

Blume Podcast
Blume Ventures
Blume Podcast S4, hosted by Karthik Reddy, co-founder and Partner at Blume Ventures, with the theme of "Destiny Avenged," celebrates Indian entrepreneurs who transformed skepticism into success. This season spotlights founders who defied critics and market doubts, featuring stories from industry pioneers like Sula, Razorpay, and Ather, founders who faced skepticism, pushed through rejection, and proved their critics wrong. More than business, it’s a tribute to India’s resilient spirit of innovation. Join us for an inspiring journey through the triumphs of those who dared to dream differently.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 21, 2025 • 1h
S4 E1 | How Two Coders Built a $7.5 Billion Fintech | Destiny Avenged
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).

Aug 19, 2025 • 13min
S4 E0: Blume Podcast Season 4 Kickoff | The Story Behind "Destiny Avenged"
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 #IndianTech

Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 6min
S3 E10 | Neeraj Chopra: From Haryana's Hinterlands to Olympic Gold | Inspiring a Billion Hearts
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.

Jan 8, 2025 • 1h 19min
S3 E09 | Tata’s $400 Billion Secret: Ethics, Innovation & Leadership ft. Mukund Rajan
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

Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 8min
S3 E08 | Masa, Mergers, and Making It Big ft. Alok Sama, SoftBank’s Deal Whisperer
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.

Dec 11, 2024 • 1h 29min
S03 E07 |Revolutionizing Make in India: ft. Akash Gupta of GreyOrange & Mohit Kumar of Ultrahuman
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

Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 10min
S03 E06 | From IndiGo to Akasa: Aditya Ghosh on Winning in Indian Aviation #blumepodcast
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

Oct 16, 2024 • 1h 21min
S3 E05 | How Anand Deshpande Built a $9 Billion Powerhouse: The Persistent Systems Story
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

Sep 25, 2024 • 42min
S3 E04 | Amitabh Kant's Vision for India's Transformation: From Incredible India to Invincible India
This episode offers invaluable insights into India's economic transformation and its aspirations to become a global powerhouse.
Amitabh Kant shares his diverse experiences from grassroots development in Kerala to high-level diplomatic roles, highlighting his contributions to India's progress. His perspectives on entrepreneurship, digital infrastructure, and global competitiveness provide inspiration and practical advice for entrepreneurs aiming to build world-class businesses from India.
Chapters:
00:02:41 - Early career in Kerala
00:04:55 - Transforming the lives of fishermen in Kerala
00:07:24 - "God's Own Country" campaign
00:10:54 - Public-private partnership in Kerala
00:14:05 - Hosting Prime Minister Vajpayee
00:15:52 - The Incredible India campaign
00:18:40 - Ease of doing business ranking
00:21:02 - Startup India initiative
00:23:15 - Impact of Digital Public Infrastructure
00:26:49 - Global market penetration for India's growth
00:29:30 - Vision for India as a developed nation by 2047
00:32:46 - Key qualities of team members
00:34:48 - Leadership skills
00:36:48 - Navigating cross-border cultural differences
00:37:45 - Rapid-fire questions

Sep 11, 2024 • 1h 1min
S3 E03 | Scaling Marico to Rs 86,000 cr global brand | Harsh Mariwala’s Winning Formula
This episode offers invaluable insights into building a successful FMCG business from scratch and expanding it globally.
Harsh Mariwala shares his journey of transforming a family commodity business into Marico, a leading multinational FMCG company. His experiences and perspectives on talent management, innovation, brand building, and international expansion provide inspiration and practical advice for entrepreneurs aiming to create world-class businesses from India.
Key Topics:
Harsh Mariwala’s early years and transition from family business to building Marico
The journey of converting unbranded commodities to powerful consumer brands
Importance of talent acquisition and retention in building a successful company
Strategy of focusing on categories where MNCs were not strong
Going public early and its impact on corporate governance and growth
International expansion strategy starting with neighbouring countries
Acquisition approach to enter new markets like Egypt, South Africa, Vietnam
Transforming Saffola from an edible oil to a health brand
Approach to D2C brands
Creation of ASCENT Foundation to support and mentor entrepreneurs
Marico Innovation Foundation's work in accelerating innovative startups
Leadership transition and importance of clear roles post stepping down as CEO
Hiring practices and key leadership qualities sought in executives
Advice for entrepreneurs on grit, continuous learning, and creating differentiation
#HarshMariwala #Marico #FMCG #IndianEntrepreneurs #GlobalBrands #Innovation #InternationalExpansion #D2CBrands #Entrepreneurship
00:58 - Early days and family business background
07:36 - Lessons for entrepreneurs from Harsh Mariwala's experience
10:00 - Transition from unbranded to branded products
15:43 - Importance of talent and learning in building Marico
17:55 - Portfolio strategy and becoming market leaders
22:58 - Acquisition strategy and international expansion
26:05 - Going public and its impact on Marico
29:57 - Transforming Saffola into a health brand
32:54 - Views on D2C brands and Marico's approach
38:50 - International expansion strategy
45:32 - Future of international expansion
48:51 - Transitioning out of CEO role
52:40 - Hiring practices and leadership qualities
53:50 - ASCENT Foundation for promoting entrepreneurship
55:35 - Marico Innovation Foundation
58:16 - Rapid fire questions