Indian Silicon Valley with Jivraj Singh Sachar

How do you build a ₹1500 crore food empire — with no restaurants, no chefs, and no legacy playbook?In this episode, we sit down with Jaydeep Barman, co-founder and CEO of Rebel Foods, to decode how one of India’s most ambitious startups is reimagining the entire food industry — from the cloud kitchen up.This isn’t a story about biryani and wraps. It’s about systems, second-order thinking, and why Rebel is closer to AWS than McDonald’s.We break down the flywheel that powers 45+ brands across 10 countries — from Beiruz to Faasos, from Oven Story to 500 Calorie Project. Jaydeep shares how they kill bad ideas early, how their chefs became "Chief Delight Officers", and how a supply chain obsession turned into global expansion.We also go deep into founder psychology — from how Jaydeep uses mountaineering to think clearly, to how he recruits, writes, and leads on an infinite canvas.This episode isn’t startup hype. It’s a masterclass in operational leverage, cultural scale, and building enduring businesses in the world’s most complex food market.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:50 – What are the key learnings from the food business?08:58 – How large is the entire group to begin with?14:35 – How has food in India evolved in the ecosystem?21:53 – How does Jaydeep respond to trends vs being forward-looking?29:15 – How does he want to shape a particular sector?33:02 – What does it mean to start a brand?40:20 – What does it mean to replicate success across brands?45:28 – What are the innovations happening in kitchens?56:40 – How does Jaydeep plan to take his business outside India?1:03:40 – Why are team members important for long-term success?1:20:07 – What surprises has Jaydeep encountered in his journey?1:25:28 – What would Jaydeep be doing if he weren’t at Rebel?1:27:35 – What motivates Jaydeep to keep building Rebel?1:33:40 – What are the key things Jaydeep has learned on his journey?1:38:11 – Outro🔗 Support the PodcastIf this episode made you rethink scale, systems, or the future of food — share it with a founder, drop a comment, and subscribe. Your support helps us bring sharper stories to India's builders.📲 Follow Jivraj on Instagram: @jivrajsinghsachar#IndianSiliconValley #RebelFoods #JaydeepBarman #CloudKitchens #StartupExecution #IndiaD2C #FoodTechIndia #ScaleWithSystems #FounderPlaybook #ISV #ConsumerInfra #InfiniteCanvas

How do you deliver 100 crore orders a year — without bloating, breaking, or burning out?In this episode, we sit down with Rohit Kapoor, CEO of Food Marketplaces at Swiggy, to break down what it really takes to scale India’s most complex consumer business — and still operate like a startup.From McKinsey to Max Healthcare, from OYO to Swiggy — Rohit has led high-stakes transitions across industries. But this isn’t a story about titles. It’s a deep dive into how relevance, clarity, and culture drive execution at scale.We talk about the real systems behind Swiggy’s growth — from how they keep a startup mindset inside a massive org, to how they reset internal bloat every year. Rohit shares his hiring philosophy, his obsession with field-level insight, and how AI is quietly reshaping how he leads.This episode isn’t startup theory. It’s the operating manual behind one of India’s most used apps — and a masterclass in staying sharp while the company, the industry, and the consumer keep evolving.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:10 – How Rohit challenges himself for personal and professional growth04:20 – His journey towards launching multiple startups08:30 – Rohit’s role in Swiggy’s growth and expansion15:50 – His approach to hiring the right people for business growth20:55 – How Indians adapted to online food services and Swiggy’s role in that shift27:15 – The first thing Rohit observes when he walks into a kitchen28:35 – Insights into regional food consumption trends across India33:30 – Rohit’s most frequently ordered food on Swiggy34:35 – How Rohit became a part of Swiggy’s journey37:55 – The moments when Rohit had to do things he didn’t want to39:38 – The role of institutions in shaping Rohit’s career45:20 – Rohit’s perspective on young entrepreneurs in India49:10 – How Rohit finds greatness even when it’s not immediately visible51:38 – What he would be pursuing if he hadn’t chosen this path52:13 – Where Rohit sees himself in the next five years (theoretically)52:50 – How Rohit is leveraging AI to scale Swiggy55:50 – What Rohit enjoys doing when he’s not working on Swiggy56:12 – What advice he would give to his younger self58:12 – Outro🔗 Support the PodcastIf this episode helped you, share it with a founder, leave a comment, and subscribe — your support helps us reach more builders shaping India’s future.📲 Follow Jivraj on Instagram: @jivrajsinghsachar#IndianSiliconValley #Swiggy #RohitKapoor #FoodtechIndia #StartupExecution #ISV #MarketplaceOps #LeadershipIndia #ScaleWithoutBloat #ConsumerTech

