The Indian Startup Show

India has 40 million blind people & only 10% are literate & 70% are unemployed because they don't have access to educational information. So today, I chat to Shyam Shah, the co-founder & CEO of Braille Me. it's a really impressive piece of hardware that plugs into mobile phones & computers to help the visually impaired access the internet and other digital content. in this episode we talk about how he got started, how it works, plans for the future, thoughts on what makes a great team. What motivates him & the difficulties of doing a hardware startup and finally some Elon Musk & Narendra Modi chat as well so please enjoy the show. Fact - I recorded the podcast interview on 4th Jan - The date the Louis Braille - the inventor of Braille was born! What an amazing coincidence!! In this conversation we also talk about: Great feedback on the device - "The principal was so happy she arranged a show for us, the students danced & sang songs" Developing for global market Advi

Today, more and more women are migrating to India’s cities in search of work, which has led to increased concern over the last few years about their safety in urban areas. Today I speak to Dr Kalpana Viswanath is the co-founder and CEO of Safetipin, which is a social enterprise using data and technology to support cities in their endeavour to become safer, more inclusive and smarter. Since its inception in 2013, Safetipin has worked with more than 30 cities in India and other developing countries. Safetipin collects public space data from multiple sources including the MySafetipin app, and works with governments, to use this data for better planning and maintenance of cities. So in this episode, we talk about how the app works, plans for the future, working with the government on urban safety, she gives advice on doing your own social enterprise and being a city girl! So please enjoy the show! In this conversation we also talk about: The state of Social Entrepreneurship in India Advice on Crowdsourcing - it

India faces major environmental challenges associated with waste generation, Believe it or not, India produces 42 millions tonnes of waste every day most of it is left in the landfills at the city outskirts, leaving a stinking smell & vultures hovering over heaps of hazardous material. So Today I am talking with Nivedha, Founder & CEO of Trashcon. They have created a machine helps solve this problem by converting mixed waste into Bio-Degradable and Non-Biodegradable Waste. So In this conversation, she talks about her exciting rollercoaster journey since graduating 3 months ago. How the machine works. Overcoming roadblocks, the business model, being the youngest mentor at the Founders Institute. Having belief in her product. Wanting to change the entire industry. Being told by the experts - this is not possible. Winning a number of awards, working weekends & missing birthday parties and much more. so please enjoy the show. In this conversation we also talk about: Being a mentor to people 3 times

"Its no secret Indians love curry - but have no time to cook it!." Today I am talking with Raghav Gupta, co-founder of Nymble labs. They are a startup creating a curry cooking robot that may help reduce time spent in the kitchen. So In this conversation, he talks about why he is doing this, how it’s going so far, being part of the Bosch tech accelerator in Bangalore, his emotions being featured in Bloomberg, taking part in CNBC India startup competition. he also shares very interesting insights on a trip to China and taking risks. He also talks about how YOU can be part of the beta testing and get 25% off when it’s out and much more. In this conversation Raghav talks about: Is life getting easier or harder? Meet Julia your curry cooking robot! Best advice received from the Bosch Tech accelerator His favourite & least favourite foods Join the Beta Testing group & 25% off when it launches (see notes at the bottom) Being covered by Bloomberg How much will it cost? 600 people applied for th

In Bangalore, if people had ideas, they did not have a space that would nurture it, with tools, machinery and mentors the 3 fundamentals for someone to practice making and building stuff Today I speak with Anupama Gowda the co-founder of Workbench projects - the very first maker's space in Bangalore . its a facility for makers, tinkerers, artists, engineers & anyone with an inspired spirit to tap into their imaginations and make something that’s amazing In this conversation, she talks about getting started in her dads' garage. Anu also talks about her favourite projects. Being involved in the Hyperloop India project. Exciting details of a maker fair event in November which you can go to. Advice on how to get your ideas to the prototype stage. What keeps Anu awake at night & much much more so please enjoy the show in this conversation, we also talk about: A project using tidal wave energy for domestic use Stats Thoughts on Hyperloop is it hype? or for real? Details of maker fair and how you can go

