In this episode of the Startup Operator Roundup, Roshan and Gunjan delve into key developments in India's vibrant startup ecosystem. They discuss the significance of freedom for startups, the technological advancements in India's digital infrastructure, and the promising updates in UPI's payment system. Highlights include Sarvam AI's innovation in Indian language models, Krafton's plans for an R&D center in India, and significant fundraises by Ather Energy, Fresh Bus, and Skydo. In this week's talk of the town they touch on Google's Eric Schmidt's becoming an arms dealer and Peter Thiel's take on the current state of AI. 00:00 Introduction 00:29 Celebrating Independence Day and Startup Freedom02:37 Sarvam AI: Revolutionizing Indian Languages08:00 UPI Circle: Expanding Financial Inclusion11:20 Krafton's R&D Center in India12:54 Startup Fundraising Highlights17:24 AI in Warfare: Eric Schmidt's Vision23:26 Peter Thiel on AI's Future25:26 Ghana's Acquisition by Radio Mirchi26:59 Conclusion and Sign Off------------------------------------- Click here to get regular WhatsApp updates:https://wa.me/message/ZUZQQGKCZTADL1 ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!

In this episode of the Startup Operator Roundup, Roshan and Gunjan  discuss major headlines in India's startup ecosystem. Key topics include a U.S. federal judge's ruling against Google for antitrust violations, X's (formerly Twitter) legal battle with advertisers, and an innovative SIP-like approach to startup investing introduced by Infinite Club. They also cover Andhra Pradesh's new YouTube Academy announcement, significant IPOs, and various funding news.  Topics00:00 Introduction 00:27 Headlines01:29 Olympic Highlights and Reflections04:54 Celebrating Milestones06:03 Google's Antitrust Issues14:28 Twitter's Legal Battle with Advertisers20:05 Legal Battle Insights20:25 India's First SIP for Startups24:07 YouTube Academy in Andhra Pradesh25:51 IPO Highlights and Market Sentiments28:01 Fundraising Updates29:56 Talk of the Town: Tweets and Insights39:08 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes ------------------------------------- Click here to get regular WhatsApp updates:https://wa.me/message/ZUZQQGKCZTADL1 ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!

In this episode of the Startup Operator Roundup, Roshan and Gunjan break down significant updates from India's startup ecosystem, including Karnataka's new job reservation bill, the union budget's key highlights, and notable trends on Twitter. The discussion covers the impact of CrowdStrike's software glitch, and Ola's competitive move against Google Maps. The episode concludes with insights on the importance of education and skilling, the controversial angel tax, and recent fundraising activities within the ecosystem. Topics:00:00 Introduction00:53 Karnataka's New Job Reservation Bill11:01 Union Budget Highlights for Startups23:06 The Blue Screen of Death Incident26:46 Ola Maps Challenges Google's Monopoly27:42 Challenges with Ola Map Services28:05 The Evolution of Map Technologies28:48 The Need for Indigenous Solutions29:37 Comparing Bhavish Aggarwal to Elon Musk32:03 WazirX Hack and Cryptocurrency Security34:14 Blockchain's Real-World Applications35:18 Bajaj Auto's CNG Two-Wheeler Launch38:14 CRED's New Feature: CredMoney41:50 Swiggy's ESOP Buyback Program43:28 Notable Fundraisers and Investments44:50 Talk of the Town: Indian Engineers and Google Maps Update46:58 The Future of the Gig Economy53:01 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes ------------------------------------- Click here to get regular WhatsApp updates:https://wa.me/message/ZUZQQGKCZTADL1 ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!

In this episode of the Startup Operator Roundup, Roshan and Gunjan delve into major headlines in India's startup ecosystem. They discuss BlackBuck's filing of its DHRP papers for a 550 crore rupees IPO with SEBI, and IdeaForge's acquisition of a stake in space tech startup Galaxeye space. The episode also touches on the ongoing Twitter feud between Elon Musk and the European Commission over free speech.  00:00 Introduction01:23 Attempt on Trump's life06:12 BlackBuck's IPO Filing10:26 IdeaForge's Strategic Acquisition13:29 Elon Musk vs. European Commission 18:45 New York City's Trash Dilemma23:15 Retired Bureaucrats Entering Venture Capital26:29 Notable Fundraisers of the Week27:50 VC Insights on SaaS Growth32:18 Conclusion ------------------------------------- Click here to get regular WhatsApp updates:https://wa.me/message/ZUZQQGKCZTADL1 ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!

