Fintech Ki Baat

Join us on "Fintech Ki Baat" as Mahesh Shukla, founder of Payme, delves into the transformative journey of Payme, a platform dedicated to reshaping lending for the underserved market. In this episode, Mahesh explains how Payme addresses the unique challenges of high customer acquisition costs and smaller loan sizes in underserved areas. He discusses the detrimental impact of informal lending practices and how digital solutions like Payme provide a more ethical and transparent alternative. Explore the innovative use of AI in digital lending, including generative and explainable AI for underwriting, and learn about Payme's proactive Credit Assist product for rejected loan applicants. Mahesh also shares his insights on the future of digital lending, highlighting the roles of AI, the Open Credit Enablement Network, and the groundbreaking potential of credit on UPI. Chapters: 00:00 - How Payme started and the critical problem it solves in financial inclusion. 01:07 - Challenges in Underserved Markets: Exploring the economic hurdles in extending credit to less affluent communities. 02:12 - Addressing the Needs of the Underserved Market 03:39 - Economic Challenges in Underserved Areas 05:10 - Analyzing Customer Acquisition Costs 06:28 - Discussing Ticket Sizes and Affordability 09:39 - Combating Exploitation in Informal Lending 11:17 - Digital Solutions to Traditional Lending Issues 12:51 - The Impact of AI on Digital Lending 18:24 - Regulatory Perspectives on AI-based Underwriting 20:35 - Enhancing Credit Access with AI for Thin File Customers 22:29 -The transformative role of AI in enhancing credit assessments and underwriting processes 25:09 - Introducing the Credit Assist Product 28:05 - The Future Landscape of Digital Lending 29:36 - The Potential of Credit on UPI 30:12 - Conclusion and Forward Look This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in financial technology, digital lending, and the integration of AI in financial services. Subscribe to "Fintech Ki Baat" for more insightful discussions that navigate the frontiers of fintech innovation.

In this enlightening episode of "Fintech Ki Baat," join Mahesh Shukla, the visionary founder of PayMe, as he delves into the origins and growth of a platform designed to extend lending services to the underserved segments of the market. Mahesh shares his personal and professional experiences that led to the creation of PayMe, discusses the pivotal challenges faced in transforming the credit system, and how PayMe strives to bridge the financing gap. He also opens up about his transition from startup to an established entity, the personal trials during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the crucial aspects of maintaining mental health and stress management as a founder. Chapters: 00:02 - The inspiration behind starting PayMe and its mission. 03:18 - Insights into the complexities of the credit system and solutions provided by PayMe. 08:22 - T Evolution from a nascent startup to a robust company. 12:53 - Journey from a Startup to an Established Company 13:03 - Day-to-Day Life as a Founder 17:55 - Reflective Moments and Challenges Faced 21:18- Coping with significant personal and professional challenges. 23:33 - Essential takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs focusing on impact, mental health, and sustainable growth. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a professional in the fintech industry, or simply interested in the stories behind innovative startups, this episode offers a profound look at the challenges and triumphs of building a company that aims to make a difference. Tune in to "Fintech Ki Baat" for more inspiring discussions with leaders shaping the finance future.

Step into the world of Vasanth Kamath, the innovative founder of Smallcase, on this episode of "Fintech Ki Baat." Vasanth opens up about his personal preferences and habits that shape his daily life and contribute to his success. From his favorite book to his morning routine, and how he unwinds from the intense world of fintech, Vasanth shares valuable insights into balancing life and work. Discover his love for Japan, his guilty pleasures, and the favorite quote that keeps him motivated. This episode is a unique glimpse into the life of a fintech entrepreneur beyond the boardroom. 🔍 Episode Highlights: 00:01 - Vasanth's journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. 00:29 - The book that has impacted Vasanth the most. 01:17 -How a structured morning routine primes him for success. 01:50 - Activities Vasanth engages in to disconnect from work. 02:36 -Why Japan stands out as his favourite vacation spot. 03:05 - The dedication and commitment observed in Japan. 04:52 - Vasanth'sGuilty Pleasure 06:33 - The quote that inspires Vasanth daily. 07:43 - Closing Remarks This episode not only provides a closer look at what drives Vasanth Kamath but also offers practical tips for personal and professional growth. Tune in to "Fintech Ki Baat" for more episodes that reveal the human side of leading fintech figures.