As a planet, we spend 30 Billion hours each week playing games so In this week’s episode, I chat to husband & wife team Arijit & Kamalika the co-founders of QuoDeck. They are a building really cool game based learning product for businesses in India and the rest of the world. So in this conversation, we talk about how it got started. How the products work, what games based learning is & how this is better than traditional based learning. Both share great insights on life as an entrepreneur. The setbacks, the fun, building a team. Getting out of the comfort zone. Management styles, Quitting corporate life after 15 years and how they first met! So please enjoy the show. Stayed tuned at the end if you want to do your own podcast. In this conversation we also talk about : Stats Early days Aims & objectives for the next 2 years Expanding globally Why they like hiring sportspeople & ex-entrepreneurs Comparing corporate & startup management styles Madness & lunacy! Working together as

"WHO WILL MARRY YOU!" - Ganesh's mother's reaction to him quitting General Electric & starting his own company! This week I chat to Ganesh Shanker. The Co-Founder of FluxGen. A start-up company based in Bangalore they has developed a low-cost and local Internet of Things (IoT) solution for energy and water management (EWM). So in this podcast we talk about - How he got the idea, how it works, the ups and downs of entrepreneurial life to bootstrapping the company. We also talk about management styles & why the 14th February is an important date! Nothing to do with Valentine's day! Future of Indian Startups. Stats. The cultural advantages of Indian startups. He also talks about an inspirational cycling adventure from Bangalore to Goa. So please enjoy the show, Thank you! in this podcast we also talk about: Examples of troubles & challenges Stats so far Starting the business without a business plan Can anyone be an Entrepreneur? What problem are they solving? Aims and objectives in th

Breast cancer is the largest killer for women today. So today I speak to Dr. Geetha Manjunath , co-founder & CEO of NIRAMAI a startup developing a novel breast cancer screening solution. Geetha has over 25 years in Global Research labs and has created many innovative prototypes, patents, publications and new products. Till end of 2016, she was a Lab Director and head of Xerox Data Analytics Research in India. Before that, she was a Principal Research Scientist and Research Manager at Hewlett Packard Labs India for 17 years. So in this episode we talk about what inspired her to do this, how it works, the business model , aims & objectives , accuracy rates. Reaction of the health industry. Geetha shares thoughts on what first time founders should be focusing on & dealing with sceptical doctors! and so much more so please enjoy the show!! In this conversation we also talk about: What excites her most about this startup How are they trying to attract customers Her background - PHD in computer sc

"Everyday I have some adventure, everyday there is something we can make something from cow dung and cow urine and Cowpathy gives me a platform to come out with my creativity and come out with products" - Umesh Soni Founder of Cowpathy Today i speak to Umesh Soni the founder of Cowpathy. It is a Mumbai-based company that makes consumer products said to have high medicinal value and completely based on the cow—it uses ingredients such as dung, urine, clarified butter or ghee, and others. So in this podcast we talk about how he got started. What products they sell. Umesh talks about scaling the business and what will this business look like in 10 years time and much much more so please enjoy the show! in this conversation we also talk about: Removing the smell What excites him most about Cowpathy Early days Qualities entrepreneur should have Working on new products Biggest challenges facing Umesh Cultural significant of cows in India and much much more links www.cowpathycare.com

Out of 34 million students in higher education in India, 26.6 million migrate to cities creating demand for accommodation . So Today i speak to Rohit Pateria (@rohitpateria) Co-founder & CEO Placio , Based In Delhi. Placio is a simple and easy to use digital platform for students looking for accommodation and they are doing really well! We talk about how he got started, what problem are they trying to solve, attracting students to the platform, aims and objectives for the next 2 years ,how the business models works, how they plan to scale, and what first time founders should be focusing on and much much more so please enjoy the show! In this conversation we also talk about: Rohit's background Where the name comes from? Why is he doing this? $50 Billion opportunity Business Model Stats for so far! Business heroes How they plan to scale Execution Being consistent Franklin & Stephen Covey Looking forward and much much more Links http://www.placio.in/