In this episode of the Startup Operator Roundup, Roshan and Gunjan discuss significant developments in India's startup ecosystem. Topics include SEBI's new regulations affecting brokerage firms, the launch of Narayana Health's game changing insurance product, and the shutdown of the Koo app after failed acquisition talks. The hosts also touch on Reliance Retail's relaunch of the Chinese brand Shein, Swiggy's new feature for food recommendations, and Peak XV Ventures' focus on AI startups. Topics: 00:00 Introduction 00:26 Headlines and opening banter03:00 SEBI's 2 new circulars 09:13 Narayana Hospital's New Health Insurance Product 14:27 The Shutdown of Koo 18:59 Unacademy and startup Media 24:55 Reliance's Strategic Move with Shein 25:55 Swiggy's New Recommend Feature 28:49 Peak XV Ventures' Big Bet on AI Startups 32:07 Angel Tax Debate and Startup Fundraising Highlights 34:22 Mark Zuckerberg's Advice on Starting a Company 37:08 Tech-Driven Marriage Optimization 38:52 Listener Feedback and Closing Remarks ------------------------------------- Click here to get regular WhatsApp updates:https://wa.me/message/ZUZQQGKCZTADL1 ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!

In this episode of the Startup Operator Roundup, Roshan and Gunjan delve into significant headlines shaping India's startup ecosystem. They start with a discussion on Micromax Venture's fund performance and key insights from the Figma Config conference. The hosts also explore Zomato's new Restaurant Service Hub, the rise of regional content with Stage's growth, and OYO's withdrawal of its IPO papers. They touch on Foxconn's alleged hiring discrimination and provide a roundup of notable startup fundraises. The episode concludes with interesting career advice from Chamath and user-centered product insights from Arvind Srinivas. Topics:00:00 Introduction 00:21 Cricket Fever: India's Big Win at T20 WC02:34 Startup Headlines of the Week03:41 VC Fund Performance Disclosure05:51 Figma Config Conference Highlights08:20 Zomato's Restaurant Service Hub09:45 AI Writing Keynotes for CEOs11:27 Rise of Regional Content in India13:44 OYO's IPO Withdrawal16:26 Foxconn's Hiring Controversy18:10 Weekly Fundraising Roundup20:15 Career Advice and User-Centric Philosophy23:34 Conclusion and Sign-Off ------------------------------------- Click here to get regular WhatsApp updates:https://wa.me/message/ZUZQQGKCZTADL1 ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!

In this episode of the Startup Operator Podcast, Roshan talks to Nivas, a seasoned SaaS marketer, to discuss his journey and insights into SaaS marketing. Nivas shares his accidental entry into the SaaS world, joining Freshworks (then Freshdesk) post-acquisition of his startup in 2015. The conversation highlights the importance of building a world-class product, visionary leadership from Freshworks CEO Girish, and the challenges of educating the market about SaaS in its early days. Nivas also delves into his role at SpendFlo, emphasizing the value of investing in brand from the outset, developing an intimate event strategy for engagement, and managing expectations when expanding into the US market.  Topics:00:00 Introduction00:27 Joining FreshWorks: Early Days and Challenges03:44 Working with Girish: Leadership and Vision08:59 FreshWorks Marketing Strategies14:57 The Shift to Mid-Market and Enterprise17:26 The Zero to One Journey at SpendFlow23:00 Navigating Founders' Ideas24:36 Importance of Brand Investment26:08 Building Trust Through Branding29:18 Event Strategy and Execution36:54 Expanding into the US Market42:01 Advice for Startup Founders on Marketing ------------------------------------- Click here to get regular WhatsApp updates:https://wa.me/message/ZUZQQGKCZTADL1 ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!