Dive into the world of innovative investing on "Fintech Ki Baat" with Vasanth Kamath, the founder of Smallcase, who sheds light on how Smallcase is revolutionizing the investment landscape. This episode details the inception and operational framework of Smallcase, differentiating it from traditional mutual funds, and emphasizing the strategic importance of asset allocation. Vasanth also addresses the nuances of investment safety, including the burgeoning field of cryptocurrencies, and discusses the broader impacts of Smallcase on the financial industry and the macroeconomy. Further insights into the barriers and catalysts for Smallcase penetration in the market, the role of AI in enhancing financial processes, and the slow yet pivotal adoption of AI in wealth tech are also explored. 🔍 Key Highlights: Origin and Functionality: Understanding Smallcase as a dynamic portfolio of stocks. Investment Strategies: The crucial differences between mutual funds and Smallcase. Asset Allocation: Why starting with the right asset allocation matters. Emerging Investment Classes: Safety and regulation in the context of cryptocurrencies. Market Impact: The potential transformative effect of Smallcase on the economy. Technology in Finance: How AI and emerging technologies are shaping the future of Smallcase and the industry at large. Chapters: 00:05 - Introduction to Smallcase and Vasanth Kamath 03:05 - Smallcase Explained as a Portfolio of Stocks 08:25 - Distinguishing Mutual Funds from Smallcase 12:50 - The Importance of Asset Allocation 19:04 - Assessing the Safety of Different Investment Classes 23:12 - Cryptocurrencies Discussed as an Investment Option 26:18 - How Smallcase Influences the Industry and Economy 31:04 - Growth Catalysts for Smallcase Penetration 34:25 - Analyzing Barriers to Higher Smallcase Penetration 35:05 - Discussing Market Depth and Investment Opportunities 36:07- The Need for Global Ambitions in Companies 37:04 - The Role of Emerging Technologies in Finance 38:14 - Implementing AI in Internal Processes 39:28 - Challenges of AI Integration in Wealth Tech 40:30 - Wrap-Up and Rapid Fire Questions Join Vasanth Kamath for a comprehensive look at how Smallcase is setting new standards in the investment world and what the future holds for this pioneering platform. Subscribe to "Fintech Ki Baat" for more in-depth discussions and insights from leaders in the fintech industry.

Welcome to "Fintech Ki Baat," where in this episode, Vasanth Kamath, Founder of @smallcase unfolds his entrepreneurial journey and the innovative aspirations behind building a Bloomberg for private companies. Delve into the challenges and triumphs of shaping the financial services industry, the critical role of data in wealth management, and how smallcase is leveling the playing field through technology. Vasanth discusses the immense value of user feedback, the necessity of external validation, and shares personal lessons on co-founder dynamics, trust, and communication. 🔍 Episode Insights: Innovative Vision: The ambition to transform private company data accessibility. Startup Foundation: The initial drive and decisions that led to the creation of smallcase. User-Centric Approach: The pivotal role of feedback and validation in startup development. Leadership Insights: Lessons on trust, compatibility, and effective communication among founders. Focus and Balance: Strategies to maintain vision focus and balanced decision-making. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:08 - Building a Bloomberg for Private Companies 03:16 - The Entrepreneurial Drive Behind Starting Smallcase 04:57 - Choosing the Wealth Space for Smallcase 07:24 - Technology's Role in Democratizing Financial Services 09:18 - The Importance of User Feedback and External Validation 11:43 - Emphasizing External Validation 12:30 - Foundational Lessons Learned 14:19 - Staying Focused Amidst the Noise 16:16 - Balancing Passion with Pragmatic Deliberation 18:20 - Cultivating Community and Partnerships 21:49 - The Dual Edges of Trust and Skepticism 23:32 - Co-founder Compatibility and Trust 26:57 - Ensuring Effective Communication Among Founders 28:16 - Essential Advice for New Founders This episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, fintech professionals, and anyone interested in the intersections of technology and finance. Subscribe to "Fintech Ki Baat" for more engaging discussions that bring you closer to the heartbeat of fintech innovation.

