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"So when we started Kraftshala, we actually, you know, started, you know, with training some of the elite institution students. But as we expanded, we quickly figured out job is what people are looking for. Job is what you have to prepare for, and jobs is what you have to win for." - Varun Satia
In this episode of India GameChanger, Varun Satia, founder and CEO of Kraftshala, shared his journey from working at Nestle to creating an impactful marketing and sales learning platform. Varun's early involvement in entrepreneurship, including founding a college entrepreneurship cell and working under mentors like Vivek Ramaswamy, played a crucial role in shaping his business acumen.
Some of the topics Varun covered in detail included:
How working at a large company was good, but he had a lingering feeling of being detached from the granular learning experiences that come with smaller, more agile environments. An anecdote about his early failure while launching a network in India under Vivek's mentorship reveals a critical lesson: resilience and learning from setbacks. Varunâs initial launch was a failure, but the guidance he received helped him navigate through it and grow. His critique of traditional higher education, particularly business schools, reveals a disconnect between academic learning and necessary, real-world business skills. Varun unapologetically provides a sobering look at the Indian job market. He emphasizes that higher education institutions in India must focus primarily on employability. KraftShalaâs approach to continuously evolving its curriculum based on industry needs is a testament to the importance of adaptability. By maintaining close relationships with recruiters and updating their programs to include emerging skills like programmatic advertising, they ensure their students remain competitive. Using data analytics to enhance the placement process is one of KraftShalaâs innovative strategies. By tracking where students drop off in the job application process and providing targeted support, they improve placement rates and student confidence. -
In this episode of India Game Changer, Nao Murakami, Founder and General Partner at Incubate Fund Asia, shared valuable insights into the world of early-stage venture capital investing.
Some of the topics that Murakami-san covered in detail:
Why Incubate Fund Asia's approach to venture capital is deeply rooted in the principle of early-stage investing. His belief that founders deeply committed to solving specific problems are more likely to persevere through challenges and create successful businesses. The benefits of proactive deal sourcing and even engaging with founders prior to them raising capital. How Incubate Fund's global perspective enables them to identify trends and opportunities that may not be immediately apparent within a single market. -
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"Meeting some of the smartest founders at the very early stages of their lifecycle is a thrill. It is a different thrill altogether...When you are evaluating early stage, you are less focused on the downside and you're looking at, 'Oh, I know my downside going in is known as 1x, whatever is the initial thing that I write in, but I should not give up on the 50x, 100x that potentially can come out.'" - Pratip Mazumdar
India GameChanger was honored to host, Pratip Mazumdar, a co-Founder and Partner at Inflexor Ventures. We did a deep dive into the world of early-stage investing and Pratip shared his journey from engineering to venture capital, highlighting how his technical background aids in making informed investment decisions by focusing on minimizing noise and identifying key signals.
Some of the topics Pratip discussed in detail included:
Pratip emphasized that evaluating the founder and the team is paramount. Vision, ability to adapt, and resilience are key indicators of potential success. The inherent thrill of early-stage investing because it involves engaging with young, innovative minds trying to solve hard problems. Whether it's an early-stage venture or a late-stage buyout, understanding the market potential and ensuring the valuation is reasonable are key steps in the investment decision-making process. The necessity for founders to be comfortable with being wrong and iterating on their ideas. Adaptability is crucial for navigating the unpredictable landscape of early-stage startups. The importance of capital efficiency and the ability to operate in resource-constrained environments. Pratip believes that founders who have survived tough times are more likely to be successful in the long run. How Inflexor Ventures places a strong emphasis on the societal impact of their investments, looking for opportunities that offer advantages to consumers while contributing positively to the environment. -
"It was definitely a challenge, not just for anyoneâŠbut for myself. Because I had to first rewire my own frameworks. Although I was seeing that we have to think long term. But quite honestly, in action, I was not taking actions which were long term in nature." - Ankur Joshi
India GameChanger welcomed back Ankur Joshi, the Founder and CEO of Nuclei to discuss the evolution of the company and the strategic shifts that have occurred since their last conversation. Ankur delves into the importance of building a trust-based relationship model in business, rather than focusing solely on immediate sales. He also shares insights on fostering a long-term team culture and the personal growth that has informed his leadership style and company ethos.
