Episodes

  • 248: 100% Made-in-India Guns, The SSS Defence Story | Vivek & Dinesh (Founders, SSS Defence)

    248: 100% Made-in-India Guns, The SSS Defence Story | Vivek & Dinesh (Founders, SSS Defence)
    Oct 27 2024
    In this special episode of the Startup Operator Podcast, we venture out to meet the dynamic team behind SSS Defense, an emerging defense manufacturer in India specializing in small arms and ammunition. Join us for an in-depth conversation with co-founders Vivek and Dinesh as they share insights on building a defense company from the ground up, the challenges of operating in the defense sector, the intricacies of procurement, and their ambitious plans for the future. Topics: 00:00 Sneak Peak 00:43 Introduction 03:03 The Origin of SSS Defense 3:18 Starting up in the guns and ammunitions space 16:15 Product thinking in manufacturing 27:16 Defence procurement value chains 43:01 Building arms for export & domestic consumption 54:55 Forging strategic partnerships 1:09:05 Role of DRDO & Ordinance factories 1:16:40 Global benchmarks 1:24:07 Upcoming opportunities 1:31:20 Wisdom for defence startups 1:40:38 Recommended resources ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator ​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!
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    1 hr and 44 mins
  • Is India's Data REALLY Secure? | Roundup #164 | The Startup Operator

    Is India's Data REALLY Secure? | Roundup #164 | The Startup Operator
    Oct 15 2024
    In this roundup, Roshan and Gunjan delve into the evolving landscape of India's startup ecosystem. They honor the late Ratan Tata, reflecting on his monumental contributions and the lasting impact of the Tata brand. The conversation shifts to India's ambitious plans to become a global semiconductor hub by 2025. They then discuss Elon Musk's technological advancements, like Starship and autonomous cybercabs, and their implications for India's labor market. Concerns over India's technological lag and Security issues, highlighted by data breaches like DotPay and Star Health Insurance are also discussed. It concludes with humorous insights on cultural events such as BookMyShow's Coldplay concert ticket fiasco and the significance of choosing the right partner. Topics: (00:00) Introduction (01:04) Reflecting on Ratan Tata's Legacy (08:39) Elon Musk's Latest Innovations (14:43) India's Technological Challenges and Opportunities (18:24) Rethinking Innovation Culture in India (20:07) Data Breaches and Security Concerns (23:28) The Fall of Topline and Startup Struggles (25:37) Big Fundraisers and Success Stories (29:12) Operator Talent Density Problem in Startups (32:34) Concluding Thoughts and Life Advice ------------------------------------- Relevant Links: Lt. Gen Hooda's Tweet: https://x.com/LtGenHooda/status/1844384368338551250 Balaji Srinivasan's Tweet: https://x.com/balajis/status/1762777110626914509 Roshan's Tweet: https://x.com/RoshanCariappa/status/1844643870409359671 ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator ​ Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!
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    33 mins
  • 247: How Infinyte is helping startup employees become millionaires! | Joy Saldanha & Ankita Tandon (Founders, Infinyte Club)

    247: How Infinyte is helping startup employees become millionaires! | Joy Saldanha & Ankita Tandon (Founders, Infinyte Club)
    Oct 9 2024
    In this episode of the startup operator podcast, Roshan hosts co-founders Joy Saldanha and Ankita Tandon as they chronicle their journey with Infinyte Club, a groundbreaking platform for startup operators. This episode delves into their strategic expansion into comprehensive wealth management, stressing the importance of execution beyond ideas. They aim to empower startup professionals with robust tools for managing ESOPs and investments, adopting a 'compound startup' approach that marries technical expertise with emotional resilience. Highlighting the Moneyball product and strategic diversification, Infinyte seeks to transform into a holistic wealth management platform, offering diversified equity and comprehensive asset management solutions. Topics: (00:00) Sneak Peak (01:02) Introduction (02:11) Meet the Founders: Joy and Ankita (02:56) The Journey to Founding Infinyte Club (06:20) Challenges and Insights in Wealth Tech (18:14) Building the Product: From Idea to Execution (27:15) User Research and Early Customer Acquisition (34:08) The Importance of Founder-Led Sales (34:37) Building for One Before Building for Many (35:46) Navigating Compliance in Startup Investing (37:39) The Role of Alternative Investment Funds (39:09) The Challenges and Rewards of Startup Investing (43:10) The Importance of a Multifaceted Team (44:50) The Evolution of Product Management (54:15) Shipping Fast and Efficiently (59:49) Adapting to Market Changes (01:03:35) Future Plans and Exciting Developments (01:06:20) Recommended Books and Podcasts ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator ​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Will India Disrupt & Dominate the Space Industry? | Roundup #163 | The Startup Operator