What does it take to challenge China in energy, batteries, and manufacturing—without being a tech founder? And how is one Indian group quietly building a ₹1.5 lakh crore empire across India’s most strategic industries?In this episode, we sit down with Devansh Jain, Executive Director of the InoxGFL Group, one of India’s most ambitious conglomerates operating at the intersection of chemicals, renewables, and infrastructure.From building India’s largest battery chemical plant outside China to manufacturing wind turbines, solar modules, and fluoropolymers, Devansh is not chasing valuation — he’s building real industrial power. This is a rare deep dive into the mindset, systems, and scale thinking behind one of India's most important (and under-discussed) business empires.We explore how Inox is playing the long game on energy transition, how Devansh allocates capital across 5+ companies, and why the group is allergic to debt but addicted to scale.This episode isn’t startup hype. It’s what it looks like to build India's future energy backbone.We explore:•⁠ ⁠Why India needs 75 GW of renewable energy added every year•⁠ ⁠How Devansh is building a battery chemicals empire to challenge China•⁠ ⁠Why he believes manufacturing should stop crying about subsidies•⁠ ⁠How he allocates ₹1000s of crores across solar, wind, and EV chemicals•⁠ ⁠What it takes to build multiple companies with multiple CEOs at once•⁠ ⁠Why he doesn’t care about “startup metrics” and bets on capex instead•⁠ ⁠How he hires leadership, retains control, and stays paranoid•⁠ ⁠The untold economics behind EVs, grid storage, and industrial dominance•⁠ ⁠How he rebuilt Inox Wind after losing ₹500 Cr/year for 5 years•⁠ ⁠The real psychology of building at scale without losing your edgeWhether you’re a founder thinking about India’s energy future, an operator learning how to build at scale, or a policy nerd trying to understand what's really powering India’s economy — this episode will challenge what you think success looks like.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 — Intro02:27 — What have you done in business over the past 15 years?04:01 — What is the Inox GFL Group and what industries do they operate in?10:22 — How has his father influenced his life?14:13 — What’s your inspiration?18:14 — Energy trends and key opportunities20:00 — What is the government targeting?23:49 — India vs China: Ecosystem growth and efficiency26:55 — How much is being invested in solar, and what powers it at scale?32:22 — How do you manage it all?35:15 — How do you spend your time daily?42:22 — Where do new opportunities lie for entrepreneurs?47:06 — What does it take to close a B2B deal at scale?50:00 — What does it take to close deals with capital allocators at scale?55:44 — Lessons learned building business at scale01:00:04 — What’s happening beyond the daily work?01:02:14 — How would his friends describe him?01:03:26 — If GFL didn’t exist, what would you be doing?01:04:00 — What advice would he give his younger self at graduation?01:07:05 — Outro🔗 Support the PodcastIf this episode helped you, share it with a founder, leave a comment, and subscribe—your support helps us reach more builders shaping India’s future.📲 Follow Jivraj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/#IndianSiliconValley #DevanshJain #InoxGFL #ManufacturingIndia #EVIndia #BatterySupplyChain #IndiaVsChina #EnergyTransition #StartupIndia #DeeptechIndia #ISV #IndustrialScale #India2030

Why do most Indian beverage startups die in Tier 1 cities? And how did a bootstrapped brand from Chandigarh crack ₹500 crore selling ₹10 drinks across India?In this episode, we sit down with Saurabh Munjal, co-founder and CEO of Lahori Zeera—one of India’s most remarkable mass-market brand stories.What started as a kitchen recipe is now a household name, with 50 lakh bottles sold every day, 3 lakh+ retail touchpoints, and a product lineup built entirely for Indian taste buds. And all of it—manufacturing, distribution, brand recall—was built from the ground up, without celebrity endorsements or early VC money.We explore the exact systems Saurabh used to win in kirana stores, beat incumbents on taste and trust, and build a truly scalable consumer brand—not for South Bombay, but for Bharat.This episode isn’t startup theory. It’s the real story of building a ₹500 Cr business from scratch.We explore:•⁠ ⁠Why mass India is the most under-served (and profitable) audience•⁠ ⁠How Lahori Zeera won on taste, price, and distribution•⁠ ⁠Why Saurav refused to raise funding for years•⁠ ⁠How he convinced retailers, distributors, and his first 50 employees•⁠ ⁠The pricing framework that makes ₹10 profitable•⁠ ⁠How Lahori creates viral recall without ads or influencers•⁠ ⁠What health-focused brands get wrong about Indian consumers•⁠ ⁠Why most D2C founders don’t understand general trade•⁠ ⁠The moment he knew Lahori had product-market fit•⁠ ⁠What he would do differently—now that he’s scaled past ₹500 CrWhether you're a D2C founder trying to break into kiranas, a brand operator wondering how to scale in India, or just someone curious about what it takes to build a mass cult product—this episode will shift how you think about brand-building.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introduction2:00 – How Saurabh views his customer base4:55 – How he serves diverse consumers across India11:40 – His long-term vision for the brand14:50 – What sets his business apart from local competitors17:35 – What Day 0 looked like for him21:25 – What makes Lahori Zeera truly unique24:35 – His approach to new product development31:17 – How he navigated the early days of building the business37:40 – How he figured out the right pricing strategy43:15 – How he built strong brand recall49:30 – Key learnings on scaling in the wholesale market53:40 – Why distributors choose to stay loyal to him55:50 – His journey as a bootstrapped founder1:01:01 – How he convinced his first 50 hires1:05:00 – Did he ever imagine this scale of success?1:09:10 – How he reflects on his life today1:12:05 – His perspective on setbacks and failures1:17:26 – Why he believes in building for mass India1:22:02 – The moment he knew he was on the right path1:25:49 – His views on health-focused beverages1:29:16 – Skills he developed along the way1:33:00 – Who would Saurabh be without Lahori Zeera?1:35:26 – What he would tell his Day 1 self1:40:59 – Outro🔗 Support the PodcastIf this episode helped you, share it with a founder, leave a comment, and subscribe—your support helps us reach more builders shaping India’s future.📲 Follow Jivraj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/#IndianSiliconValley #LahoriZeera #MassIndia #FMCGIndia #D2CIndia #ConsumerStartups #SauravMunjal #FounderPlaybook #BootstrappedStartups #BharatBrands #ISV #BrandBuildingIndia #StartupIndia

