Ankit is the founder of ZedBee Technologies, an IIT-Madras incubated startup that has developed next-generation solutions for energy management in buildings & industries. Their state-of-the-art systems are built around the Internet of Things technology and advanced machine learning algorithms hosted in the cloud.

For more details and an episode summary click here - bit.ly/dtm-az

(0:28) Ankit’s personal journey into entrepreneurship

(6:53) "The Impact of Professor Ashok (Founder IITM, Research Park) on Indian Entrepreneurs: How Has He Inspired and Motivated Them?"

(15:15) Understanding the End User and Market Scope

(15:46) Potential savings for commercial setup: Past experiences and numbers.

(18:52) Raising a Successful Pre Seed Round: Strategies and Tips

(21:13) Identifying Early Customers for Idea Validation

(22:36) Assessing Technical Feasibility in the Early Stages of Product Development

(24:48) Assessment and Confidence in Developing Solutions: Overcoming Challenges

(26:04) Main technologies in the product

(27:29) Focus on Patents

(27:51) Building Moats in Startups

(31:14) Overcoming Initial Activation Hurdles to Gain Client Trust and Adoption

(35:13) Future Market Forces in the Industry: Technology, Consumer Behavior, and Regulations

(38:39) Advice for Entrepreneurs: Taking an IoT AIML Startup from Zero to One

Links:

Ankit Poddar - ankit-poddar (LinkedIn), zedbee.in

Pronojit Saha, DTM Podcast - pronojitsaha (LinkedIn), @pronojits (Twitter)

We've reached our 50th episode of the podcast! Thanks to all the listeners, the guests & the thriving Indian deep-tech community for their continuous love & support.

Today's episode is a very special one, not only because its our 50th but more so because of our guest. Arpit is a passionate advocate for deep tech transforming our world. With a strong background in startups and technology commercialization, he leads Deep Tech investments at Blume Ventures for a decade now with particular focus on ClimateTech, Electric Mobility, HealthTech, and Logistics. Companies he manages include Spinny, Cashify, Euler Motors, Battery Smart, BeatO and THB. He has been actively involved with promotion of startups since 2006 with prior engagements across Headstart Network and TLabs.

In this episode, explore the Indian deep tech ecosystem with Arpit as he delves into its history, the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, survival in the industry, government’s role, shifting investor trends, and Blume's focus on deep tech.

Links:

Arpit Agarwal – Arpit Agarwal (LinkedIn), @arpiit (Twitter)

Blume - Blume (LinkedIn)

Pronojit Saha, DTM Podcast - pronojitsaha (LinkedIn), @pronojits (Twitter)

Show Notes:

(3:32) Overview of Indian Deep Tech Ecosystem Evolution and Key Milestone Turning Points

(10:46) Challenges and Opportunities in Indian Deep Tech: Funding, Skilled Talent, and Market Acceptance

(16:14) The Connection Between Risk-Taking and Success in Deep Tech

(17:47) Market Acceptance for Deep Tech Solutions & its Evolution

(20:50) The Impact of Government Initiatives on Deep Tech Startups

(23:17) The Role of Academic Institutions and Research Centers in Industry-Academia Partnership

(25:06) Trends in Investor Interest and Funding Availability for Deep Tech Startups

(29:22) Advise to Deep Tech Founders

(31:17) Technologies with Significant Potential for Future Growth

(32:39) BLume's Portfolio Startups: A Brief Overview

(33:38) Why is Blume considered one of the best places for deep-tech startups?

(35:36) What needs to be done to have successful deep tech startups like OpenAI from India?

In this episode, we have an exciting guest, Nihal, the co-founder of Myoworks, a biotech startup that is shaping the future of the cultivated meat industry. Nihal shares the founding story of Myoworks and how they adapted 3D printing to create something more innovative and cutting-edge for the cultivated meat industry. He talks about the team's journey in creating a novel scaffolding technology for the industry. We also touch upon the benefits of cultivated meat as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional farm meat. Lastly, Nihal mentions the team's success in securing funding through BIRAC and the SINE incubator at IIT Bombay. So, let's dive in and learn how Myoworks is revolutionizing the food industry!

Social Links

Nihal - nihal-singh (LinkedIn)

MyoWorks - www.myoworks.in

Pronojit Saha, DTM Podcast - pronojitsaha (LinkedIn),  @pronojits (Twitter) 

Show Notes

(0:29) Founding Story and Overview of Myowworks

(2:11) Understanding Cultivated Meat: Ingredients and Appearance

(5:22) Benefits of cultivated meats

(7:47) Regulations Around Cultivated Meat

(8:14) The Challenges of Raising Funding for BioTech Startup

(11:08) Assessing Business Model Viability in Early Stages

(13:07) Identifying Early Customers for Startup Success

(15:32) Working with design partners

(16:25) Assessing Technical Feasibility and Iterative Process

(19:40) Facilities for Technologies: In-House or Ecosystem Enabler?

