Not-So-Common Common Sense

What if the next big Silicon Valley breakthrough didn’t come from Silicon Valley at all? In this episode, Dilpreet Sheokand and Kunal, co-founders of Aspyriz, reveal how an India-built AI platform is helping founders everywhere, from Delhi to San Francisco—build startups faster, fundraise smarter, and launch globally without massive teams or budgets.You’ll learn how Aspyriz blends automation, privacy, and affordability to make startup creation accessible to anyone with an idea. From instant MVP generation to end-to-end AI-powered tools, this is the future of entrepreneurship, built in India, designed for the world.In this episode, you’ll discover:How Aspyriz helps founders build and fund startups in record timeWhy Indian AI innovation is reshaping Silicon Valley’s startup modelThe balance between automation, security, and human creativityWhat makes Aspyriz’s global-first approach different from other AI toolsHow AI could change startup culture, work ethics, and global collaboration

What if India’s most traditional industry became its next big tech story? In this episode, we sit down with Kamal, co-founder of Edgistify, the startup transforming how brands find, manage, and scale warehouses across India.Kamal reveals how Edgistify digitized over 60,000+ warehouses in 150+ cities, turning an old-school, people-driven market into a transparent, data-powered logistics network. From enabling D2C brands to handle e-commerce orders faster to ensuring compliance across the pharma and FMCG sectors, Edgistify is redefining the backbone of Indian commerce.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why has warehousing remained the invisible bottleneck of Indian logisticsHow Edgistify built an “Airbnb for warehouses” without losing local trustWhat startups can learn about process, compliance, and operational scaleWhy logistics—not AI—might be India’s next trillion-dollar tech opportunityIf you’ve ever ordered online, this conversation reveals the hidden system that makes it all possible.

What if technology cared more about your relationship than keeping you swiping or booking endless therapy sessions? In this episode, we sit down with Jason Jiang, co-founder of Chaima AI, to explore how a new “couple’s concierge” is designed to strengthen relationships long after the first date.Jason shares how Chaima blends AI and human concierges to plan personalized experiences, from hidden city gems to family-friendly date nights. Drawing on his background at Uber and Bird, he explains why an operations-heavy, AI-assisted model gives couples both novelty and convenience without compromising privacy.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why dating apps and therapy models often misalign with users’ true needsHow Chaima uses AI for planning and execution, while humans ensure trust and personalizationThe delicate balance between convenience, effort, and intimacy in relationshipsWhy privacy and incentives matter when building relationship techHow AI could eventually reshape therapy, conflict resolution, and emotional supportJason also opens up about his personal journey, from a tough breakup and career pivots at top tech companies to founding Chaima, and the advice he gives founders building tech that touches love, trust, and human connection.If you’re curious about the future of AI in relationships, dating, and the circular economy of love, this episode offers both insight and inspiration.

What does it take to turn waste into opportunity? In this episode of the Exitfund Podcast, we talk with Mohammed Suhail, founder of Athar Packaging Solutions, about his journey from spotting plastic waste during COVID to building a fast-growing sustainable packaging startup.Athar has already recycled over 200 tons of industrial plastic, developed an innovative vegetable-waste adhesive, and made eco-friendly packaging affordable even for small vendors. Suhail also explains how his social-work background shaped his approach and why supply, not demand, remains the toughest challenge.In this episode, you’ll discover:How Athar turned 50+ prototypes into scalable packaging solutionsWhy networking and visibility helped a bootstrapped startup growHow trust building drives long-term success in B2B sustainabilityWhy demand is strong but supply remains the key barrierHow the upcoming Waste Warrior Fellowship will train 100 new entrepreneursIf you are an investor, founder, or change-maker exploring the circular economy, this episode will leave you inspired by what is possible when purpose meets persistence.

We often take for granted the smiles, nods, and handshakes that guide our interactions — but what if you couldn’t see them? In this episode, Jack Walters, CEO and co-founder of HapWare, reveals how AI-powered smart glasses and haptic wristbands give blind and low-vision users instant, private access to nonverbal cues like smiles, frowns, and gestures. He explains how HapWare uses on-device processing and explainable AI to avoid false positives, why accuracy is critical in high-stakes social interactions, and how this technology could expand into defense, media literacy, and everyday human connection — all while showing why AI + hardware is becoming one of the most exciting spaces for founders and investors.In this episode, you’ll discover:How HapWare turns real-time visual cues into intuitive haptic feedbackWhy local, private processing is crucial for privacy and trustHow explainable AI improves accuracy and reduces false positivesWhy accessibility is just the first step toward wider applicationsWhy investors are excited about the AI + hardware revolutionIf Jack’s vision inspired you, follow and share this episode with a founder, investor, or innovator shaping the future of technology and human connection.

