Startup Table with AJ S02 Ep03 | Exploring Legacy and Innovations in #kashmir
Startup Table with AJ Season 2 Episode 3: Exploring Legacy and Innovation in Kashmir
Startup Table with AJ is back with another insightful episode, this time set against the breathtaking backdrop of Kashmir. In Season 2 Episode 3, Archana Jahagirdar, the founder and managing partner of Rukam Capital, engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with a diverse group of legacy business owners from Srinagar. This captivating session explores the intersection of tradition and innovation, providing valuable insights into Kashmir’s vibrant startup ecosystem.
Meet the Founders
This episode showcases an impressive lineup of founders from various sectors, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Kashmir’s economy:
Bizbuoy Consulting Pvt Ltd: Shazia Sadaf & Syed Ashfaq
@wildfloc: Faseeh Khan
CRED Integrated Agro (P) Limited: Syed Ashfaq
@gr8sports: Fawzul Kabiir & M. Niaz Ul Kabir
Durrein Tea: Asrar Durrani
M/S South Coast C.A. Cold Store: Rouhan Rafiq
Archana initiates the discussion by inviting each entrepreneur to introduce themselves and elaborate on their respective businesses. Rouhan Rafiq shares insights into his cold chain logistics and supply management venture, emphasizing its critical role in ensuring the freshness and quality of perishable goods. Fawzul Kabiir proudly highlights GR8 Sports as the pioneering manufacturer of Kashmiri cricket bats, showcasing the potential of local craftsmanship on an international scale. Faseeh Khan provides a glimpse into his innovative website that curates offbeat travel experiences for adventurous travellers seeking unique journeys. Shazia Sadaf discusses her consultancy that specializes in hospitality services, aimed at enhancing the tourism experience in Kashmir. Asrar Durrani rounds out the introductions by sharing his passion for producing Ayurvedic tea, which reflects the rich cultural heritage and natural bounty of the region.
Legacy vs. Startups: A Thought-Provoking Exploration
As the conversation unfolds, it shifts to a thought-provoking exploration of legacy businesses versus startups. Archana prompts each founder to share their perspectives on which model they prefer. Rouhan emphasizes that running a startup offers limitless opportunities for exploration and diversification, allowing founders to adapt to changing market conditions. Kabiir adds that startups are uniquely positioned to leverage technological advancements, which can be challenging to integrate into traditional legacy businesses.
The Power of Storytelling
As the episode progresses, Archana invites the founders to share their experiences regarding narrative building and storytelling within their businesses. Each entrepreneur reveals their unique journey and compelling story behind their ventures. Faseeh articulates a particularly insightful perspective, explaining how storytelling provides consumers with a compelling reason to choose a brand while simultaneously offering clarity and purpose to founders in their entrepreneurial endeavours. The episode culminates in a rich dialogue about whether storytelling comes naturally or if business owners must carefully craft their narratives to resonate with their audience. This discussion highlights the importance of authenticity in branding while exploring how narratives can evolve over time.
Archana’s Insights as a Venture Capitalist
As the episode progresses, Archana Jahagirdar provides the founders with an opportunity to engage in a dialogue by asking her questions. The founders seize this chance to inquire about various aspects of her experience and insights as a venture capitalist. Their questions range from what qualities she looks for in a founder before deciding to invest, to what has been the most exhilarating part of her journey in the venture capital landscape thus far.
Archana responds thoughtfully, drawing from her extensive experience in the venture capital and startup ecosystem in India. She emphasizes that successful investments are rooted in understanding the unique characteristics of each founder and their vision for their business.
In addition to discussing what she seeks in potential investments, Archana reflects on her own journey as a venture capitalist. She highlights the excitement of discovering promising startups and the satisfaction that comes from supporting them through various stages of growth. Her insights provide valuable guidance for the founders, illuminating the complexities of navigating the investment landscape.
Tune In!
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness inspiring stories from Kashmir’s vibrant startup ecosystem! Tune in now for an engaging exploration of entrepreneurship that you won’t want to miss!