Some conversations teach you.Some transform you. My talk with Nand Kishore Chaudhary (NKC-ji) wasn’t about business - it was about consciousness.He reminded me that leadership isn’t about control, but about connection. Since that day, I’ve rethought everything - from creation to consciousness to what success really means.Watch this episode of #DamaniTalks - it’s one of those that stays with you long after the credits roll.Highlights:

• Grew up in Churu, Rajasthan, and turned down a secure government job to follow his passion for people and nature through business.
• Defined business as “next to love” - a force to create and preserve civilization - and built Jaipur Rugs on this soulful philosophy.
• Empowered over 40,000 artisans, 85% of them women, by building trust in tribal communities and transforming them into extended families.
• Launched the award-winning Manchaha Project, enabling rural artisans to express their creativity and win global design recognition.
• Scaled Jaipur Rugs to a ₹1,000 crore brand across 90+ countries while preparing for an IPO rooted in purpose, not just profit.

What does it take to spot India’s startup wave a decade before it arrived, back the country’s earliest unicorns, and then pivot to building a climate-tech fund for the next generation?In this episode of #DamaniTalks, in conversation with Sandeep Singhal, one of the true OGs of venture capital in India. From a small-town upbringing in Kanpur to Stanford in the 1980s, to McKinsey in New York, and finally co-founding eVentures and Nexus Venture Partners, Sandeep has lived the evolution of India’s startup ecosystem - shaping how the VC industry itself took root here.Highlights:

• Growing up in Kanpur, stumbling into Stanford by chance, and his early Silicon Valley startup years.
• Why he returned to India in the late ’90s - long before it was cool - and co-founded eVentures, backing companies like MakeMyTrip.
• The origins of Nexus Venture Partners and the philosophy that grew it into a $2.6B powerhouse with iconic investments like Postman, Delhivery, Zepto, Snapdeal, Netmagic, Unicommerce, and WhiteHat Jr.
• Why he believes the real opportunity ahead is in climate, deep tech, and sustainability through his latest chapter at Avana Capital.

This is a masterclass in long-term conviction, spotting patterns early, and building India’s entrepreneurial fabric brick by brick.

What does it take to go from selling carpets in Jaipur to becoming the first Asian Chair of TiE Global and now raising a $20M venture fund? In Episode 74 of #DamaniTalks, we are in conversation with Mahavir Pratap Sharma - an ecosystem builder, serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and now GP at Swishin Ventures. From his mother’s pioneering carpet business in the 1970s, to six years in America building a wholesale rugs and gems trade, to co-founding RAIN (Rajasthan Angel Innovators Network), Mahavir’s journey is one of constant reinvention.

Along the way, he has backed 40+ startups, chaired TiE Global, and helped shape Rajasthan into a vibrant node in India’s startup map. Today, with Swishin Ventures, he’s institutionalizing that journey - launching a SEBI-licensed $20M fund to back seed-to-Series A startups solving for Tier-II and Tier-III India.

His thesis: 51% of India’s startups are based in these cities, but they get less than 4% of VC capital. That imbalance is the opportunity.

Highlights:

• Growing up in Jaipur’s carpet business, learning negotiation from his mother, and his take on ambition vs. conservatism
• Six years in the US: summer camps, basketball coaching, cold calls to carpet and jewelry buyers, and building his own import-wholesale venture
• Returning to India and expanding into carpets, jewelry, events, and communications
• TiE Rajasthan: from reluctant member to global chair - and how a Jaipur retreat made him a household name in the ecosystem
• Co-founding RAIN in 2012 to plug Rajasthan’s funding gap
• First exits: Capacita Connect (3.5x), Hotify (4.5x) - and the confidence to go full-time into startups
• The Swishin Ventures playbook: seed-to-Series A, $200K–500K first cheques, consumer tech, BFSI, healthcare, and deep tech
• Why Tier-II/III founders are his bet for India’s next decade of unicorns

Whether you’re a founder seeking your first cheque, an angel navigating misses and exits, or an operator wondering how ecosystems get built, this episode is packed with candid lessons on risk, resilience, and reinvention.

What does it take to build India’s pioneering impact-investing platform from a ₹5,000 bank balance, a cold email, and sheer conviction? In Episode 73 of #DamaniTalks, we delve deep into the 'Aavishkaar' story with Founder & Vice Chairman, Vineet Rai - from launching Intellecap and backing India’s earliest microfinance pioneers to buying a troubled NBFC with his own money and turning it around in 45 days. This is a masterclass in building institutions the hard way: brick by brick, cycle after cycle. At 25, Vineet became CEO of India’s first grassroots innovation incubator. A few years later, he raised capital off a living-room pitch, structured his first fund without lawyers, and made a ₹10 lakh first bet that ultimately returned 45x.