Some of the big topics that we covered also included:
The sacrifices made by his parents to ensure he received a good education laid the foundation for his relentless pursuit of excellence How the entrepreneurial itch led him to leave the traditional banking world to explore the uncharted waters of starting a business, much to the disbelief of his family and peers Nuclei's mission of infusing traditional banking with a digital-first DNA, catering to the changing behaviors and expectations of a new generation of consumers The importance of global thinking and diversity within teams to truly innovate and meet the needs of a global customer base The transformative power of education, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of innovation -
India GameChanger welcomed Balasubramanian Sankaranarayanan, the CEO of Thryve Digital Health for a really interesting covnersation. Bala's journey, from a chemist and motorsport enthusiast to a leading figure in digital health, offers a wealth of insights into building a future-focused healthcare enterprise.
Some of the insights Bala offered included:
The interplay between passion and profession and the multifaceted nature of leadership The importance of creating a culture that encourages speaking up, innovation, and collaboration Creating an ecosystem that supports better clinical outcomes and enhances patient care Healthcare excellence and a desire to impact both the industry and the individuals within it An insistence on the necessity of daily learning -
India GameChanger had the privilege of hosting Dr. Chytra Anand, a renowned dermatologist and a pioneer in skincare innovation. Dr. Anand is the founder of Kosmoderma Skin, Hair, and Body Clinics and SkinQ DermaCosmetics. With over two decades of experience in dermatology, she has trailblazed the path of skincare, particularly for melanin-rich skin. Her journey encompasses the challenges and triumphs in bridging the gap between traditional dermatological practices and the unique needs of skin of color.
Some of the topics that Chytra covered in detail include:
Understanding the uniqueness of skin color as a foundation for innovation The power of education and information in skincare evolution The need to embrace technological innovation while balancing traditional practices The importance of patient-centric product development The fundamental need for inclusive skin care solutionsSome other titles we considered for this episode:
Skin Deep Innovation Melanin Matters - The Color of Care Transforming Skin Care Beyond the Surface Revolutionizing Skin Health: A New Shade of Dermatology Skin Science and the Reimagining of Dermatological Care -
India GameChanger was fortunate to speak with Praveen Grover, the VP and Managing Director in India for AHEAD. AHEAD builds and manages digital platforms that accelerates digital transformation for their partners to create significant and sustainable business impact.
Some of the topics that Praveen discussed in detail included:
Challenges as stepping stones to success Risk-taking and risk mitigation as a calculated strategy Strategic expansion into India requires a blend of risk-taking and pragmatism Building AHEAD in India and what its future looks like Companies must see India as a strategic long-term destination The importance of fulfillment in one's career and lifeSome other titles we considered for this episode:
Risk Often Leads to Reward Most Entrepreneurs Are Not Risk Takers I Was Missing the Action There Is No Upper Limit to Wisdom, Beauty, and Wealth Failure Is an Inevitable Step to Your Success Young People Donât Make Good Mercenaries -
India GameChanger spoke with Shaayak Chatterjee, co-founder of Breathe ESG, an enterprise SAS company focused on sustainability management. Shaayak shared valuable insights about the world of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and the importance of making a positive impact in the world.
Some of the topics Shaayak covered in detail included:
Personal privilege and collective responsibility The rise of ESG and its implications The role technology can play is ESG management The mathematical nature of music and software The value of education and experienceSome other titles we considered for this episode:
We Have More Engineers Than Some Countries Have People Building a Sustainable Future Discovering the Rhythm of Sustainability Streamlining Sustainability Management Perfect Is the Enemy of Good Enough -
India GameChanger was joined by Aashish Mehta, the CEO at nRoad. nRoad is a culmination of many years of the need to address an intractable problem in the enterprise â extracting, understanding, and providing insights from unstructured data and documents.
Some of the main topics that Aashish discussed:
Focus on the value, not on the valuation AI is not a magic wand that instantly solves all problems The power of unstructured content processing Data privacy and highlighted the importance of protecting sensitive information Living in the golden age of technologySome other titles we considered for this episode:
Anything Is Possible as Long as You Want It Patience Is Very Very Important with AI When You Automate, You Are Keeping Your Institutional Knowledge AI's Impact on the Workforce: Embracing Change and Maximizing Potential Overcoming Fear: Embracing the Potential of AI -
India GameChanger was joined by Amrit Sagar, the Founder and Managing Director at Ercess Live. Ercess Live is a data-drive community-powered Infuencer Marketing company.
