Build To Scale

From having a problem of getting wait-listed on your train tickets to building a whole start-up to solve that problem, Vineet Chirania, one of the co-founders of Trainman, in this episode, talks about his entrepreneurial journey with us. What is the point of Trainman? Trainman is the first train waitlisting confirmation app in India. It started off with giving information about the tickets which go into the wait list and showing confirmed train tickets. Later it developed to booking tickets and gives average delay time for every train available as well. Vineet started off as an engineer but his motivation to solve a major problem in transportation to create a product to help himself as well as others. How do we pick our co-founders? Vineet talks about the importance of having a co-founder correctly for start-ups. He is one of the co-founders with the other two co-founders. He emphasizes working with complementary skills for having a balance while developing a business. If one knows how to build an app, the other person should know marketing or business development. Importance of the growth of the company Having no growth mindset in a start-up is one of the mistakes many entrepreneurs make. Only building a product or service will be useless for a start-up. There should be a balance between these two for growing your start-ups.

In this episode of Build To Scale, we explore the remarkable journey of Livofy founder Sahil Pruthi. Sahil's college days were a whirlwind of activities, from theatre to engineering, debating, and more. Despite roles as an engineer and product manager, he took the entrepreneurial plunge after his mother's brain surgery introduced him to integrative care. Certified by the ISSA, Sahil founded Livofy to help individuals combat chronic diseases. Sahil shares strategies that have made Livofy successful, like their innovative B2B2C model, connecting businesses, customers, and medical professionals. Technology is at the core of their approach, using AI to personalise health services. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Sahil emphasises trusting the process, iterating on ideas, and pursuing a business model aligned with passion rather than trends. Sahil shares the following insights on entrepreneurship : Trust the process “Trust the process" in starting a business means having confidence in the step-by-step journey of entrepreneurship, and recognizing that challenges are opportunities to learn and grow. It emphasizes patience, resilience, and the belief that consistent effort will lead to success. Accepting different ideas Embracing diverse ideas in the early stages of a business fosters creativity and innovation. It encourages a culture of inclusivity, where varied perspectives can lead to unique solutions and a competitive edge in the market. Sustainable business strategies over fleeting trends While trendy and fashionable business models may seem appealing, relying solely on them can be risky. Sustainable success in starting a business comes from creating value, solving real problems, and building a strong foundation that withstands changing trends. It's crucial to prioritize long-term viability over short-lived fads to ensure lasting success. Passion-Driven business models Creating a business model aligned with your passion not only fuels your motivation but also increases your chances of success. Your genuine enthusiasm will drive you to overcome challenges, innovate, and provide authentic value to customers, making it a powerful foundation for a thriving business.

Ishaan, the founder of Deepsync, foresaw generative AI's potential ahead of the mainstream wave and began its journey over 3 years ago when terms like "Generative AI" and "Synthetic Media" were unfamiliar in mainstream discourse. Ishaan runs the generative AI company Deepsync. He started the company in 2020 and built software that allows creators and publishers to clone voices and automatically create content without any manual intervention or recording. In this podcast, Ishaan talks about the potential of AI replacing humans and entrepreneurial lessons in the AI Field. Below are the key insights from the episode:

Join us in an engaging conversation with Divij Bajaj, an accomplished entrepreneur, as we delve into the origins of his entrepreneurial spirit. Hailing from Delhi, Divij attributes his drive to his father's advice on creating employment. Determined to make a difference, he embarked on the path of entrepreneurship, exploring opportunities and analyzing market dynamics. Divij's transformative mindset, fueled by diverse observations ranging from bustling Momo sellers to business analytics, ignites his passion for entrepreneurship and the art of transforming ideas into thriving ventures. Unveiling the Origin of Power Gummies After Divij's mother was diagnosed with nutrient deficiencies his pursuit of health and wellness led him to explore unique formats. Despite initial setbacks with 17 product attempts including yoga bars, biscuits, and even melting chocolates, Divij remained resilient. Inspired by European vitamin C, he recognized the potential of vegan pectin gummies in the emerging $17 billion worldwide market. With a vision to establish a brand synonymous with quality and innovation from day one, Divij embarked on a transformative journey. Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success: The Voyage of Vegan Pectin Gummies Divij faced manufacturing challenges but eventually found a plant for gelatin gummies. Introducing them to the market brought its own difficulties, but he leveraged influencer marketing for astounding success. All bottles sold out in 20 days, empowering power gummies as the leader of the market. The Art of Pitching: Unleashing the Power of Ideas Entrepreneurship often involves pitching ideas to secure investment and attract talent. Divij shares his insights on the impact of a well-crafted plan of action, accompanied by a logical go-to-market strategy, in igniting potential among investors and collaborators. The exchange and development of ideas foster synergy, certainty, and mutual belief in achieving success. Balancing Act: Navigating Work and Personal Life as an Entrepreneur Divij shares that as an entrepreneur, one assumes the role of both a boss and a problem-solver for the team, impacting their work and mental well-being. Networking, decision-making, and team management further intensify time constraints. However, the realization of the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium emerges. Divij believes that embracing a lion-like mindset and recognizing the need to prioritize family and personal time brings mental peace and rejuvenation. The support and understanding of a life partner who aids in managing the delicate balance contribute significantly to an entrepreneur's journey.