Highlights:

• The ₹10 lakh first cheque that became a 45x exit and what almost went wrong
• How a cold email to Singapore kickstarted Aavishkaar’s first commitments
• Surviving the 2010 AP microfinance crisis: from triple-digit returns to near zero - and back-
• Buying Arohan for ₹12 crore and turning it profitable in 45 days
• The “incubate + invest” playbook: Intellicap, talent pipelines, and building operating muscle
• Why founders must “save themselves from themselves” as scale arrives
• Fund VI, professional leadership, and preparing for Fund VII

Whether you’re a founder, investor, or operator, this episode reframes risk, resilience, and responsible scale. Tune in for candid lessons, contrarian calls, and a rare blueprint for building institutions that last.

Ram Kewalramani, Co-Founder and Managing Director of CredAble, has reimagined how working capital flows through India’s supply chains. With a career that spans investment banking, logistics, and now fintech innovation, Ram has quietly built one of India’s leading enterprise-focused lending platforms disbursing over ₹20,000 crore in working capital to thousands of businesses. From creating embedded credit rails to transforming invoice discounting through APIs, Ram’s story is a masterclass in vision, resilience, and execution. In this episode of #DamaniTalks, Anirudh A. Damani dives deep with the man behind CredAble exploring his early wins, hardest pivots, and what it really takes to build a tech-first NBFC in India’s complex financial ecosystem. Ram opens up about: Why CredAble was born from solving a real B2B capital gap How investment banking prepared him for entrepreneurship The hard truths behind scaling a lending business in India Building a digital-first risk and underwriting engine Why founder grit outweighs pitch decks in fintech His take on embedded finance, SME credit, and the next wave of lending innovation This isn’t just another startup story it’s a blueprint for how fintech can power India’s economic backbone. If you're a founder, fintech nerd, or someone fascinated by India’s evolving credit ecosystem, this conversation will change the way you think about capital.Chapters:00:00 Intro – setting the stage for Ram’s entrepreneurial story00:03 Pivoting in COVID – Credible’s birth to solve liquidity crunch08:06 Banking Crisis Lessons – resilience, due‑diligence & strategic pivots16:10 Fail‑Forward Mindset – why embracing setbacks fuels growth24:15 Closing the MSME Funding Gap – building Credible’s supply‑chain platform32:17 First Invoice Win – 15‑month grind to product‑market proof40:21 Humor & Hustle – keeping morale high through founder lows48:24 Ego‑Free Decisions – “agree to disagree” and clear ownership56:29 Smart Capital Strategy – raising ~$50‑60 M without over‑dilution1:04:30 SaaS for Banks – seizing the licensing wave in supply‑chain finance1:12:35 Data‑Driven Ops – monthly metric reviews & unit‑economics focus1:20:37 Journey over Destination – reflections, internships, and keeping it simpleMore about our Guest, Ram KewalramaniLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ram-kewalramani-87b6508?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramkew?igsh=MXZxa28zMDlxbjFlZA==Learn more about your host, Anirudh A. DamaniLearn more about your host, Anirudh A. Damani Website: https://www.showmedamani.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showmedamani/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/showmedamani/ X: https://x.com/showmedamani WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029ValxvDNChq6Rd5AbUQ3H Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xtO07c4PfYHX6RhJ1IkA2

In Episode 71 of #DamaniTalks, Anirudh A. Damani is in conversation with Sandeep Murthy, Founding Partner at Lightbox, and one of the earliest champions of long-term, product-first startups in India.

From his formative years under Barry Diller to funding Cleartrip and shaping India’s consumer internet story, Sandeep reflects on 25 years of backing bold ideas before they were cool - and staying the course when others walked away.

But this is more than just a career recap. It’s a candid, no-frills masterclass on what it really takes to build durable businesses and why the current VC playbook needs a rethink.

Expect raw truths about broken feedback loops in venture, distorted cap tables, the obsession with IRR over DPI, and why burn is not a business model.

Whether you are a founder navigating PMF, an LP questioning returns, or a VC looking for perspective, this episode is packed with grounded insights, real stories, and hard-won wisdom.

Highlights:

1. The inside story of TripAdvisor’s early days

2. The $10M deal where Sony took 92% equity - and the hard lessons it left

3. Betting on Indian travel before it was a thing

4. How VC signals are failing the founders they fund

5. Why “valuation is vanity, exit is reality” still holds true

6. What real founder support looks like

Tune in for a deep dive into what it truly means to be a founder-first investor and why Sandeep Murthy is still betting on real businesses over flashy pitch decks.

Chapters:

08:46 – Dotcom days: Match, Expedia & TripAdvisor

20:15 – The 92% equity story: A deal that changed everything

30:49 – From IAC to India: The Cleartrip chapter

44:08 – Betting on Indian consumption

50:20 – How to balance ambition and burnout? 

