Minus One

Rahul Chari, a key figure in India's tech landscape, helped build Flipkart and PhonePe's massive payment infrastructure. He delves into the importance of choosing complementary co-founders and hiring early believers. Rahul shares lessons from Flipkart's chaotic scaling days, emphasizing the need for future-proof tech. He promotes transparency in leadership, and discusses strategies for engaging regulators. Plus, he highlights the significance of simplicity in engineering and the challenges of reaching non-smartphone users. A journey through the evolution of India's payments!

Ruchi Sanghvi and Aditya Agarwal dive into their journey of building a thriving community for founders. They discuss the power of constructive conflict and how it fosters growth. Aditya shares his unconventional views on money and risk, while Ruchi highlights the importance of embracing challenges and learning together. They reflect on the traits that drive successful founders and the evolving criteria for investment in today’s uncertain markets. Their insights on navigating leadership and the balance between optimism and realism are both profound and inspiring.

Akshay Kothari has built tools that transform the everyday by making technology feel effortless, like Pulse and Notion.He joins Aditya Agarwal to share the counterintuitive lessons behind enduring products, why selling can sometimes be the braver choice, and how constraints often spark lasting creativity. Apply to SPC membership - https://airtable.com/appxDXHfPCZvb75qk/pagIZspLSFX7QrXcn/formConnect with us here:1. Akshay Kothari- https://www.linkedin.com/in/akothari/2. Aditya Agarwal- https://www.linkedin.com/in/adityaagarwal3/3. South Park Commons- https://www.linkedin.com/company/southparkcommons/00:00 Trailer01:02 Welcome to the Minus One Podcast01:49 Navigating the Early Days of Pulse06:59 The Silicon Valley Influence and Ambition21:07 The LinkedIn Journey and Its Impact22:39 Balancing Patience and Urgency in Silicon Valley25:25 The Vision and Early Days of Notion36:46 Personal Reflections and Philosophies

Tarun Mehta, co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy, shares insights into India's EV revolution with a focus on Ather’s innovative approach. He discusses the unique 'minus one' philosophy that emphasizes taking risks and committing to long-term visions. Tarun recounts challenges like the 2019 production crisis and the importance of a transparent company culture in maintaining trust. He also highlights the significance of investing in R&D and crafting products that resonate with users, setting a strong foundation for organizational culture.

Andrew Bosworth, CTO of Meta and a key player in Facebook's mobile transition, shares his insights into the early, vibrant culture of Facebook. He reveals the fun chaos behind creating the News Feed and the challenging shift to mobile advertising. The discussion dives into Meta's innovations in AR and VR, emphasizing the delicate balance between software and hardware development. Bosworth also reflects on how military leadership principles can apply to tech, urging for closer ties between the tech and defense sectors.

Joe Lonsdale, founder of 8VC and known for his work with Palantir, discusses his mission to combat institutional decline by supporting ambitious startups. He shares insights on Silicon Valley's competitive landscape and the need for a resilient mindset in the face of AI's challenges. Lonsdale emphasizes the importance of transparency and efficiency in government, the balancing act founders must perform between ambition and management, and the necessity of cultural values that spur innovation.

Mukesh Bansal, founder of Myntra and Cure.fit, shares his insights from his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of teamwork over ideas in building great companies. He discusses the role of culture and trust in fostering resilient teams and how health and commitment contribute to long-term success. Mukesh also delves into personalizing consumer experiences through AI, navigating the online-to-offline transition in businesses, and innovative learning strategies in complex subjects. His journey illustrates the evolving landscape of deep tech in India.

Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood, now leads Aetherflux, which aims to integrate space into the global energy system. He discusses building from first principles and the challenges faced during Robinhood's launch, influenced by his immigrant background. The conversation dives into the evolution of the space industry, highlighting economic opportunities in low Earth orbit and concepts like space solar power. Baiju emphasizes the joy of innovation and solving challenging problems, reflecting on how personal experiences shape entrepreneurial journeys.

Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of VaynerMedia and bestselling author, dives into the evolving landscape of content driven by AI. He discusses how brands like PepsiCo and Chanel convert consumer attention into business growth. Vaynerchuk emphasizes the importance of personal branding and authentic content in an age where AI reigns. He explores the delicate balance between technology and human connection, advocating for kindness in business. The dialogue also touches on the future of consumer engagement, cryptocurrency, and preserving humanity in a tech-driven world.

Bret Taylor, former CTO of Facebook and co-creator of Google Maps, now co-founder of Sierra, dives into the evolution of tech in the age of AI. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing customer needs over technology. The discussion touches on the transformative effects of AI on coding, lessons from different company cultures, and the vital role of advisors in tech startups. Taylor also shares insights on how innovations like ChatGPT could reshape education, illustrating the balance between new tools and traditional methods.