Founder stories, interviews & opinions.
🎤 Interviews
Manish Misra explains how Panasonic is shaping India’s smart home future through innovation, sustainability, and startup collaboration, moving from standalone devices to integrated living solutions.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Ashish Dhawan is a private equity investor and Indian philanthropist who runs one of India's largest private equity funds, Chrysalis Capital. He is also the founder & CEO of the Convergence Foundation, the founder & chairperson of Central Square Foundation, and the founder & trustee of Ashoka University.
🎙️ Podcasts
Maya and Satish turned ₹2 lakh and a small Bangalore apartment into Joker & Witch and Teejh, now a ₹120 Cr profitable D2C brand built without external funding. In this StartupTalky conversation, Maya shares their unfiltered founder journey and growth story. Watch the full conversation.
🎤 Interviews
In this interview, Raviteja Chivukula, co-founder of Perceptyne, shares how the startup is building AI-powered robots for manufacturing, tackling deep-tech challenges, and making automation more scalable, efficient, and accessible.
🎤 Interviews
In an exclusive interaction with StartupTalky, Preeti Choudhary, Founder and CEO of Kaayu Rituals, talks about building a ritual-first Ayurvedic wellness brand. She explains how Kaayu focuses on daily self-care instead of waiting for problems to arise. Choudhary shares how Ayurveda and modern science come together in their products, and
Opinions
Neha Choudhry explains how Vikalp India is transforming STEM education for girls through hands-on kits, teacher training, and accessible learning—turning curiosity into confidence.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Discover the inspiring journey of Baskar Subramanian and his key achievements in building Amagi into a leading global media-tech company.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup, is the first woman to lead a major Wall Street bank. Discover her journey, achievements, and leadership impact on global banking.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
From breaking skincare myths to building toxin-free products, Prasanna Vasanadu explains how Tikitoro is creating safe, age-appropriate skincare for kids and empowering parents to make informed choices.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Tamanna Gupta explains how startups can move beyond vanity metrics to build marketing strategies that drive real business outcomes. From fundraising to category creation, she shares practical insights on scaling with purpose and impact.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Discover the story of Dario Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic and a leading voice in AI, including his career, achievements, and vision for safe artificial intelligence.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Demis Hassabis is one of the leading figures in artificial intelligence. From building video games to creating DeepMind and solving complex scientific problems with AI, his journey is shaping the future of technology.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Nandita Sinha, CEO of Myntra, is set to step down from her role, according to multiple reports. Myntra operates under Flipkart. Following this development, Sharon Pais has emerged as the most likely candidate to take over as the next CEO. She currently heads Flipkart’s fashion business and has previously
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Explore the inspiring journey of Mustafa Suleyman, from co-founding DeepMind to leading Microsoft AI, and learn how he is shaping the future of artificial intelligence with innovation and ethical vision.
In a recent LinkedIn post, Zerodha's Nithin Kamath explains why AI cannot guarantee profits in trading. While tools can reduce emotional decisions and improve discipline, real success still depends on behaviour, strategy, and realistic expectations in today’s efficient markets.
💼 Careers
Pramila Srinivasan is a healthcare entrepreneur and founder of MedicalMine and The Brain Foundation. Explore her career, personal life, and high-profile legal battle.
💼 Careers
Akriti Chopra’s journey from a Chartered Accountant to Zomato’s co-founder is truly inspiring. Discover her career growth, IPO role, achievements, and leadership story.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Sonali Debnath, founder of Thinq Chess, shares how the academy is nurturing young talent through structured coaching, helping children develop focus, decision-making, and competitive chess skills while expanding its presence in India’s growing chess education ecosystem.
💼 Careers
In this conversation, Rakhi Pal explains how EventBeep is transforming career discovery by making mentorship, networking, and job opportunities more accessible for women, empowering them to grow beyond traditional limitations.