1:00:24 – How to invest strategically in emerging markets?  

1:10:26 – How to build founder-investor relationships? 

1:20:29 – Why do most new venture funds struggle? 

1:30:31 – How to choose the right team and investors? 

1:40:34 – Measured growth and founder evolution 

1:50:38 – Local adaptation in the Indian market 

2:00:41 – How to embrace change & redefine failure? 

2:10:45 – What is the role of perspective in business?  

2:20:48 – The joy of building & the meaning of lightbox 

2:23:45 – Rapid Fire: legacy, balance, bold bets

More about our Guest, Sandeep Murthy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murthysandeep?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Twitter: https://x.com/sandeepm1?s=21

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepm1?igsh=a3RrM2dyaHcwMHR6

Learn more about your host, Anirudh A. Damani

Website: https://www.showmedamani.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showmedamani/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/showmedamani/

X: https://x.com/showmedamani

WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029ValxvDNChq6Rd5AbUQ3H

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@showmedamani

What does it take to build a ₹1,200 crore empire from a 1-bedroom home, no formal business training, and a handful of door-to-door sales? In Episode 70 of #DamaniTalks, we go behind the scenes of one of India’s most iconic personal care journeys with Manish Chhabra, Executive Chairman of HRIPL, makers of Super Vasmol, Streax & Streax Professional. At 19, Manish was pulled off a moving train with news of his father's passing. What followed was not just a son stepping into a family business, but a 30-year saga of reinvention, resilience, and radical brand building. From bunk-bed sales tours across the Northeast to launching Streax & & Streax Professional with a salon-first strategy and entering Paris Fashion Week, Manish reveals the unvarnished truths of building a legacy brand without chasing unicorn dreams. Highlights:The story behind Super Vasmol's iconic successWhy salon professionals, not supermarkets, made Streax a hitLessons on boardroom governance, private equity, and succession“Fail fast, fail cheap” – a founder’s true mantraThe power of family-run businesses done right Whether you're a startup founder, D2C brand builder, or legacy business leader, this is an episode that will change how you think about scale, control, and conviction. 🎧 Tune in for raw truths, rare advice, and a refreshingly grounded founder story. Chapters:00:00 – HRIPL: From family roots to leadership4:18 – Joining HRIPL: A family legacy11:08 – Sales journey: A turning point?17:20 – Cracking the northeast market26:25 – 2000s shift: what changed?30:49 – Balancing family and business35:04 – Vasmol’s marketing gamechanger39:49 – How Streax found its spark50:18 – Streax Professional: strategy or gamble?1:01:59 – IIM MDP: classroom to boardroom1:10:58 – When investors join the table1:20:55 – Do boards really add value?1:30:48 – Investor advice you’ll remember1:43:27 – Where’s HRIPL headed next?1:49:56 – Key lessons in 90 seconds1:55:19 – Rapid Fire: unfiltered answers More about our Guest, Manish ChhabraLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/manishkchhabra/?originalSubdomain=in Learn more about your host, Anirudh A. DamaniWebsite: https://www.showmedamani.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/showmedamani/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/showmedamani/X: https://x.com/showmedamaniWhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029ValxvDNChq6Rd5AbUQ3HSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xtO07c4PfYHX6RhJ1IkA2

Sanjay Swamy, Managing Partner at Prime Venture Partners, is one of the earliest believers in India’s startup ecosystem and someone who’s helped shape it from the ground up.From helping build AADHAAR, co-founding ZipDial, and backing iconic startups through Prime Venture Partners, Sanjay’s journey is anything but conventional. His lens on trust, timing, and doing more with less has quietly influenced a generation of founders and investors.In this masterclass episode of #DamaniTalks, Sanjay opens up about the principles, partnerships, and pivots that shaped India’s early venture capital landscape.He breaks down:-How EzeTap and ZipDial were built from a 4BHK in Koramangala-Why backing smaller partners creates outsized opportunities-The philosophy behind “Get Rich Slow” and Prime’s early-stage discipline-How to choose the right co-founders and fund partners-Why conviction, not FOMO, should lead your VC strategy-And what it truly takes to stay relevant across downturns, pivots, and hype cyclesIf you're a founder, investor, or someone navigating the chaos of startups, this conversation is your reset button.Chapters: 00:00:00 – Sanjay Swamy’s Early Influences 00:09:23 – Dot-com boom: What went wrong? 00:17:55 – Returning to India: A fresh start 00:23:00 – Building Ketera: Hiring the right minds 00:25:28 – Starting mChek: Why mobile payments? 00:32:51 – His contribution to UIDAI and the Aadhaar journey 00:46:04 – India’s rapid growth and spirit of innovation 01:01:12 – Lessons from his entrepreneurial journey 01:10:10 – Investing in startups: Making bold bets 01:20:18 – Launching Prime Venture Partners 01:27:31 – Early-stage investing: Principles and approach 01:35:45 – The role of executive coaching in leadership 01:39:50 – What makes a great founder? How he chooses partners? 01:46:45 – The broader impact of venture capital 01:52:10 – What’s next for Indian startups? 01:57:32 – Rapid Fire: One Word, Big Insights About Our Guest:Sanjay Swamy, Managing Partner – Prime Venture Partners (https://www.primevp.in/)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theswamy/Twitter/X: https://x.com/TheSwamyFollow Us for More Stories:Website: www.showmedamani.comInstagram: @showmedamaniLinkedIn: ShowMeDamaniX: @showmedamaniWhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029ValxvDNChq6Rd5AbUQ3H

