Anisha Kapur Shetty, founder of My Thrift Baby Loot, is on a mission to make thrifting for baby essentials mainstream in India. What started as a personal decluttering project soon turned into a thriving community of 23,000+ moms embracing sustainable parenting.

A former actor turned entrepreneur, Anisha’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Her impact has been recognised with the SheThePeople Award and Her Circle Bizruptor of the Year Award, which celebrates her efforts in building a purposeful and community-driven business.

For almost two decades, I lived in the world of lights, cameras, and action. Acting was my passion, my career, and a huge part of who I was. But everything changed when I was pregnant with my son. Television’s crazy schedules didn’t align with the kind of motherhood I wanted to experience, so I made the tough decision to step back.

The Shopping Spree That Started It All

Like most first-time parents, I went all out when shopping for my baby. I wanted the best of everything. But babies grow fast, and soon, I found myself buried under piles of barely used clothes, toys, and essentials. I tried giving them away to family and friends. When my second child came along, I reused as much as possible, but the pile still kept growing.

That’s when I thought- why not list some of these items online and see if anyone else could use them? I started a simple social media page, pricing everything at a fraction of the original cost, hoping it would help me declutter.

I wasn’t prepared for what happened next.

When One Mom’s Clutter Became a Community’s Need

What started as a personal experiment quickly struck a chord with other moms. Many reached out asking if they could sell their own baby items, too. That’s when it hit me- this wasn’t just my problem; it was something many moms were dealing with. There was a gap in the market. While some moms were selling through social media pages, there was no structured, organised platform for it.

That’s when the idea took shape, and My Thrift Baby Loot was born- my third baby!

The response was overwhelming. Orders poured in, and soon, managing everything through social media and Excel sheets became chaotic. I knew I had to automate the process. The challenge? I had zero background in building a business or handling tech. But I did have one huge advantage- I was a mom myself. I knew exactly what my customers needed.

I took a leap and outsourced the development of a basic platform. It was a pilot, an experiment to test the waters. There were plenty of lessons along the way- things that worked, things that didn’t. And even now, I’m still refining and improving the process, taking baby steps every day.

The Challenges No One Talks About

Building this hasn’t been a fast-paced success story but rather a steady, evolving journey.

Thrifting is still a relatively new concept in India. While hand-me-downs from family members have always been a common practice, many parents still hesitate to buy pre-loved baby items from strangers. A mindset shift is needed- one that moves beyond the stigma of secondhand goods and embraces sustainability, affordability, and practicality.

A big part of my journey has been spreading awareness and normalising this concept. I know it’s not an overnight shift, but seeing more and more parents embrace this idea motivates me to keep pushing forward.

Logistics, too, has been a challenge. My Thrift Baby Loot isn’t just a local marketplace- it connects moms from all over India. Managing deliveries from one home to another across cities adds complexity, but I’m figuring it out, one problem at a time.

Juggling Motherhood & Entrepreneurship

Running a business while being a mom is a different kind of challenge. It’s a constant juggling act- deciding what needs immediate attention and focusing on that while everything else takes a back seat.

Some days, I go to bed at 2 AM, wake up at 6 AM and keep going. There are moments when exhaustion takes over, but there are also moments of pride- like when my 11-year-old son starts coming up with his own business ideas, inspired by watching me build something from scratch.

My Advice to New Founders

One thing I’ve learned is that upskilling is key. Somehow, after school and college, we assume we’ve learned enough, but the world is constantly evolving. When I started My Thrift Baby Loot, I realised just how much I didn’t know. I read tons of books, took online courses, and studied more than my kids! My husband jokes that out of the three students in our home, I probably study the most.

For any woman out there thinking, “I don’t have the skills to build something”, my advice is simple: Just pick up a book and start. There’s nothing in this world you can’t learn or unlearn. Taking the first step is never easy, but it’s always worth it.

It's slightly unrelated, but I also learned the hard way that outsourcing doesn’t mean handing things off blindly. Delegation only works when you know what you’re asking for. As a solo founder, I had to learn to be clear about my vision before expecting others to execute it. Building My Thrift Baby Loot has been a constant learning process, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Finding Joy in the Journey

For me, every milestone- big or small- is a reason to celebrate. Whether it was launching the first version of my website, officially registering my company, or reaching 23,000 moms on social media, I made sure to pause and appreciate how far I’ve come.

Despite leaving behind a successful acting career, I have no regrets. The entrepreneurial path is challenging- there are days when it feels like a thankless job, working endlessly without immediate returns. But I’m grateful for my support system, which keeps me grounded. My background in acting has helped me connect with people, build trust, and grow a community.

My favourite part of being a founder is interacting with other moms. Hearing their feedback after a successful order and knowing I’ve made a difference in their lives keeps me going.

If Not This, Then What?

If I weren’t doing this, I’d probably go back to my corporate job as a research analyst. But honestly? I can’t imagine doing anything else right now. I’m exactly where I need to be, building something meaningful.

My journey from acting to entrepreneurship was never planned, but sometimes, the best things in life aren’t.

At Razorpay Rize, we love stories like Anisha Kapur Shetty’s, which are real, raw, and inspiring. She took something every parent struggles with- clutter of baby stuff- and turned it into a thriving mom community built on trust, sustainability, and shared experiences.

Some founders start with a plan. Others, like Anisha, start with a need and end up building something truly special. She learned on the go, tackled challenges head-on, and stayed true to her mission of making thrifting for baby essentials accessible in India.

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A driven entrepreneur, mother and lifetime learner, Charu Gupta has scaled businesses and led teams across multiple startups. As the co-founder of Future AGI, she is now on a mission to revolutionise the AI space, combining her deep expertise in business growth with an unshakable commitment to trying new things.

Hi, I’m Charu Gupta, born and raised in Madhya Pradesh, a small-town girl with big dreams. My journey has been anything but linear- 15+ years of scaling businesses, leading teams, and taking risks that most people thought were too crazy to attempt.

Today, I’m the co-founder of Future AGI, but the path that brought me here has been full of twists, doubts, and, most importantly, growth.

Here’s my story in my own words.

The Corporate Life That Didn’t Sit Right

Like most kids from middle-class families, I was expected to follow a safe and secure career path. My parents, both government employees, had a hard time understanding why I didn’t want to pursue a similar job. But I was always drawn to challenges, to doing things differently.

After completing my B.Tech from NIT Bhopal (where I graduated as a gold medalist) and an MBA from IIM Lucknow, I joined Bank of America. It was a prestigious job, and on paper, I had “made it.” But deep down, I felt stuck- like a small cog in a big wheel. I craved impact, the kind you feel when you’re closer to the customer and can see the immediate results of your work.

That’s when I started reaching out to startups. This was back in 2011-12, when entrepreneurship was still nascent in India, and a new generation of founders was building their empires. I wanted to be a part of that energy.

Jumping Into the Startup World Before It Was Cool

I joined Healthkart, where I learned what it truly means to start from scratch. From setting up processes to figuring things out on the fly, I experienced the chaos and thrill of the startup world firsthand.

Later, I joined Medlife as their first employee. We didn’t even have proper tables and chairs in the office, but I didn’t care- I loved the hustle. I handled everything from cutting costs to setting up systems and was there for every milestone as we grew. It felt like building something of my own, even though I wasn’t the founder.

Over the years, I worked with some incredible companies, leading teams of 100+ and managing P&Ls. I learned how to scale businesses, manage growth, and take calculated risks.

But after nearly a decade in this space, I knew it was time for me to take the plunge and build something of my own.

The Decision to Become a Founder

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to do something meaningful, something impactful. I realised that I wouldn’t find that kind of purpose in the corporate world. But taking the leap to become a founder wasn’t easy.

There was a period when I worked as a growth consultant while trying to figure out my next move. My mind was buzzing with ideas- I would validate some, discard others, and keep experimenting. Around that time, my close friend Nikhil (now my co-founder) suggested we build something together. He had deep expertise in AI and research, and his suggestion to productionise the process of AI learning improvement caught my attention.

We spent months researching the idea, talking to potential users, and refining the concept. That’s how Future AGI was born- a startup focused on revolutionising AI tooling.

Starting up came naturally to me because I’d worked for early-stage companies for so long. But the stakes were higher this time- it was my own venture, and the responsibility was immense.

One of the toughest challenges we faced early on was fundraising. Pre-product fundraising isn’t easy, and back in 2023, it was even harder in the AI tooling space. VCs were sceptical, questioning whether this niche was worth pursuing. At one point, I thought about giving up on fundraising entirely to focus on building the product.

But we kept pushing. After countless rejections, we finally raised our first round of funding. That moment was worth all the struggle. Today, we’re a team of over 15 people, and our product launch on Product Hunt last September received over 1,000 upvotes.

Handling the Tough Days

Being a founder isn’t easy. There are days when everything feels overwhelming- fundraising, team management, product issues, you name it. But I’ve learned to handle tough days by focusing on small wins.

My co-founder has a theory: If your Plan B is covered, you’re covered. I hold on to that thought when things get complicated. Aiming for the stars might land us on the moon, and that’s still progress. Every small achievement keeps us going, and when we do reach the stars, we celebrate with a bit of victory dance (yes, really!).