In this episode of the Startup Operator Roundup, Roshan and Gunjan discuss  the significant drop in placements and employment of IIT graduates in the country, financial troubles at ThirdWave Coffee and Reshamandi, and the launch of Safe Superintelligence Inc. by Ilya Sutskever. The hosts also touch on notable fundraising rounds for Zepto, Alyve Health, and Bira91, and conclude with an analysis of interesting tweets and market trends. Topics:00:00 Introduction00:28 Topics of the week01:40 Weekly Highlights: Events and Sports02:29 IIT placements and Job Market Insights06:12 Economic Trends: Middle Class Growth and Spending08:07 ThirdWave Coffee's Financial Struggles13:16 Ilya's Safe Superintelligence Inc. and AI Concerns16:32 Reflecting on Tech Bubbles and AI Evolution17:56 Generative AI: Fancy Wrappers or Core Innovation?19:18 Reshamandi's Financial Crisis and Challenges22:14 Fundraising Highlights: Zepto, AliveHealth, and More28:21 Twitter Highlights: Sarcasm, Valuations, and Immigration34:56 Conclusion and Upcoming Conversations ------------------------------------- Click here to get regular WhatsApp updates:https://wa.me/message/ZUZQQGKCZTADL1 ------------------------------------- Connect with Roshan  :Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cariappack/ ------------------------------------- MKBHD's Video: https://youtu.be/sDIi95CqTiM?si=rHWzzLKlOskR5l8m ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!

In this episode of the Startup Operator Podcast, host Roshan welcomes Varun from Bounce. Varun shares insights into Bounce’s progression from its origins as Wicked Rides, a bike rental company, to becoming a prominent player in the electric mobility market. He discusses the significant milestones such as the launch of Bounce Infinity, the introduction of the E1 and E1 Plus models, and their burgeoning B2B operations, including a collaboration with Sun Mobility to supply 30,000 bikes. Varun delves into the innovative pivots that guided Bounce’s journey, highlighting the company's transitions driven by customer needs and market gaps. Additionally, he outlines the current state and future of the EV market in India, detailing the challenges and opportunities within the sector, including range anxiety, service concerns, and financing hurdles. Varun also speaks on the technological advancements and the strategic partnerships that are propelling Bounce forward. For aspiring EV entrepreneurs, he offers advice on navigating the complexities of building and scaling an EV product. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:26 Bounce's Recent Developments02:46 Innovative Pivots and Evolution04:13 Challenges and Solutions in Fleet Management07:55 Transition to Electric Vehicles10:34 Impact of COVID-19 and Manufacturing Partnership16:43 Current EV Market Landscape26:50 The Impact of Mobility on Economic Growth27:20 Public Transport vs. Personal Mobility27:58 The Rise of Electric Vehicles28:36 Battery Swapping and Charging Infrastructure33:31 Government Initiatives and Challenges35:10 Innovations in Battery Technology40:59 Building and Manufacturing EV Bikes46:19 Customer-Centric Product Development48:49 Future of EV Technology50:03 Conclusion and Farewell------------------------------------- Click here to get regular WhatsApp updates:https://wa.me/message/ZUZQQGKCZTADL1 ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!

In this episode of the Startup Operator Roundup, Roshan and Gunjan discuss major headlines impacting India's startup ecosystem. Key topics include the newly elected Indian government and its potential impact on the startup environment, particularly in electric vehicles and funding policies. The hosts highlight the inclusion of ten Indian startups, like Pixel and Niramai, in the World Economic Forum's Technology Pioneers list. The episode wraps up with discussions on recent funding news and trending social media topics. 00:00 Introduction00:11 Topic readout02:04 Opening comments06:10 Startup Ecosystem and Government Policies10:24 Indian Startups on Global Stage13:34 SAP Acquires WalkMe17:09 Leverage Edu Controversy23:08 TCS's New Generative AI Aggregator Platform25:45 Byju's Valuation Crisis27:15 Notable Fundraisers of the Week30:55 Data Privacy Concerns in India32:16 Adobe's Controversial Privacy Policy Update34:10 Elon Musk: A Modern-Day Rockstar37:00 Closing comments ------------------------------------- Click here to get regular WhatsApp updates:https://wa.me/message/ZUZQQGKCZTADL1 ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!