(21:27) Overcoming hurdles in Biotech startup marketing by being Data Driven

(24:50) Current Status and Future Expectations of Market Regulations in Singapore and Worldwide

(26:28) Challenges in scaling for the BioTech industry

(28:30) Insights on Raising Seed Funding for Biotech Startups

(31:20) Anticipated BioTech market forces in the next 3-5 years

(32:22) Advice to fellow BioTech startup founders to gear them for success.

Neeraj is an industry veteran with more than two decades of experience in leading Strategy, GTM, and Operations globally for Fortune 500 companies. In this episode, he shares his journey from working in leading corporates to becoming an angel investor in startups and eventually founding Xscale. He talks about his motivation for creating the company, which is aimed at helping startups scale their businesses and overcome the common struggles of scaling, selling, and monetization. Neeraj shares his insights on deep tech and highlights some of Xscale's contributions to helping startups go from zero to one. Neeraj also provides his top five pieces of advice for entrepreneurs looking to take their deep tech startups from zero to one. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of GTM strategy for deep tech startups and how to use a template-based approach for startup GTM motions.

For episode transcript, bullet point summary, and more – bit.ly/dtm-xscale

In this episode we discuss,

(00:27) Founding story of Xscale and its motivation

(03:24) What is the current team composition of Xscale?

(05:05) How does Neeraj define Deep Tech?

(06:32) Xscale’s contributions in helping startups go from zero to one

(13:03) Neeraj’s top 5 advice to entrepreneurs who want to take their deep tech startups from zero to one

(21:30) Can GTM motion be the moat for deep tech products?

(25:18) How does Template based approach of GTM change the scenario?

(31:25) Future initiatives of Xscale in deep tech space

Social Links:

Neeraj Randev – neerajsaxena (LinkedIn)

XScale - xscaleglobal (LinkedIn)

Pronojit Saha, DTM Podcast - pronojitsaha (LinkedIn), @pronojits (Twitter)

Shashank is the Co-Founder of 100X.VC - India's first venture fund to invest in early-stage startups using iSAFE Notes. He brings entrepreneurial and investment understanding with 15+ years of cross-functional expertise. Shashank’s professional ability in developing, launching, and making the first move when it comes to products and solutions is reflected in the novel model of 100X.VC. As a Co-Founder of 100X.VC, he is part of the Investment Committee and works closely with portfolio companies on how to improve the chances of new products succeeding. He also helps them raise follow-up capital from growth-stage VCs, CVCs, and family offices. Apply for the Class 10 cohort for INR 1.25 CR funding here: ⁠www.100x.vc/class10

In this episode we discuss,

(00:31) Founding story of 100X.VC. What was its motivation?

(02:30) What is iSAFE Notes and how startups can take advantage of it?

(06:01) How can startups apply to 100X.VC and what's their program structure like?

(09:55) How does 100X.VC define deep tech?

(11:31) Some portfolio deep tech startups of 100X - Accio Robotics, Confider Health, Emo Energy, Meta Shop, Think Metal

(15:10) Shahank’s 5-stage deep tech startup lifecycle framework & how 100X helps deep tech startups to move through the stages

(19:50) Shashank’s advice to deep tech founders to take their startup from 0 to 1

(23:21) What does 100X look for in deep tech startups while deciding to invest?

(27:44) What are some future initiatives being planned at 100X?

(29:41) What are some future opportunities in deep tech domain that Shashank wished a startup could capitalize now?

Social Links:

Shashank Randev, 100X.VC - shashankrandev (LinkedIn), @ShashankRandev (Twitter)

Pronojit Saha, DTM Podcast - pronojitsaha (LinkedIn), @pronojits (Twitter)

Links & References from the episode:

- Generative Ai trends Article: https://www.100x.vc/blog/generative-ai-8-futuristic-trends

- 100X Investment Thesis - https://www.100x.vc/investment-thesis

Dr. Ritu Verma is the Co-founder and Managing Partner at Ankur Capital – an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in digital & deep science technology startups. Prior to starting Ankur Capital, Ritu ran Truven, an advisory firm for venture funds looking at investments in India and SE Asia. She is passionate about bringing innovation from the lab to the market and did that for over a decade across different roles at Philips and Unilever across the globe. 

In this episode, Ritu shares her insights into the world of deep science technologies, including synthetic biology, battery chemistry, bioinformatics, and materials. She also discusses Ankur Capital's investment philosophy and how they support deep science entrepreneurs in India. Ritu highlights the importance of user research and the need to bring in business, market, and customer skills to test whether an innovation is a solution to a customer's problem. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, or an investor interested in deep science startups, this podcast is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of deep science technologies and how early-stage startups can set themselves up for success.