I also take time for myself- tending to my balcony garden, reading books, or just reflecting. These moments of peace recharge me.

The Best (and Worst) Part of Being a Founder

The best part of being a founder? Undoubtedly, it’s the thrill of figuring out something no one else has cracked yet. There’s an unparalleled joy in starting with a blank slate, diving deep into uncharted waters, and piecing together a solution that could change the game.

I live for the moments when a crazy idea turns into a strategy, and that strategy starts to take shape as something tangible. It’s the late nights spent obsessing over research, the endless iterations, and the “aha” moment when everything finally clicks. That feeling- that spark of knowing you’ve solved something people will find valuable- is worth every ounce of effort.

But let me be honest- being a founder isn’t all innovation and breakthroughs. There’s a less glamorous side, too. The endless juggling of roles can feel like you’re spinning plates, constantly worrying one might crash to the floor.

One minute, you’re strategising the product roadmap; the next, you’re reviewing contracts with legal teams or figuring out payroll. HR issues, admin tasks, and compliance paperwork are not precisely what fuels your passion as a founder, but they’re essential to keeping the wheels turning.

It’s exhausting at times. Some days, I feel like I’ve spent more time approving invoices or handling facilities issues than actually working on the vision that got me here in the first place. But I’ve learned that this, too, is part of the journey.

On Being a Mom and a Founder

Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. My 9-year-old son keeps me grounded, motivated, and inspires me to think creatively, lead with empathy, and find joy even in chaos.

What’s truly special is how he’s become part of my entrepreneurial journey. I’ve signed him up for a business class for kids so he can get a glimpse into what I do every day. It’s adorable and inspiring to watch him come up with his own ideas and ask thoughtful questions like, “How do you solve problems at work, Mama?” or “Why do people invest in companies?” These little moments bring so much joy and meaning to what I do.

Back to being a founder, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s the importance of customer research. Meet your customers, listen to their feedback, and incorporate it into your product. The bigger your top funnel, the better your results will be.

Don’t shy away from reaching out to advisors, investors, or fellow founders. I’ve gained invaluable insights from these conversations, and they’ve often helped me see things from a fresh perspective.

If Not This, Then What?

For me, choosing the road less travelled was never the “safe” option- it was the one that felt true to who I am. Of course, there are days when doubts creep in when I think about the “what-ifs.”

• What if I had taken that high-paying corporate job?

• What if I had followed the traditional path, climbed the corporate ladder, and enjoyed the security that comes with it?

Life might have been easier and more predictable. I’d probably have fewer sleepless nights, fewer tough decisions to make, and maybe even more weekends free to relax.

But here’s the truth: it wouldn’t have been as fulfilling.

I’m proud of the path I’ve chosen, even when it’s hard. I’m proud of the example I’m setting for my son, showing him that it’s possible to dream big, work hard, and find purpose in what you do. And while there will always be “what-ifs,” I know deep down that I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.

With over 15 years of experience, Charu has built multiple businesses from the ground up, always embracing new challenges and learning along the way. What makes Charu stand out is her genuine passion for innovation and her ability to stay grounded, no matter how big the journey gets.

At Razorpay Rize, we admire how she leads with purpose, always looking for ways to grow, both personally and with her team. Her journey reflects the heart of a founder who doesn’t just want to build a business- she wants to make an impact.

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With 16+ years of experience working at companies like HSBC, IBM, and Flipkart, Deshik has spent his career helping businesses grow. His journey began by assisting small shop owners, eventually leading him to Flipkart, where he worked with SMEs during its early days.

Seeing the struggles businesses faced in building their digital presence, he took the leap and founded Outstrip- a platform that helps small businesses grow online without big budgets.

I’ve always been a hungry soul- hungry to solve problems, hungry to create impact. Seeing people grow, thrive, and find happiness because of something I built is what drives me every single day.

From my early days, I wanted to help businesses in my community. I used to assist my neighbours who owned small shops but weren’t educated enough to understand customer acquisition. I would help them create offers and discounts, manage their accounting, and even support their business development. Without realising it, I was getting closer to understanding the real challenges that small businesses face.

My Corporate Stint & The Flipkart Experience

I started my career while I was still in college. Over the years, I worked with companies like HSBC, IBM, and Flipkart. When I joined Flipkart, it wasn’t the giant it is today. My job was to help small and medium businesses grow and generate revenue. I was there when Flipkart launched its first Big Billion Day, and I saw firsthand how businesses scaled overnight.

During my time at Flipkart, I helped a small toy business grow and sell successfully. The founder of that business once told me, "If you could do this for me, you should be helping out other startups like mine." That line stuck with me. It made me think- if someone who built a business believes in my ability to help others, why shouldn’t I take the leap? And that’s what I did!

Taking the Leap with Outstrip

I decided to go all in. I quit my stable corporate career and started my own company. Initially, I built small tools and automated processes and helped businesses scale. That’s when I realised a common problem- many Indian businesses had great products but didn’t know how to position themselves on social media.

For small businesses, advertising budgets are tight, and digital presence often takes a backseat. I started helping them identify their target audience, craft marketing strategies, and improve their social media game. Initially, I generated reports manually. Soon, I automated the process by providing detailed reports on their social media presence, and that’s how Outstrip was born.

I worked on the idea and its conceptualisation for a year. In 2024, I finally launched Outstrip, which culminated everything I had learned while working with multiple brands.

Outstrip has generated over 4,000 reports, providing businesses with the insights they need to grow on social media. Today, we’re proud to have expanded globally, working with 50+ clients to scale 2x their digital presence and achieve real results.

Moving forward, I see Outstrip integrating AI more, reaching more customers, adding powerful features, and hopefully, gaining national and global recognition.

The Toughest Part: Not Giving Up

The hardest part of being a founder? Waking up every day and choosing not to give up. There were plenty of moments when things didn’t go as planned, and people around me questioned my decision to leave a stable job for an unpredictable journey. However, this was my time to build something that truly mattered.

Failures are inevitable, but I’ve always told myself that it’s better to try and fail than to never try.

My Way of Celebrating Wins & Dealing with Failures

When things go great, I love celebrating with my team, family, and the people who supported me- usually with a big feast! But when things go wrong, I take it upon myself. I don’t usually share my struggles with others. Instead, I turn to music; it’s my companion through tough times.

Having a co-founder now has helped a lot, though. There’s something reassuring about having someone in the trenches with you- someone who understands the weight of tough decisions and the pressure of uncertainty. It makes the highs more fulfilling and the lows a little easier to bear because you’re not carrying them alone.

If Not This, Then What?

If I weren’t building a startup, I’d probably be a movie director. Back in college, I directed a short film that won an award. That passion for storytelling still lingers; it just found a new outlet in building a business.

In many ways, running a startup isn’t all that different from directing a film- you have to set the vision, assemble the right cast (team), adapt to unexpected challenges, and keep the audience (customers) engaged.

Advice to Founders

Not every rough patch means your idea is bad. Don’t build for income or validation- build for customer satisfaction and value. The rest will follow. If your customers are happy, your business is a success.

The founder’s journey is often isolating, and the odds are rarely in your favour. But once you decide to move forward, you have to adapt, learn, and keep pushing!

And, when things go wrong, don’t worry; that’s when you should be at your calmest. Never lose track of who you are because of what’s happening to you. Keep pushing forward, and eventually, things will fall into place.

At Razorpay Rize, we take pride in spotlighting founders who are making a real difference, and Deshik is a shining example.

His journey started with something simple- helping small shop owners in his community attract customers. This encouraged him to take the leap and build Outstrip, a platform designed to help small businesses grow online without burning a hole in their pockets. We are proud to have founders like him in our community, creating a real impact.

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A founder, product builder, and our Pitch Perfect partner, Jagriti, is on a mission to simplify and streamline the startup execution journey for founders.

With Predict Growth, she’s building an all-in-one, tech-enabled platform designed to be a founder's co-pilot—supporting them at every step of their journey, from crafting business plans to creating pitch decks, financial models, and data rooms, all in a single tool.

Hi, I’m Jagriti Shreya, and at heart, I’m a product-building fanatic. After nearly a decade in the tech industry, designing and delivering SaaS solutions, I’ve found myself in a place I never thought I’d be—running my startup.

For years, I thought I’d continue climbing the corporate ladder or working with growth-stage startups. But life had other ideas. Looking back, every step along the way—every product I worked on, every mistake I witnessed, and every opportunity I took—prepared me for this moment.

Today, I’m building Predict Growth, and it’s been a wild ride, filled with challenges, lessons, and moments that have pushed me far outside my comfort zone.

How My Career Break Changed Everything

When I returned to work after a career break, I thought I’d just pick up where I left off. I joined a startup, excited to dive back in. But within a few months, I felt it in my gut: this wasn’t it. I wondered, Is this really what I want to do for the rest of my life?

I had too much potential bottled up, and I realised I wanted to use it for something of my own.

Was it easy? No! My life felt “wired” to follow a typical timeline: study hard, get a job, get married, have kids. You know the drill. “20 pe college, 25 pe shaadi, 30 pe bache”—that was the script for my generation.

