Ishrat's Pitch Catalyst turning Slides into Superstars
Ishrat's background is a blend of real estate, tech, and business development, each helping him craft innovative solutions. Currently, he is on a mission to transform the “World of Presentations".
Ishrat Gupta is the proud founder of Pitch Catalyst- a platform that employs sophisticated design methodologies and in-depth industry knowledge to create visually appealing decks.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur and start your own business?
From a young age, I was always intrigued by the idea of creating something from scratch. The tales of entrepreneurs making waves with their innovation and resilience sparked my imagination. Recognizing gaps in the market and challenges that begged for efficient solutions, I felt compelled to dive into entrepreneurship. The thrill of solving real problems and the freedom to forge my own path keeps me inspired every day.
What was your biggest challenge as a startup founder, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge as a startup founder was undoubtedly navigating through a severe cash crunch while managing employee expectations and morale. There was a particularly critical juncture when the only viable option was to shut down the company. Yet, the determination to push through led me to have a heart-to-heart conversation with my team, transparently sharing our financial predicament.
I had to ask them to work without pay for three months, a difficult request by any measure. Remarkably, 18 of the 20 team members stood by me. Their faith was instrumental, and I'm proud to say that together, we emerged from those challenging times and are now on a positive growth trajectory.
Can you share any exciting news or upcoming projects you are currently working on?
Certainly! We're thrilled to announce that we have received soft commitments from investors for our groundbreaking AI model. This is a significant milestone for Pitch Catalyst and sets the stage for us to launch our AI-based Deck modeling and an intuitive dashboard.
If your startup was a fictional character, what would it be and why?
If Pitch Catalyst were a fictional character, it would undoubtedly be Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man. Much like Stark, who constantly innovates and tinkers in his lab to create groundbreaking technologies, Pitch Catalyst is at the forefront of cutting-edge AI solutions, reshaping the future of deck modelling and presentations.
How has Razorpay Rize helped you in your journey of being a founder?
For a founder, HOPE is the lifeline. It's in the subtle nod of approval from an investor on LinkedIn or the affirmation received from Razorpay Rize – these moments infuse us with unwavering strength to persist and thrive.
Find out more about Ishrat and Pitch Catalyst
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