Daybreak Why venture capitalist Archana Jahagirdar believes the 'crazy genius founder' is a myth
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Sep 25, 2025 Archana Jahagirdar, founder of Rukam Capital and a trailblazing venture investor in India, discusses the unique challenges in the Indian startup landscape. She argues against the 'crazy genius founder' myth, advocating for the value of patience and hard work instead. Archana emphasizes the critical nature of consumer trust and how VCs can shape cultural shifts in the market. She also highlights the distinct paths for women in venture capital and the importance of genuine brand loyalty over discounting strategies.
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India Needs Its Own Founder Narrative
- The Indian startup ecosystem has borrowed the US 'unhinged founder' archetype and must find its own voice.
- Domestic capital maturing will encourage homegrown narratives and founder types to emerge.
Prefer Patience Over The 'Crazy' Persona
- Be patient and focused rather than perform 'mad genius' theatrics when building a startup.
- Persist through adversity with disciplined hard work and nuanced judgement.
Talk Your Business, Don't Read Slides
- Don't rely on a pitch deck to explain your business; be able to converse about every aspect.
- Demonstrate problem-solving ability and how you'd persist without funding.