What if India leads the next computing revolution?Suraj Aiar, founder of QWR, is betting on it—by building XR headsets from the ground up. No VCs. No shortcuts. Just a relentless pursuit of redefining how India builds hardware. In this episode, we sit down with Suraj Aiar, Founder & CEO of QWR—one of India’s only companies building XR (Extended Reality) hardware from scratch. He walks us through the 7-year grind: from cracking precision manufacturing and disrupting supply chains, to scaling a profitable enterprise XR business—all without chasing the D2C hype.A blueprint for what it actually takes to build deeptech in India.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introduction1:58 – What is Extended Reality, and where are we today?6:48 – What can’t mobile devices do yet, that headsets can?10:28 – Where does Suraj fit in the XR ecosystem?15:07 – What does Suraj’s ideal customer look like?19:21 – Does Suraj own the software they build?20:14 – How does Suraj approach the hardware challenge?26:05 – Suraj’s advice for newcomers in the field.28:28 – Is the stereotype true that India lacks deep tech companies?30:48 – What’s Suraj doing to ensure timely delivery?35:40 – What’s proprietary in Suraj’s manufacturing chain?38:09 – A breakdown of the company’s journey so far.41:18 – Are tech skills and creativity mutually exclusive?45:22 – What skills does Suraj value when hiring?53:38 – Why did Suraj choose to bootstrap?59:26 – What does the next 5 years look like?1:02:28 – What might Jivraj do with a headset in 2030?1:05:53 – How would Suraj’s friends describe him?1:07:21 – How did becoming a father change Suraj?1:09:01 – Key lessons Suraj learned from life and business.1:12:53 – Is Suraj guided by any philosophy or principle?1:14:37 – What would Suraj do in an alternate world?1:15:38 – Advice Suraj would give his younger self.1:19:37 – Outro🔗 Support the PodcastIf you found this episode valuable, share it with a founder, leave a comment, and subscribe—your support helps us spotlight more underrepresented builders reshaping India’s future.📲 Follow Jivraj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/#QWR #XR #SurajAiar #VRinIndia

Why do 90% of Indian brands never cross ₹100 crore? And what separates the few that do?In this episode, we sit down with Vivek Gambhir—former CEO of Godrej Consumer Products, boAt, and board member at Mamaearth—to decode what it really takes to build a high-scale brand in India.This isn’t theory. It’s the actual playbook behind India’s biggest consumer breakouts.Vivek has been at the helm of ₹1000+ crore brands, worked with founders like Aman Gupta and Varun Alagh, and now advises startups as a Venture Partner at Lightspeed. From quick commerce to omni-channel to ATL strategy—he’s seen what works, what stalls, and what silently kills scale.We explore:•⁠ ⁠Why most brands in India plateau below ₹100 crore•⁠ ⁠How boAt scaled to ₹1500 crore without going offline for years•⁠ ⁠What Mamaearth got right about trust, quality, and pricing•⁠ ⁠The brutal economics of brand-building in India•⁠ ⁠Why performance marketing alone will never get you scale•⁠ ⁠How to think about quick commerce (and who actually wins on it)•⁠ ⁠What founders get wrong about ATL, retail, and celebrity endorsements•⁠ ⁠The difference between CM1, CM2, and EBITDA—and when each matters•⁠ ⁠Why the next big brands will come from India’s premium and sachet markets•⁠ ⁠How Vivek made high-stakes career transitions across consulting, CEO roles, and VCWhether you’re a D2C founder stuck at ₹30 crore, an operator figuring out omni-channel strategy, or an investor betting on India’s consumer story—this episode is your blueprint for scale.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introduction2:29 – What does scaling a brand really mean?5:16 – Why are so many new brands emerging?9:47 – Evolution of Indian e-commerce15:24 – Key retail knowledge you must have22:54 – How to build a brand with long-term thinking28:38 – Why quick commerce thrives in India38:04 – How can brands enter quick commerce?44:27 – Lessons from quick commerce players47:44 – How customer channels have evolved57:24 – How Vivek thinks about long-term bets at scale1:00:44 – Understanding unit economics for brands1:06:54 – How Vivek approached his career1:14:29 – How Vivek keeps learning on his journey1:18:34 – What sets Mamaearth & boAt founders apart1:22:37 – Indian consumer landscape in the next 5 years1:25:58 – Outro🔗 Support the PodcastIf you found this episode valuable, share it with a founder, leave a comment, and subscribe—your support helps us reach more builders shaping India's future.📲 Follow Jivraj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/#IndianSiliconValley #BrandBuilding #ConsumerStartups #boAt #Mamaearth #QuickCommerce #VivekGambhir #FounderPlaybook #ISV #BuildForIndia #D2CIndia #BrandStrategy #StartupIndia

India’s startup playbook worships speed, scale, and funding. But what if you rejected all of it—and still won?In this episode, we sit down with Gautam Sinha, founder and creative director of Nappa Dori, who built a global luxury brand from India by going against every startup norm.No VC. No MBA. No blitz-scaling.Just instinct, craftsmanship, and relentless belief in design.Gautam didn’t just build a brand—he built a market that didn’t exist. He priced products on taste, not cost. He opened stores in London and Dubai while staying bootstrapped. And he turned a scooter garage into one of India’s most admired design-first businesses.We explore:•⁠ ⁠Why most Indian brands stay stuck in the “supplier mindset”•⁠ ⁠How Gautam built trust and pricing power in a discount-driven market•⁠ ⁠What startup myths he broke by staying bootstrapped for 15+ years•⁠ ⁠Why Indian factories refused to work with Indian brands•⁠ ⁠The playbook behind international expansion—without funding•⁠ ⁠How to scale creative taste without losing soul•⁠ ⁠What Gautam believes MBAs and B-schools get completely wrong•⁠ ⁠How Cafédori, Dori Living, and in-store design became strategic brand extensions•⁠ ⁠What founders should know about instinct, doubt, and long-term thinkingWhether you're a founder tired of chasing funding, a creative fighting to retain your voice, or someone curious about how global Indian brands are actually built—this episode is a refreshing rebellion against the system.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 - Introduction02:49 – What’s your approach to building luxury products from India?04:38 – After 15 years, how does it feel looking back?07:20 – How did you shape your brand’s foundation and aesthetic?12:43 – How did you grow while staying bootstrapped?16:10 – How did you learn business on the go? Any advice?19:35 – How does a creative mindset help in business?23:03 – How did you scale your creative vision across the team?25:41 – How are you handling the challenge of scaling?26:31 – What do you want customers to feel in a Nappa Dori store?31:57 – How do you decide which products to launch?35:45 – In moments of doubt, what keeps you going?41:16 – What’s the reality of launching internationally?46:38 – What’s the product creation process and team size?51:37 – How do you balance growth and quality?01:04:35 – What would you tell your younger self?01:06:37 - Outro🔗 Support the PodcastIf you found this episode valuable, share it with a founder, leave a comment, and subscribe—your support helps us spotlight more underrepresented builders reshaping India’s future.📲 Follow Jivraj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/#IndianSiliconValley #FounderStories #NoVC #GlobalFromIndia #LuxuryStartups #BootstrappedSuccess #DesignBrands #NappaDori #CreativeBusiness #ISV #BuildForIndia #GautamSinha #CreativeEntrepreneurs

