The Startup Operator

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!

In this episode of The Startup Operator Roundup, Gunjan and Roshan break down the week's startup news and more!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! Topics:00:00 Intro02:39 Opening comments - PM Modi & Bill gates conversation 07:20 Amul to sell milk in USA09:44 Indian fintechs hit with notices12:24 Zetwork bags order to setup 1,400 EV charging stations 14:37 Swiggy instamart unprofitable 17:51 Fund raises of the week 18:58 Talk of the town ------------------------------------- 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!

Rahul is the founder & CEO of Intervue - a hiring tech startup. He was also featured on Shark Tank India Season 3. In this episode he spoke about exploring his entrepreneurial journey, the development of his business 'Intervue', and the pivotal moments and insights gained from his experience on Shark Tank. Rahul discusses the importance of understanding customer needs, staying agile, and the intricacies of scaling in the SaaS industry. The talk also covers the cyclical nature of the recruitment industry, strategies for survival and growth in a changing market, and the impact of effective hiring. Additionally, Rahul shares personal growth strategies, book recommendations for entrepreneurs, and his vision for expanding 'Interview's services.  Topics:00:00 Sneak peak00:25 Introduction01:55 Rahul's Shark Tank Experience 04:31 Behind the Scenes of Shark Tank05:53 Family Reactions and the Pitch Process08:36 Solving the Hiring Puzzle with Intervue12:28 From Software to Marketplace: The Evolution of Intervue21:39 Challenges and Strategies in the Zero to One Journey24:41 Navigating the One to Ten Growth Phase29:59 The Power of High-Performing Functions in Startups30:36 The Ripple Effect of Sales Success on Engineering Teams32:08 Global Expansion and Hiring Strategies35:00 Navigating the Challenges of Employer Branding37:19 Adapting to a New Era of SaaS and Profitability44:12 The Founder's Journey: Pivots, Challenges, and Growth46:10 Strategic Approaches to Recruitment and Expansion49:31 Book Recommendations and Personal Growth as a Founder52:41 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans55:06 Reflecting on the Role of HR in Hiring58:02 Wrapping Up: Insights and Gratitude ------------------------------------- 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, Gunjan and Roshan break down the week's startup news and more!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! Topics:00:00 Intro05:27 Start-up Mahakumbh10:47 Import duties cut for EV makers15:16 AI regulations now flexible21:55 Paytm gets NPCI nod23:55 Zomato’s pure veg fleet and it’s roll back26:51 Nexus Venture's Sameer Brij Verma starts own fund28:27 The first AI software engineer 31:48 Fund Raises of the week34:04 Talk of the town ------------------------------------- Click here to get regular WhatsApp updates:https://wa.me/message/ZUZQQGKCZTADL1 ------------------------------------- Links Mentioned:Solving Last-Mile Mobility (Vivekananda Hallekere): https://youtu.be/zMEG6vVU9o4Demystifying Venture Capital(Sameer Brij Verma): https://youtu.be/6mLS_nTeD2oWHAT Is Wrong With The Eduction System?(Bhanu): https://youtu.be/kiemBwD_5EU ------------------------------------- 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!

Gaurav Sharma is the founder and CEO of SaaSLabs - a dynamic platform revolutionising productivity and workflow automation for sales and support agents. His entrepreneurial journey began as a passion project where he started from scratch and embarked on a path of innovation and growth.Through his ambition and a distribution-first mindset, Gaurav scaled his SaaSLabs to new heights. In this podcast he talks about building for SMEs, addressing their unique needs and challenges in the market, retaining customers, building a distribution network and so on. Tune in to this episode to unlock the keys to success in the world of SaaS entrepreneurship. Topics:00:00 Intro03:10 Gaurav’s journey 09:02 Raising money for SaaS13:22 Benchmarks in life14:13 Current Motivation20:21 Building a multi-product company 24:16 Hiring the right team29:57 R&D v/s Scaling Business 33:32 Building around a job function40:44 Building Distribution52:19 Building a brand55:37 Building for SMEs59:00 Building Culture1:08:34 What Gaurav is learning01:09:30 Will AI kill SaaS?1:14:43 Books and Podcasts 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!

In this captivating interview, Abhinav Das, the Co-founder and CEO of Orangewood labs shares his entrepreneurial journey, spanning multiple startups and groundbreaking innovations. From collaborating with co-founders to revolutionizing Indian manufacturing, Abhinav's insights inspire and inform. He discusses commercialization strategies, staying innovative, and imparts valuable advice for new founders. Join us as we delve into the challenges and triumphs of building startups, navigating complexities of building in the Robotics space. Topics:00:00 Intro01:45 The start of Abhinav's journey 15:14 Post Ahmedabad 20:54 Meeting his co-founders23:40 Complexities of working with CNC machines 25:40 Building robotic arms28:05 The 2nd startup33:12 Going from Idea to product to company 39:02 Improving India's manufacturing 42:04 Commercialising your products 44:29 Staying innovative 49:44 What's next for orangewood?51:31 Advice for new founders 52:40 Books and podcast 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!

In this episode of The Startup Operator Roundup, Gunjan and Roshan break down the week's startup news and more!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! Topics:00:00 Intro07:21 Indus Valley Report 14:35 Krutim's false claims 18:25 Google play delists Indian apps24:19 Elon: the most impactful human being 27:47 Elon takes OpenAI to court 30:43 AI Pin to soon launch in India33:28 Disney and Reliance create media powerhouse37:08 Fundraises of the week ------------------------------------- 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!