Tune into "Fintech Ki Baat" for an exclusive deep dive with Nikhil Aggarwal, founder of @GripInvest as he explores the transformative world of alternative investments. In this episode, Nikhil unravels the innovative financial products reshaping investor portfolios, from the foundational ideas behind Grip Invest's unique offerings like LoanX and Leasex, to the broader impact of new age asset classes on wealth creation and the economy. 🔍 Key Highlights: Grip on Control: The origin story behind the name Grip Invest and its philosophy of empowering investors. Alternative Investments Demystified: Understanding the risk-reward dynamics and the value proposition compared to traditional investments. Innovative Products Spotlight: Deep dive into Grip's unique products, LoanX and Leasex, and how they offer diversified, attractive returns. Ensuring Safety: The role of credit rating agencies in securing democratized asset classes. Overcoming Barriers: Strategies for increasing adoption of new investment products through transparency and education. Technological Impact: How platforms like ONDC and account aggregators are set to revolutionize the financial services industry. Chapters: 00:01 - Introduction to Grip Invest 03:11 - Understanding Alternate Investment Classes 07:00- Highlighting Favorite New Age Investment Asset Classes 11:06 - Ensuring Safety in Democratized Asset Classes 13:12- Overcoming Adoption Challenges 15:00 - Demystifying the Lonex Product 16:29 - Introducing LoanX and Leasex 19:00 - Exploring the Leasex Product 22:26 - Impact of New Age Asset Classes on the Economy 26:27 - Effects on Individual Investor Strategies 30:07 - The Role of Emerging Technologies in Finance 33:57 - Predicting the Future of Financial Services Whether you're a seasoned investor looking for the next big thing or a newcomer curious about alternative investments, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge and practical insights. Subscribe to "Fintech Ki Baat" for more engaging conversations that help you stay ahead in the fast-evolving world of fintech.

Join us on this inspiring episode of "Fintech Ki Baat," where Shreyas Jani sits down with Nikhil Aggarwal, the visionary founder and CEO of Grip Invest. Nikhil shares his unique journey from navigating multiple school changes to breaking ground in finance and investment banking, leading up to his entrepreneurial venture with Grip Invest. This episode delves into the significance of diverse experiences, the relentless pursuit of building a lasting legacy, and the intricacies of customer acquisition in a B2C model. Discover Nikhil's insights on prioritizing product excellence, the art of customer effort for organic growth, selecting aligned investors, and the critical importance of mental health for founders. 🔍 Key Highlights: Varied Experiences: How diverse career paths can be a foundation for entrepreneurship. Legacy Building: The motivation to create something enduring. Product Excellence: Prioritizing great products over rapid scaling. Customer Acquisition: Strategies for the B2C model and the role of organic growth. Investor Alignment: Finding investors that share your vision and expectations. Simplification for Success: Making complex financial products understandable. Founder Well-being: The importance of managing stress and focusing on mental health. Chapters: 00:0 - Introduction and Background 06:23 - Journey From Varied Experiences to Entrepreneurship 12:21 - The Drive to Build Something That Lasts 14:51 - The Crucial Role of a Great Product 18:19 - Celebrating Key Milestones and Validation 18:26 - Emphasizing Customer Effort and Organic Growth 21:21 - The Quest for the Right Investors 23:11 - Simplifying Complex Financial Products 28:05 - The Founder's Mental Health Journey Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply interested in the fintech space, Nikhil's story offers valuable lessons on resilience, strategic thinking, and the essence of innovation. Subscribe to "Fintech Ki Baat" for more enlightening conversations that empower and educate the fintech community.