India’s lending ecosystem is crowded with banks, NBFCs, and fintechs—but very few have managed to build institutions with scale, discipline, and long-term trust.In this episode, we sit down with Sandeep Menon, Founder & CEO of Vastu Housing Finance, one of India’s largest and most respected affordable housing finance companies. With a ₹11,000 Cr+ loan book and a customer base most banks wouldn’t touch, Sandeep has quietly built a lending giant by playing the long game—and doing things very differently from the typical startup playbook.We explore:•⁠ ⁠What most people misunderstand about the Indian housing finance landscape•⁠ ⁠How Sandeep bet on self-employed customers that banks refused to serve•⁠ ⁠The distribution engine Vastu built—without relying on ads or CAC•⁠ ⁠Why they’ve rebuilt their tech stack multiple times over the last decade•⁠ ⁠How they scaled without shortcuts, hype, or valuation games•⁠ ⁠Sandeep’s unconventional hiring and leadership philosophies•⁠ ⁠What governance really looks like when you treat your company like it’s already public•⁠ ⁠Deep reflections on trust, reinvention, institutional thinking, and building a financial machine that lastsWhether you’re building a lending company, scaling operations, or just curious about how to win in the most ignored markets—this is an unfiltered masterclass in how real institutions get built in India.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introduction2:22 – What a housing finance company does8:32 – Broad role of Vastu12:28 – Sandeep’s customer journey16:49 – The overall process18:22 – How Sandeep builds trust20:38 – How on-ground touchpoints are defined23:24 – External factors impacting internal operations26:58 – Policy change or initiative that impacted business30:06 – What feels counterintuitive to Sandeep32:56 – Sandeep’s view on talent36:24 – His ownership mindset41:35 – How he built and executed it44:57 – What good governance means to him53:22 – Evolution of his leadership style55:40 – How friends describe Sandeep57:40 – How he stays tuned to people1:03:43 – Advice to his younger self1:06:30 – Outro🔗 Support the PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, share it, subscribe, and drop a comment—your support helps us bring more underrepresented founder stories to light.📲 Follow Jivraj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/#IndianSiliconValley #VastuHousingFinance #SandeepMenon #FintechIndia #Lending #FounderStories #ISV #BuildForIndia

India’s startup ecosystem has reached escape velocity — but how do you actually build a breakout company in this market?In this episode, we sit down with Mohit Bhatnagar, Managing Director at Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia India & SEA), and one of the earliest backers of Zomato, Meesho, Freshworks, CARS24, and more. This conversation unpacks what it really takes to win in India—across sectors, cycles, and consumer shifts.We explore:- How India’s startup landscape has evolved over the past two decades- The surprising bets behind Zomato, Meesho & Freshworks—and why they worked- What most founders misunderstand about Indian consumers and markets- How to build cost-efficient, scale-ready companies from Day 1- Why India’s next wave of unicorns will look very different from the last- Mohit’s take on quick commerce, AI, and the real future of Indian SaaS- The culture of conviction at Peak XV—and how they pick outliers before others see them- Deep reflections on founder psychology, investing mistakes, and building institutions that lastWhether you're a founder, investor, operator, or just deeply curious about the India startup story—this is a rare, behind-the-scenes lens into how category-defining companies are really built.⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction2:02 - How Mohit has witnessed the evolution of the ecosystem4:22 - The types of companies Mohit was scouting in 2006 vs. today7:24 - Behind the scenes of investing in Zomato, Meesho, and more12:58 - Mohit's thought process when meeting Vidit and Sanjeev17:15 - Was there ever a moment Mohit felt things were overhyped?18:50 - How Mohit has seen the evolution of software in India25:39 - What India’s startup ecosystem can do better to compete with the US28:26 - Mohit’s perspective on choosing not to partner with a company31:20 - Mohit’s take on the rise of quick commerce36:55 - Key insights Mohit has gained about Indian consumers from 2006 to 202538:23 - Mohit’s experience in building an institution within the venture space43:24 - How the journey of starting the firm compares to where it stands today51:27 - The role of culture and reputation in Mohit’s investment approach54:17 - Mohit's strengths as an investor1:02:08 - If not investing, what alternative path would Mohit have pursued?1:04:03 - What would Mohit's friends say about him?1:05:16 - If Mohit could ask himself one question, what would it be?1:06:45 - How Mohit envisions India over the next five years1:09:05 - Moments of doubt in Mohit's journey1:11:55 - Advice Mohit would give to his younger self1:14:00 - Outro🔗 Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed this episode, share it, subscribe, and drop a comment—your support helps us bring more powerful founder stories to light.📲 Follow Jivraj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/#IndianSiliconValley #PeakXV #Zomato #Meesho #Freshworks #StartupIndia #VCInsights #FounderStories #ISV #BuildForIndia