Find the episode summary, transcript & more here - bit.ly/dtm-ritu

Show Notes:

(00:46) What motivated founding Ankur Capital's deep science technologies vertical?

(02:32) How does Ritu Verma define deep science?

(05:30) Portfolio startups that Ankur Capital has invested in, the problems they solve & their IPs

(09:30) What makes Ankur Capital one of the best places for deep science startups?

(11:15) Ritu’s top 3 advice to entrepreneurs looking to take their deep science startup from zero to one.

(14:15) How can deep science startups de-risk their long gestation periods?

(16:50) How can startup founders assess scalability potential early on?

(19:50) Ritu’s viewpoint on the prevalence and importance of doing user research in the deep tech industry.

(24:05) How to build moats in deep science products? What is ring-fencing?

(26:55) Future initiatives of Ankur Capital in deep science space.

(27:55) Future opportunities in deep science space that startups should capitalize on

— Where to find Dr. Ritu Verma:

·       LinkedIn – ritu-verma

·       Twitter – @rituverma01

— Where to find Ankur Capital:

·       LinkedIn – ankur-capital

·       Twitter – @ankurcapital

·       Web – Ankur Capital

—Where to find Pronojit Saha, DTM Podcast:

·       LinkedIn – pronojitsaha

·       Twitter – @pronojits

Are you ready to be inspired and gain valuable insights from one of the most successful and accomplished evangelists in the Indian startup ecosystem? On this episode of our show, we have the privilege of sitting down with Ravi, a true trailblazer who has overcome incredible obstacles to achieve success in his career. From growing up in a Naxalite-affected area in India to holding key roles at Venture Catalyst, Shark Tank, and the private office of the Royal Family of Dubai, Ravi has a wealth of experience to share around those roles. 

You'll also hear about his 2-month-long international startup tour spanning 11 countries, and the insider tips he has to offer on the best things to eat in those countries! But that's not all, Ravi also shares his expert advice for entrepreneurs looking to raise funds and what to look for in investors. With over 2000 startup events under his belt, he's also got big plans for a first-of-its-kind Startup Angel event later this year in Abu Dhabi and he's going to give us a sneak peek into what we can expect. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most accomplished and successful evangelists in the Indian startup ecosystem. Tune in now!

Find the chat transcript and summary at - https://pronojits.substack.com/p/dtm-e45-ravi-ranjan-entrepreneurship

Social Links:

Ravi Ranjan, Entrepreneurship Evangelist - itsraviranjan (LinkedIn), itsraviranjan (Twitter)

Pronojit Saha, DTM Podcast - pronojitsaha (LinkedIn), @pronojits (Twitter)

Show Notes:

(00:02:16) What motivated Ravi towards entrepreneurship early on in his career

(00:05:30) Ravi’s viewpoint on enabling entrepreneurship at the grass-root levels

(00:10:20) What has led to Venture Catalyst’s phenomenal growth in angel investment space

(00:14:00) Ravi’s experience in designing the biggest startup show in India - SharkTank

(00:18:40) The goal of the Private Office of the Royal Family of Dubai for startup development

(00:21:55) Middle East rising up to capitalize on the Web 3.0 startup ecosystem

(00:23:20) Ravi’s experience on representing India across 11 startup nations in 2 months

(00:28:40) Ravi’s gastronomical insights on European food!

(00:31:50) Ravi’s advice to entrepreneurs on things to consider while raising funding and things to look out for in investors

(00:34:30) Ravi’s big plans for one of world’s first and largest event for angel investors in Abu Dhabi

Padma Shree Ashok Jhunjhunwala is the founder and president of IIT Madras (IITM) Research Park & Incubation Cell (IC), one of India’s foremost Deep Tech startup hubs. As of recording, IITM IC has incubated 280+ startups generating Rs 1620+cr revenue at a valuation of Rs 33000cr (US 4.1B), and it’s ever-growing. Some of its marquee startups are Ather, Uniphore, Stellapps, MediBuddy, and many more. Prof Ashok is a strong proponent of entrepreneurship and has motivated & guided 1000s of students & young entrepreneurs over the years towards the same. He was also the former principal advisor to the Ministry of Power, Govt. of India.

In this episode, Dr. Ashok takes us back to the India of the 90s to highlight how some trends that motivated him toward the entrepreneurial ecosystem. He talks about inspiring other entrepreneurs not just to believe but also to act on the power of ideas by building things. He highlights the DNA of IITM IC and how it’s a startup in its own right. He opines on the future of the deep tech industry and shares his advice for entrepreneurs just starting out. With his wealth of experience comes a treasure trove of insights. Surely not to be missed.

In this episode we discuss:

(00:01:39) How has India's entrepreneurship and startup scene changed from the 1980s and 1990s to the present day?