In the midst of economic turbulence and uncertainty, building a thriving business may seem like a daunting task. However, with the right strategies and a forward-thinking mindset, it is indeed possible to navigate through challenging times and emerge successful. In this episode of Build To Scale Naveen Rawat, co-founder of Holisol Logistics shares key principles and practices that can help entrepreneurs build resilient businesses even amidst a global financial crisis. Overcoming challenges: Navigating the financial meltdownLaunching a business during a financial meltdown requires tenacity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. While the prevailing uncertainty posed significant risks, Holisol Logistics identified the opportunities embedded within the crisis. Companies were increasingly seeking to optimize and streamline their supply chains, providing a fertile ground for Holisol's specialized services. The rise of 10-minute delivery: Revolutionizing E-commerceIn the realm of e-commerce, rapid and convenient delivery has become a critical factor for success. Naveen Rawat sheds light on the concept of 10-minute delivery, a groundbreaking advancement in the supply chain industry. Contrary to common misconceptions, achieving such swift deliveries is not solely dependent on reckless driving or compromising safety. It involves meticulous network optimization and efficient execution. Challenges and investments in scaling operationsWhile 10-minute delivery offers unparalleled convenience, scaling up operations to support such rapid services requires careful planning and investment. Setting up and maintaining multiple fulfillment centers incurs higher fixed costs but reduces variable costs associated with longer delivery distances. Companies must strike a balance between investment and scalability to ensure sustainable growth. Embracing technology and talent: Navigating the logistics industry's futureThe logistics industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements and the pursuit of skilled talent. Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) play significant roles in enhancing efficiency, but human expertise remains invaluable for critical decision-making and complex problem-solving. Leveraging technology for competitive advantageIntegrating technology into logistics operations enables companies to streamline processes, enhance visibility, and optimize resource allocation. However, it is crucial to view technology as a tool rather than a complete replacement for human capabilities.

Imagine walking into the Shark Tank, knowing that you have an amazing product that can change the game in the health food and beverages industry. That's exactly what Ridhima Arora, the founder of Namhya food did. She stood in front of the sharks and with immense confidence pitched her product. Her confidence was palpable when She pitched her Ayurvedic health food product and asked for ₹1 crore for a 5% equity stake. Sharks bombarded her with questions about the feasibility of the product and even asked if it would actually work against diseases like Diabetes. But Ridhima held her ground. She had done extensive research all across India, exploring Ayurvedic ingredients and their quality. She knew that her product was not only unique, but also had the potential to be a game-changer. And as the negotiations progressed, something interesting happened. Ridhima didn't back down. She negotiated hard, and eventually settled for a deal of ₹50 lakh for 10% equity and ₹50 lakh in debt. It was a bold move, but it paid off. Since then, Ridhima has been making waves in the entrepreneurship world. Not only Namhya food has develop a strong brand identity for Namhya food but She was also featured in TEDx and Josh Talks, and is a member of ChangemakerXchange in the Global Changemakers 2021. In this episode of Build To Scale Ridhima shares the her story of entrepreneurship and lessons she learned along the way.