India’s biggest success stories weren’t built overnight. What does it really take to build institutions, scale businesses, and create a lasting legacy?In this rare business legends’ roundtable, we sit down with Sanjeev Bikhchandani (Info Edge), Ashish Dhawan (ChrysCapital), and Pramath Raj Sinha (ISB & Ashoka University) to break down the mindset, risk-taking, and long-term vision behind billion-dollar success.We explore: • The biggest mistake founders make—and how to fix it • What they never teach you in college (but actually shapes your career) • Why most people fail at risk-taking—you’re not taking risks, you’re making mistakes • The truth about MBAs—is it still worth it in 2024? • How to think in decades, not years—the 10-Year Rule for success • How to contribute beyond yourself—why wealth alone isn’t enough • Powerful career advice from India’s top business mindsIf you’re a founder, operator, or ambitious professional, this episode is packed with rare insights on building businesses and careers that stand the test of time.⸻⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction9:36 – The Conceptualization of Ashoka21:45 – Maximizing Outcomes While Still in College26:17 – Where a 19-Year-Old Should Focus Their Time31:20 – The Relevance of an MBA in Today’s World36:20 – Embracing Risk and Taking Bold Steps43:40 – Contributing Beyond Oneself52:00 – Developing a Long-Term Mindset at 2057:20 – Advice They Would Give Their Younger Selves1:03:55 – Closing Reflections1:04:57 – Outro⸻🔗 Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed this episode, share it, subscribe, and drop a comment—your support helps us bring more powerful founder stories to light.📲 Follow Jivraj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/#IndianSiliconValley #StartupIndia #LongTermSuccess #FounderMindset #MBA #RiskTaking #CareerAdvice #WealthCreation #ISV

India is at a once-in-a-lifetime inflection point—Can we replace China as the world’s manufacturing powerhouse?In this episode, we sit down with Sunjay Kapur, Chairman of Sona Comstar, to break down India’s China+1 moment and why manufacturing is the next trillion-dollar startup opportunity.We explore:- Why the next Indian unicorns won’t be SaaS—they’ll be manufacturers- The brutal truth about India’s EV industry, supply chains, and deep-tech potential- What’s stopping India from competing with China—and how we can fix it- Why investors are finally betting big on Indian manufacturing- Sunjay also shares powerful insights on scaling businesses, making acquisitions, and attracting global customers, along with his mental model for decision-making, hiring, and wealth creation.If you’re a founder, operator, or investor, this episode is packed with game-changing insights on India’s next big business wave.⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction1:44 - The history and journey of Sona Comstar9:56 - Major shifts and developments after 201514:05 - Sunjay’s perspective on the evolution of the auto component industry17:55 - His thoughts on the current and future state of the EV ecosystem20:44 - How he approaches partnerships for inorganic growth25:39 - Key lessons India can adopt to strengthen its manufacturing sector29:12 - Insights from Sunjay’s experience in driving export growth31:41 - What he looks for when hiring and building a strong team35:55 - His mental model for prioritization and decision-making36:55 - The reasoning behind Sona Comstar’s decision to bring in investors43:54 - How one should think about wealth creation and deployment48:24 - Sunjay’s evolving relationship with wealth over time50:59 - The core values that define him and his leadership52:39 - A look into his daily routine and how he structures his time54:58 - His roles and responsibilities beyond Sona Comstar56:40 - How his friends would describe him in a few words57:18 - The advice he would give to his younger self based on his journey59:11 - Outro🔗 Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed this episode, share it, subscribe, and drop a comment—your support helps us bring more powerful founder stories to light.📲 Follow Jivraj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/#IndianSiliconValley #IndiaManufacturing #ChinaPlusOne #EVRevolution #FounderInsights #StartupIndia #DeepTech #MakeInIndia #ISV

In this episode, we sit down with top founders to tackle one of India's biggest startup debates—Is Mumbai the next startup capital, or does Bangalore still dominate?We dive deep into why Mumbai is underrated as a tech hub, how founders are secretly choosing Mumbai over Bangalore, and what’s driving the rise of Mumbai’s startup ecosystem—from stronger talent retention to massive AI investments from the Maharashtra government.The founders also break down the brutal truth about India’s AI talent gap, why most Indian AI startups will fail, and how startups can win in global markets instead of blindly copying the West. If you’re building in tech, AI, or startups, this episode is a must-watch.We also reveal:- How Mumbai is quietly beating Bangalore in talent retention & ecosystem building- The biggest AI funding & hiring mistakes Indian startups are making- Why global startup success starts with local market immersion—NOT remote scalingIf you're a founder, operator, or investor in India’s startup ecosystem, you can’t afford to miss this conversation.⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction3:17 - The entrepreneurial journey7:39 - The city's role in building companies13:08 - How teams come together in Bombay19:34 - The main objective of large-scale events25:48 - What attendees do at large-scale events33:24 - Challenges in building AI45:22 - Competing with foreign AI in India50:18 - First steps to building a globally defining company1:00:18 - Key lessons from the founder's journey1:08:59 - Outro🔗 Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with friends, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment. Your engagement helps us continue to bring powerful founder stories to light.📲 Follow Jivraj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/#IndianSiliconValley #MumbaiStartups #BangaloreVsMumbai #IndiaAI #FounderInsights #StartupEcosystem #TechGrowth #ISV

