In this podcast, we hear from Amit Gupta, the Co-Founder & CEO of Yulu, discussing the future of mobility. They talk about the challenges and opportunities in the electric mobility space, creating a solution for traffic congestion and air pollution in India, and the importance of personal involvement and taking responsibility in startups.
Thinking outside the box and challenging biases is crucial for personal and entrepreneurial growth.
Bootstrap and external funding both have advantages and should be considered based on the company's goals and timeline.
Investing in passionate individuals and supporting startups that contribute to society is a key consideration in making investment choices.
Deep dives
Challenging the Unthinkable
The speaker highlights the challenges people face in imagining things that have not yet happened, emphasizing the importance of thinking outside the box. They discuss their personal career transitions and express the desire to solve problems related to clean water. The speaker also mentions three influential figures they would like to have dinner with: Nandan Nilekani, Elon Musk, and Mukesh Ambani. They stress the importance of having role models who inspire entrepreneurship and continuous innovation. The speaker further touches on the significance of maintaining curiosity and passion in order to keep going in the entrepreneur journey.
Bootstrap vs. Funded Startups
The speaker discusses the advantages and challenges of both bootstrap and funded startups. They highlight that while bootstrap gives the advantage of keeping full ownership of the company, it may require many years to internally generate enough capital for growth. On the other hand, they acknowledge that external funding is a viable path for startups that don't have the luxury of waiting several years to build capital. They also mention the credibility that external funding brings in attracting talent and customers. Ultimately, they recommend that self-made entrepreneurs consider external funding to catch the market at the right time and achieve meaningful success.
Investment Opportunities Today
The speaker shares their preference for investing in people rather than specific sectors. They emphasize that a committed and passionate individual who is willing to give 200% for the next 10 years is the key to successful investment. They mention their personal interest in supporting startups that tackle the global water crisis and contribute positively to society. The speaker believes that the potential for impact on society and personal commitment determine their investment choices, while recognizing the importance of considering the sector closer to their heart.
Generalist vs. Specialist Skills
The speaker discusses the importance of having both generalist and specialist skills in a company depending on its stage of growth. They emphasize the value of having a hungry and smart team willing to learn and adapt quickly. While skills can be acquired, the attitude and passion to do well are essential in the early stages. The speaker recommends hiring a generalist team and enabling them to become specialists over time through continuous learning and experience. They highlight the need for balance between generalist and specialist roles, particularly in areas requiring specific expertise such as compliance.
Thinking the Unthinkable and Unlocking Potential
The speaker emphasizes the difficulty people face in imagining things that have not yet happened and highlights the bias towards the familiar. They admire Elon Musk for his ability to think the unthinkable and execute on his visionary ideas. The speaker believes that thinking beyond what has been seen or done is crucial for personal and entrepreneurial growth. They encourage people to challenge their biases and embrace the possibilities beyond their current realities. The speaker believes that nurturing this mindset can lead to exceptional achievements and transform personal and professional lives by envisioning and creating what seems impossible.
Brought to you by the Founders Unfiltered podcast by A Junior VC - Unscripted conversations with Indian founders about their story and the process of building a company. Hosted by Aviral and Mazin.
Join us as we talk to Amit Gupta, the Co-Founder & CEO of Yulu about their story.
Amit graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kanpur in 2000. Later, he completed an executive programme at Harvard Business School.
His professional journey included roles as a software engineer at Aditi Technologies, an assistant manager at Citifinancial India, a manager at Andale, and a founder and advisor at Analyticsworks. He also held a global board member position at MMA.
In 2006, he co-founded InMobi, and later, in 2017, he co-founded Yulu.
🏢 About Yulu:
Yulu is India's largest shared micro-mobility service provider, using electric two-wheelers to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in urban India.
Yulu’s technology-driven mobility platform uses IoT, ML, and AI for demand-supply management and efficient operations. Currently, Yulu is present in Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Greater Mumbai.
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