Join us for a captivating episode of Fintech Ki Baat featuring Shashank Randev, a distinguished VC and founder of 100xVC. From engineering to leading one of the most dynamic VC firms, Shashank shares his journey and deep insights into the venture capital industry. Don't miss these highlights: 01:25 - Discover who Shashank is and what ignited his passion for venture capital. 05:15 - The founding story of 100x VC and its mission. 09:25 - Shashank's perspective on the US economy vs. the Indian ecosystem and their similarities. 12:11 - Evaluating early-stage startups: Shashank's approach. 16:21 - Top 3 tips for early-stage founders pitching to a VC. 21:35 - The standout quality Shashank looks for in founders. 27:03 - Navigating the Indian VC landscape: Local vs. global VC approach. 32:38 - The impact of FOMO on VCs and how it influences decisions. 37:50 - Shashank's fintech focus areas for investment. 40:20 - B2B vs. B2C: Shashank's stance and strategic advice. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a startup enthusiast, or simply curious about the venture capital world, this episode offers invaluable insights directly from one of the industry's best. Dive into the discussion and unlock the secrets of successful VC engagement with Shashank Randev.

Dive into the heart of fintech investment with “Fintech Ki Baat,” where this episode, hosted by Shreyas Jani, features a riveting discussion with Osborne Saldanha, Principal at EMVC. Discover EMVC’s unique investment philosophy, the journey to becoming a VC, and Osborne’s invaluable advice for fintech startups gearing up for early-stage funding. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: • EMVC’s approach to global fintech investments, with a spotlight on financial services in India. • The essential qualities for aspiring VCs: curiosity and humility. • The impact of FOMO on VC decisions and how to navigate it. • Strategic factors influencing fintech investments in 2023. • Insights into evaluating startups without an MVP and the key metrics that matter in a pitch. • Future fintech trends: Where to place your bets in wealth product manufacturing and small business credit. Whether you’re a fintech enthusiast, an investor, or an entrepreneur, this episode is packed with foresight, strategy, and stories that enlighten and inspire. Chapters [00:00] - Introduction to funding eligibility for startups. [01:02] - Insights into regulatory risks in financial services. [01:55] - Introduction to VC Unfiltered series. [02:48] - Welcome and introduction of Mr. Osan Salana, principal at EMVC. [03:25] - EMVC's investment philosophy and focus. [05:07] - Detailed strategy on fintech and financial infrastructure investments. [07:50] - Osborn's journey to becoming a VC and advice for aspiring VCs. [09:33] - Importance of unique insights for fintech startups. [11:15] - Evaluating startups without an MVP. [12:28] - Importance of considering risk factors in business scaling. [13:40] - Predictions for key fintech investment areas over the next 5 years. [15:50] - What investors look for in founders' pitches. [17:33] - Discussion on metrics and pitfalls in startup presentations. [18:25] - Elaboration on regulatory risks and compliance. [19:10] - Navigating the regulatory landscape in fintech. [20:05] - Strategies for creating FOMO among investors. [21:22] - Influence of FOMO on investment decisions. [22:40] - Reflections on changes in the investment climate. [24:15] - Future investment landscape predictions. [25:30] - Investing in non-MVP startups and market understanding. [26:50] - Examples of successful pivots based on feedback. [28:05] - Fintech sectors poised for growth. [29:40] - Innovation in customer experience and financial inclusion. [31:20] - Final advice for fintech startups on resilience and adaptability. [32:45] - Closing advice for seeking investment and scaling. [34:10] - Summary and closing remarks from the hosts and guest. 🚀 Key Takeaways: • Unique insights and product-market fit are paramount for early-stage fintech startups. • The complex dance of investment decisions amidst market uncertainties and political landscapes. • The evolving focus areas in fintech that are promising lucrative returns in the coming years. 💡 Stay ahead of the fintech curve by subscribing to our channel and never miss an episode of “Fintech Ki Baat.” Share your thoughts, questions, or feedback in the comments below! #FintechInvestment #StartupAdvice #VCInsights #EMVC #FintechTrends #Entrepreneurship #FintechKiBaat #VentureCapital #StartupFunding #FinancialServices #Innovation