What happens when your startup loses 97% of its revenue overnight—and you still don’t shut down?

Bhavin Patel, Co-founder & CEO of LendenClub, returns to #DamaniTalks. But this time, it's not a victory lap. It’s a story of near-collapse and the bold reinvention that followed.

After scaling to ₹1,000+ Cr in monthly disbursements, LendenClub ran headfirst into regulatory reforms that wiped out most of its business. What followed? A ₹16 Cr quarterly loss, a brutal product reset, and a team that refused to give up.

Bhavin breaks down how they:

1. Navigated RBI’s toughest lending reforms

2. Rebuilt a high-trust, tech-first lending engine

3. Managed team morale in the middle of crisis

4. Turned every new product line into a breakeven playbook

5. Built one of India’s most disciplined fintech machines

This is the story of staying in the game without shortcuts, vanity metrics, or VC crutches. It’s about building real value when the world isn’t watching.

If you’re a fintech founder, investor, or someone riding the cycles of startup highs and lows; this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction  

03:21 - Growing up, sports, and early influences   

05:16 – First venture in lending business   

09:09 - Starting LenDenClub: The origin story   

11:00 - Challenges in early fintech days   

15:11- Regulations impact on P2P business 

18:35 - Breaking through: profitability & scale   

25:17 - Building a strong team & shared vision   

28:01 - Shutting down the partnership model  

32:54- Break-even & crisis mangement 101  

35:07- Dancing your way to work- LenDen Club’s culture 

38:06 - The ₹16 Crore loss & recovery strategy   

 47:02- How LenDen Club stayed ahead of it’s game 

52:59- Hardik Pandya as brand ambassador 

55:11 - Using AI to revolutionize lending   

01:01:06- Bhavin's request to RBI 

01:06:25 - Rapid fire  

01:13:48 - Final reflections & vision for 2030   

About Our Guest:

Bhavin Patel, Co-founder & CEO – LendenClub

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavinpatel2022/

X: https://x.com/ptl_bhavin?lang=en

Follow Us for More Stories:

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In this episode of #DamaniTalks, we speak with Simran Singh who is the Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at RNFI. It is one of India’s fastest-growing fintech companies which is now listed with a ₹700 Cr+ market cap. They didn’t raise VC money. They didn’t chase headlines. They just got to work.

In his first-ever podcast appearance, Simran shares how RNFI was built into a profitable public company serving over 10 lakh customers a month, with a network of 1.7 lakh+ sahayaks across India.

What You’ll Learn:

1. The unexpected origin story behind RNFI

2. Why losing money early helped shape the company

3. Building in rural India without cutting corners

4. How Simran tracks profitability every single day

5. The trust-first culture that turned 70 people into founders

6. Listing without raising a rupee in venture funding

7. Why he now reports to a CEO and loves it

Why You Should Watch:

If you're building quietly, thinking long-term, and wondering if scale without VC funding is still possible, this conversation is for you. Simran breaks down what it really takes to build something real, without buzzwords, burn, or a backup plan.

This is not the story of disruption. It’s the story of showing up, every single day.

00:00:00- From small-time work to co-founder of RNFI  

00:06:36- Building a PAN India financial distribution network 

00:11:15- How does RNFI adapt its business model by location?  

00:17:35- No funding, straight IPO! 
00:22:47- RNFI's diverse business models 
00:26:08- How can founders prep for an IPO 
00:32:14- When does your business need a CEO? 
00:35:03- RNFI Trust: A smarter way to build ownership? 
00:38:17- How do you find a CEO? 
00:43:49- What sets RNFI’s team culture apart? 
00:46:47- Is 72-hour workweek really worth it? 

