Blume Podcast

What does it take to turn five acres of grassland in Nashik into a ₹2100 Cr wine empire?In the weekend episode of the Blume Podcast, Karthik sits down with Rajeev Samant, the maverick who walked away from Oracle in Silicon Valley to create something India had never seen before in the 1990’s—an Indian wine brand that rivalled foreign wine.Armed with no background in farming or winemaking, Rajeev relied on his conviction, curiosity, and ability to think differently. From experimenting with grapes in his backyard to drafting Maharashtra’s landmark wine policy, from bootstrapping on high-interest loans to pioneering India’s first wine tourism experience—his grit and vision built not just a company, but an entire industry.Today, Sula commands 60% of India’s wine market, welcomes 3.5 lakh+ visitors every year, and has put Indian wine on the global map. Rajeev’s story is proof that bold ideas, when paired with relentless execution, can rewrite history.🎧 Join host Karthik Reddy as we toast to the man who made wine in India mainstream—and built a brand that’s now worth over ₹2100 Cr.This season of Destiny Avenged is brought to you by our partners IDFC FIRST Bank and Ultrahuman.Blume Venture Investment Manager LLP (“Blume Ventures”) DisclaimerThe views, opinions, data and information expressed in our podcasts, videos, blogs, articles or any other such written or verbal form (the “Content”) are provided solely for informational and discussion purposes and they do not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities, nor should they be relied upon as the basis for any investment or other decision. References in the Content to specific companies, transactions (including mergers, acquisitions, or exits), or market events are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as endorsements or statements of value. Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees may, from time to time, hold investments in some of the companies or sectors mentioned, whether in a professional or personal capacity. Such references are incidental and do not imply any recommendation, conflict of interest, or bias. Any views or opinions expressed by individuals in the Content are solely their own and do not represent those of Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees.While we endeavour to use sources we believe to be reliable, Blume Ventures makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information contained in the Content. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and market conditions may change without notice. We assume no liability for the interpretation and/or use of the Content contained on our website, nor does it offer any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied in relation to such Content.Nothing contained in the Content should be construed as legal, tax, accounting, or investment advice. You should seek independent professional advice before acting on any information contained herein. Blume Ventures expressly disclaims any liability arising from reliance on the Content, or from any errors or omissions therein.The above stated, the Content is not intended to be and you should not consider the content or information contained therein to be an advertisement, solicitation, inducement or invitation for a relationship. Transmission, receipt or use of this Content, does not constitute nor create a relationship between us and you.All rights reserved. 

From Oracle to India’s Wine Revolution: Rajeev Samant of Sula VineyardsIn this episode of the Blume Podcast (Season 4: Destiny Avenged), Karthik Reddy sits down with Rajeev Samant, the visionary behind Sula Vineyards, to unpack how one man’s “crazy” idea in the 90s turned into India’s largest wine brand and a cultural phenomenon.Armed with a Stanford degree and zero background in farming or viticulture, Rajeev walked away from Silicon Valley to plant the seeds of an entirely new industry in Nashik. From fermenting his first experimental batch at home, to co-authoring Maharashtra’s wine policy, to building India’s first wine tourism destination—Rajeev’s story is one of grit, patience, and conviction.We explore:🍇 The early “lunatic” days of introducing wine to a whiskey-dominated India🏡 Building India’s first wine tourism hub at Sula📈 Navigating debt, policy battles, and eventually, a successful IPO🌍 How Sula put Indian wine on the global map🚀 Why today’s entrepreneurs have it easier—and what lessons endureThis conversation is more than just the story of Sula. It’s about reimagining what’s possible when you follow conviction over convention.🔔 Don’t miss more stories of grit and destiny in Season 4: Destiny Avenged.SponsorsThis season is brought to you by IDFC FIRST Bank and Ultrahuman.🎧 Listen to the full episode now and toast to the cradle of Indian wine with us at Sula!Blume Venture Investment Manager LLP (“Blume Ventures”) DisclaimerThe views, opinions, data and information expressed in our podcasts, videos, blogs, articles or any other such written or verbal form (the “Content”) are provided solely for informational and discussion purposes and they do not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities, nor should they be relied upon as the basis for any investment or other decision. References in the Content to specific companies, transactions (including mergers, acquisitions, or exits), or market events are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as endorsements or statements of value. Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees may, from time to time, hold investments in some of the companies or sectors mentioned, whether in a professional or personal capacity. Such references are incidental and do not imply any recommendation, conflict of interest, or bias. Any views or opinions expressed by individuals in the Content are solely their own and do not represent those of Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees.While we endeavour to use sources we believe to be reliable, Blume Ventures makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information contained in the Content. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and market conditions may change without notice. We assume no liability for the interpretation and/or use of the Content contained on our website, nor does it offer any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied in relation to such Content.Nothing contained in the Content should be construed as legal, tax, accounting, or investment advice. You should seek independent professional advice before acting on any information contained herein. Blume Ventures expressly disclaims any liability arising from reliance on the Content, or from any errors or omissions therein.The above stated, the Content is not intended to be and you should not consider the content or information contained therein to be an advertisement, solicitation, inducement or invitation for a relationship. Transmission, receipt or use of this Content, does not constitute nor create a relationship between us and you.All rights reserved. 