Join us as we dive into the world of supply chain finance with Ram Iyer, the visionary founder of Vayana Network, India's leading supply chain finance company. Discover the inspiration behind the name 'Vayana' and explore the intricacies of supply chains as vital living organisms. Key Highlights: 01:25- The Origin of 'Vayana': Ram Iyer shares the unique story behind the name 'Vayana' and his perspective on supply chains as comprehensive, living systems. 15:25- Unraveling Supply Chain Processes: A detailed explanation of the supply chain process, shedding light on its complexity and importance in today's economy. 23:20 -The Journey of an Invoice: An insightful look into the lifecycle of an invoice within the supply chain financing ecosystem. 29:21-Authenticating Invoices: Ram discusses the mechanisms in place for verifying the authenticity of invoices, a critical step in supply chain finance. 32:20- Blockchain's Impact: Iyer's take on how blockchain technology can transform supply chain finance, enhancing transparency and security. 36:48 -AI in Underwriting: Exploring the relevance of AI technology in the underwriting process and its potential to revolutionize supply chain financing. Conclusion: Dive deeper into the fascinating world of supply chain finance with Ram Iyer and discover how Vayana Network is leading the charge in innovation. Don't miss out on this insightful episode for a comprehensive understanding of the future of finance.

Today, we're diving into the world of investing with Vasanth Kamath, the visionary founder of smallcase. He's here to break down the complex concept of asset allocation into bite-sized pieces, so even a 5-year-old can understand. Stay tuned to master the art of smart investing! Vasanth engages the audience with a simple, interactive example to help viewers visualize how asset allocation works in real life, encouraging them to think about how they would divide their own "investment cake."

In an enlightening episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Ram Iyer, the visionary founder of Vayana, India's leading supply chain finance company. Despite steering a robust team of 450, Ram intriguingly revealed Vayana operates without a traditional HR department. Here are the key highlights from the interview: 01:20- Ram delves into his rich background, the inception of Vayana, and the profound meaning behind the name 'Vayana', offering a glimpse into the company's ethos. 14:30- He shares insightful perspectives on identifying the perfect moment to embark on an entrepreneurial journey, providing valuable guidance for aspiring founders. 24:20- Addressing the challenge of maintaining work-life balance, Ram discusses his strategies for juggling professional demands with personal life, an essential lesson for entrepreneurs navigating the demanding path of business ownership. 30:16- Offering sage advice to budding entrepreneurs, Ram outlines three critical 'don'ts' to avoid, laying down a roadmap for navigating the pitfalls of entrepreneurship. This episode offers a rare peek into the mind of a successful entrepreneur who has mastered the art of leading a major company while upholding a balanced personal life, all without the conventional structures of HR. Don't miss these invaluable insights for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of peer-to-peer (P2P) lending with Mukesh Bubna, the visionary founder of Monexo, India's first P2P lending platform. In this exclusive podcast, Mukesh shares his journey, the inspiration behind Monexo, and how P2P lending is reshaping the financial landscape in India. Discover key insights on: 01:08 The story behind the name "Monexo." 03:25: How P2P lending differs from traditional lending methods. 07:08:Viewing P2P lending as a viable revenue avenue from a retail perspective. 12:10:The recourse for investors when the other party defaults in P2P lending. 23:00: The impact of P2P lending on the portfolios of retail investors over 5-6 years compared to non-investors. 30:00: The long-term macroeconomic effects of cultivating a credit-taking habit. Don't miss these insights from a pioneer in the P2P lending space. Whether you're an investor, a borrower, or just curious about the future of finance, this episode is packed with valuable information.

