The Marketer Who Became the Maker: The Story of Subhangee & Clapgrow
A former PMM at Razorpay, Subhangee knew from day one that she was meant to build. Today, as the co-founder of Clapgrow, she’s helping small businesses bring automation to their everyday tasks.
At Razorpay Rize, we celebrate founders who are not just building businesses but shaping the future of entrepreneurship. One such inspiring journey is that of Subhangee Jhunjhunwla, co-founder of Clapgrow- a startup that helps SMEs streamline operations and scale effectively.
Subhangee isn’t new to the world of startups. As a former Razorpay team member (so don’t mind if we’re a little biased here!), we’ve seen her talent firsthand. But bias aside, she’s truly built something extraordinary.
Growing up in a family where everyone was an entrepreneur, it was almost inevitable that I would follow the same path. When other kids were dreaming of becoming doctors or engineers, I had only one answer- "businesswoman."
My first taste of entrepreneurship came early. As a child, I tested my skills by selling jewellery to friends and family. Over dinner, our conversations revolved around business challenges and strategies, shaping my mindset without me even realising it. While I didn’t always know what I wanted to build, I was certain I wanted to create something of my own.
At 21, I entered the corporate world, eventually earning my MBA from ISB Hyderabad. I then landed a role as a Product Marketing Manager at Razorpay, a company that functioned like a collection of mini-startups within itself. Here, I got a crash course in building and scaling businesses- a foundation that would prove invaluable when I eventually took the leap into entrepreneurship.
The Turning Point
The calling never faded. Leaving behind the structured corporate life, I moved back home, determined to build something meaningful. That’s when I met Jai. Both of us shared a vision- SMEs, though the backbone of India’s economy, were still stuck with legacy processes. Many were profitable yet lacked modern systems and processes to scale efficiently. While platforms like Razorpay Rize provided tools, talent, and resources, most SMEs were unaware of or underserved by such solutions.
Most people don’t build for SMEs not because SMEs are hard to serve, but because they’re hard to reach. However, SMEs are the real growth engine of India at the grassroots level. That’s why we’re focused on them- automating workflows for traditional businesses.
Jai & Vidul had already started Clapgrow as a passion project. But when I came into the picture, we saw the potential to turn it into something much bigger- an entire ecosystem to modernise and empower SMEs.
Building Clapgrow
Our journey started with a simple idea- a task management tool for SMEs. It seemed like a great fit at first, but we soon realised something deeper: these businesses didn’t just need a tool; they needed structure. They lacked the fundamental systems and processes that keep things running smoothly.
That’s when we pivoted. Instead of just offering software, we built a suite of services- consulting, ERP implementation, and custom digital solutions. Clapgrow became a partner to SMEs, helping them set up systems that made their businesses run smoother.
I believe that played a big role in bringing out that empathetic and attentive side when I joined as a co-founder. It allowed me to truly listen to our users, understand their challenges, and advocate for solutions that genuinely make a difference.
I led operations, ensuring the product evolved to meet real needs, engaging with customers, and refining the UI/UX for simplicity. Growing up in a family business, I understood that success isn’t just about scaling fast- it’s about building something sustainable.
The Reality of Founding a Startup
Entrepreneurship comes with its own set of challenges. “Signing endless documents- if I could trade that off, I would,” I often joke. But paperwork is just a surface-level inconvenience. The real challenge? The absence of a safety net.
In a job, when you’re stuck, you tag your manager or a colleague on Slack, and they help you figure things out. As a founder, I am that tag. There’s no one else to escalate problems to, no built-in support system to fall back on. Not every question has an immediate answer, and sometimes, the only way forward is to put on a brave face, make the best decision with the information at hand, and keep going.
Then there’s the mental load. Vacations? Almost nonexistent. Even when I step away from work physically, my mind is still running scenarios, thinking through challenges, and planning the next steps. Lazy Sundays? A distant memory. The startup journey doesn’t come with an off switch- it’s constant problem-solving, recalibrating, and pushing forward.
But I’ve realised that showing up is half the battle won. There are days when motivation runs low, when setbacks feel overwhelming and when doubt creeps in. But discipline keeps me moving. I believe that showing up is 60% work done! Just being present and putting in the effort makes a difference.
Balancing It All
Startup life is a constant hustle, but I’ve learned that stepping away, even briefly, keeps me going. Sometimes, that means a chai session with family, a game of tennis or pickleball, or just losing myself in dance. Recently, I even got certified in scuba diving- a reminder that life outside of work matters just as much as what happens inside it.
Co-founder dynamics can make or break a startup, and I’ve been lucky to find a rhythm with Jai & Vidul. We don’t always agree and that’s a good thing. “I wouldn’t want a co-founder who just nods along,” I often say. We welcome disagreements, keep discussions structured, and when we hit an impasse, we turn to our team for a democratic vote.
The Big Picture
For me, milestones aren’t just about revenue numbers, fundraising rounds, or product launches. They are the moments when a founder calls to say, “Clapgrow changed how we run our business,” or when a customer tells us they finally have time to focus on growth instead of just staying afloat. That’s the kind of success that truly matters.
Of course, startups are just one part of life. Even if I weren’t building Clapgrow, I’d still find something that excites me just as much. I am yet to find out what though.
But right now, this is where I’m meant to be, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. And, when I’m not busy building, I’m playing sports, getting lost in a good book, travelling to new places, or even just unwinding with Netflix.
My advice to aspiring founders? Stop overthinking and start executing. You’ll never have all the answers upfront, and waiting for the perfect moment only delays progress. You might fail once, twice, or even nine times. But on the tenth attempt, you’ll get it right. And when that happens, all the struggles, doubts, and late nights will be worth it.
If there’s one thing Subhangee’s journey teaches us, it’s that success is built on action- not just ideas. She didn’t wait for the perfect moment; she started, learned, and adapted. From her days at Razorpay to building Clapgrow, she’s faced the tough questions, navigated the unknown, and found solutions that truly help SMEs grow.
And we are proud to celebrate her journey!
Dive into Vault today & unlock a world of possibilities.