In this episode, we sit down with Gaurav Rathod, Joint MD of Cello World, to uncover the brutal reality of why most D2C brands fail—and how Cello scaled to ₹2000 Cr without chasing VC funding. Gaurav shares deep insights on manufacturing-led brand-building, why factories are the real profit centers, and how to dominate India’s complex distribution landscape.We break down how Cello built a retail empire, the psychology behind premiumization, and why Indian consumers are shifting away from low-cost, no-brand products. Gaurav also shares lessons from scaling a multi-category business, the role of Amitabh Bachchan in brand trust, and how Cello stays ahead of D2C-first competitors.From mastering offline distribution to hacking e-commerce growth, this episode is packed with game-changing insights for founders, operators, and brand builders who want to scale profitably in India’s evolving consumer market.If you’re building a product brand in India, you don’t want to miss this.⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction2:19 - How business evolved today5:00 - Company structure8:47 - Fundamentals Gaurav carried forward in business12:28 - Consumer insights to understand the business16:15 - What Gaurav saw that caught on with customers18:30 - Customer feedback on desired products21:45 - Who is Cello’s customer25:46 - How Cello’s distributor network works32:38 - Relations with retailers34:03 - Building trust & having Amitabh Bachchan as ambassador37:51 - Is Cello’s e-commerce acquisition cost lower?38:51 - Psychology behind working with Amitabh Bachchan41:34 - Setting up manufacturing51:56 - Future plans for Cello56:53 - New designs to match trends1:01:33 - Staying ahead of the curve1:03:21 - Acting like a new company in talent approach1:10:01 - When to take a company public1:12:03 - Gaurav’s early influences before business1:16:06 - What Gaurav would do if not in business1:19:24 - How fatherhood changed Gaurav1:21:31 - Advice to his younger self1:22:58 - Outro🔗 Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with friends, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment. Your engagement helps us continue to bring powerful founder stories to light.📲 Follow Jivraj on Instagram: @jivrajsinghsachar#IndianSiliconValley #GauravRathod #CelloWorld #D2CBrands #ScalingBusiness #FounderInsights #Manufacturing #RetailSuccess #StartupLessons #ISV

In this episode, we sit down with Raul Rai, co-founder of Nicobar, to uncover the hidden challenges of scaling Indian brands and why so many fail to reach their full potential. Raul shares his contrarian approach to brand-building, balancing premium positioning vs. mass-market appeal, and why growth at all costs can kill a brand.We dive deep into how Nicobar built a premium Indian lifestyle brand, the importance of design & brand pull, and why retail still matters in a digital-first world. Raul also shares his personal philosophy on leadership, business longevity, and building an enduring culture—lessons every founder and entrepreneur can apply.From understanding consumer psychology to mastering retail expansion and supply chains, this episode is packed with game-changing insights for anyone looking to build a brand that lasts.Whether you're a startup founder, brand builder, or aspiring entrepreneur, Raul’s journey will challenge conventional wisdom and offer a new way to think about scaling in India.⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction1:59 - Meaning of Nicobar10:04 - Raul Rai’s journey to entrepreneurship14:34 - Does Raul Rai rely on math?19:21 - Thoughtful strategies for new founders25:01 - Key insights for selling luxury33:59 - Nicobar’s business landscape39:09 - Inside Nicobar’s supply chain42:29 - The essence of Nicobar’s designs48:26 - The story behind Nicobark campaign50:19 - Raul Rai’s perspective on business53:27 - Retail success lessons learned59:52 - Raul Rai’s core life values1:05:29 - How Raul stays ahead1:20:32 - Advice to his younger self1:26:29 - Outro🔗 Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with friends, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment. Your engagement helps us continue to bring powerful stories to light.📲 Follow Jivraj on Instagram: @jivrajsinghsachar#IndianSiliconValley #RaulRai #Nicobar #IndianBrands #ScalingBusiness #RetailSuccess #LuxuryBrandBuilding #StartupLessons #FounderInsights #ISV

In this episode, we sit down with Saurabh Mukherjea, a billion-dollar investor and Chief Investment Officer at Marcellus Investment Managers, to decode India's unique growth model, its divergence from China, and the evolving landscape of Indian public markets.Saurabh unpacks why India’s economic trajectory is unlike any other, how the next decade will reshape Indian startups, and why most investors misunderstand the Indian consumer. He shares deep insights into new-age IPOs, the rise of challenger companies, and why 2021 was a tipping point for India's markets.We also explore:- How India’s consumer behavior is evolving- The real opportunity in Indian tech and startups- Why global investors miss key nuances in India’s markets- Lessons from India’s most successful companies- What founders and investors must understand about public marketsSaurabh also reveals insights he’s never shared in his books, the questions that keep him up at night, and why South India is reshaping India's economic landscape.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or someone curious about India's financial future, this episode is packed with insights you won’t find anywhere else.⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction2:12 - New-age IPOs and India’s public market scenario5:42 - Market cap of tech companies in the next 10 years8:27 - Public vs. private markets11:57 - Zomato’s IPO14:07 - Opportunities in India19:27 - How Indian consumers are evolving26:37 - Global comparisons31:57 - Nuances most investors miss34:12 - Lessons from successful companies39:57 - His secret sauce (not in the book)43:42 - Short-term fluctuations affecting decisions44:57 - Key insights from his books47:57 - Questions that keep him up at night52:07 - Observations on South India54:49 - Female labor force participation57:57 - Where he spends his time59:27 - India in the next 10 years1:01:57 - Outro🔗 Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with friends, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment. Your support helps us bring more game-changing insights to you!Follow Jivraj on Instagram: @jivrajsinghsachar#IndianSiliconValley #SaurabhMukherjea #IndiaVsChina #IndianEconomy #PublicMarkets #TechIPO #ZomatoIPO #InvestorInsights #FounderLessons #ISV

