Power of Asking Questions[38:42] Closing Remarks

In this episode, we sit down with Vineet Tagi, the Global CTO at Biz2x, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the Indian SME lending sector. Vineet shares his extensive experience in building scalable, tech-led businesses and delves into how Biz2x is leveraging technology and AI to provide accessible credit to underserved SMEs. The conversation covers the intricacies of the Indian credit ecosystem, the importance of "time to credit," the role of alternative data in underwriting, and the future of embedded finance and agentic AI in transforming the lending landscape.Chapters[00:00] - Introduction to Vineet Tagi and Biz2x[00:49] - Vineet's Journey: Building Scalable Systems[03:21] - Understanding the SME Credit Landscape in India[08:25] - Innovation in "Time to Credit" for SMEs[14:40] - Leveraging Alternative Data for Credit Decisions[20:52] - The Role of AI Agents in Underwriting[25:51] - The Rise of Fintech GCCs in India[29:56] - Future Trends in Lending and Financial Technology[34:08] - Conclusion

In this episode, we sit down with Anand Shiralkar, the founder of Rian, an innovative AI platform that is revolutionizing the world of voiceovers and translation. Anand shares his incredible journey from working in Japan's finance industry to becoming a serial entrepreneur and investor in India.We dive deep into the world of Voice AI, discussing how Rian is blending human expertise with cutting-edge technology to create high-quality, emotion-aware dubbed content for everything from YouTube videos to OTT web series. Anand breaks down the complex workflows involved in AI dubbing, the importance of cultural nuance, and the future of human-in-the-loop AI systems.If you're interested in AI, startups, the creator economy, or the future of language, this is an episode you don't want to miss!Chapters:00:02 - Welcome and Introduction00:26 - Anand's Journey from Japan to Entrepreneurship02:12 - The Genesis of Rian: An AI Translation Company03:18 - Anand's Other Venture: DG Future Tech04:41 - Voice AI and Translation Use Cases at Rian09:21 - The Detailed Workflow of AI-Powered Dubbing14:59 - The Human-in-the-Loop: Why AI Needs Human Intervention19:59 - How AI is Making the World Flat by Breaking Language Barriers28:34 - The Future of Jobs and the Rise of the "New-Age Linguist"31:02 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

How do brands truly understand what consumers want in an age of data overload? We dive deep into the evolving world of market research with Praveen Nijhara, CEO of Hansa Research Group, one of India's largest and most respected consumer insights firms.In this insightful conversation, Praveen unpacks his journey and the dramatic transformation of the research industry. We explore how technology is not just changing but revolutionizing the field, from data collection to groundbreaking analysis.In this episode, we cover:🔹 Praveen's personal journey from his early days at IMRB to leading a legacy institution like Hansa Research.🔹 The critical role of technology in modern data collection, from QR codes to advanced online panels.🔹 How cutting-edge tools like facial coding and eye-tracking are providing deeper, more accurate insights than ever before.🔹 The current landscape of market research in India, including the top spending industries and the unique challenges of a diverse market.🔹 The future of research: Praveen's vision on the growing role of AI, the potential of synthetic data, and why human intervention remains indispensable for true strategic thinking.This is a must-listen for any business leader, marketer, or data professional who wants to understand how strategic decisions are powered by deep consumer understanding in the digital age.Chapters(00:00) Introduction(00:46) Praveen's Journey into Market Research(01:43) The Underrated Career Path of Market Research(03:59) The Legacy of Hansa Research & Key Milestones(09:05) How Technology Transformed Data Collection(21:04) The Revolution in Data Analysis (Facial Coding, Eye Tracking)(27:08) Today's Market Research Landscape in India(32:57) The Future: AI, Synthetic Data, and the Role of Human Insight

In this episode, we sit down with Chris George, the Co-founder & CEO of Qube Health, a pioneering Health-FinTech platform that is revolutionizing how Indians pay for their healthcare.Three out of four Indians are either underinsured or have no health insurance, leading to a staggering $72 billion in out-of-pocket medical expenses annually. Chris shares his personal journey into entrepreneurship and the harrowing family experience with the healthcare system that became the genesis for Qube Health.Join us as we dive deep into:- The fundamental flaws in India's healthcare financing system.- How Qube Health leverages the UPI network to offer instant cashback and no-cost EMIs on all medical bills.- Their unique B2B2C model and major partnerships with companies like Flipkart.- The future of healthcare payments, the impact of government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, and how technology can make quality healthcare accessible to all.If you're interested in startups, fintech, or the future of healthcare in India, this is a conversation you don't want to miss! Chapters:(00:00) Intro(00:35) Chris George's Entrepreneurial Journey: From Events to E-commerce(02:58) The "Horrors of Healthcare" That Inspired Qube Health(03:31) Why India's Healthcare System is Still Broken(04:35) The $72 Billion Problem: Out-of-Pocket Expenses(06:17) The Core Mission: Solving for "Ability to Pay"(07:15) How Qube Health Makes Healthcare Payments Frictionless(09:05) The "Google Pay for Healthcare": How the App Works(10:10) Instant Cashback or No-Cost EMI: The Two Choices(11:15) Qube's B2B2C Model: Partnering with Employers(12:50) How is the Pre-Approved Credit Line Determined?(13:51) Preventing Misuse: How Qube Identifies Medical Expenses(15:15) The Flipkart Partnership: A Case Study in Employee Benefits(16:42) Qube vs. Traditional Lenders: The "Desperation Financing" Problem(18:15) The Rise of Hospital-Led Financing: Competition or Validation?(19:17) Why "Choice" is the Most Important Factor for Patients(20:26) View on Government Initiatives: Ayushman Bharat & UHI(21:28) Qube's Vision: Becoming a Channel for Direct Benefit Transfers(22:29) Reaching Tier 2/3 Cities and Rural India via UPI(24:12) The Lending Puzzle: How Qube Manages Collections & Defaults(26:35) Outro

