Onset of a new journey: First episode ever of Startup Table with AJ

Startup Table with AJ is a series hosted by Archana Jahagirdar, the founder and managing partner at Rukam Capital, a venture capital and equity partner firm in New Delhi. The objective of this series is to highlight the often-overlooked struggles of early-stage founders, bringing their stories to the forefront amid the prevailing hype around unicorns and high-profile investors. Through this series, Archana Jahagirdar aims to share her wealth of knowledge but also empower others to achieve their potential and contribute positively to society. 

We are thrilled to introduce the inaugural episode of Startup Table with AJ, Archana engaged in a candid conversation with early-stage founders from Foundation for Innovation & Technology Transfer, Indian Institute Of Technology Delhi (#FITTIITD).  

These founders come from diverse educational backgrounds and professional experiences, each embarking on their entrepreneurial journey with unique motivations and aspirations. As they shared their stories, viewers witnessed how these founders harness creativity and resilience, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.  Throughout the episode, Archana opened the floor for discussion, allowing each founder to introduce themselves and their respective startups. The conversation delves into their motivations for leaving high-paying jobs to pursue entrepreneurship, highlighting the personal and professional challenges they faced along the way.  

The founders candidly share their experiences with rejection and setbacks, offering valuable insights for new founders navigating similar paths. They share practical advice on how to handle obstacles, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity. As they narrate their journeys from small beginnings to ambitious goals, these founders exemplify the spirit of innovation that drives India’s startup ecosystem.