Starting something of my own? That felt too far-fetched.

What Inspired Predict Growth

During my 9-5 phase, I worked closely with many startups. It was inspiring, but I also noticed recurring problems. Founders were making big mistakes with fundraising and managing their money.

The career break to embrace motherhood turned out to be the wake-up call I didn’t know I needed. It gave me space to reflect and see the bigger picture.

There was no proper cash flow planning, no one tracked runaway rates, and businesses were entering the market with half-baked, unvalidated ideas. It was chaos, and I thought, Why isn’t anyone fixing this?

That’s when the idea for Predict Growth was born.

I moved back to India to start my life and my business, and it was lonely, overwhelming, and, honestly, far more complicated than I’d imagined. Everything felt new and unfamiliar—the environment, the work culture, the networks I needed to build. It was as if I had to rebuild my personal and professional identity.

Mistakes, Pivots, and Building Something That Works

One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was not hiring a tech co-founder or having a full-time tech team. I thought I could manage without it, but I quickly learned otherwise.

As I started building my product, I talked to hundreds of founders through communities like Razorpay Rize and beyond. One realisation hit me hard: My first product idea wasn’t quite right. I was building something that founders might use once or twice a year—so I needed to find my point of stickiness. I didn’t want to be another tool in an already crowded marketplace.

I knew I had to pivot.

That’s when the idea struck me: How do you productise something like a model and a strategic plan of execution which relies entirely on a founder’s story? It’s still such a service-heavy industry—relying on agencies, consultants, or one-off solutions. I wanted to change that and make it simpler, scalable, and accessible for every founder.

So, I created an AI copilot to build their business plans and teaser decks. All in a simple founder centric tool. Most founders struggle with this—it’s often the hardest part of fundraising. The response has been amazing. Our first 10 customers came from the Razorpay Rize community, and every day, I see how much value we’re creating for them.

What’s worked well for me is that I’m building for founders—as a founder myself. I go to them for advice, feedback, and ideas, and they, in turn, become customers.

Sharing Wins, Losses, and Everything in Between

One thing that truly keeps me going on this crazy startup journey is my amazing team. They’re the backbone of everything we do at Predict Growth, and I honestly couldn’t have come this far without them.

I’ve also learned the importance of honesty with myself and my team. When we lose a deal, I share it. When we win, we celebrate together. I also make it a point to ask for their advice and include them in decisions. I want them to feel like they’re not just working for me—they’re working with me, building this vision together.

As a team, today we have helped over 200 founders use our tool to build their startup plans and we are just getting started.

Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

Being a founder and a mother is not easy. Two things work against me: I’m a solo founder, and I’m balancing a business with motherhood.

There are days when it feels like too much. I’ve had my fair share of breakdowns. When that happens, I take a step back. Whether it’s a few hours or a whole day, I give myself permission to pause. Sometimes, I’ll binge-watch a show or just sit and do nothing. It helps me reset.

If I weren’t building Predict Growth, I’d probably be doing something for working moms. Being a mom and a professional is like juggling a hundred things at once—there’s always a ball in the air, and you’re constantly worried about dropping one. I know how hard it is to balance the demands of work, family, and personal aspirations.

Mothers experience an incredible amount of mental strain. There is constant pressure to be perfect at everything—whether it’s parenting, maintaining a household, or succeeding in your career. That’s why I’ve always wanted to create a support system for moms—a space where they can feel seen, heard, and understood.

My Advice to Founders

Building a startup is much more than solving problems. It’s about solving the right problems for your customers. I’ve learned that the road may not always be smooth, but with the right people around you, the wins feel sweeter, and the losses become lessons.

To all founders: trust your journey, embrace the lessons, and never stop building.Don't underestimate the power of documentation and take calculated steps. Also, don’t forget to write things down.

At Razorpay Rize, we’re lucky to have Jagriti Shreya as part of our community. As a founder and product-builder, she’s not only passionate about her own venture but also genuinely dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs succeed.

Through her role as our Pitch Perfect partner, Jagriti has been a huge support for founders looking to refine their pitch decks and tell their stories in a way that resonates with investors. She understands the ups and downs of the startup journey and uses her experience to guide others through the complexities of fundraising.

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Jai is an entrepreneur driven by a passion for solving real-world problems and creating meaningful change.

With a background in research science and a brief stint in academia, Jai took a bold leap into the entrepreneurial world, founding Clapgrow—a platform designed to streamline workflows and transform how small businesses operate.

Hi, I’m Jai, and if there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s that life rarely goes as planned—and that’s okay.

I started out as a research scientist in the U.S., ended up running my family business in India, failed at my first startup, and now I’m building Clapgrow—a platform helping small businesses streamline their workflows.

Looking back, every twist and turn in my career has shaped who I am today—a reader who devours 20-30 books a year, a yoga practitioner, a golfer, and most importantly, a problem solver.

Here’s my story—no filters, just the lessons I’ve picked up along the way.

When Life Says “Pivot,” You Listen

Back in 2005, I started my career in the U.S. as a research scientist at Boeing while pursuing my PhD in computer science. It was fascinating work, but I hit a wall after a year and a half.

I realised I didn’t want to spend years writing papers. It felt like I was chasing something that wasn’t mine to begin with.

Coming from a family of businessmen, I knew that if something didn’t feel right, I had to pivot. So, I left my PhD program with a master’s degree and started working.

Those years were intense. I was surrounded by some of the most brilliant people I’d ever met, and the pace was relentless. But it taught me discipline, focus, and how to perform in high-pressure environments.

My First Startup—and My First Big Failure

After a few years in the U.S., I felt this pull to return to India. I wanted to do something meaningful here, so I started my first venture: Nawal Foods & Nawal Organics.

The plan was to export fresh herbs, but honestly? I had no idea what I was getting into. I underestimated how tough logistics are in India and didn’t fully understand my customers.

It flopped. And it wasn’t just a professional failure—it felt personal. I was disappointed in myself and doubted whether I was cut out for entrepreneurship at all.

So, I went back to my family business. It gave me some breathing room, but I didn’t want to just “manage” things. I wanted to bring structure and innovation to the business. Over six to seven years, I introduced systematic processes and technology, transforming how we operated.

That’s when I noticed something: small businesses often revolve around the owner. It’s exhausting and lonely, and scaling is really hard. I knew there had to be a better way, and that’s when the idea for Clapgrow started forming.

Clapgrow: Solving One Problem at a Time

Clapgrow didn’t start as some grand vision. While working in the family business, my team and I built a workflow tool to simplify our operations.

Then people started asking us, “Why not offer this to other businesses?” So, we refined it a bit and suddenly had a product.

Today, Clapgrow is a workflow and task automation platform used by over 50 companies. But for me, it’s always been about solving one problem at a time.

Every feature we’ve built has come directly from customer feedback or challenges we faced ourselves.

I keep it simple:

• Does this solve a real problem for small businesses?

• Does it deliver actual results, not just fancy features?

If the answer is yes, we move forward. If not, we don’t waste time.

Some Tough Decisions

One of the hardest things I’ve had to learn as a founder is when to say no. It’s not easy, especially when opportunities—or what seem like opportunities—come knocking.

But I’ve realised that saying yes to everything often leads to distraction and dilution.

For instance, we’ve had potential customers approach us who only wanted a tool to check off a box, not a solution that would transform their workflows. It was tempting to take them on, especially in the early days when every customer felt like validation, and we needed revenue.

Similarly, I’ve had to resist the pressure to raise funds prematurely. Raising money is often seen as a milestone, but I’ve come to see it differently. If you don’t have Product Market Fit (PMF), raising funds can push you in the wrong direction. You end up scaling problems rather than solving them.

For Clapgrow, I wanted to ensure we had a solid foundation before bringing in external expectations- be it from customers or investors.

Building a Culture that’s True to My Heart

At Clapgrow, we’ve adopted a 12-week sprint model to manage our goals and stay focused. Here’s how it works: every 12 weeks, we set clear, achievable goals and put all our energy into hitting them.

I tell my team, “For these 12 weeks, this is our world. Anything beyond this? It doesn’t exist.” This keeps us from feeling overwhelmed by the bigger picture and helps us stay in the moment. Once the sprint ends, we regroup, reflect, and plan for the next one.

Of course, not everything goes according to plan. Some weeks are great, and others feel like nothing is working. And that’s normal. I’ve worked hard to create a culture where it’s okay to have bad days—or even bad weeks—as long as we’re moving forward overall.

What I’ve realised is that building a business is about showing up every day, putting in the work, celebrating small wins and focusing on progress over perfection. At the end of the day, it’s not about how fast you go—it’s about making sure you’re heading in the right direction.

Golf, Books, and the Art of Staying Sane

When I’m not working on Clapgrow, you’ll often find me on the golf course or with a book in hand.

Golf, in particular, has taught me so much about life.

In 18 holes, you live an entire lifetime. You’re not competing against anyone but your own mind. Every swing is a decision, much like every step in life. You mess up, you recover, and you keep going.

