The Startup Operator

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!

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!