In this episode of The Startup Operator Podcast, host Roshan sits down with Divesh Dhawan, founder of Meyrahkee Advisors, to discuss the evolving landscape of hiring in startups. They delve into the importance of understanding Gen Z workers, the sectors currently in high demand, and valuable tips for candidates to get shortlisted. They also touch on the cultural aspects that influence hiring decisions and share some of the top startups known for their exceptional work environments.

00:00 Introduction

01:41 Current Hiring Trends in Startups

03:56 Tips for Job Candidates

07:38 Evaluating Company Culture

11:24 Top Startups to Work For

14:39 Funny Interview Stories

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator

​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​

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In this episode of the Startup Operator Roundup, Roshan and Gunjan cover the latest and most impactful headlines from India's startup ecosystem. They start with Swiggy's second-largest IPO of the year, Zomato's innovations, Freshworks' recent layoffs and simultaneous stock buyback, and ISRO's new partnership with IIT Madras. They also discuss Elon Musk's Starlink seeking permission for satellite broadband in India and the closure of Stowa's alternate MBA program.

Topics:

00:00 Introduction

00:44 Opening comments

01:19 Major Headlines

02:28 US Elections and Tech Influence

06:05 Swiggy's Market Debut

09:22 Zomato's New Features

12:39 Freshworks Layoffs and Buyback

17:43 ISRO and IIT Madras Partnership

19:44 Starlink's Entry into India

23:11 Stoa's Shutdown and Reflections

25:53 Weekly Fundraisers and Wrap-Up

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​

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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

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator

​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​

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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

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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

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Connect with Us:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator ​

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​

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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

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Connect with Us:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator

​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​

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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

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 Journey
02:29 Understanding the Health Insurance Market
03:34 Customer Experience in Insurance
05:10 The Problem of Under Coverage
16:45 Comparing Global Healthcare Systems
24:27 Building a Customer-Centric Product
26:42 Collaborating with Incumbents
39:06 Managing Customer Experience
46:55 User-Centric Network Philosophy
47:16 Challenges in Insurance Alignment
47:59 Inpatient vs. Outpatient Worlds
48:43 Technological Integrations and Claims Processing
49:50 Health Claims Exchange Explained
54:41 Billing Code Harmonization
01:01:57 Platform Business Insights
01:07:08 Navigating Regulatory Landscape
01:18:47 Growth Strategies and Market Expansion
01:27:00 Startup Challenges and Sustainability
01:33:51 Recommended Reads and Podcasts

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Connect with Us: 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator
​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​

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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 Introduction
00:10 Celebrating #1
01:14 Global FinTech Festival Highlights
01:51 Time's 100 Most Influential in AI including Anil Kapoor
02:21 Arrest of Telegram CEO 
02:51 Insurance Dekho's New SaaS Platform
03:28 Upcoming FinTech IPOs
03:39 Angel Investing Success Stories
23:43 InfoEdge's Impressive Portfolio
23:59 Rapido Joins the Unicorn Club
26:29 Zepto's Remarkable Fundraising
28:00 Quick Roundup of Fundraisers
28:36 SSI's Billion Dollar Seed Round
31:43 OnlyFans' Financial Success
33:15 Boldcare's Viral Marketing Stunt
35:25 Innovative Consumer Tech Products
38:08 Shopify's Market Insight
42:30 Founder Mode vs. Manager Mode
48:08 Conclusion and closing comments

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator
​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​

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Talk of the Town Tweets:
Consumer Tech: https://x.com/ritwikpavan/status/1832061056447033377
OnlyFans Revenue: https://x.com/ParikPatelCFA/status/1832126344177791011
Tobi Lutke : https://x.com/StartupArchive_/status/1828399599415107809
1x Neo : https://x.com/minchoi/status/1829931741219602739
Boldcare Marketing: https://x.com/oneandonlyrk/status/1830585560060289428
Paul 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!

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

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Connect with Devedra Agrawal, Founder - Dexter Capital

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devendra-agrawal-85144598

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 Introduction
02:27 Starting a Business: Key Insights
05:09 Building for the Masses
07:05 Experimenting with Ideas
09:05 Understanding User Needs
16:13 Validating App Ideas
24:27 Growth Strategies and User Engagement
36:52 Monetization and User Feedback
41:37 Building Without Bias
42:19 Commitment to User Needs
43:11 Business Model Innovation
44:26 Monetizing Devotion
46:23 Digital Spiritual Tourism
49:07 Empowering Lesser-Known Temples
58:10 The Role of Devotion in Society
01:11:07 Navigating Market Challenges
01:11:31 Fundraising Insights
01:14:34 App Store Challenges
01:18:07 Advice for Founders
01:19:49 Recommended Reads for Founders
01:21:17 Conclusion and Farewell

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https://wa.me/message/ZUZQQGKCZTADL1

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Connect with Us: 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator
​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​

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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!