What does it take to build India’s “power grid” for the AI era? In this weekend episode of Season 4: Destiny Avenged, Karthik sits down with E2E Networks’ (Fund I vintage) co-founders (and married duo) Tarun Dua & Srishti Baweja to learn how they went from a cloud hosting company to becoming India's AI infrastructure pioneers.
From racking servers by hand and winning a ₹30,000 first check, to an SME IPO oversubscribed 70×, to a bold 2018 pivot into NVIDIA GPUs—this is the rarely told, India-first cloud story that kept compounding when no one was watching.
You’ll hear:
- How E2E “invented cloud before ‘cloud’ was a word”—uniform infra, contractless compute, and brutal cost discipline
- Why they went public early (2018 SME IPO) and what really changes post-IPO
- The inside story of their 2018 GPU bet (V100s) and the tailwinds from COVID to GenAI
- Sovereign AI, software built in India, and keeping scrappy DNA while scaling
- Candid founder talk: debt vs equity, losing a 30–35% revenue client overnight, and husband-wife co-founder dynamics
🔔 Don’t miss more stories of grit and destiny in Season 4: Destiny Avenged.
Sponsors: IDFC FIRST Bank and Ultrahuman (Blume Portco)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this content are for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice, nor an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities. References to companies, transactions, or market events are illustrative only and should not be construed as endorsements or statements of value. Any views expressed by individuals are solely their own and do not represent those of Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
They began with a ₹30,000 cheque and a bold idea: build India’s contractless compute cloud. In 2009, while hyperscalers dominated, Tarun Dua and Srishti Baweja grewE2E Networks through customer obsession, frugality, and relentless uptime —laying early foundations for an India‑first approach to AI and data sovereignty.
From word‑of‑mouth wins to an SME IPO oversubscribed 70x, and from designing servers in‑house to an early GPU pivot, this Weekday episode traces the near‑misses, the breakthroughs, and the discipline behind E2E’s rise.
Married cofounders, public‑market pressures, and a builder’s mindset — this is the real story behind India’s original cloud underdogs and their role in a future where critical AI infrastructure is built at home.
Highlights
- The ₹30,000 first customer and the contractless compute play
- How startup referrals (CarDekho → Flipkart, etc.) created a flywheel
- Why the IPO wasn’t an exit but an accountability milestone
- Betting on GPUs before the AI wave and what that changed
- Building culture: frugality, reliability, and clear roles as cofounders
🔔Don’t miss more stories of grit and destiny in Season 4: Destiny Avenged.
Sponsors: IDFC FIRST Bank and Ultrahuman
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this content are for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice, nor an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities. References to companies, transactions, or market events are illustrative only and should not be construed as endorsements or statements of value. Any views expressed by individuals are solely their own and do not represent those of Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
What does it take to turn five acres of grassland in Nashik into a ₹2100 Cr wine empire?
In the weekend episode of the Blume Podcast, Karthik sits down with Rajeev Samant, the maverick who walked away from Oracle in Silicon Valley to create something India had never seen before in the 1990’s—an Indian wine brand that rivalled foreign wine.
Armed with no background in farming or winemaking, Rajeev relied on his conviction, curiosity, and ability to think differently. From experimenting with grapes in his backyard to drafting Maharashtra’s landmark wine policy, from bootstrapping on high-interest loans to pioneering India’s first wine tourism experience—his grit and vision built not just a company, but an entire industry.
Today, Sula commands 60% of India’s wine market, welcomes 3.5 lakh+ visitors every year, and has put Indian wine on the global map. Rajeev’s story is proof that bold ideas, when paired with relentless execution, can rewrite history.
🎧 Join host Karthik Reddy as we toast to the man who made wine in India mainstream—and built a brand that’s now worth over ₹2100 Cr.
This season of Destiny Avenged is brought to you by our partners IDFC FIRST Bank and Ultrahuman.
Blume Venture Investment Manager LLP (“Blume Ventures”)
Disclaimer
The views, opinions, data and information expressed in our podcasts, videos, blogs, articles or any other such written or verbal form (the “Content”) are provided solely for informational and discussion purposes and they do not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities, nor should they be relied upon as the basis for any investment or other decision. References in the Content to specific companies, transactions (including mergers, acquisitions, or exits), or market events are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as endorsements or statements of value.
Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees may, from time to time, hold investments in some of the companies or sectors mentioned, whether in a professional or personal capacity. Such references are incidental and do not imply any recommendation, conflict of interest, or bias. Any views or opinions expressed by individuals in the Content are solely their own and do not represent those of Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees.
While we endeavour to use sources we believe to be reliable, Blume Ventures makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information contained in the Content. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and market conditions may change without notice. We assume no liability for the interpretation and/or use of the Content contained on our website, nor does it offer any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied in relation to such Content.
Nothing contained in the Content should be construed as legal, tax, accounting, or investment advice. You should seek independent professional advice before acting on any information contained herein. Blume Ventures expressly disclaims any liability arising from reliance on the Content, or from any errors or omissions therein.
The above stated, the Content is not intended to be and you should not consider the content or information contained therein to be an advertisement, solicitation, inducement or invitation for a relationship. Transmission, receipt or use of this Content, does not constitute nor create a relationship between us and you.
All rights reserved.
From Oracle to India’s Wine Revolution: Rajeev Samant of Sula Vineyards
In this episode of the Blume Podcast (Season 4: Destiny Avenged), Karthik Reddy sits down with Rajeev Samant, the visionary behind Sula Vineyards, to unpack how one man’s “crazy” idea in the 90s turned into India’s largest wine brand and a cultural phenomenon.
Armed with a Stanford degree and zero background in farming or viticulture, Rajeev walked away from Silicon Valley to plant the seeds of an entirely new industry in Nashik. From fermenting his first experimental batch at home, to co-authoring Maharashtra’s wine policy, to building India’s first wine tourism destination—Rajeev’s story is one of grit, patience, and conviction.
We explore:
🍇 The early “lunatic” days of introducing wine to a whiskey-dominated India
🏡 Building India’s first wine tourism hub at Sula
📈 Navigating debt, policy battles, and eventually, a successful IPO
🌍 How Sula put Indian wine on the global map
🚀 Why today’s entrepreneurs have it easier—and what lessons endure
This conversation is more than just the story of Sula. It’s about reimagining what’s possible when you follow conviction over convention.
🔔 Don’t miss more stories of grit and destiny in Season 4: Destiny Avenged.
Sponsors
This season is brought to you by IDFC FIRST Bank and Ultrahuman.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now and toast to the cradle of Indian wine with us at Sula!
Blume Venture Investment Manager LLP (“Blume Ventures”)
DisclaimerThe views, opinions, data and information expressed in our podcasts, videos, blogs, articles or any other such written or verbal form (the “Content”) are provided solely for informational and discussion purposes and they do not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities, nor should they be relied upon as the basis for any investment or other decision. References in the Content to specific companies, transactions (including mergers, acquisitions, or exits), or market events are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as endorsements or statements of value.
Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees may, from time to time, hold investments in some of the companies or sectors mentioned, whether in a professional or personal capacity. Such references are incidental and do not imply any recommendation, conflict of interest, or bias. Any views or opinions expressed by individuals in the Content are solely their own and do not represent those of Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees.While we endeavour to use sources we believe to be reliable, Blume Ventures makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information contained in the Content. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and market conditions may change without notice. We assume no liability for the interpretation and/or use of the Content contained on our website, nor does it offer any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied in relation to such Content.
Nothing contained in the Content should be construed as legal, tax, accounting, or investment advice. You should seek independent professional advice before acting on any information contained herein. Blume Ventures expressly disclaims any liability arising from reliance on the Content, or from any errors or omissions therein.The above stated, the Content is not intended to be and you should not consider the content or information contained therein to be an advertisement, solicitation, inducement or invitation for a relationship. Transmission, receipt or use of this Content, does not constitute nor create a relationship between us and you.
All rights reserved.
Razorpay’s founders are no strangers to podcasts. But most conversations stop at scale, valuation, or IPO chatter. This one is different.
On the Blume Podcast, Harshil Mathur and Shashank Kumar sit down with Karthik Reddy to walk through the raw Razorpay journey—the rejections, near-dead ends, and scrappy hacks that shaped India’s payments backbone.
