Vani Herlekar (@vani-herlekar)

Vani Herlekar

Founder & Director, City Collab

Ahmedabad

Helping urban development change-makers amplify their reach and impact. Strategic Communication I Storytelling I Creative Collaboration

Vani is an experienced urban development and communications professional with over seventeen years of experience working internationally and in India in the urban planning, policy and development space. She has demonstrated expertise in framing evidence based communication & advocacy, and facilitating collaborative processes around urban issues.

Vani combines her passion for cities and storytelling to help diverse groups including government agencies, institutions, urban design practices, NGOs, and community groups communicate their messages effectively and engage meaningfully with their stakeholders. Alongside her consulting work, Vani teaches at the CEPT University in the Faculty of Planning. Her teaching and research interests are in communication, urban land planning, housing affordability and governance.

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Founders and startup folks who joined past eChai startup events

The eChai Effect - In Their Words

“When we launched LegalWiz.in back in 2016, concept of procuring legal and compliance services through a digital commerce platform wasn't as prominent in India. eChai played a significant role in providing the early adopters, and building significant positioning in the startup fraternity. Overtime, eChai grew to be a massive network of like-minded entrepreneurs and extended that benefit to all the members in a true "co-rise" spirit. I personally love to attend eChai events, learn from subject matter experts who share relatable and actionable insights and experiences. For startup journeys, it is so important to be surrounded by people who can add relevance, perspective, and push you to do better. Most importantly a group of people where you aren't being judged about things going right or wrong, but be a motivational force that keeps you going, yet keeping you in check. eChai is that place for me!”

Shrijay Sheth

Founder at LegalWiz.in and Hire4Higher Consulting

"After moving back from the USA, eChai became my go-to space to learn how the Indian startup ecosystem works. It offered direct exposure to startup thinking and a community that openly shares business insights. What stood out was how easy it was to connect, learn, and grow through real conversations. As we built our IT hardware rentals business, eChai helped us find our niche and refine our path. Proud and grateful to be part of this amazing community."

Heet Sheth

Growth and Tech, Sheth Info

"eChai isn’t just a startup community … it’s a mindset . eChai has been one of the most impactful communities in my entrepreneurial journey. It’s been a turning point . In a world where building something can often feel isolating, eChai gave me a sense of belonging. I’ve found mentors, collaborators, and friends here — people who genuinely want to see you succeed. It’s a space where ideas are challenged, actions are celebrated, and founders grow not just in scale, but in clarity and confidence. From late-night ideas to early-morning pitches, this community has quietly but powerfully shaped the way I build, think, and dream. I’ll always be grateful for the way eChai creates spaces where founders don’t just grow businesses — they grow together."

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