As for books, they’re my constant companions. Some of my favourites include The Sialkot Saga by Ashwin Sanghi and The Legend of Goddess: Invoking Sri Suktam by Om Swami. The latter has been a source of peace and clarity for me as a founder.

My Advice to Fellow Founders

If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s this: fail fast, fail cheap, and don’t start out trying to build something “big.”

I know it sounds counterintuitive, especially in a world where we’re constantly told to “think big.” But in reality, big things rarely start that way. The best ideas often emerge from small, practical solutions to real problems—your own problems.

When I started Clapgrow, I wasn’t trying to create a revolutionary product. I just wanted to solve a specific challenge I was facing in my family business. We built a small tool to streamline our operations, and that tool turned out to be something others wanted, too. That’s when I realised if it works for me, it might work for others.

And that brings me to the next thing—small wins matter. Celebrate them because they add up in ways you don’t see right away. Maybe it’s landing your first customer, improving one workflow, or getting positive feedback from a client.

Each small win proves you’re on the right track, but I won’t sugarcoat it- setbacks will happen. Keep focusing on solving real problems and keep learning along the way; you’ll find your own path.

That’s my story so far.

At Razorpay Rize, we’ve come to really admire Jai’s approach to building Clapgrow. Instead of chasing big, unrealistic goals right from the start, he focused on solving a real problem he was facing himself.

Jai’s journey is truly inspiring, and there’s so much to learn! His willingness to learn from failure and commitment to making a difference remind us that entrepreneurship is about taking small, meaningful steps (one step at a time) and staying true to your purpose.

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Today, we are sharing Babu Munavar’s story, a tech entrepreneur with a knack for turning challenges into opportunities.

With a background in delivering tech solutions for companies worldwide, Babu used his experience to launch Whautomate, an Omnichannel Customer Engagement & Automation Platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses.

Whautomate streamlines customer interactions and automates repetitive tasks, enabling businesses to achieve a 10X increase in productivity and significantly boost sales.

Hi, I’m Babu Munavar, and if you asked me a few years ago where I saw myself, I wouldn’t have guessed I’d be here—building a technology company from scratch. Originally from Chennai, my love for technology has been the driving force throughout my life. But the path to where I am today wasn’t always clear.

My Early Days in Tech

I’ve always been a tech guy. Growing up in Chennai, I knew early on that technology was where I wanted to make my mark. Over the years, I had the chance to work in India, Australia, and Singapore, designing and delivering technology solutions for businesses of all sizes. It was exciting, but there was always this itch—I wanted to do something more. I wanted to use technology to solve real-world problems.

The coolest part of those years?

Seeing how the solutions I built impacted businesses and their customers. One project that really stood out happened while I was in Singapore during the pandemic. My team and I built a teleconsultation system for a hospital in Thailand, delivering it in just 2-4 weeks.

That experience showed me the real power of tech and gave me the confidence to create something meaningful on my own.

Building Whautomate

While working in Singapore, I stumbled upon a problem that would change the course of my life. I noticed a glaring gap in how patient management systems worked. Determined to make a difference, I began designing a clinic management solution that could bridge this gap. I thought I had it all figured out—until a conversation with a doctor completely shifted my perspective.

He shared a struggle so simple yet so profound: patients were sending documents via WhatsApp, and doctors were stuck manually uploading them into their systems or responding through the app. It was tedious, time-consuming, and far from efficient. I could hear the frustration in his voice, and it hit me hard. This wasn’t just an inconvenience—it was a barrier to providing seamless care.

That conversation stuck with me. It planted a seed, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. What if I could automate these interactions? What if I could make life easier for both doctors and patients? Fueled by this newfound purpose, I pivoted. I set out to build a WhatsApp automation tool tailored specifically for clinics, driven by the belief that small changes could have a massive impact.

When the first version was ready, I showed it to a yoga studio owner who was curious about how it could work in a different context. To my surprise, he loved it. He saw the potential I hadn’t even imagined—how the same tool could transform customer engagement in his business. This moment was a turning point, and I realised I was onto something bigger.

From there, I returned to the drawing board and figured out how to integrate WhatsApp with various business platforms, and Whautomate was born.

Today, Whautomate is used by businesses across various industries, including education, fitness, and eCommerce. We’re a small, bootstrapped team, but we’ve made it work, growing organically with customers in over 10 countries.

Finding Balance in my 9-to-9

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a bootstrapped founder is managing the mental toll it takes on you. There are days when everything feels like it’s going perfectly—when we get a glowing 5-star customer review or close a sale. But there are also days when I question everything.

During those tough moments, I’ve learned the importance of taking breaks, recharging, and reminding myself of why I started this journey in the first place. I’ve also started celebrating the smaller wins along the way.

To keep my head clear, I started cycling. It’s been a lifesaver—especially after long days filled with back-to-back meetings and coding sprints. I’ll go for a ride, clear my mind, and come back with fresh ideas. Sometimes, the best insights come when you’re not trying so hard to find them.

What's Next for Whautomate & me

Looking ahead, I’m excited about what’s next for Whautomate. We’ve identified a gap in the affiliate marketing software space for early-stage startups. Right now, there aren’t many free options available for startups to kick off their affiliate campaigns, which are critical for growth.

That’s why we’re launching Whautofiliate, a free affiliate marketing software designed specifically for early-stage startups.

Looking Back: If not this, then what?

If I’m being honest, if I hadn’t gone down the entrepreneurial path, I’d probably be acting right now. I’ve had the chance to appear in a few short films, and I’ve always loved the idea of storytelling. But technology has always been my strong suit, and it’s something I’ll continue to use, whether in this startup or in new products I build in the future.

Being a founder isn’t easy. It’s challenging and exhausting and often feels like a never-ending rollercoaster ride. But I’ve learned that if you stay true to your passion and keep pushing forward, the rewards are worth it. I’ve come a long way, but I’m still learning and growing every single day.

If there’s one thing I’d want you to take away from my journey, it’s this: Don’t be afraid to follow your passion. Take risks, embrace the ups and downs, and always keep learning. No matter how tough it gets, it’s the journey that shapes you and, ultimately, makes it all worth it.

Like many entrepreneurs, Babu started with a simple goal: to solve real problems with technology. What makes his story special is how he turned an everyday pain point—a doctor struggling to manage patient messages on WhatsApp—into the foundation of Whautomate, a platform that’s now empowering businesses across different industries and countries.

What’s even more inspiring is how he’s done it all while bootstrapping, staying grounded, and never losing sight of why he started. We’re proud to have Babu in the Rize community and can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next!

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A Software Engineer, DevOps professional, and serial entrepreneur, Vitthal Kushe has always followed one guiding principle: if you’re going to invest your time, make sure the returns are worth it.

After building and scaling more than three startups, he’s now channelling that energy into DayBreakPass. It offers exclusive day access to the world’s top hotels, allowing people to enjoy luxury amenities like pools, spas, and gourmet dining without needing an overnight stay.

I’m Vitthal Kushe, a software engineer by training, a serial entrepreneur by choice, and, if I’m honest, just a simple person at heart. I grew up in Sindhudurg along the Konkan coast, a place that’s given me a deep love for nature and a straightforward approach to life. When it comes to business, though, I’m fiercely competitive and relentlessly driven to succeed.

Ever since I started working, I had one goal in mind: I wanted to make money and create something meaningful. For me, education was never a barrier; I knew I’d find my way as long as I stayed ambitious and curious. I remember my first internship—I was earning just ₹10,000, but even then, I felt that drive to build something bigger. Later, when my income increased, that goal didn’t change; it only got sharper. My dream is to create a 100-crore company, and I’m here for the long haul to make it happen.

Early Hustles and Building My Foundation

In my very first job, I worked hard and quickly earned a promotion within six months. That was a turning point for me. I started interacting with the VPs and upper management, and it hit me: I wanted to be in a leadership position to someday build my own ventures, to create and innovate. I hustled through jobs, explored different roles, and kept sharpening my skills, especially in tech. And that journey kept evolving.

My entrepreneurial streak was always there. At one point, I ran Swadeshi Official, a t-shirt printing business, where we sold two lakhs worth of t-shirts a month. During the lockdown, I co-founded Veggie King, delivering fresh vegetables in the mornings from 7 to 9 before heading to my 9-to-5 job. Then, I started SpikeReach, a marketing agency that’s now helping fund my current startup, DayBreakPass. Looking back, I realise I’ve always had a few irons in the fire, always learning and pushing forward.

The Idea Behind DayBreakPass

The idea for DayBreakPass came to me after working in real estate and seeing firsthand how other countries tackle certain problems differently. In places like the US & Singapore, “daycations” are common, allowing people to experience luxury without an overnight stay. I thought, Why not bring something like that to India?

Post-COVID, I saw a shift—people realised the importance of enjoying life when they could and taking time for themselves. In a country where hustle is part of life, I thought a short escape could give people that much-needed breather, even for a few hours. With DayBreakPass, we’ve created a way for people to enjoy luxury experiences at a fraction of the cost, something accessible and refreshing.

Of course, this journey hasn’t been easy. DayBreakPass is bootstrapped and funded by SpikeReach and a passionate, small team. My family and friends have had their doubts, which is only natural, especially when your income isn’t as predictable as a paycheck. But I’m in it for the long game—I want this venture to grow into something special.