You’ll hear stories rarely told elsewhere: how they built coding culture at IIT Roorkee’s SDS Labs (raising money from the college itself and even sneaking in “presentation monitors” to get approvals), how a simple crowdfunding side-project revealed the broken state of India’s online payments, and why they were turned away by ~100 bankers before one “yes” finally came—with a condition of a ₹25 lakh security deposit, funded by Shashank’s grandfather.
Beyond the anecdotes, this is a deep dive into what it takes to build regulated infrastructure in India:
If you’ve only heard the polished Razorpay story, this episode offers the unvarnished version: two coders, relentless grit, and the mindset shift from “startup survival” to building an enduring institution.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/227rW4Ee4ob6wRT8U7pJ8s?si=c9a3bca90e394dd3
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/blume-podcast/id1651800944
#IndianStartups #Entrepreneurship #VentureCapital #BlumenVentures #StartupJourney #IndianTech
Brought to you in partnership with IDFC First Bank and Ultrahuman (Blume Fund III portco).
Blume Venture Investment Manager LLP (“Blume Ventures”)
DisclaimerThe views, opinions, data and information expressed in our podcasts, videos, blogs, articles or any other such written or verbal form (the “Content”) are provided solely for informational and discussion purposes and they do not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities, nor should they be relied upon as the basis for any investment or other decision. References in the Content to specific companies, transactions (including mergers, acquisitions, or exits), or market events are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as endorsements or statements of value.
Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees may, from time to time, hold investments in some of the companies or sectors mentioned, whether in a professional or personal capacity. Such references are incidental and do not imply any recommendation, conflict of interest, or bias. Any views or opinions expressed by individuals in the Content are solely their own and do not represent those of Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees.
While we endeavour to use sources we believe to be reliable, Blume Ventures makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information contained in the Content. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and market conditions may change without notice. We assume no liability for the interpretation and/or use of the Content contained on our website, nor does it offer any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied in relation to such Content.
Nothing contained in the Content should be construed as legal, tax, accounting, or investment advice. You should seek independent professional advice before acting on any information contained herein. Blume Ventures expressly disclaims any liability arising from reliance on the Content, or from any errors or omissions therein.The above stated, the Content is not intended to be and you should not consider the content or information contained therein to be an advertisement, solicitation, inducement or invitation for a relationship. Transmission, receipt or use of this Content, does not constitute nor create a relationship between us and you.
All rights reserved.
In the season opener of the Blume Podcast Season 4, Karthik Reddy, co-founder and Partner, takes us behind the scenes of the season’s theme: "Destiny Avenged." Drawing inspiration from the popular Avengers theme from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and startup culture, this episode explores what it truly takes to build category-defining companies in India's unique startup landscape.
"Destiny Avenged" speaks to the journey of entrepreneurs who not only chase their calling but vindicate their audacious dreams against all odds. It's about founders who were told "this can't be done in India" or "this is only for large conglomerates," yet persevered to prove skeptics wrong. From wine pioneers to EV revolutionaries, Karthik reveals how founders like those behind Sula Vineyards, Razorpay, and Ather Energy defied skeptics to create first-of-their-kind businesses.
This episode isn't just about celebration – it's a deep dive into why true startup success should be measured in decades, not years, and paints an inspiring vision of India's entrepreneurial future through 2030. Whether you're a founder, investor, or startup enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and the power of staying true to your destiny.
Brought to you in partnership with IDFC First Bank and Ultrahuman (Blume Fund III portco).
Featured Companies: Sula Vineyards, Razorpay, Ather Energy, IDfy, Niqo, Pixxel, and more
#IndianStartups #Entrepreneurship #VentureCapital #BlumenVentures #StartupJourney #IndianTech
Blume Venture Investment Manager LLP (“Blume Ventures”)
DisclaimerThe views, opinions, data and information expressed in our podcasts, videos, blogs, articles or any other such written or verbal form (the “Content”) are provided solely for informational and discussion purposes and they do not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities, nor should they be relied upon as the basis for any investment or other decision. References in the Content to specific companies, transactions (including mergers, acquisitions, or exits), or market events are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as endorsements or statements of value.
Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees may, from time to time, hold investments in some of the companies or sectors mentioned, whether in a professional or personal capacity. Such references are incidental and do not imply any recommendation, conflict of interest, or bias. Any views or opinions expressed by individuals in the Content are solely their own and do not represent those of Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees.