Some of the topics Amrit covered in detail included:
Getting his MBA in Italy and the genesis of his entrepreneurial journey The exploding growth and power of influencer marketing in India The replacement of traditional advertising with new marketing channels Big brands are shifting massive budgets to these new platforms and channels Expanding Ercess Live's business to Asia and the Middle EastSome other titles we considered for this episode:
The Continuing Rise of the Creator Economy Unlocking the Potential of the Indian Creator Economy Building a Profitable Startup in the Indian Market Is the Future of Advertising Influencer Marketing? AI, Data Analytics, and the Changing Marketing Landscape -
IndiaGameChanger welcomed Ravi Jitani, a co-founder of Countingwell to the show. Countingwell emphasizes inquiry, problem-solving, and growth mindsets. The app was designed to place children at the center of learning.
Some of the topics that Ravi covered:
The importance of personalized learning in math education The challenges and opportunities of implementing technology in schools The need to link math education to larger career aspirations The impact of capital and technology on transforming societies The long-term vision for Countingwell and its potential for global expansionSome other titles we considered for this episode:
Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Language Challenges in Math Education The Importance of Data in Education: Revolutionizing the Classroom From Calculation to Career Aspirations: The Power of Math Education Math Education: Bridging the Gap Between Calculation and Comprehension Revolutionizing Math Education in India and Beyond -
I had the pleasure of speaking with Malay Parekh, the CEO of Unico Connect, a software development agency based in Mumbai, India. During our conversation, Malay shared his journey in the tech industry and discussed the impact of technology on his life and the world.
Some of the topics Malay Covered:
How getting his first computer made him the go-to-guy for computer-related questions as a youngster Studying for his Masters degree at USC and what he learned from Silicon Valley The significance of low-code and no-code platforms in software development The challenges of managing projects remotely and building software products that create real impact AIâs practical applications and how it drives real business growthSome other titles we considered for this episode:
Enchanted by Technology From a Pentium 1 to Artificial Intelligence Is Low-Code / No-Code Really the Future? Building Great Software AND Having Impact Unlocking Innovation: How AI Helps Us Build the Future -
In this episode of India GameChanger, the co-founders of Giverly, Manvi Mehra and Sagar Menon, discuss their journey in the Indian startup ecosystem and how they came up with the idea for Giverly. Manvi shares her experience working with startups and investors, while Sagar talks about his background in entrepreneurship and the impact of COVID-19 on his previous startup idea.
Some of the main topics Manvi and Sagar discussed:
Insights gained from working with startups on fundraising and go-to-market strategies The importance of identifying a market gap large enough to build into The need to focus on real revenues and scalability Why they were both destined to give back to society Their goal to make every transaction globally a means of social impactSome other titles we considered for this episode:
Itâs Not a Story, Itâs a Feeling I Believe the Universe Gives Us Signs The Power of Crisis Innovation Every Crisis Is a Potential Opportunity Scaling Impact for Global Change -
In this episode of India GameChanger, Avinash Joshi, the Chief Executive Officer of NTT India shares his professional journey. He also reflects on the synergistic power of combining the engineering mindset with strong business acumen.
Some of the topics that Avinash covered:
The significance of India in NTT's global business The importance of the startup ecosystem to NTT and how its own VC fund supports startups Digital transformation in India and the role of mobile payments (UPI) Sustainability and NTT's commitment to environmental responsibility Artificial intelligence and its role in NTT's futureSome other titles we considered for this episode:
That Creates a Tailwind for IT Services We Can Not Do All of It Ourselves You Get Ideas from Where People Are Adding Value This Is Something That We Owe to the Next Generation -
In a world where many individuals pursue a traditional career path, there are those who dare to venture into uncharted territory, combining their expertise with an entrepreneurial spirit. This only begins to describe what the India GameChanger learned from Dr. Arbinder Singal, a co-Founder and the CEO of Fitterfly.
