eChai: Startup Touchdown SF

Happened on May 06, Tuesday, 2025
6:30am — 08:30am (GMT-06)
The Yellow Chilli by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor
5 slots booked.
Meet the Speaker:
Agenda:

Startup Touchdown SF is a weekly dinner series by eChai Ventures, built for visiting founders to plug into the Bay Area’s vibrant startup ecosystem — casually, over good food and great conversations.


​This week, with TiEcon bringing founders from across the world to Silicon Valley, we’re hosting a special Founders Dinner on May 6th in San Francisco.


​Whether you’re a founder new to the Bay, backed by a global accelerator, or a local looking to connect with ambitious builders — this dinner is for you.


​Just real conversations, meaningful connections, and practical insights from those who’ve walked the path — and those just starting out.


What to expect:



  • ​A curated group of early-stage and growth-stage founders

  • ​Bay Area locals who can help you navigate the scene

  • ​Honest advice, introductions, and shared learnings

  • ​A relaxed dinner format (everyone pays for what they order)

Who Should Join:



  • Investors & Angels looking for breakout early-stage opportunities

  • Builders & Engineers interested in upskilling, AI, or immersive learning

  • Designers & Product Thinkers curious about VR/AI-driven UX

  • Operators & Founders exploring global collaborations

  • ​And anyone who wants to connect with visiting Indian founders during TiEcon week

​This is a casual dinner meetup — no stage, no panels. Just honest stories, bold ideas, and new friendships.


You pay for what you order. No stage, no speeches — just honest conversations.


​Let’s gather, connect, and back what matters.

Share the link:
Copy

The eChai Effect - In Their Words

“You don’t plan to build a company via eChai. You just keep showing up … and one day, you realize you did.” I’ve known Jatin since 2012, when I was still deciding what kind of second innings I wanted to play as an entrepreneur. Over the years, through events, chai breaks, intros, and seemingly small conversations, eChai helped shape not just Upsquare but also refined the lens through which we see collaboration. At Upsquare, we’ve hired talent, met partners, discovered co-investors, and built lifelong friendships. One of our joint ventures exists today only because a casual eChai memory sparked a deeper trust. Now, as we build House of Starts — our venture builder — eChai continues to fuel our mission: co-creating a shared future. eChai isn’t just a startup network. It’s a trust network. And for business builders like me, that makes all the difference."
Utpal Vaishnav - Founder @ Upsquare & House of Starts • Angel Investor + LP
Utpal Vaishnav
Founder @ Upsquare & House of Starts • Angel Investor + LP
"We found eChai to be a force multiplier throughout our startup journey. Through it, we connected with folks from DevX, Allevents, Plutomen, and more - many of whom became friends of IndiaBizForSale.com and even part of our clientele."
Bhavin S Bhagat - Co-founder of Indiabizforsale and IBGrid, TiE Ahmedabad President
Bhavin S Bhagat
Co-founder of Indiabizforsale and IBGrid, TiE Ahmedabad President
“I have no hesitation in saying that my association with eChai has been a gateway into the startup ecosystem. Through this platform, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many young and dynamic entrepreneurs. These interactions have been immensely enriching - I’ve learned a great deal and have always tried to offer guidance whenever approached. It’s a truly symbiotic relationship that I deeply value, and it wouldn’t have been possible without eChai.”
Syed Nadeem Jafri - Founder, Hearty Mart
Syed Nadeem Jafri
Founder, Hearty Mart

eChai Partner Brands

eChai Ventures partners with select brands as their growth partner - working together to explore new ideas, open doors, and build momentum across the startup ecosystem.