00:55:27- Rapid Fire & Closing thoughts 

About our guest, Simran Singh:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simran-s-70002623b/

RNFI: https://www.rnfi.in

Follow our other channels for more exciting content:

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#DamaniTalks #SimranSingh #RNFI #BootstrappedSuccess #FintechIndia #ListedNotFunded #ProfitabilityMatters #FounderStories #StartupExecution #ShowMeDamani #IndianStartups

What does it take to build a category-defining D2C brand, scale it profitably, and execute a multi-crore exit in India’s evolving startup ecosystem? Deep Bajaj, Founder of Sirona, joins #DamaniTalks to share his journey of pioneering India’s first female urination device (Peebuddy) and disrupting female hygiene with capital-efficient growth. In this episode, Deep reveals how he took upon a 'taboo' and turned it into a highly successful business, and navigated the complexities of M&A to ensure a successful investor exit. He also breaks down funding myths, profitability strategies, and what truly matters in a startup acquisition.What You’ll Learn: -How Deep Bajaj built Peebuddy & Sirona into a category leader in female hygiene-Why profitability gave him leverage during fundraising & exit negotiations-The biggest M&A lessons for founders—what works & what to avoid-How D2C startups can scale without burning cash or chasing vanity metrics-Why early-stage angel investors matter and how they helped fuel Sirona’s growth-How Deep Bajaj structured a multi-crore exit while delivering 6X-20X investor returns-The fundamentals of Bootstrapping vs. VC funding for long-term success-How Deep Bajaj transitioned into one of India’s top angel investorsWhy You Should Watch: Deep Bajaj shares hard-hitting truths about building profitable businesses, navigating acquisitions, and creating real investor value. He debunks funding myths, explains how he exited on his own terms, and reveals what founders should focus on instead of chasing valuations. If you’re a founder, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with real-world insights on how to build, scale, and exit a business the right way.00:00 - Introduction02:36 - The hustle from door-to-door sales to entrepreneurship 08:34 - Breaking the cycle & studying abroad14:45 - Scaling an events company24:11 - Building a business with his life partner30:17- Does experience matter?39:03- Creating Sirona’s billion-dollar market from scratch50:45 - Cracking the first big sale56:00 - Profitability vs. funding debate1:00:51- Deep Bajaj's exit strategy 1:07:46 - How he selects startups to invest In1:11:55 - Rapid fire round & closing remarks Follow our other channels for more exciting content: Website: www.showmedamani.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showmedamani/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/showmedamani WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029ValxvDNChq6Rd5AbUQ3H Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xtO07c4PfYHX6RhJ1IkA2 X: https://www.x.com/showmedamaniLet's connect! - https://form.asana.com/?k=CAvV4CK0dURm8N-cYJU13A&d=1202621714690185Learn about our guest, Deep Bajaj:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepbajaj/X: https://x.com/DeepBajajInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bajaj.deep/?hl=enSirona: https://www.thesirona.com/

What does it take to build a ₹2,100 crore venture fund with a uniquely Indian approach using a model inspired by Ivy League endowments? Vikram Gupta, Founder & Managing Partner of IvyCap Ventures, who shares his incredible journey on #DamaniTalks— from launching multiple startups to leading one of India’s largest homegrown VC firms.

In this episode, Vikram breaks down the ABCs of investing. He reveals how he raised capital from 75,000+ IIT alumni, pioneered India’s first endowment-linked VC fund, and successfully exited companies like Purplle, Clovia, and BlueStone. He also talks about the importance of capital efficiency, the art of exits, and what founders need to prepare for in today’s fast-changing startup ecosystem.

This episode is packed with insights and if you're a founder, investor, or someone curious about how venture capital truly works, this episode is a must-watch!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- How IvyCap Ventures pioneered India’s first endowment-backed VC fund

- Why exits are a process, not just a milestone, and how to plan for them from Day 1

- How IvyCap Ventures was built with an IIT endowment-style model

- The founder traits and business models that Vikram looks for in a pitch

- Why attracting domestic capital is key for India’s startup ecosystem

- The fundamentals of valuation every investor must understand

- What mistakes early-stage startups must avoid

- How to scale efficiently while staying capital disciplined

Why You Should Watch:

Vikram shares hard-hitting truths about fundraising, valuations, and exits, revealing why most founders get venture capital wrong and what investors really look for. He also breaks down fundamentals, capital efficiency, and a lot more about the VC ecosystem in India. Whether you're a startup founder, an investor, or just someone fascinated by how capital fuels innovation, don't miss this episode.

Vikram's IIT Delhi Endowment Fund Song: https://youtu.be/pdcy4fbLwuc

Teacher's Day Song by Vikram Gupta: https://youtu.be/cxICbgi_HH4

Follow our other channels for more exciting content:

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Learn about our guest, Vikram Gupta:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikramgupta2/

X: https://x.com/vikramgupta70

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikramgupta70/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vikramguptaa

IvyCap Ventures: https://ivycapventures.com/

#ShowMeDamani #DamaniTalks #VikramGupta #IvyCapVentures #VC #ArthaGroup #VentureCapital #StartupIndia #Entrepreneurship #Fundraising #Exits #Startups #TechInvesting #StartupFunding #EndowmentModel #InvestingInIndia #IndianStartups #StartupEcosystem #ExitStrategy #IIT #IndianInstituteOfTechnology

We're kicking off the new season of #DamaniTalks with a bang, featuring Ashish Tulsian, the founder of Posist, now Restoworks! From selling SMS services while sitting on a horse at his wedding to bootstrapping a global SaaS company, Ashish’s journey is nothing short of legendary.