Motivation in the Everyday Grind

My approach to business is simple: If I’m spending ₹10, I want at least ₹100 back. I’ve always believed that if you want the best, you have to put in your best effort. Sure, I’ve faced my share of rejections, especially in sales calls, which have sometimes been tough enough to keep me up at night. But each rejection has taught me something new. I’ve pitched to Anupam Mittal in a corridor and chased down Ashish Hemrajani, founder of BookMyShow, just for a few minutes of his time.

The funny thing is that all of these stay with you. Ashish told me something that still drives me today: “I want you to build this.” These words have stuck with me ever since. On tough days, that sentence hits me like a reminder to keep going.

Motivation, for me, isn’t about fancy quotes or podcasts. I look at the people around me—middle-class families opening stores at dawn and keeping them open late into the night. They don’t have any secret to motivation other than pure dedication. That’s the energy I bring to DayBreakPass, and it’s what I want my team to feel, too.

With all the energy that goes into building a startup, I make sure to take a break every Saturday—whether it’s trekking or enjoying a short daycation at a resort (thanks to DayBreakPass!). Those small escapes keep me grounded and remind me why I started this journey.

If Not This, Then What?

Being a founder has taught me more than I ever expected. Every step, every learning moment, brings me closer to the dream. I know there’s a long road ahead, but if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that I’ll keep hustling, keep growing, and keep believing in this journey.

If I weren’t doing this, I’d still be working in DevOps or diving into cybersecurity. But right now, I’m exactly where I want to be—building DayBreakPass with everything I’ve got.

Vitthal Kushe’s journey is a perfect example of what happens when you keep pushing forward, no matter how many times you hit roadblocks. It’s about putting in the hard work, learning from every failure, and always trying to get better.

For most of us caught up in the hustle of daily life, luxury feels like a faraway dream—reserved for special occasions or the rare holiday escape. But what if luxury could be brought into your everyday routine, giving you a taste of indulgence without disrupting your grind?

That’s the vision Vitthal Kushe had when he created DayBreakPass, a platform that redefines how we experience luxury. At Rize, we believe in celebrating founders who aren’t afraid to hustle and innovate, and Vitthal Kushe is a perfect example of that.

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Swarna Hebbar is a doctor turned founder with 8+ years of product and design experience. Currently, she is building a tool to manage the entire product lifecycle in one AI-powered workspace, Boggl.ai, which also ranked #4 Product of the Day on the Product Hunt. 

Throughout her journey, she has worn many hats and encountered more challenges than she can count. As a mother and a passionate product enthusiast, she found herself captivated by the world of design and product management. What began as a curiosity grew into a calling, and she set out to build something that could make a real difference in the product space. 

I’m a founder, designer, and—once upon a time—a dermatologist. My path into tech and startups has been anything but ordinary, and honestly, I never planned to be a founder. But life has a funny way of opening doors you didn’t know existed. Here’s how I ended up here: building a tool to make life easier for product managers everywhere.

Finding My True Calling

While passionate about helping others through a medical specialisation, I always had this artistic side I didn't know what to do with. I loved art, illustration, and design, and soon enough, I found myself drawn to UX design, taking on freelance projects on the side while still practising medicine.

I guess I was looking for a way to blend that creativity with the scientific part of my brain.

Then came COVID-19. With clinics shut down in Bangalore and dermatology being a non-emergency field, I had time to think about what I wanted to do. This is when I decided to jump full-time into UX design and product development. I began working with several startups and realised that I enjoyed building things from the ground up—figuring out what users needed and designing experiences that made sense for them.

As I started working more closely with product managers, I noticed a massive gap in how people handle product documentation. I watched PMs struggle to keep everything organised—PRDs on one app, roadmaps on another, and task management on yet another. It was all so scattered and frustrating to deal with. Why didn’t anyone make a tool to pull it all together?

That’s when I thought, “Well, maybe I could make something better.” And just like that, Boggl.ai was born!

How Boggl.ai Evolved?

Initially, Boggl.ai was a very simple tool meant to streamline PRD (Product Requirements Document) writing, and it took off from there. With AI becoming increasingly mainstream, I realised there was an opportunity to make Boggl.ai even more valuable by helping product managers generate all sorts of assets from their PRDs—things like test cases, release notes, and even blog posts.

We launched on Product Hunt in August 2024 and trended as the #4 Product of the Day! Even though it’s a great milestone, my favourite was getting our first paying customer this year. That moment was so validating—it felt like all the long hours and late nights were paying off.

Now, I plan to make Boggle.ai an all-in-one product process tool, helping PMs manage the entire product lifecycle, from requirements to launch, in one place.

The Hard Parts & Tough Choices

Building a startup, especially a bootstrapped one, isn’t without its challenging moments. Being completely self-funded, I’ve had to stretch every dollar, sometimes make cutbacks, and even let go of some people.

At times, I had to cut features I’d spent weeks or months creating because they didn’t fit the bigger vision. It’s hard to let go of things you’ve poured yourself into, but in tech, you must learn to adapt and stay focused on what brings value.

It’s part of the journey, but it never gets easier. I think that’s what they don’t tell you about being a founder—there are a lot of highs, but you have to weather the lows, too.

Balancing Motherhood & Being a Founder

Balancing being a mother and a founder is no joke! I’m fortunate to have a supportive family that helps make it possible. Having that support system is everything, especially for women founders who are already underrepresented in this space.

But if you’re a mom thinking about starting something, here’s my advice: don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in all the things you think you “should” be doing, but remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Give yourself permission to take breaks and celebrate small wins—they add up!

My Motivation

As any founder will tell you, this journey is all-consuming. When you’re a founder, you’re constantly switching hats—sales, design, operations, customer support—there’s no limit to what you’ll find yourself doing. 

In all of it, I’ve realised how important it is to have something to keep you grounded. For me, it’s spirituality. Having that inner anchor reminds me that there’s more to life than the daily hustle of building Boggl.ai.

I still make time for things I love—digital illustration, getting outside in nature and listening to music. Those little things help me recharge and keep me sane, especially when the startup grind gets intense.

If Not This, Then What?

I’m open to anything. I’m endlessly curious—I’ve even developed an interest in alternative healing methods like Ayurveda and homoeopathy, even though I come from an allopathic background.

I love exploring new things and challenging myself, so who knows? I don’t fit neatly into one box, and I think that’s been one of my biggest strengths. Life rarely goes as planned, but sometimes, the detours end up leading to the most meaningful places.

At Rize, we’re constantly inspired by founders who turn unconventional journeys into relatable and impactful startup stories. Swarna Hebbar is a perfect example of this—the kind of founder who shows us that there’s no single “right” path to success. 

Like so many great entrepreneurs, she didn’t start out planning to be a founder. Her startup was born out of personal experience. Frustrated by the inefficiencies and fragmentation she saw in product workflows, she decided to do something about it. What makes her story so relatable is how she took her own frustrations and turned them into a solution that’s helping product managers everywhere. 

And here she is, inspiring all of us at Rize and beyond to think differently, tackle big challenges, and find our own unique ways to make an impact.

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Aayushi Singh wears many hats—she's a product person, a dedicated daughter, a passionate writer, and a driven entrepreneur. With a background in technology and a passion for creativity, she combines her expertise in building Magicroll.ai, an AI motion graphics editor that edits videos 15x faster than usual methods.

Growing up in a small town in Bihar, where the biggest achievements often involved securing a government job, I always thought I’d end up preparing for the UPSC exams, just like everyone else in my family. I had it all planned out - get my BTech in mechanical engineering and then hit the books for UPSC. 

But, as it turns out, life had a different script for me!

Discovering the Entrepreneurial Bug

In my first year of college, I stumbled upon the innovation cell, and everything changed. The idea of creating something from the ground up struck a chord with me. Even though coding wasn’t my first love, I couldn’t ignore my curiosity. 

That’s when I discovered open-source contributions, eventually leading me to Outreachy, the world’s largest internship platform for women in tech. This journey opened my eyes to a whole new world in tech, working on projects for big names like Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft. 

My first startup was Hattyhood- an innovative graphic e-commerce startup revolutionising the custom merchandise and corporate gifting industry. The idea was to bridge the gap between small-town wholesalers and corporates. 

The Rollercoaster Ride to Launch

In my final year of college, I found myself drawn to the creator economy—a space that was exploding with potential but also filled with challenges. Around the same time, my now co-founder pivoted his startup into what Magicroll.ai is today, and I joined it. 

Back then, we had no product, just a clear idea of what to build and how we wanted to enter the market. We moved forward with just one vision- to simplify video editing for creators by eliminating the manual effort that was slowing them down. 

Then we got our big break! We got accepted into the 1st Cohort of the Change Engine Accelerator Program, an innovation ecosystem builder. 

For the next six months, life was a blur. We spent our days talking to potential users, constantly tweaking our ideas, and trying to turn our vision into something real. It wasn’t easy—there were moments when we doubted ourselves, when feedback from users felt like a punch in the gut, and when we realised that what we had initially envisioned might not be enough.

