Entrepreneur Lounge of India (ELI)

Welcome back to Entrepreneur Lounge of India, where we delve into inspiring entrepreneurial journeys. In this episode, we're joined by Ajay Shetty, the mastermind behind Salud Beverages, a multibrand wine company. Ajay, with a banking background, took a leap into entrepreneurship driven by his passion for food and drink. His journey began with Myra Vineyards in 2011, navigating challenges in the liquor industry with sheer determination and a vision to create something unique. With insights from his initial venture, Ajay founded Salud Beverages, focusing on introducing innovative beverages for first-time and early 30s drinkers. Salud aims to offer accessible, aspirational, and classy options, blending fun with quality. As Ajay shares his experiences, he emphasizes the importance of understanding market nuances and adapting to regulatory challenges, especially in the alcohol industry. Despite complexities, he highlights the significance of resilience, humility, and clarity of vision in entrepreneurial endeavors. Furthermore, Ajay sheds light on the pivotal role of finance, team building, and customer feedback in scaling a business. He underscores the need for entrepreneurs to be agile, receptive to change, and focused on long-term sustainability. In essence, entrepreneurship, according to Ajay, is a way of life—a journey marked by humility, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of growth. His insights serve as guiding principles for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the dynamic landscape of business. Join us in extending our best wishes to Ajay and Salud Beverages as they continue to redefine the beverage industry with their innovative offerings. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on Entrepreneur Lounge of India.

In this episode of the Entrepreneur Lounge of India podcast, host and founder of the show, introduces Shailesh Dhuri, the CEO and co-founder of Decimal Point Analytics. Decimal Point Analytics is a technology-focused research and analytics firm serving clients predominantly in the finance domain but also in consumer domains globally. Shailesh Dhuri shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey, which began in 2003 after a decade of corporate exposure in fund management and treasury operations. He discusses how the idea of leveraging the internet for data analytics and research sparked his interest back in 1998 when internet services became available in India. The conversation delves into the evolution of Decimal Point Analytics from its initial focus on equity and credit research to its current emphasis on data analytics, with services tailored to meet the diverse needs of global clients. Dhuri highlights the importance of understanding clients' pain points, leveraging personal networks, and demonstrating value to win business, even in remote dealings. As the discussion progresses, Dhuri shares insights into overcoming challenges, scaling operations, and nurturing a cohesive organizational culture as the company grew from a small team to over 800 employees. He emphasizes the significance of flexibility, adaptability, and proactive problem-solving in navigating the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship. Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Dhuri defines entrepreneurship as a journey of self-discovery and continuous learning. He emphasizes the joy derived from overcoming challenges and making a positive impact on society, with financial success being an outcome rather than the sole objective.

In this episode, we sit down with Prashant Kashyap, an entrepreneurial force behind transformative healthcare initiatives in India. Currently serving as the Co-Founder and COO of CNH Care, Prashant is leading the charge in building a robust healthcare ecosystem for the nation. With a career spanning diverse roles and impactful contributions, Prashant has been a key player in several prominent organizations. In his current role at CNH Care, he has been instrumental in shaping the vision and operations of the company, focusing on connecting communities and healing lives. Prashant's journey includes notable positions such as Chief Growth Officer at Halodoc, where he spearheaded branding, marketing, and product-led growth strategies. As Chief Strategy Officer, he played a pivotal role in shaping strategic planning and cohesive execution across business units at Halodoc. Before his ventures at Halodoc, Prashant served as the Chief Operating Officer at DocOn Technologies, where he held a dual role of Chief Product Officer and Chief Operating Officer. His contributions included building a comprehensive product management practice, enhancing design outcomes, and establishing analytics functions for data-driven decision-making. Prior to his tenure at DocOn Technologies, Prashant held leadership roles at ClearTax India and ibibo Group, where he led consumer product suites and played a crucial role in product strategy and delivery. His experiences also include founding Snap Step Services & Solutions Private Limited and serving in various capacities at Mindshare and Zipbasket Retail Private Limited. In our conversation, Prashant reflects on his journey, the challenges of building healthcare solutions in India, and the strategies that drive successful product management. Join us as we delve into the mind of this seasoned entrepreneur and learn about the dynamic landscape of healthcare innovation in India.