This episode is packed with insights on scaling without VC funding, the art of enterprise sales, pricing strategies, learnings from his first-ever business mistake, and the psychology behind business decisions.

With over 25,000 restaurants across 52 countries using Resto Works today, Ashish breaks down how he built a multi-million-dollar business while saying NO to funding pressures. We also discuss navigating the startup ecosystem, handling stress as a founder, and why most entrepreneurs unknowingly resist scaling. Despite having met only 5 or 6 times, this conversation with my brother from another mother is raw, unfiltered, really fun and packed with lessons for every founder!

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

- The biggest mistake founders make with funding decisions

- Why scaling feels "boring" and how to push through it- The real truth behind bootstrapping vs. raising VC money

- How to price your product right and attract the best customers

- Mastering enterprise sales and handling big-ticket clients- The difference between real demand and vanity metrics

- The truth about work-life balance as a founder

- How to balance long-term vision with short-term survival

Why You Should Watch:

Ashish Tulsian built a global SaaS company with just one funding round, proving that bootstrapping can be a winning strategy. He breaks down the real truth behind scaling without VC money, mastering enterprise sales, and closing big-ticket clients. Learn how pricing psychology impacts growth and why founders often struggle to balance long-term vision with short-term survival.

Check out our previous episode with Ashish Tulsian - #DamaniTalks Episode 17

David Ogilvy - Confessions of an Advertising Man

Glengarry Glen Ross

The Restaurant Times Blog

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Learn more about our guest, Ashish Tulsian:

- LinkedIn

- X

- Instagram

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In this scintillating Season Finale of #DamaniTalks, we are joined by Pearl Agarwal, Founder and Managing Director of Eximius Ventures, one of India’s leading pre-seed venture capital funds. From her upbringing in Odisha, shaped by entrepreneurial parents, to launching Eximius Ventures, Pearl’s journey is both inspiring and multifaceted. Pearl shares her unique story of resilience, lessons learned from family struggles, and her passion for empowering founders. From studying at UT Austin and launching her own startup to navigating investment banking and private equity before founding Eximius Ventures, her diverse experiences have given her a distinct perspective on venture capital and startup success. She emphasizes the importance of transparency, trust, and a structured, community-driven approach to supporting founders. She discusses her venture’s focus on pre-seed investments, the lessons she draws from her adventurous childhood, and her belief in playing the long game when it comes to entrepreneurship. As the curtain closes on this season, this conversation serves as a masterclass in leadership, risk-taking, and the art of empowering the next generation of changemakers. Sudhir Sethi: The Venturepreneur Siddhartha - By Hermann Hesse In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Pearl Agarwal built Eximius Ventures into a leading pre-seed fund, backing transformative startups at the earliest stages.
• The traits she looks for in game-changing founders and her unique approach to empowering them.
• Pearl’s personal journey of resilience, from her small-town upbringing to becoming a global leader in venture capital.

Why You Should Watch: This episode is a must-watch for aspiring founders and fund managers who want to understand the nuances of pre-seed investing and building relationships in a startup's early stages. Pearl’s emphasis on empathy, adaptability, and foresight offers lessons that go far beyond venture capital.

In this special Diwali episode of #DamaniTalks, we’re joined by Arjun Vaidya, the founder of Dr. Vaidya’s and partner at V3 Ventures, who has redefined India’s Ayurveda industry for the modern age. Arjun’s journey started with a 150-year-old family legacy in Ayurveda, which he transformed into a digital-first D2C brand that captivated consumers worldwide. From his family’s Mumbai-based dispensary to achieving a successful exit, Arjun offers a first-hand account of the rewards and challenges of merging tradition with technology.✨

Now, as a partner at V3 Ventures, Arjun supports emerging consumer brands and draws on his own experience to guide founders through the complexities of building in India’s D2C space. In this episode, Arjun reflects on the power of heritage, the importance of resilience, and the need for strategic thinking in an industry as competitive as consumer products. With a thoughtful mix of past, present, and future, he shares insights that are both practical and profound.