Our competitors were offering solutions that still required manual effort, but we were committed to making video editing as effortless as possible. 

That relentless hard work paid off when we won the National MSME award for product innovation, a validation of everything we had been working towards. And just last month, we took another big step—we launched the beta version of Magicroll.ai.

We are also backed by NVIDIA Inception, Microsoft for Founders and IMAGE COE STPI by the Government of India. 

Despite being a lean team of just five people, we were blown away by the response. In just the first phase, 1,600+ creators signed up to try our platform. 

Woman in Product: The Journey

Coming from a mechanical engineering background, I was already used to being one of the few women in the room. Surprisingly, this background prepared me for the product industry's challenges. Fortunately, I’ve always had supportive co-founders and friends who encouraged me.

I believe that grit and clarity of thought can make a huge difference. Staying true to my own opinion, even when others try to sway me, has helped me stay focused on my goals. I've realised that it's the small, everyday changes we make that really add up to big transformations over time. We all have our struggles, but those little steps can lead to amazing progress in our lives.

But apart from all the critics I’ve had, It was myself who was the toughest to crack. I had tonnes of hard decisions to make and questions to answer. 

• Should I take the plunge into entrepreneurship? 

• Was I ready to leave behind the stability of a 9-to-5 for the unpredictable world of startups? 

If you’d asked me years ago,

“If not this, what would you be doing?”

I’d have said I’d be buried in UPSC books. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything but this. The startup life is full of ups and downs, but it’s where I found my purpose. And that’s what keeps me going every day.

I am happy spending 9-to-9 for an idea, I believe in!

Dance, Team Spirit, and Comfort Food: My Survival Kit

On the tough days, I turn to my lifelong passion for Kathak dance. It’s my escape and my way of grounding myself when things get overwhelming. And when it’s not dance, it’s my team. We sit together, eat the best food we can find, and talk things through. 

It’s those little moments that keep us going! 

What’s Next for you and Magicroll?

What’s next for Magicroll and me is all about growth—both for the product and for us as a team.

We’re on the cusp of launching an updated version of Magicroll, and I’m buzzing with excitement. It’s still early days, but seeing the initial traction we’ve had, this feels like the beginning of something much bigger.

On a personal level, I’m excited to dive deeper into product, talking to my users and community-building. There’s a lot of work ahead, but it’s a thrilling journey!

At Rize, we're super excited to share Aayushi Singh’s journey with you. It’s a story that many of us dream about but are often hesitant to take the leap. Aayushi was all set to take the traditional route and prepare for the UPSC exams, but then she did something amazing—she listened to her heart. 

Now, as she’s getting ready to launch the next version of Magicroll.ai and continues to inspire many, Aayushi captures what Rize is all about. Her story is a nudge for all of us who dream of doing something different—to chase those dreams and create our own definition of success. We can hardly wait to see where her next steps will lead!

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Aayush’s startup journey is filled with ups and downs, learning and evolving, much like what many of us go through in our careers and personal missions. He, however, kept going!

Along his journey, he honed his product development skills by learning UX Research, PDLC, and Stakeholder Management on his own. He has also applied his knowledge in Agile, software development, and leadership to launch two Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), including making a significant change in direction when needed.

Having been one of the founding members of many startups, he is currently building the Khelo app- an all-in-one sports community app.

Read more about his journey below!

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur and start your own business?

I've always had a passion for putting things together. There's something about completing a DIY project from start to finish that just feels incredibly rewarding. This love for building and creating is actually what drove me to start my own company. My first venture aimed to solve a large-scale problem that wasn't being discussed then.

So, I thought, why not build a minimum viable product (MVP) and get people talking about it? That's how I started my first business.

What was your biggest challenge as a startup founder, and how did you overcome it?

It can be a challenge to stay motivated every day, especially when you have to pivot, face financial shortages, struggle to hire the best talent and deal with intense competition. How do you maintain your motivation and work with the same enthusiasm every day while still getting work done efficiently? This is a challenging problem to solve, and I'm open to discussing this further.

Can you share any exciting news or upcoming projects you are currently working on?

My passion for sports goes beyond my professional work. As both an avid player and fan, I'm currently working on developing Khelo. This platform aims to empower grassroots athletes in a unique and engaging way.

If your startup was a fictional character, what would it be and why?

Speaking solely about Khelo, it would be coach Kabir Khan from Chak De India. He has seen big losses but still wants to give back to the thing he loves the most. He can be cruel at times, but he is the best teacher you can have. In the end, he knows how to empower everyone in the team and get the best results for the country.

How has Razorpay Rize helped you in your journey of being a founder?

I was part of the early batches of the program and have been an active member of the community ever since. The best part has been sharing my journey and learning from others. The platform has provided truly transformative exposure for any entrepreneur starting up. I also love the constant innovation and support from the Rize core team, which empowers and helps all the founders in their journey.

Find out more about Aayush & Khelo

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Sunny's journey began with a Civil Engineering degree in India, followed by a Master's in the US. Now, back home, Sunny is channeling his expertise into BLDO, a groundbreaking platform designed to revolutionize construction workflows and enhance efficiency on a global scale.

So, how did it all unfold? Let’s hear it from Sunny!

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur and start your own business?

I always wanted to build something that outlasts me. Although I come from a family that does business, I was always pushed for a better education and to get "settled" in life risk-free. So I did what most young folks did then - Engineering! I worked for a year in India, went to the US, did my MS, and got "settled" for a safe, good job. But in the background, I have always had this "bug" at the back of my mind throughout the years. During engineering, my cousin and I started an online T-shirt-selling business. It failed miserably, but that taught us a bit about e-commerce, logistics, and basic negotiation. While studying in the US again with my cousin, I started importing OEM Power banks from China to sell them under our own brand, "The Geek." I again failed, but I learned a lot about branding, marketing, and sales.

So after years of doing my job in the US (Which I enjoyed a lot, as I was building million-dollar construction projects), the bug was still unsettled, and I was in a state where I said to myself, it's now or never. I didn't want to be this old guy later in life, regretting not trying once. So, I made a crazy decision to quit my job and come to India and build something that I had worked on over the years and combine that with technology to create a solution that would be scalable and impactful.

I believe big risks give you big rewards or losses but don't give you regrets.

Therefore, BLDO was born.

What was your biggest challenge as a startup founder, and how did you overcome it?

As a founder without a technical background, building a scalable product in your own domain can be both exciting and daunting. The main hurdle is acquiring a deep understanding of technology and product management—fields that may be foreign to you after years in a different domain. The journey demands a willingness to unlearn old habits and relearn new concepts, which can be quite a challenge.

However, approaching this process with curiosity and persistence can make all the difference. Also, getting into communities like Razorpay Rize helps as you always learn something new from community chats and meetups.

Can you share any exciting news or upcoming projects you are currently working on?

I'm super excited to announce that we will be launching our MVP product to our users by the end of this month. I'm curious to see how they use it and what we need to iterate on. We will be exclusively presenting to a community of early-tech adopters in the construction industry in India and the US.

If your startup was a fictional character, what would it be and why?

Like Iron Man, BLDO is a force for good, using its technological prowess to create a positive impact on the world. It's a company that's not afraid to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what's possible in the construction industry.

How has Razorpay Rize helped you in your journey of being a founder?

Community, Community, Community! Not to say it's a cliche, but entrepreneurship is a lone journey, and you need a lot of people to bounce ideas off of. That's exactly what Razorpay Rize does with its community! To top it off, you also have these great sessions and, above all, credits that keep a lot of ideas and the spirit afloat.

Find out more about Sunny & BLDO

Connect with Sunny

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Nitya Prakhar brings over a decade of extensive experience across various roles at Fortune 100 companies, with significant contributions in customer support, sales, travel services, software implementation, retention, and credit analysis.

Currently, Nitya is building NiVa- a revolutionary AI-powered payment app that transforms local interactions between you and your favorite businesses. NiVa's intelligent AI engine personalizes experiences, optimizes deals, and fosters a dynamic ecosystem that benefits everyone.

So, how did it all begin? Let’s hear it from Nitya!

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur and start your own business?

During my time at a Fortune 100 company, I encountered a barrage of tech challenges common in big businesses- from struggling to adapt and slowing down on executing plans to getting bogged down in endless approval processes. I was bursting with solutions, eager to make things better and faster. But trying to navigate through the corporate giant's layers felt like running in molasses. Ideas, no matter how good, just couldn't take off at the speed I imagined.

So, I decided it was time to change the game. I took one of those problems that kept me up at night, gathered a group of incredibly talented folks who shared my vision, and now, we're on a mission to build a brighter, more efficient world.

What was your biggest challenge as a startup founder, and how did you overcome it?

The greatest challenge I faced was assembling the best team and overcoming my fear of entering the competitive startup world. Coming from a corporate background, I was accustomed to a more shielded environment, where the competitiveness wasn't as intense. Suddenly, you find yourself navigating solo, making it crucial to form a steadfast team that's ready to support each other in any situation.

The quest to find these exceptional individuals led me to interview nearly 3000 candidates, ranging from high-ranking executives and startup founders to bankers and software developers. Through this rigorous process, I discovered 20 remarkable talents.