(00:12:43) How does Dr. Ashok define deep tech?

(00:14:30) What makes IITM Incubation Cell an ideal place for a deep tech startup?

(00:20:33) How does Incubation Cell help someone grow once they are accepted into the system?

(00:23:28) Some marquee startups to come out of IITM IC

(00:25:10) Opinions on some of the initiatives that the ITM Incubation Cell is planning for the future.

(00:26:40) What does Dr. Ashok think about the general prospects of the deep tech industry?

(00:27:05) What are some of the future trends he sees?

(00:29:27) Dr. Ashok's top three pieces of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs just starting out

— Where to find us:

— Where to find IITM Incubation Cell & Research Park:

Jitesh, is the founder and CTO of Ishitva Robotic Systems, which is building futuristic automated Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) that can sort different types of waste at high volume for Indian Cities. Automated MRF solutions incorporate AI Vision Systems, Mechanical Robots, High-Speed Sorting, and Live Analytics of Waste Streams which Jitesh has developed at Ishitva over the last 6 years. Their clients include Municipal Solid Waste Companies, Plastic Aggregators, and different types of companies who recycle and create pellets, paper, cardboard, etc. Ishitva's vision is to provide automation sorting solutions for all types of waste like Plastic, Paper, Cardboard, Glass, Metal, Rubber, etc. Before Ishitva, Jitesh had 12+ years of experience in the software industry and worked for Fortune 500 Companies building products and solutions across the globe.

In today’s episode, we talk about how Ishitva can act as a catalyst for the “waste circular economy” by providing a high volume of materials to recyclers. Jitesh highlights how to evaluate the technical viability of AI/ML solutions and how to make clients trust AI. He further ruminates about the prospects of making his vision system available as a service. We end up with Jitesh’s advice on making it from idea to traction in deep tech and how the technology space in Gujarat is moving ahead in Automation R&D.

In this episode, we cover

(00:01:02) What inspired Jitesh to get into entrepreneurship?

(00:05:20) What is the problem Ishitva solving? What is the circular economy?

(00:08:24) Ishitva’s traction till now and major clients

(00:10:05) Ishitva’s hardware and software technology stack

(00:15:02) How to assess the technical viability of an AI/ML solution early on?

(00:20:43) How to make consumers or clients accept and trust an AI product?

(00:23:09) How can deep tech startups create competitive moats?

(00:28:44) Like large language models, can Ishitva’s vision system be offered as a service as well?

(00:31:00) What are Jitesh's top suggestions for launching a deep-tech startup or product?

(00:33:48) Jitesh's viewpoint on the developments taking place in Gujarat in technology domain

Where to find us?

Jitesh Dadlani – jiteshdadlani (LinkedIn)

Ishitva Robotic Systems – Ishitvaroboticsystems (LinkedIn), @IshitvaSystems (Twitter), ishitva.in (Web)

Pronojit, DTM Podcast - pronojitsaha (LinkedIn), @pronojits (Twitter)

Swapnil Jain has a vast experience of 17+ years and is a proficient all-rounder when it comes to Product Evangelism, Project Management, Seed Investments, Mentorship, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Speaker, and Tech-Evangelism. He is currently a founder and CEO at ORAI Robotics, an AI-Powered Robotic Virtual Assistant for Education, Automobile, Healthcare and other industries. It serves as a "Performance Amplifier" for generating and qualifying quality leads and delivering higher strike rates to customers automatically 24x7.

With his rich niche experience in transforming business ideas into technology-driven business models, his entire focus is on evangelizing Digital Transformation with the power of AI/ML and RPA. In the era of Artificial Intelligence and Voice-First trends, his true experience lies in formulating digital business strategies that are matched with technological implementation to collaborate and compete in a new market.

In this episode, we cover

(00:00:29) Swapnil’s super interesting back-story and what motivated him towards entrepreneurship.

(00:09:42) What are the major products of ORAI?

(00:13:40) Is conversational AI a crowded space? Should that be a barrier for new entrants?

(00:16:26) Did ORAI take a horizontal or vertical product approach and why?

(00:18:19) What were the initial activation hurdles that ORAI faced to make clients trust and try their product?

(00:19:51) What are the major technologies at play in the product?

(00:21:58) What are the competitive moats for ORAI?

(00:26:20) Swapnil’s thoughts on human-like interaction of AI conversation agents

(00:31:09) Swapnil’s advice to fellow entrepreneurs to make their journey from zero to one

(00:36:15) What have been some unexpected uses of their product?

Where to find us

Swapnil Jain – swapniljain (LinkedIn), swapnil_jain_25 (Twitter)

ORAI – orairobotics (LinkedIn), ORAIRobotics (Twitter)

Pronojit, DTM Podcast - pronojitsaha (LinkedIn), @pronojits (Twitter)