Celebrate Diwali with us as Arjun sheds light on his entrepreneurial journey, his approach to modernizing Ayurveda, and how he’s helping shape the future of D2C brands in India and beyond. Don’t miss this festive episode filled with wisdom, innovation, and the spirit of India! 🎆

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Arjun built Dr. Vaidya’s into a digital-first Ayurveda brand and achieved a successful exit in a competitive market.
• Key insights into India’s D2C space and what it takes to scale consumer brands with purpose.
• Arjun’s approach to heritage and innovation as he bridges his family legacy with a modern brand vision.
• Get to know Arjun personally as he answers our Rapid Fire questions

Why You Should Watch:

If you’re fascinated by the blend of tradition and entrepreneurship, this Diwali special offers a rich perspective on building a consumer brand that resonates with Indian heritage while meeting global standards. Arjun’s journey from Ayurveda’s roots to D2C success provides invaluable lessons for anyone navigating the startup landscape, especially in India’s booming D2C sector.

In this compelling episode of #DamaniTalks, we sit down with Archana Jahagirdar, a visionary leader in India's venture capital ecosystem. Archana shares her remarkable journey from journalism to venture capital, where she has not only navigated but also thrived in a space that has been traditionally male-dominated.

As the Founder and Managing Partner of Rukam Capital, Archana offers deep insights into what it takes to succeed as a fund manager in India today, while also advocating for a more inclusive startup ecosystem. Her approach is contrarian—something that has worked in her favor, allowing her to back unconventional ideas and founders who think beyond the ordinary. Her transition from storytelling as a writer to storytelling through venture capital has equipped her to spot the hidden gems in India’s startup space, as she puts it: "It's not just about the TAM; it's about the founder and the vision they bring to the table." Archana’s ability to blend logic with imagination, combined with her unique skill set from her journalism days, has allowed her to challenge the status quo and carve her path in the investment world. From Angel Works to launching Rukam Capital with a $19M (~150 Cr) fund, Archana’s journey is filled with lessons in persistence, adaptability, and visionary thinking. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How Archana transitioned from a successful career in journalism to venture capital, leveraging her storytelling skills to spot visionary founders. - Key insights from her time at Rukam Capital on identifying and backing startups that operate in niche sectors. - The importance of straightforwardness in communication, and how Archana cuts through the bullsh*t to make decisions based on substance, not hype. - The delicate balance between logic and imagination when it comes to spotting trends and betting on the future of startups. Why you should watch this episode: This episode is a must-watch for aspiring founders and fund managers looking to understand the intricacies of India’s venture capital landscape. Archana offers invaluable advice on raising capital, building a brand, and the importance of storytelling in both entrepreneurship and venture capital. Her emphasis on backing founders with strong vision rather than just focusing on market size highlights a fresh approach to early-stage investing.

In this episode of #DamaniTalks, we sit down with Kshitij Saxena, founder of AutoNinja and now General Partner at Relentless VC, a venture fund specializing in SaaS and B2B marketplace startups. Kshitij's journey is packed with insights, from starting his entrepreneurial journey with a gaming startup to creating AutoNinja—a CRM tool for car dealerships, which was later acquired by ICICI Lombard. 🚀 We dive into how Kshitij’s early fascination with coding set the stage for his ventures, the lessons learned from building a successful SaaS company in India, and his transition into the world of venture capital. With over a decade of experience as both an entrepreneur and investor, Kshitij shares why he believes SaaS is the most promising software opportunity, how AI and large language models (LLMs) are reshaping the landscape, and the importance of perseverance in entrepreneurship. He also offers a clear thesis on building and investing in early-stage companies, while reflecting on his own evolution from being a software founder to becoming a first-check investor in ambitious startups. Sabine Hossenfelder: https://www.youtube.com/@SabineHossenfelder Peter Zeihan: https://www.youtube.com/@ZeihanonGeopolitics In this episode, you’ll learn: - Kshitij's entrepreneurial journey from building small arcade games at 11 years old to creating India’s leading CRM tool for car dealerships. - How understanding revenue models and the market helped him build Auto Ninja into a profitable business. - The process of evaluating founders and startups at Relentless VC. - The impact of large language models on SaaS and the future of software. Why you should watch: Kshitij Saxena’s journey is a masterclass in grit, adaptability, and vision. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an established founder, or someone interested in the mechanics of venture capital, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Learn how Kshitij built successful companies, navigated a strategic acquisition, and is now supporting other founders on their own startup journeys. If you're curious about how to grow in the B2B and SaaS space or how to approach the early years of company building, this episode is a must-watch! #DamaniTalks #ShowMeDamani #KshitijSaxena #VentureCapital #SaaS #StartupJourney #FounderStories #B2BMarketplaces #Entrepreneurship #AI #RelentlessVC #AutoNinja #IndianStartups #ICICILombard #TechInnovation #BusinessStrategy #Investing #StartupLessons #GTM #VentureInvestor #ScalingStartups #BusinessInsights

In this episode of #DamaniTalks, we chat with Aditya Singh, co-founder of BookMyForex and managing partner at All-In Capital. Aditya shares his journey from building India’s first online forex marketplace to transitioning into venture capital, offering insights for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

Growing up in a traditional banking family, Aditya launched BookMyForex, revolutionizing how forex services were offered online. He discusses how he scaled the business, navigated capital challenges, and eventually exited through a sale to MakeMyTrip.