📰 News
In this insightful conversation, Clelia Cecilia Angelon shares how Surya Brasil integrates purpose, sustainability, and Ayurveda to build a conscious global beauty brand. From ethical sourcing to long-term impact, she explains why values-driven growth creates lasting trust and success.
About fifteen people have lost their jobs as a result of Spotify's 3% reduction in its podcast workforce. The company is reorganising its operations in an effort to boost team collaboration and efficiency. Earlier this week, employees at Spotify Studios and The Ringer got laid off. Instead of
📰 News
In this interview, Priyal Bhardwaj talks about blending fashion, social work, and leadership to create impact. From supporting artisan communities with Label PB to empowering women through Sangini Saheli, she highlights the power of women-led development and sustainable ecosystems.
📰 News
In this interview, Aavika Chhawchharia talks about building Honey & Dough, evolving from a bakery to a café chain, understanding customer preferences, and maintaining quality while scaling in India’s competitive café and bakery industry.
📰 News
In this StartupTalky International Women’s Day 2026 feature, Ranjita Raman, CEO of Jaro Education, discusses democratizing access to higher education, building a sustainable ed-tech business, and how women leaders are shaping the future of learning in India.
📰 News
Neetu Sharma and Ranu Sharma, founders of Vastra Potli, are blending Rajasthan’s textile heritage with modern design while empowering women artisans. This StartupTalky International Women’s Day 2026 feature highlights their journey of building a purpose-driven, women-led brand.
📰 News
Explore how Aishwarya Bansal is redefining India’s real estate landscape through Smartworld Developers. From millennial-focused housing to design-led communities, discover insights on innovation, inclusivity, and the future of urban living.
📰 News
Through initiatives like Pedals of Hope and Project Drishti, Chitralekha Patil is enabling education access and empowering women in rural India, proving how simple interventions can drive lasting change.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Oshea Herbals has carved a niche in India’s beauty and personal care market by offering affordable herbal skincare solutions. This article explores its journey, products, and growth in a competitive industry.
📰 News
Aastha Mahawar, Chief Operating Officer of Skill Bud, discusses building a skills-driven tech company, staying ahead in AI and emerging technologies, and fostering inclusive innovation as part of StartupTalky’s International Women’s Day 2026 series.
📰 News
In this StartupTalky interview, Bhojanam founder Pranavi Chekuri talks about building a restaurant rooted in authentic Telugu comfort food, navigating challenges as a woman entrepreneur, and balancing tradition with scalability in India’s competitive food industry.
📰 News
Sangeeta Sharma, a life transformation and inner alignment coach, explores how emotional healing, generational trauma, and self-awareness shape modern women’s journeys, highlighting the shift from silent struggle to empowered living.
Alakh Pandey has entered the global billionaire list in 2026, with an estimated net worth of $1 billion, according to Forbes. The milestone follows a series of clear financial developments, including a strong IPO debut and steady revenue growth at Physics Wallah. His wealth is largely tied to his equity
👨💻 StartupTalkers
From Alibaba’s first programmer to CEO, Eddie Wu is quietly driving the company’s AI-first transformation, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth.
📰 News
In this StartupTalky International Women’s Day 2026 feature, Kiran Meena talks about building TheParentZ, scaling to 20 million parents, and empowering modern families through technology, community, and empathy-driven innovation.
Global beauty giant L’Oréal is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in Indian beauty and personal care startup Innovist. The deal is expected to value the Gurugram-based company between $350 million and $450 million, according to multiple media reports. If finalised, this would mark a significant
📰 News
As part of StartupTalky’s International Women’s Day 2026 series, Devashree Nampurkar discusses breaking barriers in defence manufacturing, driving engineering innovation, and contributing to India’s self-reliance through deep-tech solutions.
📰 News
As part of StartupTalky’s International Women’s Day 2026 series, Vidushi Jain and Saloni Shah reveal how Attrangi is transforming jewellery into a form of everyday self-expression while empowering women through design, community, and purpose.