While we endeavour to use sources we believe to be reliable, Blume Ventures makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information contained in the Content. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and market conditions may change without notice. We assume no liability for the interpretation and/or use of the Content contained on our website, nor does it offer any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied in relation to such Content.
Nothing contained in the Content should be construed as legal, tax, accounting, or investment advice. You should seek independent professional advice before acting on any information contained herein. Blume Ventures expressly disclaims any liability arising from reliance on the Content, or from any errors or omissions therein.The above stated, the Content is not intended to be and you should not consider the content or information contained therein to be an advertisement, solicitation, inducement or invitation for a relationship. Transmission, receipt or use of this Content, does not constitute nor create a relationship between us and you.
All rights reserved.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Neeraj Chopra, India’s first athletics Gold medalist, and Karthik Reddy, co-founder and Managing Partner of Blume Ventures. In this podcast, Neeraj shares his journey from a small village in Haryana to standing on the Olympic podium, while reflecting on the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs along the way. Get an inside view on what it takes to be a champion.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
3:21 - Neeraj Chopra’s youth and childhood
9:17 - Neeraj Chopra’s love for farming
13:01 - First big win
16:00 - The pressure to represent the country
19:15 - How did Neeraj feel after winning gold at the Olympics
21:15 - Neeraj’s Silver at the Paris Olympics
27:55 - Difference between individual and team sports
35:08 - Who is the supporting cast to Neeraj?
41:00 - What is Neeraj Chopra’s routine?
43:44 - How does Neeraj Chopra deal with disappointment and pressure?
48:26 - Why did Neeraj Chopra choose to represent STAGE?
52:50 - State of sports infrastructure in India
57:07 - Rapid fire questions
This episode is packed with valuable insights into the life of a world-class athlete, touching on mental resilience, discipline, and the importance of a strong support system.
A special thank you to IDFC First Bank for being a partner for this podcast and STAGE (Blume Fund IV) for helping us connect with Neeraj Chopra and for generously providing their office space to record this episode.
Join us for episode nine of the Blume Podcast - Winning Beyond Boundaries, featuring Dr. Mukund Rajan, former brand custodian of the Tata Group, in conversation with Karthik Reddy of Blume Ventures.
In this chat, Dr Rajan takes us through his inspiring journey, from his early days as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford to his impactful 23-year tenure at Tata. He shares personal anecdotes and insights that reveal the human side of corporate leadership, including his close working relationship with Ratan Tata and the lessons learned along the way.
Key topics discussed:
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Dr. Mukund Rajan as he shares valuable leadership lessons, behind-the-scenes stories from the Tata Group, and his vision for a sustainable future. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply curious about the legacy of one of India’s most iconic companies, this episode has something for everyone.
Thanks to our annual partner IDFC First Bank and Sponsor Ultrahuman for making this episode possible.
Chapters:
[00:00:00] Introduction and Mr. Tata’s Letter to Vajpayee
[00:01:08] Welcome and Guest Introduction
[00:03:27] Early Life and Diverse Exposure
[00:06:17] Family Influence and Dinner Table Conversations
[00:08:11] Tata Journey and First Encounter with Ratan Tata
[00:12:31] Evolution of Tata Administrative Services (TAS)
[00:17:11] Fun Anecdotes about Ratan Tata
[00:22:05] Tata Group’s International Ambitions
[00:27:06] Framework for Strategic Decisions
[00:34:27] Passion for Design and Architecture
[00:41:00] Founding the Tata Opportunities Fund
[00:44:04] TCS IPO: A Masterclass in Corporate Governance
[00:50:18] Chief Ethics Officer and Overhauling the Code of Conduct
[00:55:30] Origins and Future of Vistara
[01:03:14] Launching ECube and ESG Focus
[01:09:11] Rhodes Scholarship and Philanthropic Efforts
[01:11:01] Rapid Fire Questions
Join us for Episode 8 of Season 3 of the Blume Podcast - Winning Beyond Boundaries, featuring Alok Sama, former President and CFO of SoftBank
Group International in conversation with Karthik Reddy of Blume Ventures.
In this fascinating conversation, Alok shares insights from his remarkable journey across global finance and technology, including orchestrating some of the largest deals in tech history, like the $59B Sprint-T-Mobile merger and SoftBank's $34B acquisition of ARM.