    Will India Disrupt & Dominate the Space Industry? | Roundup #163 | The Startup Operator
    Sep 24 2024
    In this Roundup, hosts Roshan Cariappa and Gunjan Saha discuss the latest headlines in India's startup ecosystem, covering topics such as the Great Indian Shopping Festival on eCommerce apps, separation talks between Mensa Brands and Men's XP, and GoKwik's acquisition of Return Prime. The episode also highlights government initiatives to simplify processes for overseas startups shifting domicile back to India. Additionally, the conversation touches on India's plans to establish a self-sustained space station by 2035 and land on the moon by 2040, the launch of Accel's new pre-seed accelerator program for Bharat startups. The episode wraps up with an entertaining discussion on cultural sensitivity at Ather Energy and the achievements of Sourabh Netravalkar, the star cricketer and Oracle employee. 00:00 Introduction 01:47 Topics and Opening comments 06:48 EY Suicide Case and Work Culture 11:13 E-commerce Festive Season Preparations 14:37 Men's XP separating from Mensa Brands 17:27 GoKwik's International Expansion 23:21 Government Initiatives to simplify moving overseas startups 30:52 India's Space Ambitions 31:21 Technological and Geopolitical Implications 32:42 Challenges and Comparisons in Space Exploration 37:09 Accel's New Pre-Seed Accelerator Program: Accel Atoms 38:45 Recent Fundraises and Market Trends 41:55 Nike's new CEO's career 45:25 Lessons from China's Startup Ecosystem 48:54 Ather's Onam "Controversy" 58:10 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes
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    1 hr
  • 246: How Alyve Health is Boosting Insurance Access with User-Centric Solutions | Shashank Avadhani (Co-founder, Alyve Health)

    246: How Alyve Health is Boosting Insurance Access with User-Centric Solutions | Shashank Avadhani (Co-founder, Alyve Health)
    Sep 18 2024
    In this episode Roshan engages with Shashank Avdhani, Co-founder of Alyve Health, an insurtech startup. The conversation uncovers the intricacies of the Indian health insurance landscape, focusing on customer-centric products, under coverage issues, and the impact of COVID-19. Shashank discusses his transition from consulting to founding Alyve, emphasizing collaboration with incumbents and navigating regulatory complexities. The episode also examines the role of regulatory bodies like the IRDA, the necessity for specialized licenses, and the prospects for reducing GST on health plans. 00:00 Introduction 01:17 Shashank's Background and Founding Journey02:29 Understanding the Health Insurance Market03:34 Customer Experience in Insurance05:10 The Problem of Under Coverage16:45 Comparing Global Healthcare Systems24:27 Building a Customer-Centric Product26:42 Collaborating with Incumbents39:06 Managing Customer Experience46:55 User-Centric Network Philosophy47:16 Challenges in Insurance Alignment47:59 Inpatient vs. Outpatient Worlds48:43 Technological Integrations and Claims Processing49:50 Health Claims Exchange Explained54:41 Billing Code Harmonization01:01:57 Platform Business Insights01:07:08 Navigating Regulatory Landscape01:18:47 Growth Strategies and Market Expansion01:27:00 Startup Challenges and Sustainability01:33:51 Recommended Reads and Podcasts ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!
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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • Why is Anil Kapoor AI's most influential people? | Roundup #162 | The Startup Operator