Recruitment is broken. Agencies are weighed down by costly databases, outdated tools, and endless resumes that fail to deliver results. In this episode, S. V. Ravikumar Yadavilli, founder of AlgoHire, shares how AI is reshaping recruitment in surprising ways and why the future of hiring belongs to agencies that embrace smarter tools and human relationships.In this conversation you’ll learn:Why agencies, not enterprises, hold the hidden key to fixing hiringHow AI bridges the gap between job descriptions and real candidatesWhy keyword-matching is obsolete in today’s recruitment worldWhy relationships will always matter more than databasesHow AI empowers recruiters to work faster, smarter, and more humanIf Ravi’s vision inspired you, share this episode with a founder, recruiter, or job seeker who needs to hear it, and follow Exitfund for more stories on the future of startups, innovation, and work.

Is AI the greatest threat humanity has ever created or the greatest opportunity? Elon Musk warns it’s more dangerous than nuclear warheads, but Raghu Venkatesh, founder of ANSCER Robotics, sees a different future. One where robots don’t replace us, but work alongside us.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why fear of AI and robots might be misplaced.The biggest misconceptions about AI safety and robotics.How industries are quietly adopting collaborative machines.Surprising ways robotics could transform work, creativity, and daily life.Follow Exitfund for more bold conversations on startups, innovation, and the future of human–machine collaboration.

What happens when the legal world collides with technology? According to Ranjan, founder of DreamLegal, transformation happens.From a simple blog in law school to building one of India’s fastest-growing legal tech communities, Ranjan is on a mission to make lawyers tech-savvy and efficient.This episode explores:Why 86% of law firms regret their tech investments, and how to fix it.How DreamLegal is bridging the awareness gap in India’s legal ecosystem.The challenges of tech adoption in one of the world’s most compliance-heavy industries.The role AI and legal tech will play in reducing court backlogs and compliance chaos.Follow for more bold conversations on startups, legal innovation, and the future of work in India.

What happens when you put financial power in the hands of rural women? According to Punit S. Gajera, co-founder of Kuberjee, transformation happens.From women as “by default CFOs” of households to becoming certified financial agents, Kuberjee is building tech for Bharat by empowering women to deliver banking, savings, insurance, and investment products in villages across India.This episode explores:Why financial inclusion in rural India remains a massive untapped opportunity.How women are proving to be better financial managers with zero fraud in millions of transactions.The barriers rural families face in accessing even basic banking, and how Kuberjee is solving this through trust-driven, women-led networks.The future of social entrepreneurship and fintech in India’s villages.Follow for more bold conversations on startups, social impact, and innovation for Bharat.

What if India’s 150,000 annual road deaths could be dramatically reduced but it meant disrupting an industry built on shortcuts and untrained drivers? Deepanshu, a college student turned founder, is building Drivigo, a platform that connects learners with certified instructors and ensures they get licensed the right way.This episode dives into the hidden reasons India’s roads are so dangerous, the cultural taboos around formal driving education, and why women face extra barriers to learning this basic life skill. Discover the vision behind Drivigo, the challenges of organizing a chaotic industry, and how better training could save thousands of lives every year.Follow for more bold conversations on startups, the investment world, and safety innovation.

What if curing cancer was truly possible, but threatened a trillion-dollar industry? Dr. Dinesh Kundu, former army physician and now CEO of East Ocean Bio, is developing breakthrough cell and gene therapies that could reshape medicine in India. This episode explores why real cures remain rare, the funding hurdles facing biotech startups, and the resistance from Big Pharma. Get a candid look at the future of cancer treatment, deep-tech innovation, and what it really takes to build transformative healthcare.Follow for more bold conversations on startups, science, and innovation.

Can electric vehicles and drones really revolutionize last-mile delivery, or is it all just hype?Aalap Pandya, co-founder and CEO of Drop On Delivery, thinks the answer is clear. His EV-first logistics startup has already completed over 3.6 lakh green deliveries in just 10 months — and he's just getting started.In this episode, Aalap shares the untold story behind that growth: trading a stable banking job for startup chaos, building EV infrastructure from scratch, and navigating everything from rider hesitation to charging challenges. But he’s not stopping at electric two-wheelers — his team is already looking ahead to drone logistics, hydrogen vehicles, and smarter, cleaner ways to move goods across India.This is a candid conversation about the real challenges of sustainable tech, the future of e-mobility, and what it takes to build for scale in a country as complex as India.If you're interested in climate tech, logistics innovation, or the grind behind green startups, this one’s for you.