Life is full of challenges, some of which are completely unforeseen, such as the health diagnosis that JET SET GO's founder, Kanika Tekriwal received. Kanika Tekriwal faced unexpected challenges in her life when she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 20. But instead of letting it become an obstacle, she created India's first aircraft leasing organization. In this episode, Kanika shares her inspiring story of overcoming unexpected challenges to create a successful business. We learn about her passion for planes and her journey from studying design to discovering gaps and opportunities in the aviation industry. Running a business is no easy feat, and Kanika discusses the complexities of managing Jet Set Go, from policy and regulation to supply chain disruptions and human dependency. She also shares her belief that great ideas and businesses are born in tough environments, and execution is key. Below are the key takeaways on entrepreneurship Turning childhood fascination into a CareerDespite my traditional Marwadi family's belief that girls shouldn't work for others, my passion for planes remained unwavering. While interning at an aviation company in Bombay, I identified gaps and opportunities in the industry. This led me to start JET SET GO, India's first aircraft leasing organization. Overcoming Challenges in the Airline IndustryJET SET GO doesn't see airline industry challenges as roadblocks but as chances to improve and make a difference. We're challenging the status quo and turning obstacles into opportunities. When is the Right Time to Start a Business?Timing isn't everything in starting a business. It's about the entrepreneur's confidence and capability to fall and rise again. Investors invest in people, not just ideas. From Cancer Diagnosis to Entrepreneurial SuccessEntrepreneurship is converting challenges into opportunities. Even personal challenges like cancer can lead to success. Don't let obstacles defeat you; innovate and create change.

Imagine going outside and avoiding drinking water because finding a restroom seems like a daunting task. Unfortunately, this is the predicament faced by a majority of women in India. Even when a restroom is available, the probability of finding a clean one is low. However, the issue is not only limited to unhygienic restrooms but also the lack of support for women with arthritis or pregnant women who face difficulty in sitting and getting up due to the absence of railings. It is these overlooked issues that led to the establishment of Sirona Hygiene- a startup that aims to solve women's problems from puberty to menopause. During an insightful interview with Rahul Nainwal, Deep Bajaj, the founder of Sirona Hygiene, shares unique and valuable perspective on women's hygiene and highlights the problems women are facing in the modern world. Below are the key takeaways on entrepreneurship and women’s hygiene 👇 Must have startup traits Having persistence is a critical trait that every startup should possess. It is essential to believe in your vision and see it through, even if it takes time. In addition to persistence, here are three more must-have things for a startup: Avoid analysis and paralysis as they can hinder progress and prevent you from taking action.Surround yourself with positive and supportive individuals while avoiding energy vampires who drain your energy and enthusiasm.Maintain a positive mindset, as it can help you overcome challenges and keep you motivated toward your goals. Period poverty: Beyond sanitary products Period poverty affects women irrespective of their wealth. Lack of access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products causes significant distress. In rural areas, women not only lack period products but also basic undergarments. This lack of resources and education perpetuates period poverty. Urban and Rural: Sustainable period products for all As women's lifestyles evolve, so should period products. Educating women about their choices is crucial. Menstrual cups are especially valuable in rural areas, as they are cost-effective and long-lasting. Ultimately, allowing women to choose the products that work best for them is key to breaking down period poverty barriers. Education can lead to solutions Through discussions and dialogue, we have discovered solutions to problems such as periods & hygiene. Hence, I strongly believe that education on these matters is crucial to find solutions for many such issues.”

Indian cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in the world and has a wide variety to treat the taste buds. However, being extremely rich in taste, culture, and heritage, it somewhere failed to make its mark like many other popular Western food chains. And this is exactly what triggered Vishal Jindal, and he created India’s one of the most successful food startups. Hailing from IIT-BHU, Vishal Jindal was always interested in consumer businesses and especially F&B businesses and had experience in IT, hedge funds, and private equity. So, why only Biryani? Well, it is evident that biryani holds the souls of most Indians, but that’s not the only reason why Vishal chose biryani over other food items. In the candid interview with Rahul Nainwal, Jindal spills the beans on choosing the Biryani for the food venture, how he built BBK, and shares his insights on effective leadership. Vishal Jindal quotes the following key things on effective leadership 👇 Leaders must lead by example and should avoid politics within the organization. It is very important to value meritocracy and reward it. Independent thinking and resourcefulness are very significant factors. People must follow their instincts and view failure as valuable teachers.While it's an excellent time to take risks at a young age, people should be cautious against pushing too hard. If starting a business does not feel natural, then work professionally for a few years to gain skills and develop a passion in the field you want to start your business. I'll encourage people to be more generous with co-founders and to leave more goodwill on the table because these things are for the very long term. If you're generous with your co-founders, then a start-up goes a long way.

Starting a business can be challenging, but it's also one of the most fulfilling endeavors you can undertake. Achieving success with a startup requires a great deal of hard work, commitment, and perseverance. However, it's the journey itself that makes it all worthwhile - the triumphs, the setbacks, and everything in between. Welcome to Build to Scale a podcast hosted by Rahul Nainwal, director of UPES School of Business and produced by WYN Studio. Our show is dedicated to exploring the process of building a successful business from scratch. Join us as we engage with leading entrepreneurs and get insight into their personal experiences starting their own startups, and the valuable lessons they learned along the way.