📰 News
In this International Women’s Day 2026 special, Pee Safe Co-founder Srijana Bagaria shares how the brand is challenging stigma, empowering women, and building a future where hygiene conversations are open, accessible, and stigma-free.
📰 News
In a world chasing trends, Shivani Nirupam is creating something timeless. Through Label Shivani Nirupam, she transforms Mumbai’s energy into garments that celebrate storytelling, sustainability, and thoughtful luxury.
📰 News
From breaking barriers in a male-dominated sector to shaping the future of education for thousands, Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff’s journey is one of vision and resilience. Through Kalorex, she continues to redefine inclusive and purpose-driven education in India.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
What began as a mother’s careful choices for her child’s skin has evolved into Clariteens; a brand rooted in trust, safety, and real experience. Prerna Singla is redefining kids’ skincare by blending science with instinct.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
From cloud computing to AI-led innovation, Beyond Key is helping businesses transform at scale. At the heart of this journey are women leaders driving change, building inclusive teams, and redefining what leadership in tech looks like.
📰 News
As loneliness rises in an always-connected world, Shradha Chaturvedi is reimagining care through GetCompanion. By blending structure with empathy, she is creating meaningful human connections where technology alone falls short.
Shark Tank India judge and founder of Masters’ Union and Tetr College of Business, Pratham Mittal, made two investments on the Shark Tank India Season 5 Campus Special episode, backing two early-stage startups: Floreal and Two Words Away. Floreal, founded by Vanshika Mittal, a student of Lovely Professional University, is
📰 News
From navigating loss to building a global healthcare platform, Sonam Garg Sharma is reshaping medical tourism through empathy and accessibility. Medical Linkers goes beyond treatment to deliver holistic, culturally sensitive care for patients across borders.
As part of its reorganisation, Amazon has laid off some 16,000 workers. CEO Andy Jassy has hinted that the cloud sector could grow substantially in the next years thanks to artificial intelligence. Reductions in layers and complexity inside the organisation are being pursued through internal layoffs, as stated in
📰 News
In a world of swipe culture and checklists, Anuradha Gupta is building a more intentional approach to love. Through Vows for Eternity, she helps individuals move beyond filters to find partnerships rooted in clarity, compatibility, and shared purpose.
Contemporary innerwear and shapewear brand Pinq Polka has raised ₹4 crore in a Pre-Series A led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV). The capital will be deployed to scale marketing for the brand’s shapewear category, strengthen its team, and support working capital requirements. Founded with the vision of building a
📰 News
Namita Kothari reveals how Akoirah is redefining luxury with lab-grown diamonds, blending sustainability, trust, and modern design to meet the aspirations of today’s conscious consumers.
📰 News
Veena Dhandhia explores the power of inner leadership in shaping women’s careers. From overcoming self-doubt to building confidence and resilience, she shares how self-mastery and mindset shifts can unlock true leadership and long-term professional growth.
📰 News
Christelle D’Cruz talks about co-founding SuperGaming, building games for millions, and driving innovation in India’s booming gaming industry. She shares insights on leadership, diversity, and the growing role of women in game development.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Astha Jain discusses how Ayuvya is empowering women with leadership roles, digital skills, and inclusive growth. From a 40% women workforce to future wellness initiatives, she shares insights on building a diverse and future-ready consumer health brand.
📰 News
In this interview, Nikita Kumawat talks about building Brandworks Technologies from scratch, scaling to 40+ brands, and creating a 70% women-led workforce. She shares insights on design-led manufacturing, supply chains, and India’s growing electronics ecosystem.
Cashfree Payments, a fintech unicorn, was fined INR 3.1 lakh by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for failing to adhere to payment aggregator (PA) and payment gateway (PG) regulations. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in a statement that it had inspected Cashfree in accordance with its
📰 News
Senco Gold is blending AI, personalization, and heritage design to transform jewelry experiences. Joita Sen shares insights on innovation, women-led design, and the future of jewelry retail.