Drawing from his recent book "The Money Trap: Lost Illusions Inside the Tech Bubble," Alok offers a candid look at working alongside Masayoshi Son during SoftBank's most volatile period, unpacks three decades of experience in investment banking and VC, and shares valuable lessons on navigating complex global deals.
From his early days in Delhi to shaping Morgan Stanley's TMT practice in Asia-Pac and eventually becoming one of Masa Son's closest advisors, Alok's story is a masterclass in understanding global markets and tech ambition. Currently a senior advisor at Warburg Pincus, he continues to influence the intersection of technology and finance.
Key topics discussed:
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction and early SoftBank days
1:05 - Welcome and guest introduction
2:54 - Growing up in Delhi and early influences
6:42 - Indian influences and cricket passion
9:46 - Journey into mathematics and finance
15:33 - Serendipity in career choices
20:57 - Writing "The Money Trap"
24:01 - Morgan Stanley years and global deals
31:05 - Understanding mega-deals
38:40 - Masayoshi Son's unique qualities
41:49 - Vision Fund and investment strategy
47:57 - Future of technology and AI
54:19 - India's startup ecosystem
1:03:12 - Current role at Warburg Pincus
1:05:03 - Rapid fire questions
This episode is brought to you by IDFC First Bank, a committed partner to India's startup community. IDFC First Bank continues to foster innovation and support entrepreneurship, playing a crucial role in the growth journey of numerous startups, including many Blume portfolio companies.
#BlumePodcast #TechInvestment #StartupIndia #VentureCapital #SoftBank #GlobalFinance #Leadership #MasayoshiSon #TechDeals #InvestmentBanking #IndianStartups #GlobalTech #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLeadership #VCFunding #TechnologyInvestment #DigitalTransformation #StartupGrowth #MergersAndAcquisitions #TechIndustry #BusinessStrategy #InvestorInsights #FutureOfTech #AITechnology #IndianTech
In the 7th episode of the Blume Podcast, the host Karthik Reddy, co-founder and Partner at Blume Ventures, dives deep into the fascinating world of hardware innovation with two extraordinary founders who have redefined what it means to build hardware companies from India.
Join us as we host Akash Gupta (CEO & Co-founder, GreyOrange) and Mohit Kumar (CEO & Co-founder, Ultrahuman). Both GreyOrange and Ultrahuman are part of Blume's portfolio.
From revolutionizing warehouse automation to pushing the boundaries of personal health monitoring, these founders share their incredible journeys of building globally respected companies from India. Learn about their challenges, strategies, and insights on:
• Building hardware companies in India
• Global market expansion
• Manufacturing and talent challenges
• Future of hardware innovation
• Building world-class teams
Part of Blume Podcast Season 3: "Winning Beyond Boundaries"
🔍 Key Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction & Guest Introductions
03:02 Early Hardware Journey in India
08:40 Building GreyOrange: From College Project to Global Company
15:30 Ultrahuman's Evolution & Hardware Development
21:45 Manufacturing Challenges & Building in India
32:15 Going Global: Market Expansion Strategies
43:20 Building Teams & Culture in Hardware Companies
52:40 Hardware Talent Ecosystem in India
1:03:30 Future of Hardware Manufacturing
1:12:45 Advice for Hardware Founders
1:20:30 Rapid Fire Round
1:23:40 Future Vision & Closing Thoughts
Join us for an insightful conversation with Aditya Ghosh, one of India's most dynamic business leaders, in the 6th episode of Blume Podcast S3, Winning Beyond Boundaries.
From leading IndiGo Airlines' meteoric rise to becoming India's largest airline, to now steering Akasa Air's ambitious journey, Aditya shares invaluable insights into building successful businesses in India.
In this candid discussion with Karthik Reddy, Aditya reveals:• His journey from a young lawyer at JSA to becoming IndiGo's CEO• The unique partnership between Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal that created IndiGo• Critical business strategies that helped IndiGo maintain profitability in a challenging industry• How structural advantages built on Day 1 shaped IndiGo's success• The importance of empathy and people management in building great organizations• His current role in shaping Akasa Air's future• Insights into India's aviation market potential and growth opportunities
Aditya also shares personal stories about his upbringing in a government colony, his early career decisions, and the values that have shaped his leadership style. His perspective on India's consumption story and the opportunities it presents for entrepreneurs makes this episode a must-watch for business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.