Join us as Mukesh Bubna, founder and CEO of Monexo, takes us through the riveting journey of building India's first P2P lending platform. From his transition across international markets to the foundational steps of starting up, Mukesh shares invaluable insights and personal anecdotes from his entrepreneurial journey. 01:35- Discover the backstory of Monexo and Mukesh's journey 21:50- Insights into startup accountability and the entrepreneurial mindset 32:54- Mukesh's transition from employee to founder (32:54) 38:00- Exploring the concept of a safety net for entrepreneurs (38:00) Dive into the lessons learned, the hurdles overcome, and the wisdom gained by a pioneer in the fintech space. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, there's something for everyone! 👉 Watch now and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Join us in this episode where we chat with Rajat Deshpande, Founder of FinBox, and dive deep into the world of Embedded Finance. Discover how Finbox is revolutionizing India's financial landscape! 🚀 Finbox in a nutshell: Finbox is a game-changer in India, redefining finance with innovative solutions. TIME STAMPS- 01:00 - The intriguing story behind the name Finbox. 12:05 - Exploring what Finbox does and its impact. 17:45 - Discover the most unique use case built by Finbox. 19:24 - A fun and simple explanation of embedded finance, even for a 5-year-old! 20:52 - Dive into the backend of Finbox's financial side - how money moves and works. 30:00 - Let's debunk some myths about Finbox. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation about FinBox and the future of finance in India! Subscribe to our podcast now!

Join us in an eye-opening conversation with Rajat, the innovative mind behind FinBox, as we delve into the riveting chronicles of his entrepreneurial journey. Discover the pivotal moments that inspired Rajat to take the leap into the world of startups. From his initial safety nets to the invaluable lessons learned from the pitfalls along the way, Rajat lays it all out in the open, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a founder. TIME STAMPS:- 01:15- What was the moment that convinced Rajat to leave his comfort zone and venture into the unknown? 06:00- How did Rajat's 'safety net' shape his approach to risk-taking in business?" 09:12- Most Frugal things done in the early days as Founder 16:38- When did you feel the venture is actually going to work? 20:24- How does Rajat stay sane where in the startup industry every day is like a rollercoaster ride? 22:25- Hard-earned lessons Rajat can share about the missteps that redefine a founder's path?

Join us in an eye-opening conversation with Rajat, the innovative mind behind FinBox, as we delve into the riveting chronicles of his entrepreneurial journey. Discover the pivotal moments that inspired Rajat to take the leap into the world of startups. From his initial safety nets to the invaluable lessons learned from the pitfalls along the way, Rajat lays it all out in the open, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a founder. TIME STAMPS:- 01:15- What was the moment that convinced Rajat to leave his comfort zone and venture into the unknown? 06:00- How did Rajat's 'safety net' shape his approach to risk-taking in business?" 09:12- Most Frugal things done in the early days as Founder 16:38- When did you feel the venture is actually going to work? 20:24- How does Rajat stay sane where in the startup industry every day is like a rollercoaster ride? 22:25- Hard-earned lessons Rajat can share about the missteps that redefine a founder's path?