Today I speak to Anaka Narayanan an economic analyst-turned- designer & founder of Brass Tacks, a women's fashion label that uses natural and hand-crafted textiles. In this podcast we talk about how she got started. Quitting her job and taking the plunge into the world of textiles and fashion. She talks about where she gets her inspiration from. Attracting customers using social media, how she balances the management and creative side of the business. She talks about branding, & her management style, and what will fashion look like in 80 years time! In this conversation she also talks about: Being a self taught designer Thoughts on fashion and tech Sustainability & craftsmanship in India The company's vision her mother co-founded a textile and garment business, Life as an entrepreneur Fashion tips for men & creating a curvy Indian women size chart! Understanding customers Fashion disasters! and much much more! links https://www.brasstacks.co.in/ Thanks to Anaka for coming on the show

I speak to Mr Rakesh Verma, Chairman & MD of MapmyIndia (@MapmyIndia) India’s leader in premium quality digital map data , GPS navigation, tracking, and location apps. We talk about his inspiring entrepreneurial story. Thoughts on the startup scene in India. He shares top leadership advice, he also talks about conviction , passion , happiness and not having the Monday Morning blues! In this conversation , we also talk about: Getting Coca-Cola as the first customer How it works is he having fun? Business Models Plans for the future Dealing with the ups & downs Working with his wife Are your building a startup or a business? <---Important! and much much more! links http://www.mapmyindia.com/

This week I chat to Hitashi Garg. Co-founder of Mr Needs (@MrNeedsApp) MrNeeds, is a micro-delivery app-based subscription service that delivers milk, bread, eggs and other groceries on a daily basis to its customers. And in just eight months of its launch, they deliver approximately 1500 orders every day to 9000 customers. Which is great! So in this podcast we talk about . How he got the idea, how it works, what makes them different to the other food startups in India , his background and how they plan to scale! In this conversation we also talk about: Being called crazy! by his friends & family for quitting his 9-5 job at Adobe Highlights so far Plans for the future interesting thoughts on raising finance Statistics so far Previous startups Unique business model Who are they targeting? and so much more! links http://mrneeds.com

Building the worlds first water sharing economy ! . This week I chat to Parag Agarwal Co-founder of JanaJal (@JanaJalIndia) JanaJal’s aim is to leverage technology and bring safe drinking water by innovating and promoting smart drinking water solutions.Founded 4 years ago they are doing really well. So in this podcast , we talk about how they deliver safe drinking water in India. The water ATM concept, receiving a significant amount of funding. What its like working with the Indian government? . Parag talks about his 3 decades of entrepreneurial life. The massive potential of JanJal. He shares top project management tips & we also talk about his time working in the jungles of Indonesia to selling email connections door to door in the 1990’s and so much more. So please enjoy the show! In this conversation we talk about: Building a sustainable model How YOU can get started in social entrepreneurship The ONE quality entrepreneurs should have Looking back would he change anything? Working with the Indian

Today I speak to Nihal Kashinath , founder & CEO of Applied Singularity. Applied Singularity is a platform for Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). They provide consultations to developers, students, startups, industry, investors and policy makers on the subjects of IoT and AI . Started 4 years ago It is now the the largest IoT-focused Meetup platform in the world! So in this podcast we talk about how it’s going so far, the IoT scene in India, favorite IoT projects, connected cars , teleportation , cloning , robots in the kitchen and automatic Roti & Dosa making machines ...WOW and so much more. So please enjoy the show in this podcast we also talk about: How you can get started in IoT Insulin pens Automating the curry making process! Uploading and downloading your mind! Having the largest IoT meetup in the world. Software controlled farming Will people be losing their jobs Benefits of automation Apple, Amazon, Google who's leading the way? and much much more! Links www.ap