Despite being a bootstrapped startup that's only three months old, we've grown to a strong team of 20!

Can you share any exciting news or upcoming projects you are currently working on?

Our product, Botwot's alpha build, is now live on Product Hunt. We plan to launch the full-fledged product in July with a core focus on untapped markets like the EU, SWP, and SE Asia. Our goal is to generate half a million USD in revenue by 2024.

If your startup was a fictional character, what would it be and why?

Think of Batman as someone who, despite not having any superpowers, stands out due to his incredible determination, sharp wit, and unwavering perseverance.

How has Razorpay Rize helped you in your journey of being a founder?

Rize has helped a lot. Thanks to the founder community and the collection of tools, guides, and resources, which were specially curated for us. It's like having a group of incredible, talented founders walking with me every step of the way.

Additionally, Rize's Marketplace has provided us with substantial credits, significantly reducing many of our expenses. I want to extend a huge thank you to all of the hard-working individuals here. A special shoutout goes to Sherryl, Maneck, Arvind, and Salilpreet, who have always been just a text away. Thanks a ton, guys!

Find out more about Nitya & NiVa

Connect with Nitya

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Having worked at tech giants like Flipkart, Ola, and Yahoo, Kaushik is now channeling his expertise into building strategy and execution for Raptorise- a scalable, intelligent technology product suite with flagship products such as Percept Insight & Percept Pixel.

Percept Insight is an AI-powered data analytics platform that provides insights into where data is going, how to make sense of it, and how to drive action from it.

Percept Pixel is an end-to-end image solution and CDN with real-time image transformations, storage, and easy integration.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur and start your own business?

At heart, I am a computer engineer, deeply skilled in the art of transforming chaotic ideas into structured code—and sometimes, the other way around.

I have an irresistible urge to improve everything I touch, leaving it in a better state than when I found it.

Nowadays, if you want the freedom to explore, experiment, and bring innovative ideas to life, being an entrepreneur is the way to go. That’s why I decided to start my own thing.

What was your biggest challenge as a startup founder, and how did you overcome it?

The greatest challenge is patience. Convincing myself that "Rome wasn't built in a day" is something I remind myself of every day. I wouldn't say I've mastered it, but I do take time to reflect—mostly wondering why things can't just happen faster. It's a work in progress, but it helps me stay sane and be a bit more practical.

Can you share any exciting news or upcoming projects you are currently working on?

We are launching PerceptInsight in the Southeast Asian markets, and I am eagerly looking forward to seeing how that market will receive us. I feel a mix of nervous energy and anticipation in equal measure.

We are also launching a groundbreaking feature that is not available in any of the tools currently on the market. We believe this feature will significantly improve the way people handle analytics and customer engagement. I can't wait to present it to our customers and hear what they have to say about it.

If your startup was a fictional character, what would it be and why?

That's an interesting question. I would imagine Arya Stark. Why? Just like Arya, Raptorise is agile, adaptive, gritty, and relentless in its pursuit of excellence.

How has Razorpay Rize helped you in your journey of being a founder?

I like Razorpay Rize's diversity. I am still exploring it, but I like how there are so many options for meaningfully partnering with like-minded folks.

Find out more about Kaushik & Raptorise

Connect with Kaushik

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What inspired you to become an entrepreneur and start your own business?

I grew up watching and playing different sports, which changed my life in many ways. Being a die-hard sports fan, I always wanted to connect with other passionate fans, and talking about sports has been my escape mode.

Back in 2015, I dipped my toes into community building by starting a WhatsApp group for sports fans like me. Seeing how quickly this group turned into a lively, engaged community was terrific. I even managed to monetize the group, proving to myself that there was a real appetite for bringing fans together.

I always had a knack for doing something of my own, and I saw a problem that needed solving. Despite their passion, sports fans often needed more dedicated space to connect and share their enthusiasm on a deeper level. Combining my entrepreneurial spirit with my passion for sports was a natural fit.

I wanted to create a platform where sports enthusiasts could come together, share their experiences, and celebrate their love for sports.

The journey from a WhatsApp group to a full-fledged business has been challenging but incredibly rewarding.

What was your biggest challenge as a startup founder, and how did you overcome it?

One of my ongoing struggles is finding the right people who share our passion and gel with our company's vision. Building a startup is fundamentally about rallying together behind a shared dream and pushing forward as one. That kind of collaboration happens when every member of the team is truly invested and fired up about what we're doing.

The best strategy to overcome this hurdle is to lay all our cards on the table: what our mission is, what values we hold dear, and where we see the company going.

Being upfront about these things makes it easier for potential team members to see where they fit into the picture. This clarity helps us connect with folks who are genuinely excited to be part of the journey, ensuring our team is both cohesive and driven.

Can you share any exciting news or upcoming projects you are currently working on?

SportsIngo is a fan engagement platform for sports enthusiasts. Users earn rewards for every activity they participate in, and we are currently developing a robust reward system to enhance fan loyalty.

How has Razorpay Rize helped you in your journey of being a founder?

Razorpay Rize is a super-engaged community. Thanks to fellow founders who have navigated similar paths, I have found real-time solutions to even the smallest challenges.

Some Ending Thoughts

Sheetal has been tirelessly working in this space, using the power of sports to drive positive change in communities worldwide. Through her platform, she is supporting and promoting the voices of fans and ensuring that their passion is recognized. Summing up her vision, Sheetal says,

“Let's make every game day an unforgettable celebration of sports and fandom!”

Find out more about Sheetal & SportsIngo.

Connect with Sheetal

Renie is the visionary founder of IndiBlogger.in for more than a Decade, a thriving community-driven platform that unites Bloggers, YouTubers, and Instagrammers, fostering collaboration and creativity among content creators. Drawing on his extensive experience and technical expertise, Renie is now channeling his energy into his latest venture, Nool.

Nool is an AI-driven social app for multilingual and on-demand video conversations within niche communities. His work focuses on leveraging technology to create meaningful connections and empower users.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur and start your own business?

The inspiration to become an entrepreneur and start my own business came from my very first job experience, which left a lasting impression on me. I joined a company during the dot-com boom, a time of great excitement and rapid growth in the tech industry. The company went public, and it seemed like an incredible opportunity.

However, as a young professional with a keen instinct, I couldn't help but notice some alarming signs.

The company was burning through cash at an unsustainable rate, expanding aggressively by opening physical offices around the world without securing any clients in those new locations. Meanwhile, they were struggling to retain their existing clients in India. It was a classic case of putting the cart before the horse.

Sure enough, my fears were confirmed when the company went belly up.

This experience was a wake-up call for me. I realized that I didn't want to be at the mercy of someone else's poor decisions. I would rather face the consequences of my own mistakes than suffer from the fallout of someone else's mismanagement. This led me to the decision to take control of my own destiny and start my own business.

What was your biggest challenge as a startup founder, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges I faced as a startup founder was partnering with someone who had a limited vision. Initially, everything seemed fine when times were good, but as we faced adversity, it became clear how crucial it is to have partners who share a long-term vision and aren't constrained by petty greed or short-term thinking.

When the chips were down, the disparity in our outlooks became starkly evident. My partner's limited vision and focus on immediate gains started to create friction and hinder our progress. It was a tough realization that our partnership was holding the business back.

The decision to part ways was incredibly difficult, but it was a necessary step to realign the company with its true potential. I knew I had to make this move to protect the long-term health and vision of the business. The process was fraught with tension and uncertainty, but I found strength and reassurance in the unwavering support of my co-founders, family, and friends.

Can you share any exciting news or upcoming projects you are currently working on?

We're building Nool - a social app for positive human connection, achieved through on-demand video conversation.

If your startup was a fictional character, what would it be and why?

Hermione Granger from The Harry Potter Series - she's patient, observant, empathetic and does her research.

How has Razorpay Rize helped you in your journey of being a founder?

This is without a doubt the most useful community for me - the conversations that happen there are relevant, chock full of information and driven by inspiring people.

What makes this community particularly special is the shared experience. It's incredibly reassuring to know that others are facing the same struggles we do. There's a sense of solidarity and mutual support that is both comforting and empowering. We're not alone in our challenges; we have a network of like-minded people who understand what we're going through and are willing to share their experiences and solutions.

Find out more about Renie & Nool

Connect with Renie

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What inspired you to become an entrepreneur and start your own business?

The inspiration to become an entrepreneur and launch my own business stemmed from deeply personal experiences and challenges I encountered as an avid user of self-drive car rentals.

Imagine the frustration of spending hours comparing options before selecting the best self-drive car rental, only to be met with inconvenience and uncertainty at every turn. The trust issues with local vendors were particularly disheartening, especially when it came to security deposits. I experienced the anguish of losing hard-earned money due to questionable charges, leaving me feeling betrayed and helpless.

But out of these struggles emerged a burning desire to make a difference. Zymo wasn't just a business idea; it was born from the passion to solve real problems faced by users like myself in the self-drive car rental space. It was about creating a platform where trust, transparency, and convenience reign supreme—where users can confidently explore the world on their terms, without the fear of being taken advantage of.