📰 News
From mentorship to leadership, Priyanka Agrawal reveals how AppSquadz is empowering women in tech and creating opportunities in AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation.
📰 News
As India’s packaging industry scales rapidly, DCGpac is leading the shift with sustainable solutions and inclusive growth. Co-founder Seema Bansal shares how women-led innovation, strong supply chains, and design thinking are redefining B2B packaging.
📰 News
Drishti Madnani talks about building Shryoan Cosmetics, transitioning from cosmetic wholesaling to a D2C beauty brand, and creating affordable, high-quality makeup designed for Indian skin tones and everyday confidence.
📰 News
As part of StartupTalky’s International Women’s Day series, Sonal Gupta talks about building SQIN Botanicals, a botanical skincare brand that blends traditional ingredients with modern science to create clean, effective products for everyday glow.
Travis Kalanick, co-founder of Uber, has started a robotics company called Atoms to create specialist robots for industries like transportation, food processing, and mining. The new partnership brings together CloudKitchens, Kalanick's ghost kitchen business, and a robotics-focused enterprise. In order to power unique, large-scale industrial settings, Atoms will
📰 News
In StartupTalky’s International Women’s Day series, Nidhi Sabbarwal explains how Kalyanamm transforms temple floral waste into sustainable products while creating livelihood opportunities for women and contributing to India’s growing circular economy.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
India is building a trillion-rupee industry in preventive health. This shift from reactive care to wellness infrastructure is set to revolutionize workforce productivity and economic growth.
Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas endorsed a viral post claiming AI is shifting computer science back to maths and physics. Tools like GitHub Copilot speed up routine coding by 55%, but entry-level jobs shrink amid 2026 tech layoffs.
IIT Bombay graduate and AI researcher Devendra Singh Chaplot has joined Elon Musk’s xAI and SpaceX. His work will focus on advanced artificial intelligence systems as Musk accelerates efforts to build powerful next-generation AI technology.
Accenture, a consultancy business, has made AI proficiency a requirement for career advancement in response to the growing prevalence of AI in everyday business operations at firms worldwide. This suggests that employees who aren't flexible may not be a good fit for the organization. Accenture CEO Julie Sweet
👨💻 StartupTalkers
As part of our International Women’s Day interview series, Saroj Mittal, founder of Ofis Square, shares how she is redefining coworking in India with ultra-premium, IoT-enabled smart workspaces while championing inclusive workplaces and encouraging more women to lead in real estate.
Accenture CEO Julie Sweet has told employees that learning and using AI tools is now essential for promotions. The consulting giant has already trained hundreds of thousands of workers in generative AI as it pushes towards an AI-first workforce strategy.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Discover the history of Nabha State, a prominent kingdom of the Phulkian Dynasty founded by Hamir Singh in 1755. Learn about its rulers, British Raj history, royal lineage, and the present head Maharaja Yudhister Singh.