    Why is Anil Kapoor AI's most influential people? | Roundup #162 | The Startup Operator
    Sep 10 2024
    In this episode of the Startup Operator Roundup, Roshan and Gunjan celebrate Startup Operator's top ranking on Chartable and discuss significant events and trends in India's startup ecosystem. They cover highlights from the Global FinTech Festival in Mumbai. Then they delve into Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in AI, the arrest of Telegram's CEO Pavel Durov, and Insurance Dekho's new SaaS platform. Additionally, they discuss upcoming IPOs in the FinTech sector, notable fundraisers by Rapido and Zepto, and unique consumer tech innovations. The episode ends with a discussion on the founder mode versus manager mode in startups and a light-hearted segment on OnlyFans' staggering financial performance. 00:00 Introduction00:10 Celebrating #101:14 Global FinTech Festival Highlights01:51 Time's 100 Most Influential in AI including Anil Kapoor02:21 Arrest of Telegram CEO 02:51 Insurance Dekho's New SaaS Platform03:28 Upcoming FinTech IPOs03:39 Angel Investing Success Stories23:43 InfoEdge's Impressive Portfolio23:59 Rapido Joins the Unicorn Club26:29 Zepto's Remarkable Fundraising28:00 Quick Roundup of Fundraisers28:36 SSI's Billion Dollar Seed Round31:43 OnlyFans' Financial Success33:15 Boldcare's Viral Marketing Stunt35:25 Innovative Consumer Tech Products38:08 Shopify's Market Insight42:30 Founder Mode vs. Manager Mode48:08 Conclusion and closing comments ------------------------------------- Click here to get regular WhatsApp updates:https://wa.me/message/ZUZQQGKCZTADL1 ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- Talk of the Town Tweets:Consumer Tech: https://x.com/ritwikpavan/status/1832061056447033377OnlyFans Revenue: https://x.com/ParikPatelCFA/status/1832126344177791011Tobi Lutke : https://x.com/StartupArchive_/status/18283995994151078091x Neo : https://x.com/minchoi/status/1829931741219602739Boldcare Marketing: https://x.com/oneandonlyrk/status/1830585560060289428Paul Graham's Founder mode essay: https://x.com/paulg/status/1830146241054834858 If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!
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    49 mins
  • 245: How Venture Capital Funding is Changing | Devendra Agrawal (Founder - Dexter Capital)

    245: How Venture Capital Funding is Changing | Devendra Agrawal (Founder - Dexter Capital)
    Sep 3 2024
    In this episode, Roshan talks to Devendra Agrawal, Founder of Dexter Capital. Having dedicated over five years to investments and two years in a senior corporate finance position, Devendra embraced the entrepreneurial journey as the founder of Dexter Capital, a boutique investment bank. The conversation encompasses the various factors that shaped today's outlook into startup investing. Tune in for a deep-dive into -- 00:00 - Introduction 1:13 - Recent Developments in startup Investing 11:27 - Startup Ecosystem and the Indian Economy 16:04 - Power Dynamics Between Founders and Investors 25:26 - Key Developments in the 2021 Startup Ecosystem 31:42 - Building Successful Startups 33:45 - Key Considerations in Equity Sharing and Fundraising 43:30 - Risks of Accepting High Valuations 48:41 - Revising the Current Incentive Structures 56:06 - Incentive Models 01:01:01 - Equity Pledging in Conventional Companies 01:03:12 - Reasons Behind the Surge in Startup Funding 01:14:35 - Characteristics of a Successful Fund 01:20:23 - Supporting Founders ------------------------------------- Click here to get regular WhatsApp updates: https://wa.me/message/ZUZQQGKCZTADL1 ------------------------------------- Connect with Devedra Agrawal, Founder - Dexter Capital Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devendra-agrawal-85144598
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • 244: Can Devotion Drive Digital Innovation? | Prashant Sachan (Co-founder, Apps for Bharat)

    244: Can Devotion Drive Digital Innovation? | Prashant Sachan (Co-founder, Apps for Bharat)
    Aug 24 2024
    In this episode Roshan talks to Prashant Sachan, co-founder of Apps for Bharat, to explore the dynamic landscape of India's consumer market and his successful journey with the Srimandir app. With over 3 crore downloads and 3 million monthly users, Prashanth discusses the art of building engaging app-led businesses, the role of monetization, and delivering unique user experiences. The conversation delves into user engagement, iterative experimentation, and scaling challenges, particularly amidst the digital adaptation of religious practices during the pandemic. Additionally, the episode provides practical fundraising advice for startups and insights on operating through economic downturns, stressing the importance of trust, authenticity, and financial discipline. Topics:00:00 Introduction02:27 Starting a Business: Key Insights05:09 Building for the Masses07:05 Experimenting with Ideas09:05 Understanding User Needs16:13 Validating App Ideas24:27 Growth Strategies and User Engagement36:52 Monetization and User Feedback41:37 Building Without Bias42:19 Commitment to User Needs43:11 Business Model Innovation44:26 Monetizing Devotion46:23 Digital Spiritual Tourism49:07 Empowering Lesser-Known Temples58:10 The Role of Devotion in Society01:11:07 Navigating Market Challenges01:11:31 Fundraising Insights01:14:34 App Store Challenges01:18:07 Advice for Founders01:19:49 Recommended Reads for Founders01:21:17 Conclusion and Farewell ------------------------------------- Click here to get regular WhatsApp updates:https://wa.me/message/ZUZQQGKCZTADL1 ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!
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    1 hr and 21 mins