Key Timestamps:[02:36] - Episode Introduction
[04:01] - Views on Entrepreneurship
[06:47] - Growing Up Years
[13:20] - Path to Law
[17:18] - First Job Experience
[19:26] - The InterGlobe Connection
[21:43] - Birth of IndiGo
[24:27] - Seizing Opportunities
[30:14] - Leadership Philosophy
[34:08] - Building Culture
[42:03] - IndiGo's Success Formula
[44:54] - Cost Management
[46:40] - Strategic Advantages
[50:56] - The Akasa Journey
[53:46] - Future of Aviation
[57:39] - The Founding Partnership
[01:02:10] - Rapid Fire Round
[01:09:42] - Closing Thoughts
Special thanks to our Season Partner IDFC First Bank for supporting this series.
#BusinessLeadership #IndianAviation #Entrepreneurship #StartupIndia #BusinessPodcast #IndiGo #AkasaAir #Leadership #Aviation #IndianBusiness
This episode provides a deep dive into the journey of Persistent Systems, from its humble beginnings to becoming a global technology powerhouse.
Anand Deshpande shares insights on company growth, leadership transitions, and the importance of adapting to market changes. His perspectives on entrepreneurship, technology trends, and social impact offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business leaders alike.
Key Topics:
Persistent’s growth journey and evolution through multiple business orbits
Entrepreneurship challenges, scaling strategies, and leadership transitions
Technology trends, including the impact of AI on the IT industry
Social impact initiatives and philanthropic efforts
Global expansion and understanding international markets
Timestamps
00:03:18 - Early life
00:06:55 - IIT Kharagpur experience
00:09:59 - US education and work
00:19:34 - Founding Persistent Systems
00:26:29 - Indian IT challenges in 1990
00:32:00 - Business model evolution
00:35:25 - Persistent’s S orbits
00:39:46 - Transition from ‘My’ to ‘Our’ company
00:56:18 - VC funding and IPO
01:01:42 - Philanthropic initiatives
01:08:16 - Research projects
01:14:12 - AI impact on IT
01:16:36 - Rapid-fire questions
This episode offers invaluable insights into India's economic transformation and its aspirations to become a global powerhouse.
Amitabh Kant shares his diverse experiences from grassroots development in Kerala to high-level diplomatic roles, highlighting his contributions to India's progress. His perspectives on entrepreneurship, digital infrastructure, and global competitiveness provide inspiration and practical advice for entrepreneurs aiming to build world-class businesses from India.
Chapters:
00:02:41 - Early career in Kerala
00:04:55 - Transforming the lives of fishermen in Kerala
00:07:24 - "God's Own Country" campaign
00:10:54 - Public-private partnership in Kerala
00:14:05 - Hosting Prime Minister Vajpayee
00:15:52 - The Incredible India campaign
00:18:40 - Ease of doing business ranking
00:21:02 - Startup India initiative
00:23:15 - Impact of Digital Public Infrastructure
00:26:49 - Global market penetration for India's growth
00:29:30 - Vision for India as a developed nation by 2047
00:32:46 - Key qualities of team members
00:34:48 - Leadership skills
00:36:48 - Navigating cross-border cultural differences
00:37:45 - Rapid-fire questions
This episode offers invaluable insights into building a successful FMCG business from scratch and expanding it globally.
Harsh Mariwala shares his journey of transforming a family commodity business into Marico, a leading multinational FMCG company. His experiences and perspectives on talent management, innovation, brand building, and international expansion provide inspiration and practical advice for entrepreneurs aiming to create world-class businesses from India.