Some of the topics that Dr. Singal covered:
The size and scope of the metabolic health issues in India Building his surgical practice and maintaining that practice in the midst of his entrepreneurial journey The impact of technology on healthcare and the challenges of scaling these solutions The priceless support he gets from his wife His motivations as an entrepreneur and overcoming its complex challengesSome other titles we considered for this episode:
The Anatomy of an Outcome Is the Binding Glue In Healthcare, the Scale Is Always Built By the Power of Referrals We Told You It Wouldnât Work You Will Have Your Own Graveyard of Experiments Overfed, Exercising Less, and Working Really Hard -
Welcome to another amazing episode of India GameChanger where we sit down with Arun Bagaria, a co-Founder and CEO of TravClan, a startup with the mission to revolutionize the travel agent industry. Arun provides an insightful overview of his entrepreneurial journey, the value of having a "big why" and how TravClan is modernizing the role of travel agents.
Some of the topics Arun covered:
TravClan's bias toward action What it takes to be a customer-first entrepreneur The ongoing relevance and evolution of travel agents The importance of a "Big Why" How travel agents can build trust Taking action, learning from mistakes, and quick iterationsSome other titles we considered for this episode:
Building From a Customer-First Perspective Itâs a Real Marriage Saver Everything Happens On Trust, But There Is a Large Trust Deficit Having a Bias Toward Action -
India GameChanger learned a lot from Saahil Kapoor, the Founder of Buzzaar. Buzzaar is an AI/ML-powered content-driven marketplace that lets consumers shop from their trusted neighbourhood stores as well as products from upcoming brands, to provide a convenient and personalized shopping experience.
Some of the topics Saahil discussed:
Going to work for the family business but being bitten by the startup bug Built Retouch and had great partners, but COVID hit Empowering mini-format retailers and Kirana stores to thrive in a modern market The importance of supporting new, DTC brands Building a work-life balance and the importance of treating employees wellSome other titles we considered for this episode:
Going Through the Hustles Every Day I Love to Go Beyond the Boundaries You Should Have a Good Set of People Around You Learning Is a Forever Process Itâs Not Easy to Kill Me -
India GameChanger was filled with ideas while speaking to Purnank Prakash and Mayank Banka, the co-founders of Samaaro. Samaaro is an all-in-one event technology platform for B2B marketers and event professionals.
Some of the topics Purnank and Mayank covered:
Wanting to build something for India at scale How the pandemic pushed them out of their comfort zone and ultimately led to a better business Learning how to feel comfortable with risk The importance of being actively engaged with your customers Data gathering and event personalizationOther titles we seriously considered for this episode:
How Technology Can Actually Influence the Entire Event Industry Build from India for the World We Need to Show Some Kind of Resilience Youâre Not Going to Deal With Someone You Canât Trust You Have to Keep Evolving -
India GameChanger spent an amazing time with Anil Kumarâ , the Founder and CEO of Samunnati. Samunnati is an open agri network built to unlock the trillion-dollar-plus potential of India's agricultural sector with smallholder farmers at its center.
Some of the topics Anil covered:
His 27 years of experience in the rural agricultural sector The resilience of rural-agri communities in spite of being ignored by formal financial institutions The challenges smallholder farmers face accessing large selling markets The pitfalls of a highly fragmented agri-ecosystem The level of financial sophistication of most smallholder farmers is quite high It is not about financial literacy, it is about product customizationOther titles we considered for this episode, but ultimately decided 'maybe next time':
Buying Inputs Retail and Selling Wholesale Harmonizing the Journey They Are More Sophisticated than You and Me Leveraging the Power of Aggregation We Require the Zubin Mehtaâs of Agriculture -
India GameChanger was charmed by Jashid Hameed and Prithvi Kini, the co-Founders of Nuvedo. Nuvedo are committed to building a community of mushroom enthusiasts, consumers, and trusted vendors for exotic varieties of mushrooms and premium mushroom products.
Some of the topics that Jashid and Prithvi covered:
How they became interested in permaculture, food systems and sustainability Volunteering on farms during COVID-19 Creating a marketplace and supply chain for mushrooms in India The importance of working with indigenous mushrooms and locally sourced substrates Branding and the significance of local cultures, food and languagesSome other titles we considered for this episode, but ultimately rejected:
Medicine, Engineering, or Law Food Is an Emotional Topic We Remove the Hurdles for the Average Farmer Climate Change Is Not Making Anything Easier I Want to Create Tangible Impact - Mehr anzeigen
