A great startup begins with the right foundation, funding strategy, and market validation. But how do you test your idea, attract investors, and decide between bootstrapping or VC funding?

In this episode, K N Karthikeyan, founder of Arthhaa, an investment bank specializing in early-stage startups, reveals:

• The ultimate litmus test for startup ideas—solution vs. real problem
• How to conduct market research before you build
• Biggest pitfalls pre-seed founders must avoid
• Bootstrapped vs. VC-funded startups—which model works best?
• How investors evaluate early-stage startups and what they look for

If you are a first-time founder or startup aspirant, this episode delivers battle-tested strategies to help you launch, fund, and scale the right way.