What was your biggest challenge as a startup founder, and how did you overcome it?

Finding a tech co-founder was by far the toughest challenge I faced on my entrepreneurial journey. I knew that to bring my vision to life, I needed someone who not only had the technical skills but also shared the same passion and was willing to play the long game alongside me.

The search was daunting, to say the least. I went through countless interviews, hired and parted ways with nearly 10 people, feeling the weight of each disappointment. It was a rollercoaster of hope and despair, with each rejection feeling like a setback.

But then, amidst the uncertainty and exhaustion, I met Gautam. From our very first conversation, I knew there was something special about him. He wasn't just brilliant with technology; he understood the heart and soul of our business.

What truly set Gautam apart was his willingness to believe in our vision and commit to the journey ahead, even if it meant forgoing a traditional salary in exchange for equity.

Can you share any exciting news or upcoming projects you are currently working on?

We're currently working on an exciting project aimed at revolutionizing the car-buying experience by offering experiential ownership of new vehicles to prospective customers. Our plan is to collaborate with OEM to provide access to new car launches, allowing customers to experience ownership for a day or more.

Our mission is clear: to redefine the traditional test drive model and replace it with a more immersive and engaging test ownership experience. By offering prospective buyers the opportunity to truly live with a new car before making a purchase decision, we aim to empower them with firsthand insights and confidence in their choice.

If your startup was a fictional character, what would it be and why?

If Zymo were a fictional character, it will be like Spider-Man – your friendly neighbourhood superhero, always ready to lend a helping hand when you need it most.

How has Razorpay Rize helped you in your journey of being a founder?

We are thankful to be part of the Razorpay Rize because of the access it provides to resources, technology & people and without charging anything in return!.Truly! You guys are the best platform for early stage startups like ours.

Some Ending Thoughts

- Manish Pratik

“Rental industry has the potential to reshape the product design, keeping the vehicle rental in mind. When the car rentals become popular, people wont have to fit the same vehicle for every need. They can rent a Sedan for a family trip, a Mini-van for a car pool day and a luxury car for romantic dates. The Rental industry can change how cars are perceived in the mind of users.”

Find out more about Manish & Zymo.

Connect with Manish

Hublle.io is an official WhatsApp Business API Provider that offers brands to create custom bots on WhatsApp to interact with their audience, drive sales and boost customer experience.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur and start your own business?

I had a clear plan to study finance in the USA, but fate had a different idea for me. I stumbled upon entrepreneurship by chance, and I quickly realized that it was my true calling. What started as a mere side hobby soon turned into a full-time business, and I embraced my entrepreneurial spirit without even realizing it.

What was your biggest challenge as a startup founder, and how did you overcome it?

As someone with a background in finance and an introverted personality, my biggest hurdle was making sales and cold calls, as I rarely engaged in conversations with others. However, I realized that there were only two options: either learn how to do it or let life teach me. Unfortunately, it was my difficult times that forced me to learn these skills, and that's how I overcame my challenges.

Can you share any exciting news or upcoming projects you are currently working on?

We are proud to say that we are currently building Hublle.io - the ultimate platform for creating custom WhatsApp bots. In just two months, we have successfully partnered with some of India's best institutions, helping them to significantly increase their admission rates and improve their communication strategies.

If your startup was a fictional character, what would it be and why?

It will be Deadpool - humorous, funny and strong from outside and from inside burnt with a lot of scars.

How has Razorpay Rize helped you in your journey of being a founder?

Just One word - Razorpay Rize Community - best community I have ever seen on any platform.

Find out more about Prateek and Hublle

Connect with Prateek

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Niti AI is a seed-stage startup revolutionizing customer engagement for Fintechs and Banks through a user-friendly interface, personalization, and automation.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur and start your own business?

At some point in my life, I started thinking about what would minimize the regrets in my life and realized that I'd never regret it if I started and failed but deeply regret if I never started. So, that was that!

What was your biggest challenge as a startup founder, and how did you overcome it?

Learning to go from always being outcome focused as a corporate leader to being process focused on a day-in and day-out basis has been a significant challenge. Eventually realizing that the answer was always there, staring at me- the essence of the Bhagvad Gita which teaches us that focusing on our actions rather than the outcomes leads to true success.

Can you share any exciting news or upcoming projects you are currently working on?

We’re re-imagining every frontend and backend workflow in financial services with AI. This can be a game-changer!

If your startup was a fictional character, what would it be and why?

It would be Genie from the Magic Lamp. Genie is always there to assist, support, and make magic happen – and that's exactly what we strive to do for our users.

How has Razorpay Rize helped you in your journey of being a founder?

It’s great to learn from the rich community of Founders. Thanks for running this community!

Find out more about Hari and Niti AI

Connect with Hari

Mayan is currently serving as the founder of InsurStaq which is dedicated to building AI based Search Engine that revolutionizes the way you get answers to your Insurance queries.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur and start your own business?

I have always had a passion for creating things, whether it's writing poetry, composing music, building a business, or developing a product. The process of creation is deeply satisfying to me. To me, entrepreneurship is a creative pursuit of capitalism.

I've never been exceptional at anything I do, but I decided to prioritize being a startup founder over all other things I'm mediocre at.

This is because I believe that, with startups, you can be rewarded disproportionately for being super-correct just once, even if it was due to pure serendipity. So, the only constant is to survive long enough to find your golden egg.

Source: Startup Mahakumbh

What was your biggest challenge as a startup founder, and how did you overcome it?

There is no playbook for a Startup Founder. I was in a tier-II engineering college. The upside to that was I decided to start my first company in college due to a lack of placement options.

But the downside is that, to date, I struggle because of my non-pedigree background. This largely has been the biggest challenge in my journey. I'm still building the cap to put feathers on.

Can you share any exciting news or buzz about InsurStaq ?

We are currently building AI Co-pilots for Insurance use cases. We had spent 2023 building fundamental blocks for a sustainable business. I believe 2024 will see the company solidifying itself in all aspects of the business.

We’re also featured in Inc42's 30 Hottest AI Startups To Watch.

Source: Inc42 Media

If your startup was a fictional character, what would it be and why?

It would be a Phoenix. We almost died and were reborn to start anew.

How has Razorpay Rize helped you in your journey of being a founder?

Razorpay Rize has been one of the few meaningful startup communities. with insightful conversations.

“The highlights for me are the sincere attempts to create in-person meet ups and having a dedicated team to manage the community. Lastly, I love the fact that the focus is also beyond the echo chambers of Bangalore (oops, there, I said it).”

Find out more about Mayan and InsurStaq

Connect with Mayan

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“HyggeX” is an ed-tech company that offers personalized learning, emotional support, and task management tools, transforming education into a seamless, empowering experience.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur and start your own business?

My journey to entrepreneurship with HyggeX is deeply personal. Like many others, I have experienced the limitations and gaps in the conventional education system. As I transitioned from being a student to an educator, I found myself solving the very problems I once faced. Each day in the classroom was a step towards understanding and addressing the diverse needs of students.

I don't just see myself as an entrepreneur; I am still a teacher at heart, using HyggeX as a tool to solve problems for every student and bring practical, empathetic solutions to their learning challenges.  

What was your biggest challenge as a startup founder, and how did you overcome it?

Facing challenges as a startup founder is a constant journey, but for me, the biggest hurdle was dealing with my doubts and my family's concerns. It's one thing to face business challenges, but it's another when it's about your own fears and those close to you questioning your path.

How did I tackle this? I dove into stories of startups - their failures and successes. This wasn't just theoretical; I put myself in their shoes, thinking through solutions. Regarding my parents, I never tried to sell them on the business idea. Instead, I reassured them of my love and commitment, pledging unwavering support as a son. My wife is my rock, providing invaluable support through the ups and downs, making her indispensable in my journey with HyggeX.

Can you share any exciting news or upcoming projects you are currently working on?

Oh yes, we've got something really cool coming up at HyggeX! In just about 20 days, we're rolling out our new adaptive notes, smart flashcards, and other awesome features. Can't wait for everyone to try them out and see the difference in their learning experience!

If your startup was a fictional character, what would it be and why?

Oh, imagine HyggeX as 'Rancho' from '3 Idiots'! Like him, we're all about shaking up the usual way of doing things in education. Rancho was always thinking out of the box, and that's exactly what we're doing at HyggeX – making learning fun, relatable, and something that really sticks with you. He was a game-changer in the movie, and that's what we aim to be in the ed-tech world.

How has Razorpay Rize helped you in your journey of being a founder?

In September last year, our Razorpay Rize application was rejected due to my absence from the selection process. Delegating to another director, Akshay, proved challenging, resulting in a missed opportunity.

This setback, coupled with a failed investor meeting, prompted us to reevaluate. We realized that we needed to work on our skills and reapply for the program. This time, the Razorpay interview was successful.

We are grateful to Razorpay Rise for providing us with the tools we needed to build our tech infrastructure, including MongoDB and GitHub Enterprise version, which saved us thousands of dollars. Although we have yet to try the mentorship feature, it will help us make the right decisions for our startup, Hyggex.

Find out more about Sameer and HyggeX

Connect with Sameer

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