What does digital independence really look like—and why does it matter who controls your online identity?In this episode of the Exitfund Podcast, we sit down with Sajan Nair, founder of Agaamin Technologies, to unpack the story behind India’s homegrown answer to the global web. From his early days in advertising to building a decentralized, vernacular-first Internet for India, Sajan’s journey is about questioning what we take for granted: Who gives us our digital “citizenship”? What happens when the Internet itself becomes local? And why is privacy about more than data—it’s about owning your name?Sajan reveals:How Agaamin is building a “Bharatiya Internet” with domain names in every Indian languageThe hidden power dynamics of today’s Internet—and why the rules are overdue for a rewriteHow a non-tech founder built a deep tech startup, and the pain of convincing engineers to followWhat digital sovereignty means for individuals, governments, and the next wave of creatorsThe challenges (and opportunities) of going against the global tech status quoWhy the future of social media might not need platforms at allIf you care about technology, language, privacy, or just building something that outlasts the next trend, this conversation will change the way you look at your digital world.

What does it take to build a film career in an industry where the rules change every month?In this episode of the Exitfund Podcast, Ekant Babani—founder of Alligator Media and the Indian Film School—walks us through his journey from college intern to media entrepreneur, embracing everything from old-school film reels to the latest AI tools.Ekant shares why he believes the real magic of filmmaking isn’t about expensive cameras or viral trends—but about finding your voice, trusting your gut, and never losing your human connection.We discuss:Why technology is a double-edged sword for today’s filmmakers—and what’s still irreplaceableHow to pitch creative ideas to brands (even when clients don’t know what they want)The art (and pain) of team building in creative industriesThe untold story behind India’s new generation of creators from small townsWhy his new film school focuses on practical learning, mentorship, and breaking the CV barrierWhat AI really means for jobs in the media—and where humans still winHow to survive (and thrive) when there’s no formula for successWhether you’re a young creator, a brand builder, or just curious about the future of storytelling, Ekant’s story will leave you inspired—and ready to create.

What if solving India’s pollution crisis isn’t just about banning stubble burning, but about turning crop waste into clean energy—and even fresh oxygen?In this episode of the Exitfund Podcast, Dr. Mandeep, co-founder of E-Neuf Energy and E-Neuf Green Solutions, shares his journey from academic research to award-winning startups. From building a patented plant that turns agricultural waste into high-calorific biochar, to developing microalgae-powered air purification systems, Dr. Mandeep is working to bring sustainable, decentralized solutions to India’s toughest pollution problems.We discuss:How Dr. Mandeep’s team built India’s first continuous torrefaction plant, turning farm residue into a clean coal alternativeWhy microalgae could be the secret weapon in fighting urban air pollutionThe challenges and rewards of moving from academia to entrepreneurship—and what it takes to scale green technology in IndiaThe limits of traditional air purifiers, and how real CO₂-to-oxygen conversion is a game-changerDecentralized vs. centralized: Why local, society-level solutions matter for clean air and waste managementHow small changes—like skipping ironing your shirt—can add up to real environmental impactDr. Mandeep’s advice for young engineers: Don’t chase ideas, chase real problemsWhether you’re passionate about cleantech, urban innovation, or just want to know what actually works for India’s pollution, this episode is for you.

In India, outdated transfusion technology leaves thousands at risk—while families search desperately for the right blood at the right time.Shweta Chavla Bhattia, PhD and founder of Soul Sense Innovations, saw this crisis up close during her clinical research. Rather than pursue a safe career in academia, she pivoted into entrepreneurship—determined to translate her nanotechnology breakthroughs into scalable, affordable blood diagnostics.Soul Sense Innovations now leads the way with patented biosensors that deliver rapid, cost-effective blood group screening—recognized by national health institutes and awarded for social impact. Shweta’s story is one of relentless learning, practical invention, and an unwavering commitment to real-world healthcare problems.Inside this episode:Why India’s blood banks and hospitals still rely on decades-old screening methodsHow Shweta’s patented nano-biosensors cut costs and testing time—without sacrificing accuracyLessons in bridging research and business: what it takes to commercialize science in IndiaThe power of partnerships: Collaborating with ICMR NIIH to pilot and scale game-changing technologyExpanding beyond blood typing—tackling blood shelf life, reducing waste, and building a circular health economyGrit, failure, and growth: what drives Shweta to keep building for impact, not just for headlinesConcrete advice for scientists and first-time founders who want to see their research change livesSoul Sense Innovations is not just fixing a system, it’s showing how world-class science, executed with empathy and tenacity, can change the future of healthcare.

