Minus One -1 to Extreme Conviction in India’s EV Market | Tarun Mehta & Ather Energy
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Sep 23, 2025 Tarun Mehta, co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy, shares insights into India's EV revolution with a focus on Ather’s innovative approach. He discusses the unique 'minus one' philosophy that emphasizes taking risks and committing to long-term visions. Tarun recounts challenges like the 2019 production crisis and the importance of a transparent company culture in maintaining trust. He also highlights the significance of investing in R&D and crafting products that resonate with users, setting a strong foundation for organizational culture.
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Nine Months In Shorts Before Building
- Tarun and his cofounder spent nine months in a lab debating philosophy and product direction before committing.
- That deliberate laziness prevented early half-baked commitments and led to high conviction.
Delay Commitment During Exploration
- Do not commit to a startup idea while you're in a 'minus one' exploratory stage.
- Take six months to a year (or more) before committing until you have decade-long conviction.
Near-Death Product Crisis And Recovery
- After launching their scooter they found costs three times higher than expected and faced multiple strategic crises.
- COVID forced focus, they raised prices and stayed the course, and ended the year with positive gross margins.