In this episode of the Startup Operator Roundup, Roshan and Gunjan discuss Agnikul Cosmos launching Agniban, the world's first 3D-printed rocket engine. The Indian government proposing a Digital Competition Bill to limit the dominance of tech giants such as Google, Amazon, and Apple. Meanwhile, Fintech company Paytm plans significant layoffs to counter its financial losses, and payment processor Stripe goes invite-only in India due to regulatory changes.  00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:20 Space Sector Achievements: Agnikul Cosmos00:43 Digital Competition Bill: Tech Giants vs. Government00:59 FinTech Industry Updates: Paytm and Stripe14:12 Weekly Fundraisers and Market Insights15:45 Talk of the Town: Viral Videos and Comments19:57 Conclusion and Viewer Engagement------------------------------------- Click here to get regular WhatsApp updates:https://wa.me/message/ZUZQQGKCZTADL1 ------------------------------------- Bharatvaarta episode on Chess: https://youtu.be/k5CSfwBLwww?si=uMkTbfFmjX9pQF8- Mission ISRO: https://open.spotify.com/show/2JXFCMLGVhTBtdz1WYxd4H ------------------------------------- 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 the hottest headlines from India's burgeoning startup ecosystem. They cover a variety of topics including a feud between Ola and Microsoft, highlights from Microsoft’s Build Developer Conference, and Google’s potential acquisition of HubSpot.  The show features insightful views on the strategies and implications of these developments, along with some engaging cricket commentary and industry gossip. 00:00 Introduction00:34 A Quick Movie Recommendation: Aavesham00:52 India's Startup Ecosystem: Feuds, Acquisitions, and Innovations04:00 Microsoft vs. Ola: A Feud Over Cloud Infrastructure09:08 Microsoft's Build Developer Conference Highlights11:27 Google's Potential Acquisition of HubSpot16:53 Celebrating Founders and Big Acquisitions17:49 Google's Drone Ventures in India18:10 The Surge of Drone Startups and Policies in India20:29 The Growing Appeal of Indian IPO Markets for Tech Companies24:04 The Rise of Tech-Based Insurance Companies in India27:27 Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and Their Impact28:41 A Week in Fintech Fundraising29:35 The Debate on Founders' Time Investment in Podcasts and Events32:56 Closing Remarks and Call to Action 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!

India's Startup Ecosystem and Global Tech Innovations: A Comprehensive Roundup In this episode of the Startup Operator Roundup,  Roshan Cariappa and Gunjan Saha dive into the latest highlights of India's startup scene and global tech developments. They discuss the intriguing capabilities of GPT 4o, Girish Matrubhutam stepping down as CEO of Freshworks. The discussion wraps with an optimistic outlook on India's potential in brand building and luxury goods on the global stage, suggesting a significant shift in perception towards 'Made in India' products. 00:00 Introduction03:38 The Fascination with AI: From GPT-4o to Social Consequences08:32 Girish Matrubhutam's Transition at Freshworks12:49 Exploring Brand Building and Indian Pride in Global Markets13:57 The Elusive Quest for a Super App in the West & India19:43 India's Leap into Semiconductor and Chip Manufacturing23:24 Uber's Financial Struggles27:59 Startup Fundraising Highlights: From Misho to GoDigit's IPO29:55 Eldercare in India: A Lucrative Space for Startups ------------------------------------- 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 the latest episode of The Startup Operator Roundup, Gunjan and Roshan makes sense of the ongoing dispute between WhatsApp and GoI over the new IT rules, Razorpay’s newly launched UPI Switch and its promise for bettering UPI, RBI’s notice to Kotak Mahindra Bank, and much more.  If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Remember to subscribe to the podcast for regular updates from India’s growing startup ecosystem. ——————————— Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operatorTwitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup

Divanshu Kumar co-founder and CEO of Solinas, talks about the story of a robotics startup evolving from an education-focused non-profit to tackling water and sanitation challenges in India, highlighting the intricacies of operating a hardware startup, manufacturing strategies, and the significance of B2B and B2G relationships. The discussion further encompasses strategic growth, detailing a technology firm's expansion from India to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasizing cost-effective technology solutions, high-end R&D, and the importance of maintaining culture within growing teams. The episode offers invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, market understanding, and the continuous learning required for innovation and scaling in diverse environments. Topics:00:00 Sneak Peak00:53 Introducing Divanshu Kumar and Solinas03:03 The Power of Peer-Based Learning in Education15:28 From College Project to Impactful Startup18:54 Navigating the Challenges of a Hardware Startup28:56 Building Relationships and Expanding Business Horizons38:20 Navigating Investment and Risk in Climate and Deep Tech39:01 Challenges and Solutions in Sewer Line Inspection40:42 Innovative Approaches to Cleaning and Diagnostics44:36 Leveraging Software for Predictive Insights47:32 Balancing Hardware and Software Business Models50:56 Expanding Government Sales with Strategic Approaches58:15 Benefiting from Government Schemes and Policies01:04:58 Exploring International Markets and Future Plans01:09:40 Entrepreneurial Insights and Recommended Resources ------------------------------------- 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!

This episode of the Startup Operator Roundup delves into recent developments within the Indian startup ecosystem, covering topics like GoI's plans to purchase Nvidia GPUs to rent and sublet for Indian startups to use, India SaaS report, Flipkart's attempt to buy Zepto and more! Topic:00:00 Intro05:00 India planning to sign deal with NVIDIA11:17 India's SaaS report 20:33 Flipkart's failed plans to buy Zepto26:00 building UPI-like platform for EV users 30:20 Fundraises of the week 32:30 Talk of the town  ------------------------------------- India SaaS Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1urd7u9d4LHxl1gx93xweED8C1N9TWkQm/view?usp=drivesdk ------------------------------------- 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!

This Podcast features deep dives into the burgeoning field of Generative AI (Gen AI), with a particular focus on its application in media and entertainment. The conversation with Subho, a co-founder of Neural Garage, explores the transformative potential of advanced AI technologies, such as attention mechanisms and large language models. It addresses the predictions, capabilities, and limitations of Gen AI, underscoring the journey from domain-specific to generalized models and the critical role of data. The dialogue further navigates the broad impact of AI across various sectors, debunking misconceptions about general intelligence, and providing an outlook on future advancements and regulatory considerations. Notably, the discussion emphasizes AI's prowess in creating multi-language dubbed content seamlessly and its societal implications, alongside offering insights into the life of high-tech AI startup founders in the media realm. Topics:00:00 The New Frontier: Data as the Fuel for AI00:53 Welcome to the Startup Operator Podcast01:08 Diving Deep into Generative AI with Shubo02:31 Exploring the Capabilities and Limitations of Generative AI06:09 The Evolution and Impact of Large Language Models10:51 Understanding Intelligence and the Future of AI17:19 The AI Race: Global Investments and Data Battles21:03 Adopting Gen AI in Business: Strategies and Insights25:28 Introducing Neural Garage: A Journey from Idea to Impact27:41 The Birth of Neural Garage and VisualDub28:25 Technical Nuances of VisualDub's Dubbing Technology30:13 Choosing a Vertical Focus in AI Development33:02 Navigating Business Growth and Industry Adoption34:47 Generative AI's Impact on the Entertainment Industry36:49 India's Position in the Global AI Landscape39:44 Navigating AI Policy and Regulation44:58 Advice for Embracing AI in Professional Development47:37 The Founder's Journey: Challenges and Learnings53:10 Final Thoughts and Recommendations ------------------------------------- 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!