Summer is just around the corner! which means that it’s time to start making plans for your epic summer vacation. So today I speak to Sudeepta Sanyal the co-founder of The Blueberry Trails. The Blueberry Trails specializes in personalized holidays to locations within India and around the world. She left her day job at 26 to commit to her travel bug and cater to group travelers to exotic destinations. So in this podcast we talk about how the platform works, favorite holiday destinations, the booming Indian travel industry , best flight/holiday websites to use. We talk about female entrepreneurship and what she is like as a boss and much much more so please enjoy the show!! In this conversation we also talk about: How she got started Hardest part about building this business New and upcoming destinations in India Traveling solo India's billion dollar travel industry Tips for first time visitors to India Business heroes Plans for the future Advice for first time founders What will travel look like in the futu

Today I chat to Suresh Shanker, co-founder of Crayon Data (@CrayonBigData). Crayon Data enables consumers to make more satisfying choices and helps traditional enterprises engage their customers. Currently, the three year old company’s clients span sectors such as hospitality, retail, banking, telecommunication and media and advertising sectors in the United States, Europe, Middle East and Asia-Pacific. In this podcast - We talk about how he got started, How the platform works. The roller coaster ride as a entrepreneur, how big do they want to go with this. What’s left for Suresh to achieve? What has surprised him during his long entrepreneurial journey? We also talk about climbing mountains, writing a book and an interesting story about a Chinese bamboo tree! in this conversation we also talk about: Plans for the future Latest stats Suresh's core skill set Being an "in-between spaces guy!" Suresh's background How the choice engine works Life as a second time founder Finding time to help startups

90% of all data we have ever created has been generated in the last 2 years! So what do we do with it? Today my guest is Joydeep Sen Sarma, Cofounder, CTO of Qubole. Qubole is a $50 million Series C funded company helping enterprises take full advantage of the cloud to make processing more accessible in an enterprise setting while reducing complexity and cost. Joydeep is ex-Facebook data scientist and led the data infrastructure project at Facebook. So he is the right person to talk to on big data! In this podcast - we talk about what inspired him to get started. , How the platform works, a deep dive into what big data is , life at Facebook , advice for first time founders and how you can get into the big data industry and some Mark Zuckerberg chat as well and much much more in this conversation we also talk about: Early days What they are working right now With all the new technologies , how does Joydeep keep on top of things? What would Facebook look like in future? and much much more! Links https://www.

I chat to Yuvraj Krishan Sharma. Co-founder of KOMPANIONS (@your_kompanions) KOMPANIONS is an ed-tech company. creating innovative educational products using augmented reality & virtual reality, exciting stuff. So in this episode we talk about how he got started. How it’s going so far, how it works. Why they are doing this. targets for next year , how to get into the VR space. He also shares a great story about taking 800 students on a VR trip into space. and finally some Rahul Dravid chat as well. in this conversation we also talk about, What Yuvraj looks for when hiring staff Plans for expansion Building an educational game box for kids Vision of the company What first time founder should be focusing on What’s like being a founder - (everyone's problem is your problem!) Hobbies and interests - Google walking! Making a movie How to get into VR, AR industry Feedback from kids Yuvraj 's Background Links https://kompanions.com/

We are talking about bots with My guest Carlos Fernandes. founder & CEO of Blaze. Blaze is an exciting chat bot that delivers trending information through your cellphone. In this podcast Carlos talks how he came up with the idea, we discuss Why bots? , Who its for, how big do they want to go and qualities an entrepreneur must have if they are going to succeed. Some chat about Singapore , and finally very useful information on product market fit. in this conversation we also talk about: Watch time v search time (v.interesting) Plans for the future How millennial's get their news from - interesting stuff Hobbies and interests How to get started in the bots industry What problem are they solving? How do they make money Tech scene in Singapore the evolution of apps to bots Why are they focussed on bots What takes up most of his time and much more! links https://blaze.im/