👖 Are you tired of struggling to find the perfect pair of pants that fit like they were tailor-made just for you? Look no further! In this exclusive interview, we delve into the fascinating journey of The Pant Project, a revolutionary direct-to-consumer (D2C) fashion brand that's changing the way we think about pants. Join us as we sit down with the visionary founder of The Pant Project, Dhruv Toshniwal. Discover the story behind this game-changing brand and how it's making waves in the fashion industry. 🌟 About The Pant Project: The Pant Project was born out of a common frustration faced by many - ill-fitting pants from retail stores. Dhruv, who spent years in the US for his undergrad, returned to India and found it incredibly challenging to find pants that accommodated his unique physique. That's when the idea for The Pant Project was born. 🪄 The Pandemic Pivot: Starting a fashion brand in the midst of a global pandemic might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes the most challenging times yield the greatest opportunities. Dhruv shares how the pandemic actually worked in their favor, pushing them to go fully digital and cater to customers all across India. 💎 Quality Meets Customization: Discover the secret behind The Pant Project's success - a unique approach to solving the age-old problem of one-size-fits-all pants. Dhruv talks about the complex operational challenges involved in creating custom-made, high-quality pants that fit perfectly. 🌍 Expanding the Horizons: While the brand started with a focus on formal pants, it has since evolved to offer a wide range of pants for various occasions. From chinos to cargo pants and even custom jeans, The Pant Project has something for everyone. 👥 Who Are The Pant Project Customers? Explore the diverse customer base of The Pant Project, from working professionals to entrepreneurs, across different age groups and geographical locations. Learn how they've gained trust and loyalty by delivering exceptional quality and fit. 🔮 The Future of The Pant Project: What's next for The Pant Project? Dhruv gives us a glimpse into their exciting future plans and how they aim to continue revolutionizing the fashion industry. If you've ever struggled with finding the perfect pair of pants, if you're passionate about fashion and innovation, or if you're just curious to learn from the success story of a rising D2C brand, this interview is a must-watch. Join us and get ready to be inspired by the entrepreneurial journey of Dhruv Toshniwal and The Pant Project!

In this interview, we delve deep into the remarkable life story of Vaishal Dalal, the co-founder of Excellent Publicity, a thriving advertising agency. Prepare to be inspired as we take you on a journey of transformation, passion, and unyielding determination. The story begins with a young Vaishal, a recent chartered accountant graduate at the tender age of 21. His academic success quickly led to a lucrative job offer, a path that many would consider a safe and stable career. However, within him, there was an insatiable hunger for something more, something that truly ignited his soul. Join us as Vaishal recounts the pivotal moment when he made the daring decision to step away from the safety of a well-paying job and follow his heart's deepest desire—entering the world of advertising. Against all odds, he embarked on a journey to carve a path of his own. Learn how Vaishal's unwavering passion for advertising, despite having no prior experience in the field, fueled his determination to succeed. He shares the struggles, the late-night research sessions, and the initial missteps that marked the early days of Excellent Publicity. Discover the incredible resilience and the unconventional thinking that allowed Vaishal to turn a failed venture into a thriving advertising agency. As he navigated through challenges, one thing became clear—Vaishal's approach to advertising was fresh and innovative, which set his agency apart from the rest. Vaishal opens up about how, as a fresher in the industry, he approached clients and earned their trust. You'll be amazed by the creative solutions and out-of-the-box thinking that not only won clients over but also built lasting relationships. Through his engaging storytelling, Vaishal invites you to understand the essence of entrepreneurship and how taking risks can lead to fulfilling your true calling. His journey from the finance sector to becoming a successful ad agency co-founder is a testament to the power of passion and determination.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Lokesh Nigam, the founder of Kognoz, a technology consulting firm that leverages AI and behavior science to tackle complex HR-related challenges. In this ELI episode, we explore Lokesh's entrepreneurial journey, from his early life to founding Kognoz and co-founding Konverz.AI, a cutting-edge conversational intelligence tool for interviews. Learn about Lokesh's background in behavior science, engineering, and his service in the Armed Forces before embarking on his entrepreneurial career. Discover how he transitioned from consulting to technology-focused solutions, shaping his journey in the world of business and HR consulting. Kognoz's core areas of expertise include employee experience, leadership development, HR transformation, and business consulting, with a significant focus on India and Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Konverz.AI revolutionizes the hiring process by using AI to screen and interview candidates, making recruitment more efficient and effective. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a seasoned entrepreneur in the HR and technology space. Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, AI, HR, or simply seeking inspiration, Lokesh Nigam's story offers a wealth of knowledge and experience. Subscribe, like, and share this episode to stay up-to-date with ELI's inspiring conversations.