Razorpay’s founders are no strangers to podcasts. But most conversations stop at scale, valuation, or IPO chatter. This one is different.On the Blume Podcast, Harshil Mathur and Shashank Kumar sit down with Karthik Reddy to walk through the raw Razorpay journey—the rejections, near-dead ends, and scrappy hacks that shaped India’s payments backbone.You’ll hear stories rarely told elsewhere: how they built coding culture at IIT Roorkee’s SDS Labs (raising money from the college itself and even sneaking in “presentation monitors” to get approvals), how a simple crowdfunding side-project revealed the broken state of India’s online payments, and why they were turned away by ~100 bankers before one “yes” finally came—with a condition of a ₹25 lakh security deposit, funded by Shashank’s grandfather.Beyond the anecdotes, this is a deep dive into what it takes to build regulated infrastructure in India:If you’ve only heard the polished Razorpay story, this episode offers the unvarnished version: two coders, relentless grit, and the mindset shift from “startup survival” to building an enduring institution.Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/227rW4Ee4ob6wRT8U7pJ8s?si=c9a3bca90e394dd3Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/blume-podcast/id1651800944#IndianStartups #Entrepreneurship #VentureCapital #BlumenVentures #StartupJourney #IndianTechBrought to you in partnership with IDFC First Bank and Ultrahuman (Blume Fund III portco).Blume Venture Investment Manager LLP (“Blume Ventures”) DisclaimerThe views, opinions, data and information expressed in our podcasts, videos, blogs, articles or any other such written or verbal form (the “Content”) are provided solely for informational and discussion purposes and they do not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities, nor should they be relied upon as the basis for any investment or other decision. References in the Content to specific companies, transactions (including mergers, acquisitions, or exits), or market events are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as endorsements or statements of value. Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees may, from time to time, hold investments in some of the companies or sectors mentioned, whether in a professional or personal capacity. Such references are incidental and do not imply any recommendation, conflict of interest, or bias. Any views or opinions expressed by individuals in the Content are solely their own and do not represent those of Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees.While we endeavour to use sources we believe to be reliable, Blume Ventures makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information contained in the Content. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and market conditions may change without notice. We assume no liability for the interpretation and/or use of the Content contained on our website, nor does it offer any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied in relation to such Content.Nothing contained in the Content should be construed as legal, tax, accounting, or investment advice. You should seek independent professional advice before acting on any information contained herein. Blume Ventures expressly disclaims any liability arising from reliance on the Content, or from any errors or omissions therein.The above stated, the Content is not intended to be and you should not consider the content or information contained therein to be an advertisement, solicitation, inducement or invitation for a relationship. Transmission, receipt or use of this Content, does not constitute nor create a relationship between us and you.All rights reserved. 

