BuildWithShreya

What separates startups that raise funding from those that never get a second meeting?

In this episode of BuildWithShreya, Shreya sits down with Anmol Goel—CEO & Partner at GACS Family Office, TEDx Speaker, WEF Global Shaper, and venture investor—to explore how investors evaluate founders, products, and the future of technology.
From exiting his first company at just 20 to backing startups across multiple countries, Anmol shares practical insights into what separates companies that raise capital from those that build enduring businesses.
In this conversation, you'll discover:
• Why investors back founders—not just ideas
• The difference between AI wrappers and real AI companies
• The fundraising mistakes that cost founders opportunities
• What product-market fit really looks like
• Why coachability is one of a founder's greatest competitive advantages
• How venture studios create value beyond capital
• The next wave of opportunities in AI and deep tech
• What it takes to build companies that scale—not just raise money
Whether you're a founder, investor, operator, or simply curious about the startup ecosystem, this episode offers an inside look at how venture capital really works—and what it takes to build a company worth backing.
🎙️ Tune in for an honest conversation on entrepreneurship, investing, AI, startup growth, and building for the long term.

About BuildWithShreya

BuildWithShreya is a podcast featuring conversations with founders, investors, policymakers, and technology leaders shaping the future of AI, startups, entrepreneurship, innovation, and global business.

Follow BuildWithShreya on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes every week.

In this episode, we engage in a captivating conversation with Alok Gotam, the visionary Founder and CEO of Mindclone. , as he takes us through his extraordinary entrepreneurial journey. From the life-changing decision of dropping out of IIT to leading the development of a groundbreaking AI startup, Alok shares the inspirations behind his bold choices, the challenges he conquered, and the principles that guide his success. Whether you're passionate about technology, business, or innovation, this episode is brimming with invaluable insights and lessons that will leave you inspired and motivated!Resources Mentioned:Founder Mode by Paul Graham: https://paulgraham.com/foundermode.html Shreya's SocialsWebsite https://www.buildwithshreya.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyaag/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/buildwithshreya/Twitter https://x.com/buildwithshreya/ Alok’s Socials Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/alokgotam/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alok._.gotam/Shot at  @93DegreesCoffeeRoasters  In the podcast 0:00 - Highlights0:31 - Introduction1:28 - Motivation behind Alok's decision to drop out from IIT3:24 - Transitioning from IIT to IIM7:00 - Completing degree after facing uncertainty7:24 - Journey and challenges of building Mind Clone AI17:27 - Challenges of bringing Mind Clone AI as a product18:32 - Formula for business success20:15 - When founders should stop pursuing an idea21:58 - Tech tip - tools to improve business operation22:51 - Tech tip - tech trends/news that tech entrepreneurs should pay attent24:01 - Artificial Intelligence being on par with human intelligence in the future27:38 - Sharing insights - Tech fail in Alok's startup29:54 - Sharing insights - Alok's perception on founders following a set of principles31:25 - Alok pitches his startup31:55 - Explaining tech acronym to a five year old 32:38 - Closing RemarksDon’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more engaging conversations on real estate and beyond!

In this episode, Shreya is joined by Yogiraj to explore the exciting future of India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry. They dive deep into key questions: Can India create a globally recognized EV brand? How affordable are EVs for the average consumer? And what role do technology, policy, and innovation play in shaping this revolution?

Key topics include:

• Electronic Waste Management: Tackling the challenge of sustainably disposing of batteries and other EV components.

• Battery Swapping: An innovative solution to reduce downtime and improve accessibility.

• Vehicle Leasing: Making EVs affordable and flexible for consumers exploring sustainable mobility.

• Data-Driven Market Organization: Leveraging IoT data, including vehicle make, driving habits, and geography, to establish resale value and optimize market efficiency.

• Sustainable Solutions: Innovations like solar-powered EVs with roof-mounted solar cells for autonomous charging.