📰 News
Dishis Jewels, founded by Dishi Somani, blends handcrafted artistry with bold statement designs. In this interview, she shares her journey of building a D2C jewellery brand, the challenges of being a woman founder, and lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
📰 News
The Indian honey market is growing steadily as consumers increasingly prefer natural, organic, and health-focused products. The market was valued at around $449.8 million in 2024 and is projected to reach over $626 million by 2033, driven by rising awareness of wellness, sustainable farming, and beekeeping. At the same
Startup founders often believe that a strong idea is the key to building a successful company. However, according to Ghazal Alagh, the real difference between startups that scale and those that stall lies in the mindset and decisions of the founder. In a recent LinkedIn post, the co-founder of Mamaearth
📰 News
BeyondBound, founded by Tejasvi Madan, is redefining women’s activewear in India by combining comfort, style, and empowerment. On International Women’s Day, she shares how the brand supports confidence, inclusivity, and a healthy lifestyle for modern Indian women.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Sangeeta Sikdar Bhatia, co-founder of TOABH, shares how she built one of India’s leading talent management agencies, nurtured emerging talent, and is creating new opportunities for women in the evolving entertainment and influencer ecosystem.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Type International Businessman · Scientific Researcher · Investor · Philanthropist Name Rustam Gilfanov · Rustam Khalefovich Gilfanov · Gilfanov Rustam · Gilfanov Rustam Khalefovich · Gilfanov R. K. · R. K. Gilfanov · Рустам Гильфанов · Рустам Халэфович Гильфанов · Гильфанов Рустам Халэфович · Гильфанов Рустам Халэфович · Гильфанов Рустам · Рустам Халэфович Гильфанов · Гильфанов Р. Х. · Р. Х. Гильфанов · Гільфанов Рустам Халэфович · Гільфанов
📰 News
Avni and Ashni Biyani discuss building Foodstories, a gourmet retail brand focused on clean ingredients, conscious sourcing, and transparent food stories, while shaping how modern Indian consumers discover and experience premium food.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Sukriti Mendiratta, founder of Panda’s Box, shares how the brand is creating screen-free, culturally rooted learning experiences for young children through mantra toys, books, and storytelling products while addressing modern parenting concerns around screen time and early development.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Ayushi Arora Gulyani, Founder of Media Corridors, shares insights on strategic communications, proactive storytelling, and founder-led narratives, along with lessons for women building their own PR and communications firms.
📰 News
Joyal Abraham of inticure discusses why sexual and emotional wellness remains a taboo topic in India. She shares how technology-driven platforms are helping women access private, stigma-free care, break long-standing silence around intimacy, and shape the future of the sexual wellness industry.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
In this Women’s Day 2026 interview, Dr. Sujata Seshadrinathan, Co-Founder of Basiz Fund Services, shares insights on deep-tech innovation in finance, the real-world impact of blockchain, building proprietary technology in regulated sectors, and creating stronger pathways for women in tech.
📰 News
In this interview, Chaitra Vedullapalli explains how Women in Cloud is unlocking $1 billion in opportunities while empowering women to lead in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity through global partnerships, certifications, and initiatives like WICxSaksham.
💼 Careers
In this interview, Nehaa Goyal explains how internal barriers like self-doubt and perfectionism impact women’s careers. She shares how trauma-informed coaching builds emotional clarity, confidence, and sustainable leadership growth.
📰 News
Kashika Malhotra is the founder and CEO of Yoginii, a platform created to simplify how women discover trusted health and wellness solutions. In this interview, she shares the inspiration behind building a curated wellness marketplace, the importance of women-led innovation in the wellness industry, and how Yoginii aims to build
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Shikha Agnihotri is the founder of Right Side Story and the force behind the National Council for School Safety. She works to transform school safety in India through structured governance systems aligned with the POCSO Act and national guidelines. In this interview with StartupTalky, she shares the mission behind building
👨💻 StartupTalkers
NUOS Home Automation is an Indian deep-tech company working in home automation and wireless building management systems. In this interview with StartupTalky, co-founder Geetica Srivastava shares how she built credibility in a male-dominated infrastructure sector, scaled NUOS to handle metro-scale projects, and developed Made-in-India smart automation technology focused on reliability,
👨💻 StartupTalkers
In India’s mining corridors, transformation rarely happens overnight. It demands discipline, precision, and relentless operational focus. Few leaders understand this reality better than Arun Misra. His rise reflects a strategy forged deep within industrial ground. When he assumed charge at Hindustan Zinc, expectations were high. The company was strong,
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Online education is popular for studying at your own speed from anywhere globally. Therefore, the global e-learning market is expected to reach $400 billion by 2026. The education technology (EdTech) sector in the USA is experiencing a remarkable surge, with innovative startups reshaping how we learn and acquire new skills.