Key Topics:
Harsh Mariwala’s early years and transition from family business to building Marico
The journey of converting unbranded commodities to powerful consumer brands
Importance of talent acquisition and retention in building a successful company
Strategy of focusing on categories where MNCs were not strong
Going public early and its impact on corporate governance and growth
International expansion strategy starting with neighbouring countries
Acquisition approach to enter new markets like Egypt, South Africa, Vietnam
Transforming Saffola from an edible oil to a health brand
Approach to D2C brands
Creation of ASCENT Foundation to support and mentor entrepreneurs
Marico Innovation Foundation's work in accelerating innovative startups
Leadership transition and importance of clear roles post stepping down as CEO
Hiring practices and key leadership qualities sought in executives
Advice for entrepreneurs on grit, continuous learning, and creating differentiation
#HarshMariwala #Marico #FMCG #IndianEntrepreneurs #GlobalBrands #Innovation #InternationalExpansion #D2CBrands #Entrepreneurship
00:58 - Early days and family business background
07:36 - Lessons for entrepreneurs from Harsh Mariwala's experience
10:00 - Transition from unbranded to branded products
15:43 - Importance of talent and learning in building Marico
17:55 - Portfolio strategy and becoming market leaders
22:58 - Acquisition strategy and international expansion
26:05 - Going public and its impact on Marico
29:57 - Transforming Saffola into a health brand
32:54 - Views on D2C brands and Marico's approach
38:50 - International expansion strategy
45:32 - Future of international expansion
48:51 - Transitioning out of CEO role
52:40 - Hiring practices and leadership qualities
53:50 - ASCENT Foundation for promoting entrepreneurship
55:35 - Marico Innovation Foundation
58:16 - Rapid fire questions
Guest: Mahesh Bhupathi, Tennis Grand Slam Champion and Entrepreneur
Host: Karthik Reddy, Co-founder of Blume Ventures
This episode provides insights into what it takes to achieve global success and excel on the world stage. Mahesh shares his journey from a young tennis prodigy to a Grand Slam champion, offering valuable lessons applicable to both sports and business. His experiences and perspectives on talent development, overcoming challenges, and transitioning to entrepreneurship provide inspiration and practical advice for anyone aiming to win beyond boundaries.
Key Topics:
Mahesh's early years and his father's influence on his tennis career
The journey to becoming a Grand Slam champion
Partnership with Leander Paes and dynamics of doubles tennis
Memorable Olympic experiences and dealing with tough losses
Physical and mental discipline required for a long-lasting tennis career
Transition from professional tennis to entrepreneurship
Founding and growth of Globosport
Insights on talent spotting and development in tennis
The state of Indian tennis and challenges in building a robust ecosystem
Parallels between sports and entrepreneurship
Advice for aspiring tennis players and young entrepreneurs
Current focus on sports management
#MaheshBhupathi #Tennis #IndianTennis #LeanderPaes #Olympics #GrandSlam #FrenchOpen #Wimbledon #USOpen #AustralianOpen
Timestamps
[00:00:00] - Introduction
[03:17] - Mahesh talks about his early tennis beginnings and his father's influence.
[05:25] - Discussion on the importance of family support in sports careers.
[06:59] - Mahesh recounts his first visit to Wimbledon at age 12.
[11:58] - The story of Mahesh's first Grand Slam win in mixed doubles at the 1997 French Open.
[16:03] - Mahesh discusses his partnership with Leander Paes.
[18:49] - Insights into why the ‘Indian Express’ clicked and how they overcame challenges
[21:23] - Discussion of the 2004 Athens Olympics match against Federer and Allegro
[24:52] - Mahesh talks about recovering from tough losses, particularly the Athens Olympics bronze medal match
[28:22] - Discussion on maintaining physical and mental discipline over a long career
[31:10] - The importance of continuous learning and improvement in tennis
[33:19] - Mahesh shares insights on coach-player relationships
[36:30] - Discussion on the right time to retire
[38:48] - Mahesh talks about starting Globosport and his business endeavours.
[41:39] - Insights into spotting tennis talent and the state of Indian tennis.
[45:41] - Discussion on developing a system for nurturing tennis talent in India.
[49:05] - Rapid-fire questions
Guest: Girish Mathrubootham, Founder and Executive Chairman of Freshworks Host: Karthik Reddy, Co-founder of Blume Ventures
This episode provides deep insights into building a global SaaS company from India, scaling a startup to a public company, and the future of SaaS with AI. Girish Mathrubootham shares his journey from Chennai to NASDAQ, embodying the spirit of "Winning Beyond Boundaries."
Key Topics:
The episode showcases how Girish Mathrubootham and Freshworks have put India on the global SaaS map, achieving a successful IPO on NASDAQ and creating a blueprint for other Indian SaaS startups. It highlights the importance of "Winning Beyond Boundaries" in building world-class products from India and nurturing the SaaS ecosystem through initiatives like SaaSBoomi.