Welcome to our latest interview with an inspiring entrepreneur, Prashant Singh, the co-founder and CEO of Blue Planet Environmental Solutions. In this in-depth conversation, we delve into Prashant's remarkable journey, beginning with his upbringing in the quaint town of Gorakpur, India. We learn how his career unfolded, taking him through a diverse range of roles in the IT services sector and eventually leading to the formation of Blue Planet Environmental Solutions. Prashant passionately shares the story behind choosing waste management as the focus of their entrepreneurial venture. Discover the driving force behind their mission – to achieve "zero to landfill." Blue Planet is on a mission to create an integrated waste management platform that incorporates cutting-edge technologies to process and upcycle waste into valuable resources. Prashant eloquently explains how this approach not only addresses a pressing environmental issue but also provides a significant contribution to society. Intriguingly, Prashant provides insights into the evolving landscape of waste management and its pivotal role in the context of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) mandates. Learn how this industry is undergoing transformative changes, driven by a global shift toward sustainability. Prashant discusses the challenges and opportunities that exist in the waste management sector and how Blue Planet collaborates closely with governmental bodies and private-sector clients to offer comprehensive, sustainable solutions. This interview offers a deep dive into the world of waste management, sustainability, and the compelling vision of Blue Planet Environmental Solutions. Stay informed about the latest developments and innovative solutions in this critical sector by subscribing to our channel. Join us as we explore the remarkable endeavors of Prashant Singh and Blue Planet. Subscribe now and be a part of the change-makers who are shaping a greener, more sustainable future.

Join us in this insightful episode of ELI, where we sit down with Satish Patel, the visionary founder of Analytix Solutions, a renowned professional services company. Discover his inspiring journey from a humble beginning in India to building a thriving business empire in the US and India. In this engaging conversation, Satish shares his personal and entrepreneurial experiences, including co-founding video stores and a tech company before embarking on his mission with Analytix Solutions. Learn how Analytix Solutions has grown over the past 15 years, offering an extensive range of services to small and midsize businesses, from accounting and finance to audio-visual solutions and healthcare. Satish Patel's story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the support of a close-knit family. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers valuable insights and a glimpse into the world of professional services.

Once upon a time in India, in the bustling city of Mumbai, a young man named Harsh Gahlaut was embarking on a journey that would ultimately revolutionize the world of financial advisory. Harsh came from a humble, middle-class background and had always been a curious and inquisitive soul. He was the epitome of an "Army brat," raised in the disciplined and ever-changing environment of military life. Harsh's academic journey led him to various Army schools, where he cultivated his intellect and learned the value of adaptability. As he grew, he realized that his passion lay in exploring how things worked. He wasn't satisfied with the status quo and would often question the world around him. As destiny would have it, privatization was sweeping across India, opening doors to numerous opportunities. Harsh, like many of his generation, found himself at a crossroads, looking for a job in a changing landscape. He took his first steps into the world of banking, initially on the retail side, dealing with asset lending. However, Harsh was not content with the routine of banking. He moved into the world of wealth management during the early days of private banking in India. It was here that he began to realize the enormity of the challenges faced by people in managing their investments and finances. A thought began to take root in Harsh's mind - there was a significant problem, and he believed that a great opportunity lay in addressing it. It was this realization that set him on the path to becoming an entrepreneur, after spending close to 14-15 years in the banking sector. With a deep conviction that the future of financial advisory was digital, Harsh, along with his co-founder Mayank Bajpai, embarked on a mission to bridge the gaps in traditional banking. They set out to create a platform that would offer digital financial planning, digital wealth management, and investment opportunities without the need for in-person relationships. The journey to creating FinEdge wasn't without its challenges. Harsh and his team had to grapple with a world that had never heard of robo-advisory or remote financial planning. The concept was met with skepticism, even from within the industry. People laughed at the idea of entrusting their finances to a digital platform. But Harsh and his team persevered. They focused on the finer details, mapping out the technology, financial requirements, and the tough early years of building the platform. The first 500,000 clients were their outliers, the ones who believed in their vision. Those initial years were grueling, but they served as a test of their determination and commitment to bring a revolution in financial advisory to life. FinEdge's mission was clear: to provide quality financial advice to the 99.9% of the Indian population who lacked access to trustworthy financial guidance. Traditional avenues were rife with mis-selling and self-serving advice, leaving people's financial futures in jeopardy. FinEdge aimed to change that, and Harsh was determined to make a difference. The journey wasn't just about entrepreneurship; it was also about building the right team. Harsh emphasized the importance of co-founders who shared a vision and had a clear structure for decision-making, responsibilities, and expectations. The right team was crucial to overcoming the challenges that startups often face. Harsh Gahlaut's story is one of a visionary entrepreneur who saw a gap in the market and decided to fill it, even when the odds seemed stacked against him. His journey from being an "Army brat" to the founder of a fintech pioneer is an inspiring tale of determination, perseverance, and the belief that the future can be better than the past. Today, FinEdge stands as a testament to the power of innovation in the world of financial advisory.