Podcasts & Video Discussions
A collection of deep dives and conversations about building startups, evaluating Product-Market Fit, hiring early teams, and dissecting venture capital in India.
I regularly sit down with investors, founders, and industry experts on How VCs Think, The Startup Blueprint, and Subtext to discuss the practical frameworks behind building and scaling companies in India:
Nithin Kamath's Guide to How Startups Think of Risks & Moats
An essential conversation with Nithin Kamath on how Zerodha built its moats over three distinct phases: low-cost referral pricing, technology-led, and ultimately credibility & brand trust. Nithin details his primary role as a risk manager, capital allocation frameworks, and the personal routines that sustain him.
How VCs Measure Product-Market Fit
A deep dive breaking down Product-Market Fit (PMF) into Product-to-Problem Fit (PPF) and Motion-to-Market Fit (MMF). We discuss the GRUE (Growth, Retention, Unit Economics) framework and why common metrics like the Sean Ellis test can sometimes mislead founders.
What VCs Look For in the First Meeting
Demystifying the initial meeting between founders and investors. We explore the 'Why You?' test, the value of 'earned insights' from operating in a market, and common early-stage red flags like unbalanced equity splits.
How to Hire and Retain Early Employees
Navigating the hardest hurdle in early-stage startups: talent acquisition. We discuss why early team crises often build resilience, how to align incentives, and how to build a shared sense of mission that outlasts monetary compensation.
How to Find a Co-founder
An in-depth guide to finding and aligning with a co-founder. We detail the strategic hustle of value alignment, identifying complementary 'spiky' skill sets, and why a structured 3-month trial period is vital before formalizing partnerships.
Decoding Bain's India Venture Capital Report
A comprehensive breakdown of Bain's annual Indian VC report. We discuss changing LP sentiment toward India, the rise of domestic family offices, and emerging sector tailwinds defining the next decade.