Post-MBA, Aditya entered the VC world, investing in over 30 startups before co-founding All In Capital. He explains the unique approach behind the fund, focusing on non-obvious founders and the importance of building lasting relationships with portfolio companies.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

1. How Aditya scaled BookMyForex and managed the challenges of a capital-heavy, low-margin business model.

2. His insights on venture debt, working capital, and how startups should (or shouldn’t) use debt, drawn from his time at Stride Ventures.

3. How All-In Capital uses a unique framework to identify both obvious and non-obvious founders and how they’ve built a unique venture partner network.

4. The importance of maintaining a work-life balance, and how fitness plays a crucial role in Aditya’s routine.

Why You Should Watch:

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, investor, or founder looking to learn from someone who’s been on both sides of the table, Aditya’s story offers practical advice on everything from scaling businesses to managing investments. Learn from his experiences on scaling businesses, managing investments, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Gain valuable insights from one of India’s rising venture capitalists and hear how he’s shaping the next generation of startups with All-In Capital!

#DamaniTalks #AdityaSingh #BookMyForex #AllInCapital #VentureCapital #StartupJourney #Entrepreneurship #VentureDebt #ScalingStartups #FounderAdvice #Innovation #WorkLifeBalance #FitnessAndSuccess #IndianStartups #Podcast #InvestmentInsights

In this enlightening episode of #DamaniTalks, we explore the incredible journey of Deepak Daftari, a self-made millionaire in India’s almost unknown domain name industry. Starting with humble beginnings, Deepak shares how he faced multiple rejections after studying in Australia—including being denied a U.S. visa twice—only to rise above the challenges and launch eSiksha, one of India’s first online education platforms in the 90s. Deepak’s venture into the world of virtual real estate transformed him into the .com King, a title earned through sheer determination and innovative thinking. From bootstrapping his way to success to navigating the early days of the internet in India, Deepak’s story is filled with actionable insights and inspiration for entrepreneurs at any stage. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: - How Deepak turned adversity into opportunity, creating a successful online education platform when the internet was still in its infancy in India. - The key strategies he used to break into and dominate the domain name industry, earning him the prestigious title of .com King. - The importance of resilience, innovation, and a visionary mindset in building a lasting business empire. -Deepak’s perspective on the evolution of the digital landscape and where he sees opportunities for growth and innovation in the future. Why You Should Watch: If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a dose of motivation, Deepak’s story is a powerful reminder that success often comes to those who dare to forge their own path. Learn from one of India’s pioneering figures in the digital space and get inspired to take your own ventures to the next level. Gain valuable insights from a true industry leader and bootstrapped millionaire! #ShowMeDamani #DotcomMillionaire #DeepakDaftari #Entrepreneurship #DomainNames #Podcast #SuccessStory #Innovation #Bootstrapping #OnlineEducation #India #eSiksha

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐢, the dynamic Founding Partner at 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐕𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥, who has been instrumental in shaping India's venture capital and venture debt landscape. Tarana's journey from her beginnings in India to a thriving career on Wall Street and her subsequent return to India, becoming a pivotal figure in India’s startup ecosystem, is a testament to her expertise and the global perspective she brings to the Indian startup scene. 🎙️ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫: 🚀 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲: From her early days at Morgan Stanley during the mortgage-backed securities (MBS) boom and meltdown to establishing India’s first venture seed fund with SeedFund, and eventually becoming a partner at InnoVen Capital. Her journey is a treasure trove of unique insights. 💼 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐭 𝐯𝐬. 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥: Tarana breaks down the key differences between venture debt and venture capital, providing practical advice on when and how startups should consider venture debt and what sets it apart from traditional bank loans. 🎯 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 M𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬: Explore the crucial role fund managers play in the success of startups, and how Tarana’s strategic insights have supported numerous founders on their journey to success. 💡 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Get a peek into Tarana’s approach to angel investing and the unique value she brings to the table for startups in India. Her approach is not just insightful but also inspiring. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡? Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or simply curious about the financial world, this episode is packed with insights to help you understand the evolving landscape of venture funding in India. Understanding this landscape is crucial for anyone navigating the startup ecosystem, as it can provide valuable insights and strategies for success. Tarana shares candid stories, expert advice, and valuable lessons essential for this journey. Don’t miss out on this chance to learn from an industry leader who has seen it all—from the highs of the MBS boom to the realities of the financial meltdown and the exciting growth of India’s startup scene. 📈 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲! #𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐋𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐢 #𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 #𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐭 #𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 #𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 #𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 #𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 #𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 #𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬 #𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