In the season opener of the Blume Podcast Season 4, Karthik Reddy, co-founder and Partner, takes us behind the scenes of the season’s theme: "Destiny Avenged." Drawing inspiration from the popular Avengers theme from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and startup culture, this episode explores what it truly takes to build category-defining companies in India's unique startup landscape."Destiny Avenged" speaks to the journey of entrepreneurs who not only chase their calling but vindicate their audacious dreams against all odds. It's about founders who were told "this can't be done in India" or "this is only for large conglomerates," yet persevered to prove skeptics wrong. From wine pioneers to EV revolutionaries, Karthik reveals how founders like those behind Sula Vineyards, Razorpay, and Ather Energy defied skeptics to create first-of-their-kind businesses. This episode isn't just about celebration – it's a deep dive into why true startup success should be measured in decades, not years, and paints an inspiring vision of India's entrepreneurial future through 2030. Whether you're a founder, investor, or startup enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and the power of staying true to your destiny.Brought to you in partnership with IDFC First Bank and Ultrahuman (Blume Fund III portco).Featured Companies: Sula Vineyards, Razorpay, Ather Energy, IDfy, Niqo, Pixxel, and more#IndianStartups #Entrepreneurship #VentureCapital #BlumenVentures #StartupJourney #IndianTechBlume Venture Investment Manager LLP (“Blume Ventures”) DisclaimerThe views, opinions, data and information expressed in our podcasts, videos, blogs, articles or any other such written or verbal form (the “Content”) are provided solely for informational and discussion purposes and they do not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities, nor should they be relied upon as the basis for any investment or other decision. References in the Content to specific companies, transactions (including mergers, acquisitions, or exits), or market events are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as endorsements or statements of value. Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees may, from time to time, hold investments in some of the companies or sectors mentioned, whether in a professional or personal capacity. Such references are incidental and do not imply any recommendation, conflict of interest, or bias. Any views or opinions expressed by individuals in the Content are solely their own and do not represent those of Blume Ventures, its affiliates, partners, or employees.While we endeavour to use sources we believe to be reliable, Blume Ventures makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information contained in the Content. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and market conditions may change without notice. We assume no liability for the interpretation and/or use of the Content contained on our website, nor does it offer any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied in relation to such Content.Nothing contained in the Content should be construed as legal, tax, accounting, or investment advice. You should seek independent professional advice before acting on any information contained herein. Blume Ventures expressly disclaims any liability arising from reliance on the Content, or from any errors or omissions therein.The above stated, the Content is not intended to be and you should not consider the content or information contained therein to be an advertisement, solicitation, inducement or invitation for a relationship. Transmission, receipt or use of this Content, does not constitute nor create a relationship between us and you.All rights reserved. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Neeraj Chopra, India’s first athletics Gold medalist, and Karthik Reddy, co-founder and Managing Partner of Blume Ventures. In this podcast, Neeraj shares his journey from a small village in Haryana to standing on the Olympic podium, while reflecting on the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs along the way. Get an inside view on what it takes to be a champion. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 3:21 - Neeraj Chopra’s youth and childhood 9:17 - Neeraj Chopra’s love for farming 13:01 - First big win 16:00 - The pressure to represent the country 19:15 - How did Neeraj feel after winning gold at the Olympics 21:15 - Neeraj’s Silver at the Paris Olympics 27:55 - Difference between individual and team sports 35:08 - Who is the supporting cast to Neeraj? 41:00 - What is Neeraj Chopra’s routine? 43:44 - How does Neeraj Chopra deal with disappointment and pressure? 48:26 - Why did Neeraj Chopra choose to represent STAGE? 52:50 - State of sports infrastructure in India 57:07 - Rapid fire questions This episode is packed with valuable insights into the life of a world-class athlete, touching on mental resilience, discipline, and the importance of a strong support system. A special thank you to IDFC First Bank for being a partner for this podcast and STAGE (Blume Fund IV) for helping us connect with Neeraj Chopra and for generously providing their office space to record this episode.

Join us for episode nine of the Blume Podcast - Winning Beyond Boundaries, featuring Dr. Mukund Rajan, former brand custodian of the Tata Group, in conversation with Karthik Reddy of Blume Ventures. In this chat, Dr Rajan takes us through his inspiring journey, from his early days as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford to his impactful 23-year tenure at Tata. He shares personal anecdotes and insights that reveal the human side of corporate leadership, including his close working relationship with Ratan Tata and the lessons learned along the way. Key topics discussed: Dr Rajan's unique childhood experiences across various countries The evolution of the Tata Group and its global impact Personal stories that highlight Ratan Tata's leadership style The history, purpose, and challenges of Tata Administrative Services (TAS) in building sustainable leadership Dr Rajan’s role in launching one of India's premier airline services 'Vistara' , and its future Balancing tradition with innovation in today’s business landscape Insights into sustainable leadership and the future of Indian business Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Dr. Mukund Rajan as he shares valuable leadership lessons, behind-the-scenes stories from the Tata Group, and his vision for a sustainable future. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply curious about the legacy of one of India’s most iconic companies, this episode has something for everyone. Thanks to our annual partner IDFC First Bank and Sponsor Ultrahuman for making this episode possible. Chapters: [00:00:00] Introduction and Mr. Tata’s Letter to Vajpayee [00:01:08] Welcome and Guest Introduction [00:03:27] Early Life and Diverse Exposure [00:06:17] Family Influence and Dinner Table Conversations [00:08:11] Tata Journey and First Encounter with Ratan Tata [00:12:31] Evolution of Tata Administrative Services (TAS) [00:17:11] Fun Anecdotes about Ratan Tata [00:22:05] Tata Group’s International Ambitions [00:27:06] Framework for Strategic Decisions [00:34:27] Passion for Design and Architecture [00:41:00] Founding the Tata Opportunities Fund [00:44:04] TCS IPO: A Masterclass in Corporate Governance [00:50:18] Chief Ethics Officer and Overhauling the Code of Conduct [00:55:30] Origins and Future of Vistara [01:03:14] Launching ECube and ESG Focus [01:09:11] Rhodes Scholarship and Philanthropic Efforts [01:11:01] Rapid Fire Questions

In this engaging discussion, Alok Sama, former President and CFO of SoftBank Group International, shares his journey from Delhi to the heights of global finance. He reveals behind-the-scenes details of major tech deals like the Sprint-T-Mobile merger and SoftBank's acquisition of ARM. Alok reflects on his time with Masayoshi Son, offers insights into navigating complex global deals, and explores the future of technology, particularly AI. His experiences reveal valuable lessons on leveraging India's evolving tech ecosystem and foster a deep understanding of visionary leadership in turbulent times.