Dive into digital commerce with Rahul Handa, Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at ONDC, who recently joined us on our podcast. Rahul sheds light on what ONDC is and how it's transforming the digital commerce landscape. 🔍 In this quick, 5-minute session, gain valuable insights directly from an industry expert. Discover the inner workings, potential impact, and prospects of ONDC, an initiative poised to revolutionise online commerce. #fintechkibaatpodcast #bestfintechpodcast #

This "VC Unfiltered" episode features Mayank Jain, a principal at Stellaris Venture Capital. Mayank shares his extensive experience in the venture capital industry, offering valuable insights for fintech startups and entrepreneurs. Episode Highlights :- 01:14 - Background of Mayank 15:25 - Stellaris VP an Overview? 18:27 - Fintech Models that excites you as a VC! 26:37 - Fintech Wishlist! Solutions you want to see being built? 28:50 - What can most founders do better while pitching ? 31:00 - What do VC's look for while evaluating a startup and how do you arrive at a valuation for early stage Startups? 33:43 - Founders or Founding team Vs. Thesis which would you give more weightage to ? 35:26 - Do Indian VC's fall for FOMO while investing in a startup? And How to create FOMO in Investors? 38:02 - What key metrics would you want to hear in Founder's pitch ? Mayank Jain's Background: Mayank discusses his journey from being an average student to attending IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad, and his transition into the startup ecosystem. Experience in Startups and Fintech: Insights into his time at small startups, his own HR tech company, and roles in companies like Practo and Ola Financial Services. Stellaris Venture Partners: An overview of Stellaris Venture Partners, their investment thesis, and focus areas, especially in fintech. Investment Strategy: Mayank delves into what Stellaris looks for in startups, focusing on lending solutions, embedded lending, and fintech infrastructure. Future of Fintech: Discussion on the evolution of fintech, potential future trends, and areas of interest for upcoming investments. Advice for Founders: Mayank shares advice for early-stage founders on pitching, building a thesis, and focusing on customer segments, problems, solutions, economics, and market strategies. Q&A with Founders: Addressing questions from founders about venture capital, startup evaluation, and what VCs look for in early-stage startups. Notable Quotes: "India is a special country with its own nuances, and you have to factor that in." "The biggest opportunity lies in credit, as both consumers and SMEs are extremely credit starved." Recommended for: Entrepreneurs, startup founders, fintech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in venture capital and the evolving landscape of fintech in India.

This "VC Unfiltered" episode features Mayank Jain, a principal at Stellaris Venture Capital. Mayank shares his extensive experience in the venture capital industry, offering valuable insights for fintech startups and entrepreneurs. Episode Highlights :- 01:14 - Background of Mayank 15:25 - Stellaris VP an Overview? 18:27 - Fintech Models that excites you as a VC! 26:37 - Fintech Wishlist! Solutions you want to see being built? 28:50 - What can most founders do better while pitching ? 31:00 - What do VC's look for while evaluating a startup and how do you arrive at a valuation for early stage Startups? 33:43 - Founders or Founding team Vs. Thesis which would you give more weightage to ? 35:26 - Do Indian VC's fall for FOMO while investing in a startup? And How to create FOMO in Investors? 38:02 - What key metrics would you want to hear in Founder's pitch ? Mayank Jain's Background: Mayank discusses his journey from being an average student to attending IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad, and his transition into the startup ecosystem. Experience in Startups and Fintech: Insights into his time at small startups, his own HR tech company, and roles in companies like Practo and Ola Financial Services. Stellaris Venture Partners: An overview of Stellaris Venture Partners, their investment thesis, and focus areas, especially in fintech. Investment Strategy: Mayank delves into what Stellaris looks for in startups, focusing on lending solutions, embedded lending, and fintech infrastructure. Future of Fintech: Discussion on the evolution of fintech, potential future trends, and areas of interest for upcoming investments. Advice for Founders: Mayank shares advice for early-stage founders on pitching, building a thesis, and focusing on customer segments, problems, solutions, economics, and market strategies. Q&A with Founders: Addressing questions from founders about venture capital, startup evaluation, and what VCs look for in early-stage startups. Notable Quotes: "India is a special country with its own nuances, and you have to factor that in." "The biggest opportunity lies in credit, as both consumers and SMEs are extremely credit starved." Recommended for: Entrepreneurs, startup founders, fintech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in venture capital and the evolving landscape of fintech in India.