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Rhea Poddar Loyalka, founder of Deshya, is part of a new generation of women entrepreneurs redefining India’s luxury jewellery space by blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary design. Drawing from her family’s gemstone carving legacy and her global education in gemology, she created Deshya to transform intricate gemstone artistry
In the ongoing push to include AI agents into office software, Microsoft has unveiled Copilot Cowork. It is an AI tool that can independently complete activities within the Microsoft 365 environment. Users will be able to deploy AI agents that can handle multi-step tasks like evaluating Outlook calendars, creating meeting
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Dr. Premila Naidu has been at the forefront of transforming paediatric dental care in India by creating child-friendly, sensory-sensitive clinical environments. As the founder of Small Bites and Dr. ToothLittle, she pioneered one of India’s first specialised chains of paediatric dental clinics designed specifically for children’s needs. In
👨💻 StartupTalkers
As India’s retail landscape evolves, women are not only the primary consumers but also powerful cultural and economic influencers shaping purchasing decisions across households. Yet leadership representation in retail strategy and brand-building remains limited. In this conversation with StartupTalky, Subarna Mukherjee, Founder of Shop Culture, discusses how women-led strategy
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Vygr News is building a new kind of creator ecosystem, one that empowers women from Tier II–IV towns to produce credible, hyperlocal informational content. By combining training, editorial support, and stable income opportunities, the platform is helping regional women become trusted voices in their communities. In this conversation with
💼 Careers
Kalashree Anand’s journey is a powerful story of redefining success on her own terms. After nearly a decade in the corporate world, motherhood became the turning point that led her to step away from a thriving career and pursue her deeper calling in coaching and healing. In this conversation
📰 News
Masuma Siddique, Founder and Chief Strategist at InkCraft Communications, has built her agency on a simple but powerful belief: brands don’t just need visibility, they need trust. In an era where content is everywhere but credibility is rare, she has focused on creating strategic narratives that help brands build
Ekatra Retail Ventures, co-founded by Pavitra Gandhi, Sunny Sakaria, Sussanne Khan, Vasuki Punj, and Chirayu Yardi, proudly announces its debut in the world of lab-grown diamond jewellery with Shristi Ratna, a diamond crafted with 108 facets, symbolizing a cosmic journey. Spearheaded by a strong female vision, the launch signals the
📰 News
Building a digital brand today requires more than just tactics—it demands clarity of audience, consistency, and measurable results. Muskan Rathod, Founder of Maverick Digitals, has demonstrated this by growing her LinkedIn presence to 26K followers in just eight months and turning it into a powerful client acquisition channel while
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Building a communications agency from the ground up requires more than industry experience, it demands resilience, clarity of vision, and the courage to start from scratch. Shruti Mishra, Founder of Image Stereo, brings over a decade of newsroom experience from Aaj Tak into the world of perception management and strategic
👨💻 StartupTalkers
In the fast-growing world of digital transformation, many startups are built by founders who identify everyday problems and turn them into practical technology solutions. Ashwini Devi S, Founder of SwagatRCS Tech Solutions, is one such entrepreneur who transitioned from academia and homemaking to building a SaaS-driven business. In this interview
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Performance marketing today requires a balance of creativity, strategy, and data-driven decision-making. Vidya Varadarajan, Director – Digital at Jacob Creative, brings this blend through her journey from copywriting to managing high-impact digital campaigns and Google Ads strategies. In this interview with StartupTalky, she shares how storytelling shaped her marketing mindset, her
👨💻 StartupTalkers
Mumbai’s café culture has grown rapidly in recent years, but creating a space that truly blends community, design, and distinctive flavors remains a challenge. Mokai India was born from founder Kareena Bulchandani’s experiences across Asia and her desire to recreate the calm, thoughtful café culture she discovered in
👨💻 StartupTalkers
This International Women’s Day, we feature Meghna Agarwal, co-founder of IndiQube, who has made her mark in India’s male-dominated real estate sector. Since starting IndiQube in 2015, Meghna has focused on building workspaces that combine design, technology, and employee experience. From founding the company to taking it through