Most founders I see are drowning in advice that doesn’t apply to them. You’re not in Silicon Valley, and the rules are different here. You need to find your first customer who will actually pay, not chase the latest funding round. This series distills hard truths I’ve learned from watching real f…
Most Indian startup founders think raising money is their golden ticket to success. But here’s the bitter pill: overfunding at an early stage can be your startup’s death sentence. Think about it. You’re getting ₹5 crore when you barely know how to spend ₹50 lakh wisely. It’s like giving a teenage…
Most Indian founders are obsessed with valuation. You’re probably one of them. You think raising a fat funding round is your ticket to success. But here’s the unpopular truth: chasing big numbers can bury your startup faster than you can say “unicorn.” Let’s talk about sources and debts — the rea…
Most Indian startup founders think they need to publish for visibility. But here’s the kicker: serial publication can become a treadmill that distracts you from building your business. You aren’t a media company, so why are you acting like one? Let’s break down why this could be an expensive mist…
Most Indian founders think raising capital is the only way to validate their startup’s potential. But here’s the truth: raising too much money too soon can be the kiss of death for your nascent company. The real game-changers are three virtues — patience, passion, and frugality — that never make …
Most founders don’t want to hear this: a bad week might be the best thing that happens to your startup. When the chips are down, you’ll see the harsh truths you’ve been avoiding. Most founders think they’re too busy to focus on the basics, but if you’re having a bad week, it’s time to strip away …
Staying at the table long enough to find success isn’t a glamorous tale, but it’s the gritty reality of startup life. In the Indian startup ecosystem, where noise often overshadows substance, the founders who persevere are those who can weather the storm, keep their team motivated, and manage the…
Here’s a hard truth: sometimes quitting is the smartest move you’ll ever make. Not every startup venture is destined to become the next Byju’s or Zomato. Clinging to a sinking ship because you’ve invested time and money is often a recipe for disaster. If you wouldn’t start this company today know…
Your startup will not die because of a bad idea. It will die because of a conversation you’re avoiding. Most Indian founders underestimate the power of confronting uncomfortable truths head-on. Instead, they delegate tough discussions, hoping the problem will dissolve on its own. Here’s the kicke…
Most Indian startup founders believe their next big milestone is just one stellar pitch deck away. They think that snagging an investor will solve all their problems. Here’s the truth: it won’t. A pitch deck is a side dish, not the main course. The real game is played in the trenches with lead bu…