In the 7th episode of the Blume Podcast, the host Karthik Reddy, co-founder and Partner at Blume Ventures, dives deep into the fascinating world of hardware innovation with two extraordinary founders who have redefined what it means to build hardware companies from India. Join us as we host Akash Gupta (CEO & Co-founder, GreyOrange) and Mohit Kumar (CEO & Co-founder, Ultrahuman). Both GreyOrange and Ultrahuman are part of Blume's portfolio. From revolutionizing warehouse automation to pushing the boundaries of personal health monitoring, these founders share their incredible journeys of building globally respected companies from India. Learn about their challenges, strategies, and insights on: • Building hardware companies in India • Global market expansion • Manufacturing and talent challenges • Future of hardware innovation • Building world-class teams Part of Blume Podcast Season 3: "Winning Beyond Boundaries" 🔍 Key Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction & Guest Introductions 03:02 Early Hardware Journey in India 08:40 Building GreyOrange: From College Project to Global Company 15:30 Ultrahuman's Evolution & Hardware Development 21:45 Manufacturing Challenges & Building in India 32:15 Going Global: Market Expansion Strategies 43:20 Building Teams & Culture in Hardware Companies 52:40 Hardware Talent Ecosystem in India 1:03:30 Future of Hardware Manufacturing 1:12:45 Advice for Hardware Founders 1:20:30 Rapid Fire Round 1:23:40 Future Vision & Closing Thoughts

Join us for an insightful conversation with Aditya Ghosh, one of India's most dynamic business leaders, in the 6th episode of Blume Podcast S3, Winning Beyond Boundaries.  From leading IndiGo Airlines' meteoric rise to becoming India's largest airline, to now steering Akasa Air's ambitious journey, Aditya shares invaluable insights into building successful businesses in India. In this candid discussion with Karthik Reddy, Aditya reveals:• His journey from a young lawyer at JSA to becoming IndiGo's CEO• The unique partnership between Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal that created IndiGo• Critical business strategies that helped IndiGo maintain profitability in a challenging industry• How structural advantages built on Day 1 shaped IndiGo's success• The importance of empathy and people management in building great organizations• His current role in shaping Akasa Air's future• Insights into India's aviation market potential and growth opportunities Aditya also shares personal stories about his upbringing in a government colony, his early career decisions, and the values that have shaped his leadership style. His perspective on India's consumption story and the opportunities it presents for entrepreneurs makes this episode a must-watch for business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. Key Timestamps:[02:36] - Episode Introduction [04:01] - Views on Entrepreneurship [06:47] - Growing Up Years [13:20] - Path to Law [17:18] - First Job Experience [19:26] - The InterGlobe Connection [21:43] - Birth of IndiGo [24:27] - Seizing Opportunities [30:14] - Leadership Philosophy [34:08] - Building Culture [42:03] - IndiGo's Success Formula [44:54] - Cost Management [46:40] - Strategic Advantages [50:56] - The Akasa Journey [53:46] - Future of Aviation [57:39] - The Founding Partnership [01:02:10] - Rapid Fire Round [01:09:42] - Closing Thoughts Special thanks to our Season Partner IDFC First Bank for supporting this series. #BusinessLeadership #IndianAviation #Entrepreneurship #StartupIndia #BusinessPodcast #IndiGo #AkasaAir #Leadership #Aviation #IndianBusiness

This episode provides a deep dive into the journey of Persistent Systems, from its humble beginnings to becoming a global technology powerhouse. Anand Deshpande shares insights on company growth, leadership transitions, and the importance of adapting to market changes. His perspectives on entrepreneurship, technology trends, and social impact offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business leaders alike. Key Topics: Persistent’s growth journey and evolution through multiple business orbits Entrepreneurship challenges, scaling strategies, and leadership transitions Technology trends, including the impact of AI on the IT industry Social impact initiatives and philanthropic efforts  Global expansion and understanding international markets Timestamps  00:03:18 - Early life 00:06:55 - IIT Kharagpur experience 00:09:59 - US education and work 00:19:34 - Founding Persistent Systems 00:26:29 - Indian IT challenges in 1990 00:32:00 - Business model evolution 00:35:25 - Persistent’s S orbits  00:39:46 - Transition from ‘My’ to ‘Our’ company 00:56:18 - VC funding and IPO 01:01:42 - Philanthropic initiatives 01:08:16 - Research projects 01:14:12 - AI impact on IT 01:16:36 - Rapid-fire questions