In this episode, we sit down with Shashwat Goenka, a leader at the helm of the ₹80,000 Crore RPSG Group, to uncover his journey of steering one of India’s largest conglomerates toward innovation and growth. Shashwat shares his unique approach to managing legacy businesses, adapting to India’s rapidly evolving consumer landscape, and building future-ready ventures.We delve into how Shashwat prepared himself over the last decade to take on leadership, his experience owning an IPL team, and the bold decisions that have shaped the group's diversified portfolio—from FMCG and retail to chemicals and quick commerce. Shashwat breaks down how IPL teams make money, the evolution of Indian consumers, and the balance between leveraging data and staying true to core business values.He also reflects on navigating challenges like failed ventures, the power of acquisitions, and why strategic decisions must focus on long-term impact. Shashwat gives us a glimpse into his leadership style, conversations with his father and grandfather, and how studying in the US influenced his mindset. From the behind-the-scenes of IPL auctions to RPSG’s thesis on venture capital, this episode is packed with insights for founders, entrepreneurs, and anyone fascinated by business at scale.Whether you’re building a startup, managing a family business, or scaling an empire, Shashwat’s experiences offer practical lessons on leadership, adaptability, and strategic growth.⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction1:44 - How Shashwat prepared himself in the last decade3:08 - Scale of Shashwat's business group4:45 - Businesses Shashwat is closely involved with6:40 - Owning an IPL team8:40 - How IPL teams make money and the sports business works11:51 - How Indian consumers evolved in 10-12 years16:50 - Shashwat’s thoughts on new ventures18:40 - Shashwat’s strategic decisions20:10 - Shashwat’s internal team21:22 - Setting up a large plant and strategic contributions23:16 - Shashwat’s decision-making in the group26:08 - Shashwat’s thoughts on Nature’s Basket and acquisition29:05 - Shashwat’s focus on future opportunities and growth31:00 - Shashwat on old media vs. new media34:53 - Shashwat’s view on social media evolution37:25 - Shashwat’s take on quick commerce40:41 - Shashwat’s pace of adapting to trends45:45 - Leading large-scale infrastructure and chemical business projects48:40 - Shashwat’s thesis on venture firms and vision51:50 - How Shashwat spends his time53:20 - Challenges in maintaining business culture59:38 - Conversations with his grandfather and father growing up1:05:40 - Skills Shashwat brought to the business1:07:26 - Navigating uphill challenges1:11:45 - How studying in the US shaped Shashwat’s approach1:16:31 - Businesses Shashwat focuses on1:18:04 - Behind the scenes of the IPL auction1:21:55 - Shashwat’s life as a dad1:24:42 - What Shashwat asks himself1:25:48 - Shashwat’s advice to his younger self1:27:14 - Outro🔗 Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with friends, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment. Your engagement helps us continue to bring powerful stories to light.Follow Jivraj on Instagram: @jivrajsinghsachar#IndianSiliconValley #ShashwatGoenka #RPSGGroup #LeadershipLessons #IPLBusiness #IndianConsumers #StartupInsights #BusinessStrategy #ISV

In this episode, we sit down with Ganesh Prasad, the visionary co-founder of Think School, a platform revolutionizing education and content creation in India. Ganesh takes us through his incredible journey—from his days as an engineering student to building Think School into a movement that merges education, storytelling, and business.We explore his bold ideas on the creator economy, the three essentials for education, and why he believes great content is an art form, not just a business. Ganesh shares his unique approach to storytelling, his perspective on building impactful businesses without chasing funding, and how creators can balance authenticity with sustainability.Dive into his framework for effective communication, insights on why Indian media often gets it wrong, and the role of responsibility in shaping meaningful narratives. Ganesh also opens up about handling hate, the importance of human relationships, and his reflections on what brings him the most joy.Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or someone passionate about education and business, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories that will leave you thinking differently about content and impact.⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 - Trailer2:39 - How Think School was founded4:39 - Ganesh on engineering college8:49 - Three essentials for education11:09 - His view on the creator economy13:19 - Content as an art form16:19 - Story of Jamshedji Tata17:49 - What pushed him to move forward21:34 - Traits of a great teacher23:34 - What’s wrong with Indian media29:59 - Meaning of responsibility32:49 - Think School’s business model34:19 - Why people struggle with communication35:54 - His effort to improve communication skills38:19 - Elements of a great story43:19 - Key business lessons he learned51:19 - Business opportunities today1:05:19 - A better way to build a company1:16:19 - Why Think School isn’t raising funds1:21:19 - Defining great creators1:35:47 - Handling hate comments1:41:19 - Artist or capitalist?1:47:19 - Thoughts on human relationships1:53:49 - What brings him the most joy1:54:59 - Advice to his younger self1:56:49 - His advice for everyone1:58:59 - Outro🔗 Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with friends, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment. Your engagement helps us continue to bring powerful stories to light.Follow Jivraj on Instagram: @jivrajsinghsachar#IndianSiliconValley #ThinkSchool #GaneshPrasad #CreatorEconomy #EducationalContent #StartupLessons #Storytelling #FounderAdvice #BusinessBlueprint #ISV