In this episode, we sit down with Ajitesh Gupta, the Co-founder and CEO of "Crowwd," a merit-based social media platform for investors and traders that is on a mission to democratize financial discussions and de-noise finance.Ajitesh shares his incredible journey, from a family of bureaucrats to studying at the University of Edinburgh and Imperial College London. He talks about his early entrepreneurial ventures, including a failed startup at 17, and a successful exit at 20. He explains how his own experiences with the stock market's volatility and the lack of reliable information led to the creation of Crowwd.Join us to learn:- How Crowwd is using an 80-parameter model to ensure the credibility of financial information.- Their strategy for combating fake news in the financial space.- Why they believe financial information should be free and their unique monetization strategy.- The challenges of transitioning a company from Europe to India.- Crowwd's three-stage vision for the future, including brokerage services and AI-driven portfolio optimization.This is a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in the future of FinTech in India!YouTube Chapters:00:00 - From Bureaucrat Family to Entrepreneur: Ajitesh's Journey02:30 - First Startup Failure at 17 & A Successful Exit at 2002:59 - The "Aha!" Moment: Why the World Needs Crowwd03:15 - What is Crowwd? Democratizing and De-Noising Finance06:05 - The 80-Parameter Model for Vetting Financial Content07:07 - How Crowwd Fights Fake News08:50 - Why Crowwd's Content is Free: The Monetization Strategy10:35 - The Challenges of Moving a Company from Europe to India11:15 - The Social Aspect of Crowwd13:00 - The Future of Crowwd: Brokerage, AI, and Portfolio Optimization27:35 - The "Zero to One" Journey: Building a Company Culture

From condensed matter physics at IIT Delhi to building a global cybersecurity powerhouse across 4 continents - this is the remarkable story of Sooraj Vasudevan, founder of Calculus Networks.In this episode of ELI Podcast, discover how a physics graduate transformed a Mexico City startup into a vendor-agnostic system integration company serving AT&T, governments, and Fortune 500 companies. Learn why he chose Mexico over Silicon Valley, how COVID-19 forced a complete business model pivot, and his vision to build India's next billion-dollar tech story using AI.🔥 Key Highlights:- The Tejas Networks mafia effect - how India's first B2B hardware startup created entrepreneurs- Why Mexico is surprisingly similar to India for doing business- The "Starbucks approach" to system integration that's disrupting traditional IT- Building SOCs (Security Operations Centers) across Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania & India- How to transition from techie to business leader without an MBA- The future of AI in cybersecurity and why hackers might have the upper hand📊 About Calculus Networks:Founded in 2016, Calculus Networks provides networking, telecommunication, and cybersecurity solutions to enterprises and governments globally. Named "Top 10 SD-WAN Services Company 2023" by Enterprise Networking Magazine, they're the

In this episode of ELI, we sit down with Dr. Angad Singh Bedi, the Managing Director of BCD Group, one of India's oldest and largest real estate conglomerates. Angad shares his unique perspective on the evolution of the Indian real estate market, from a family business rooted in pre-partition India to a professionally-run, zero-debt empire.Join us as we dive deep into the most pressing topics shaping the industry today:- The post-COVID shift in homebuyer priorities and the new definition of a 'home'.- How Gen Z is disrupting the property market with new demands.- The critical debate on Floor Space Index (FSI) and the future of urban development in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru.- The rise of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and what's fueling their growth.- How the industry is tackling challenges like infrastructure strain and climate change.- The impact of technology, from PropTech and AI to 3D printing in construction.- Angad's vision for India's real estate landscape in 2040 and its journey to a multi-trillion dollar economy.Whether you're a prospective homebuyer, an industry professional, or simply interested in the future of Indian cities, this conversation provides an invaluable insider's view.Don't forget to Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insights from India's leading entrepreneurs!Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(00:24) Meet Angad: From Chartered Accountant to Real Estate Leader(02:16) The Legacy of BCD Group: A Zero-Debt Empire Built Across Decades(04:03) The Current State of Indian Real Estate: An Era of Maturity & Professionalism(05:58) Post-COVID Real Estate Trends & The New Definition of 'Home'(08:28) Beyond Square Footage: The Rise of Community-Centric Living(10:34) Gen Z Enters the Market: How Are Young Homebuyers Different?(12:32) The FSI Debate: Should Indian Cities Grow Vertically or Horizontally?(14:42) India's Untapped Potential: Real Estate Growth in Tier-2 & Tier-3 Cities(16:24) Climate Change & Infrastructure Collapse in Major Indian Metros(18:20) The Government's Role: How RERA & Policy are Shaping the Market(20:09) The True Cost of a Property: Land, Approvals, and a Developer's View(21:49) PropTech & Innovation: How Technology is Transforming Real Estate(24:30) Vision 2040: The Future of India's Multi-Trillion Dollar Real Estate Economy(25:48) Closing Remarks