What if the real digital divide isn’t about internet access, but about who gets to build the future?In this episode of the Exitfund Podcast, Dr. Gunjan Jhajharia—PhD, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Aaklan—shares her journey bringing hands-on tech education to schools across India’s heartland.From AI and robotics to entrepreneurship and patents, Dr. Gunjan’s team is proving that world-class skills don’t have to stay in the metros—and that kids in tier-3 and rural India are more than ready to invent, build, and lead.We discuss:Why most “digital education” leaves rural schools behind—and how Aaklan’s hybrid, B2B model works insteadHow Dr. Gunjan went from a biology path to tech entrepreneurship (with a few detours through family expectations and a pandemic village escape)What it really takes to implement tech education in small-town India: recruiting, training, and promising real, in-person trainersThe surprising openness of rural school leaders—and the real barriers that hold them backWhy Dr. Gunjan teaches mindset, meditation, and sensory skills alongside coding and roboticsAaklan’s business model, growth across 5 states, and why local language matters for scaling impactHow her students are already launching startups, winning patents, and solving real farm problemsWhether you care about education, rural development, or building impact startups in tough markets, Dr. Gunjan’s story will challenge what you think is possible.

What if the key to solving India’s water crisis isn’t more infrastructure—but smarter operations?In this episode of the Exitfund Podcast, we sit down with Mansi Jain, Co-Founder & CEO of DigitalPaani, a climate-tech startup turning dysfunctional water treatment plants into high-performance recycling systems. With roots in Delhi and an education from Stanford, Mansi is building scalable systems to reclaim wastewater—while making sustainability make financial sense.We dive into:Why 75% of India’s water treatment plants don’t work—and how DigitalPaani fixes themThe economics of water recycling and why companies like Tata Power are buying inThe real reason sewage still floods India’s rivers—and why the solution isn’t new plantsHow automation, sensors, and real-time data can power climate solutions at scaleWhat it takes to recruit talent in climate tech—and why passion beats pedigreeHer startup’s funding journey, business model, and what investors get wrong about impactWhether you care about climate, infrastructure, or building scalable solutions in tough sectors, this conversation will leave you thinking bigger—and acting smarter.

What if the fight for gender equality didn’t just belong in policy debates—but in boardrooms, breakrooms, and startup ecosystems?In this episode of the Exitfund Podcast, we talk with Rudrani Gupta—writer, journalist, and outspoken advocate for gender justice—about the intersection of patriarchy, entrepreneurship, and workplace equity. From small-town silence to national discourse, Rudrani shares how cultural norms still shape women’s access to opportunity—and how entrepreneurship is helping them reclaim it.We dive deep into:The hidden barriers women face at home and in the workplaceWhy inclusion must go beyond hiring to create real safety and equityThe role of informal and grassroots entrepreneurship in rural empowermentHow cultural conditioning affects women's career choices and confidenceLessons from Bleeding Bangles, Rudrani’s book on feminist resistance and voiceWhat an ideal, gender-equal workplace should look like—and how to build oneWhether you're a founder, leader, or investor, this conversation challenges how you think about work, power, and who gets to participate.And if you're seeking mentorship and funding to grow your venture, connect with us at Exitfund.com.Don’t just build for the future—build a future that includes everyone.

What if building a billion-dollar startup wasn’t just about funding rounds—but about timing, discipline, and knowing when to exit?In this episode of the Exitfund Podcast, we talk with Gregory, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and author who has built and sold 12 companies and backed startups that actually exit. Gregory shares why most founders fail, what investors often get wrong, and how impact and profitability can go hand in hand.We dive deep into:The 7-stage startup lifecycle—and why skipping steps kills companiesHow to spot market disruptions and time contractions for massive upsideWhy founder discipline matters more than flashy pitch decksThe real role of AI in business and government—beyond the hypeLessons from building profitable businesses across industries and geographiesHis sharp takes on Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, politics, and powerWhether you're an early-stage founder, investor, or startup advisor, this conversation will sharpen how you think about building for scale—and for exit. And if you're seeking mentorship and funding to grow your venture, connect with us at Exitfund.com.Don’t just chase valuation—build to last, and know when to sell.