This episode of the Startup Operator Roundup delves into recent developments within the Indian startup ecosystem, covering topics like Ola's strategic withdrawal from international markets to prioritize Indian expansion ahead of its IPO, Elon Musk's planned visit to India for potential manufacturing collaborations with Reliance Industries, and Apple's increasing iPhone production in India. The episode also highlights Sridhar Vembu's new venture into manufacturing power tools through his company Karuvi, and discusses various fundraising events, including employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) buybacks at The Sleep Company.  Topics:00:00 Opening Banter: RCB Match 00:24 Welcome to the Startup Operator Roundup00:49 Major Moves in the Startup Ecosystem02:03 Prime Minister Modi's Tech Initiatives and Gaming Industry Insights03:45 Ola's Strategic Shift: Focusing on India07:46 India as a Manufacturing Hub: Tesla and Apple's Expansion11:15 The Rise of Manufacturing and Skill Development in India16:22 Innovations and Ventures: From Software to Hardware18:52 Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) and Startup Culture21:35 Startup Fundraising Highlights and Circular Economy Discussion22:38 Celebrating 20 Years of Khosla Ventures25:00 Weekly Roundup Wrap-up and Future Episodes Tease ------------------------------------- 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!

Siddharth Mehta, co-founder of Kiwi,  discusses the disruptive innovation of credit on UPI in India. Siddharth, with a rich 20-year background in the cards and merchants sector, shares insights into his transition from CEO of FreeCharge to co-founding Kiwi, emphasizing the unique challenges and learnings in both roles. The conversation explores the potential for credit card growth in India, poised to jump from 40 million to 100 million users, and how Kiwi aims to facilitate this expansion by targeting a segment of 28 to 40-year-old salaried individuals who are heavy UPI users. Siddharth outlines the journey of Kiwi from its inception to the launch of its product, touching upon the role of NPCI in enabling digital transactions, the future of credit access in India, and the importance of adhering to regulatory compliance for fintechs. The episode highlights Kiwi’s vision to be at the forefront of increasing transaction credit access in India. Topics:00:00 Introduction01:43 Siddharth's Journey from Banking to Startup Ecosystem05:53 The CEO vs. Founder Perspective08:45 Understanding the Cards Business and Credit Access16:49 The Game-Changing Potential of Credit on UPI24:24 The Evolution of Fintech and Its Relationship with Banks25:14 The Role of Fintech in Disrupting the Banking Sector29:25 The Founding Story of Kiwi and Its Journey39:40 The Impact of Digital Payments and Credit Access in India45:40 Navigating Compliance and Growth in Fintech49:04 Looking Ahead: The Future of Kiwi and Fintech Innovations ------------------------------------- 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!

This podcast episode brings to light the entrepreneurial journey of Vineeth, the founder of TeleportMe, through a riveting dialogue on the Startup Operator Podcast. It traces the Indian startup ecosystem's evolution from 2012, marking a shift from pure engineering zeal to a more polished, professional approach to building startups. Vineeth opens up about TeleportMe's early days, including turning down a Google acquisition, to mastering the panorama app market, culminating in over 20 million downloads and pivoting towards a B2B model aimed at disrupting the VR and AR spaces with a crowdsourced street view concept. The episode encapsulates the essence of product-led growth, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of solving complex problems. It offers a unique perspective on navigating competition, leveraging user feedback, and the importance of focusing on specific market segments to transform from a pioneer to a market leader in the tech landscape. Topics: 00:00 The Evolution of Payments in India: A Tech Revolution01:02 A Journey Through Time01:07 The Early Days of Indian Startups19:09 Rejecting Google: A Bold Move in the Startup World32:36 Building a Sustainable Startup Over a Decade35:06 Building Websites and Hustling in Noida35:57 Learning Business the Hard Way38:10 Building a Team for the Long Haul: Fun, Curiosity, and Eccentricity40:43 Talent, Salaries, and Vision46:12 The Secret to Product-Led Growth: Magic, Not Just UI48:10 Crafting Breakthrough Products: Vision, Team, and Execution52:40 Overcoming Technical Challenges57:40 The Power of Passion and Persistence in Product Development01:06:14 From B2C Success to B2B Pivot: The Evolution of a Startup ------------------------------------- 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!