• EV Financing: EV financing is a tailored financial solution, including loans and leases, designed to make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible.

Tune in to discover how India is driving towards a greener, more accessible future in electric mobility!

Glossary:

Homologation: The certification process ensuring a vehicle meets regulatory standards.

Battery Swapping: A system where depleted EV batteries are replaced with fully charged ones, reducing downtime.

Vehicle Leasing is a rental agreement where you pay to use a vehicle for a set period without owning it, typically involving lower upfront costs, fixed monthly payments, and the option to return or buy the vehicle at the end of the lease.

Residual Value: The estimated value of a vehicle at the end of its lease or use cycle, influenced by factors like condition and market demand.

Battery Technology: How lithium-ion batteries, like those in smartphones, degrade over time and how this impacts EV performance and waste management.

Electronic Waste Management: Addressing the rising challenge of sustainable disposal of used batteries and other EV components.

Vehicle Leasing: Exploring innovative solutions to make EV ownership more accessible and flexible.

Data-Driven Insights: Using IoT data on vehicle make, driving habits, and geography to shape resale value and improve market organization.

Solar-Powered Cars: Harnessing solar cells to charge EVs autonomously, paving the way for greener energy solutions.

Sustainable Energy Funds: Financing innovations in vehicle development and energy-efficient solutions.

The Role of Alumni Networks: Leveraging these groups for collaboration, funding, and knowledge-sharing in advancing India’s EV industry.

Yogiraj’s Recommendations: 

World Energy Congress- https://www.worldenergy.org/experiences-events/world-energy-congress

Shreya's Socials

Website https://www.buildwithshreya.com/ 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyaag/  

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/buildwithshreya?...  

Twitter https://x.com/buildwithshreya 

Yogiraj Socials 

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/yogiraj-gogia-7a6643119/

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more engaging conversations on Investments and beyond!

In this episode of Build with Shreya, Shreya sits down with Dhruv Dhanraj Bahl, Managing Director at Eternal Capital, who has been instrumental in shaping some of India’s most innovative startups, including BharatPe and Paytm. With a background in biomedical engineering and years of hands-on experience in venture capital, Dhruv shares a rare inside look into what it takes to scale businesses in India’s competitive startup ecosystem.

Join them as they delve into:

- Dhruv’s unconventional shift from engineering to venture capital and the insights he gathered along the way

- The unique challenges and opportunities in India’s startup landscape

- Practical, empowering advice for aspiring founders looking to make their mark

This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in startups, venture capital, or the art of building impactful businesses from the ground up. Don’t miss out oIbn this engaging, wisdom-packed conversation—stream it now on Build with Shreya!

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with us 

Shreya's Socials

Connect with us: 

Shreya's Socials

Website https://www.buildwithshreya.com/ 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyaag/  

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/buildwithshreya/

Twitter https://x.com/buildwithshreya/ 

Dhruv's Socials 

LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dhruv-dhanraj-bahl-3857a033/

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more engaging conversations on startups  and more! 

In the podcast

-  Highlights

-  Introduction

-  An unconventional Journey of an IIT engineer turned Wealth Manager

-  Tips for building financial literacy

-  Steps to understand your relationship with money

-  Defining personal wealth management through Smart Goals

-  Market crash or a market opportunity

-  Diversification of Wealth Portfolio

-  Is Real estate a REAL investment?

-  Explore SIP & Mutual Funds

-  Rapid Fire

-  Would you rather…?

-  Guest Recommendations     

-  Summary & Closure

In this episode, we explore the world of wealth management with Sumit Duseja, Co-founder and CEO of Truemind Capital. Sumit shares his unconventional journey from IIT engineer to financial expert, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped his career and ignited his passion for finance. He emphasizes the power of financial literacy and its profound impact on personal and professional success, offering practical strategies for setting SMART financial goals that align with your life aspirations.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Mrinali Mittal, Executive Director at Trinity Infratech and Founder of the Alumni Club!