In this episode, we sit down with Niren Shah, Managing Director at Norwest Venture Partners, a seasoned VC investor with 17+ years of experience shaping India’s startup ecosystem. Niren takes us behind the scenes of iconic investments in companies like Swiggy and OffBusiness, revealing what it takes to identify and build billion-dollar businesses in India.We dive into his framework for evaluating startups, lessons from his anti-portfolio, and the unique challenges and opportunities in India’s venture capital landscape. Niren shares actionable advice for founders preparing for IPOs, balancing short-term pressures with long-term vision, and navigating the journey from zero to IPO.From unpacking Norwest’s multi-sector, multi-stage investment strategy to exploring the future of India’s $10 trillion economy, this episode is packed with rare insights into the venture world. Niren also opens up about his personal journey, passions, and the importance of leaving a lasting legacy.Whether you’re a founder, aspiring VC, or simply curious about the forces driving India’s startup boom, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction3:00 - IPO scenario and 2024’s impact on exits in India6:35 - Advice for young founders preparing for IPO11:18 - Balancing quarterly results with long-term growth15:00 - Norwest’s investment strategy and ideology21:04 - Multi-sector, multi-stage investing approach24:36 - Building a flat and diverse investment team33:01 - Identifying great investors and founders40:04 - Contextualizing success stories and early bets45:02 - Preference for experienced vs. young founders49:27 - Framework for great venture investors58:40 - Lessons from the anti-portfolio1:06:41 - Story behind Swiggy’s success1:12:34 - Non-obvious investment examples1:19:24 - Future trends and opportunities in India1:28:38 - Niren’s personal principles and career journey1:42:27 - Beyond investing: Passions and interests1:44:37 - Finding depth in passions1:47:54 - Introspective questions and worldly thoughts1:50:29 - Unique insights people often disagree on1:54:43 - Advice Niren would give his younger self2:02:48 - Outro🔗 Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with friends, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment. Your engagement helps us continue to bring powerful stories to light.Follow Jivraj on Instagram: @jivrajsinghsachar#IndianSiliconValley #Swiggy #NorwestVenturePartners #StartupFunding #IPO #FounderLessons #VentureCapital #AntiPortfolio #ScalingStartups #IndiaStartups #FounderAdvice #ISV

In this episode, we sit down with Suhail Sameer, founder and managing partner at OTP Ventures, and former CEO of BharatPe. Suhail unpacks his incredible 400x return on Mamaearth, turning a ₹15 lakh investment into ₹60 crore. We dive deep into the world of angel investing, spotting high-growth startups, and the future of consumer brands in India.Suhail shares how he transitioned from leading BharatPe to managing a ₹50 million fund focused on consumer tech and brands, offering rare insights into what makes startups succeed at scale and why many fail at Series C.From betting on founders who are willing to break and rebuild their businesses to navigating fund economics and predicting market shifts, Suhail reveals the principles that drive his investment strategy. We also explore his personal journey as an operator, CEO, and investor, shedding light on the mental frameworks and risk appetite that have defined his career.This episode is packed with valuable lessons on investing, scaling, and thriving in India’s startup ecosystem. Whether you're an aspiring investor, a founder, or simply curious about what goes into building billion-dollar companies, this is a must-watch.⏱️Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction2:33 - What 60 crore in 15 lakhs means to Suhail5:44 - How Suhail started in angel investing7:53 - How Suhail sees the repeatable now12:23 - How Suhail views the market17:33 - Nuances of fund economics23:11 - How Suhail predicts the future and spots greatness28:33 - A surprising company in Suhail’s portfolio36:43 - Cracking success as a young investor42:28 - Suhail’s personal IRR50:58 - Life as a fund manager vs daily operations57:13 - Suhail’s decision-making process1:08:43 - How to become CEO of a young business1:13:28 - Suhail on transforming himself1:16:38 - How Suhail navigates his life1:20:27 - Outro🔗 Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with friends, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment. Your engagement helps us continue to bring powerful stories to light.Follow Jivraj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar/#IndianSiliconValley #AngelInvesting #SuhailSameer #Mamaearth #StartupFunding #BharatPe #FundManagement #ConsumerBrands #ScalingStartups #IndiaStartups #FounderLessons

In this episode, we sit down with Nikhil Taneja, co-founder and CEO of Yuvaa, a leading youth media organization creating impactful and empathetic content for India's Gen Z. Nikhil shares the powerful story behind Yuvaa’s inception, shedding light on the loneliness epidemic affecting young people and how media can be a force for positive change.From producing some of India’s first web series to shaping authentic youth narratives, Nikhil opens up about the evolution of Indian media, the challenges of representing young voices, and how Yuvaa crafts "conscious content" that speaks directly to issues often overlooked by mainstream platforms.We delve into Nikhil’s bold perspectives on AI in media, the future of human interaction, and why empathetic leadership is non-negotiable in building impactful organizations. He also narrates deeply personal stories from his mental health journey and how it shaped his mission to address positive masculinity through his show Be a Man Yaar.This episode is a masterclass on leadership, storytelling, and creating media with heart. Whether you’re a founder, creator, or media enthusiast, you’ll walk away with valuable insights on purpose-driven work, reaching niche audiences, and leading with empathy.⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction3:05 - Nikhil Taneja’s purpose behind his work11:20 - Why they started Yuvaa18:37 - The biggest issue with content in the media ecosystem25:32 - How youth are feeling lonely in the country27:45 - How media has evolved41:24 - The art of reaching a larger audience52:10 - Nikhil talks about AI58:12 - How AI helps create an efficient media company1:03:10 - How human interaction might evolve in the future1:19:30 - The Gen Z narrative1:30:45 - An appeal to the youth of the country1:43:50 - A story of a bisexual individual at Yuvaa1:49:00 - How to figure out the purpose of life1:58:00 - Nikhil talks about the behind-the-scenes of his show2:02:40 - Nikhil’s leadership learnings2:11:50 - Outro🔗 Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with friends, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment. Your engagement helps us continue to bring powerful stories to light.Follow JIvraj on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jivrajsinghsachar#IndianSiliconValley #Yuvaa #NikhilTaneja #GenZ #MediaLeadership #Storytelling #MentalHealth #PositiveMasculinity #AIandMedia #YouthContent #PurposeDrivenWork