Challenges faced by early-stage founders incubated at Neta Ji Subash University of Technology (NSUT)

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 known for its strategic investments in early-stage companies in consumer products sector. The objective of this series is to highlight the struggles of early-stage founders, bringing their stories to light which is often overlooked 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. 

 In this episode of Startup Table with AJ, Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner of Rukam Capital, engages with a dynamic group of early-stage founders incubated at Neta Ji Subash University of Technology (NSUT). The featured founders come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, each embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys with unique motivations. Among them are: 

• Sayak Gupta, founder of SS Agriculture Innovations
• Karan Kumar, co-founder of Finobadi
• Chetan Mishra, founder of Yaatu Innovation
• Shivam Gupta, founder of House Technologies
• Yashvardhan Singh, founder of CampusX
• Soofee Upadhyay, founder of Mystique Dates
• Ishika Negi, founder of Glorious Green

Archana begins the conversation by introducing each founder and their respective startups, setting the stage for an insightful discussion. She delves into the origins of their business ideas, prompting the founders to share the inspiration behind their ventures. As they recount their journeys, it becomes evident that these founders are driven by a passion for innovation and a desire to make a meaningful impact. The dialogue then shifts to the significant challenges these founders face in their entrepreneurial pursuits.  

Founders candidly share some of the common obstacles include hiring the right talent, overcoming language barriers, navigating lengthy sales cycles, and establishing product differentiation in competitive markets. Archana guides the discussion, exploring how these founders have tackled setbacks and evolved from humble beginnings to ambitious aspirations. Throughout the episode, the resilience and creativity of these founders shine through. Their stories highlight the vital support they receive from family, mentors, and venture capitalists, all of which fuels their determination to dream big and achieve success.  

Archana draws inspiration from these passionate founders and shares her insights on India’s thriving startup ecosystem—a landscape where innovation knows no bounds and language is no barrier to success. This episode is a testament to the spirit of entrepreneurship in India, showcasing how diverse backgrounds can converge to create impactful ventures.