PS- Special thanks to Ultrahuman for gifting their cutting-edge rings to our guests and to IDFC First Bank for being our annual partner.
Links: Blume podcast transcripts: https://blume.vc/podcasts/blume-podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/227rW4Ee4ob6wRT8U7pJ8s?si=9e43c6b4c7d54ea0
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlumeVenturesIN/
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction of Girish Mathrubootham and Freshworks
2:38 - Girish talks about his love for Superstar Rajinikanth
5:55 - Early days and college friendships that backed Girish's ventures
7:31 - Girish's journey at Zoho (AdventNet) and becoming a product manager
11:57 - Origins of building global products from India
13:20 - The idea and impetus for starting Freshworks
16:23 - Early challenges in building a global company from Chennai
18:47 - Disruptive business model of Freshworks
26:55 - Getting funded by Accel and Tiger Global
36:58 - Key pivotal decisions in Freshworks' journey
39:30 - Going multi-product and choosing what to build
45:33 - Hiring and talent strategies at different stages
52:20 - Experience of becoming a public company
57:48 - Girish's decision to move to Executive Chairman role and focus on AI
1:10:52 - Motivations behind SaaSBoomi and Together Fund
1:15:43 - Pride in seeing the "Freshworks mafia"
1:16:30 - Rapid fire questions
Karthik Reddy, Blume Ventures co-founder and host of the Blume Podcast, unveils the exciting theme for Season 3 of the Blume Podcast. Discover how Indian startups are making waves on the international stage 🌏 in this must-watch explainer video.
Understand why 'Winning Beyond Boundaries' is more than just a slogan
Learn about India's transition from IT services to innovative global products
Hear success stories of Blume portfolio companies like Ultrahuman, Gray Orange, and Carbon Clean
🌟 Key Insights:
• The surge of confidence in Indian tech and deep tech startups
• How SaaS unicorns like Freshworks and Chargebee are inspiring a new generation
• The rise of Indian D2C brands in global markets
💡 Karthik breaks down:
The 'You ain't seen nothing yet' mindset driving Indian entrepreneurs
How brand India is evolving and gaining recognition worldwide
The diverse range of guests for Season 3 - from arts and sports to policymakers and startup founders
🎙️ Get ready for an inspiring season showcasing Indian innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural impact across the globe. Subscribe now and hit the notification bell to catch every episode!
We've reached the end of the road for the second season of the Blume Podcast, which was championed by its theme: the power of compounding. Karthik and Rohit discuss, analyse, and deconstruct their favourite moments from the season, which featured stalwarts like Manish Sabharwal, Nithin Kamath, and Radhika Gupta. They haven't just built companies. But rather, institutions, in their own right. Understand why Karthik encourages everyone at Blume to listen to all episodes, his utmost belief in step-function compounding, and how every founder journey is inherently unique, even if it bears similarity with others. It's been a true pleasure bringing you these conversations across industries, sectors, and domains. Tune in for episode ten, and see you very soon again!
Diamonds are forever.
But in 2008, they also went online. In our first ever video episode of the Blume Podcast, which happens to the last episode of Season 2, Karthik Reddy sat down with Mithun Sacheti, the CEO of CaratLane who spilled some gems on the glitzy yet laborious world of being a D2C jewellery brand. In a traditionally ‘low-trust’ society like India, Mithun and his team went from his early days selling jewellery with the family-owned Jaipur Gems to becoming an indispensable part of the Titan group. The journey has is fair share of ups and downs, including a riveting conversation with Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, the topsy-turvy process of raising capital, and solving for trust through brand-building.
You can find Transcripts on Blume's official website - https://blume.vc/podcasts/blume-podcast
Join us in this insightful episode of the Blume Podcast as Karthik engages in a candid fireside chat with Radhika Gupta, the dynamic Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Edelweiss Mutual Fund. Delve into Radhika's fascinating journey from a diplomatic upbringing to becoming a trailblazing entrepreneur in the financial services sector. Discover the twists and turns, the challenges faced, and the strategic decisions that led her to her current role. Gain valuable insights into the world of asset management, entrepreneurship, and the power of compounding success.
