At Momentum91, we've been hard at work understanding AI and their use-cases for mid-market and large firms. Late last week, I had the opportunity to share everything we've learnt so far with eChai Ventures at GVFL Limited.
Here are some notes:
๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง ๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ข๐๐๐ข๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ Other people also have AI. A lot of folks are building on top of AI and so there is increased competition in almost every vertical. Every niche software has like 3 bootstrapped competitors who are going to market via SEO. Also, product differentiators are difficult to communicate in the age of low attention spans. If you are starting distribution today, it needs a thorough re-imagination.
๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐๐ซ๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ/๐๐๐๐ค ๐๐ Instead of building systems that are kind of smarter at doing a lot of things, you might want to consider building multiple and separate systems that are very smart at doing a few things extremely well. Enterprises/companies will separately pay for solving specific problem areas and addressing their use-cases. The game is depth, not breadth.
๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ฑ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ง๐๐๐ฌ Companies like ClickUp and Notion have done an amazing job at bringing AI within their products. But they are still not AI native. They were conceptualised when AI was not around. They have fit AI retrospectively. There is a large opportunity for building Native AI experiences. Platforms and products that are conceptualised from ground-up in the age of AI. An example of this is a project management system where I can assign tasks to both humans and agents. It will demand a lot of capital and ingenuity but it can be done. Here's a good question to ask: What other 'systems of records' exist that can be made AI native?
๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฏ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ AI will solve for analysis, predictions, pattern recognition etc. Most firms do not have accurate data. If you can figure out a way for a business to collect accurate data about their prospects, customers, employees, products, sales, etc - using AI, you can do anything and everything. Figure out a way as to how you will solve for collection, storage and organisation of accurate data.
There were a few other things that we discussed.
๐ Co-pilot and Autopilots ๐ AI wrappers ๐ AI & Funding ๐ Verticalising LLMs ๐ AI Safety ๐ Real-life implementations of AI by companies we have not heard about
This conversation was meant to be a starting point for folks thinking about building in the AI space. It was by no means exhaustive - but sort of a summary of all the research Harsh, Jay, Koushikram and I have been doing for the past few months.
If you want the deck, let me know in the comments and I'll send it over ๐
Our resident entrepreneurs got to pitch their hearts out, and the feedback they received was pure gold. The energy was unreal!
But it wasnโt just about funding. What made this week extra special were the amazing backstories these VCs sharedโfrom an Airforce veteran turned VC, to a DJ turned VC, to a super young college grad already making waves in the venture world. These stories were pure inspiration, especially for anyone thinking about starting their journey in VC.
We also hosted two panel events with these incredible VCs, attracting nearly 200+ attendees! It was a blast and a huge success for our community.
Innovative D2C Strategies Unveiled at ๐ D2C Bangalore Mixer!
Our recent meetup at Netcore's Bangalore office with D2C pioneers from SOQO, Iyurved,ย #JohnJacobs (Lenskart.com) lit the way for mastering the digital-first brand journey. โจ
Key takeaways from the panelists: ๐ฑ Janvi Tiwari - showcased strategies for niche product success through strong community engagement, setting a blueprint for brands that truly connect.
๐ก Vandita Tewari - explored the rising ROAS challenge, offering insights on smart customer acquisition and distribution efficiency.
๐ Shivam Tiwari - mastered the art of scaling campaigns within large brands. It's about balancing reach and relevance to cut through the noise.
These leaders prove that strategic growth, community engagement, and smart decisions drive D2C success. ๐ฏ
Amidst the festivities, a lady found herself in a tricky spotโwithout access to period products at such a high-profile event. Donโt be surprised this is a stark reality at ALL PLACES not just here but also 5 star hotels, schools, museum or any public place for that matter.
In her moment of need, SOQO stepped in with our leakproof undies literally meant to save the day for unexpected leaks including sogginess from pee, periods, discharge or sweat proving that weโre here to make a difference in real-life situations. ๐ so glad this picture also made it to peoplessamachar ๐ฅฐโจ
I attended several meet-ups organized by eChai Ventures, and it was such a cool experience. As a teenager who's just starting out in the world of startups and AI, getting the chance to meet new people and hear their stories was eye-opening.
Every conversation helped me see things from different angles and broadened my perspective. Networking isnโt just for seasoned professionals it's for anyone who's eager to learn, share ideas, and grow.
I'm grateful for these opportunities to connect with others who are as passionate as I am about innovation and creativity. Thank you eChai Ventures & Jatin Chaudhary for creating such a welcoming space for young minds to explore and engage!
I took a break from my usual grind to host a marketing event with eChai Ventures, and it reminded me why stepping out of your comfort zone can be so rewarding.
As the founder of Vinaayak Digital my days are packed with helping Businesses with their marketing and media needs.
But occasionally, I get to dive into something different โ like hosting events. And let me tell you, I absolutely love it!
This particular event was special for me. I had the pleasure of engaging with two incredible founders Vedant Sarda & Mitesh L Thakker and a dynamic audience. The energy in the room was fantastic, and the discussions were both insightful and inspiring.
Hosting events allows me to step away from my daily tasks, connect with amazing people, and learn new things.ย
Itโs a refreshing change and a great reminder that itโs essential to make time for things you enjoy, even when life gets busy.
This experience reinforced a valuable lesson: donโt be afraid to try new things and follow your passions. Balancing work with what you love can bring a lot of joy and fulfillment.
So, whether youโre deep into your professional life or exploring a new hobby, embrace those opportunities that make you happy. They can be incredibly rewarding.
Here's how we're powering the next generation of B2C innovators: ๐ป Up to $30,000 in product credits ๐ง Expert mentorship from industry leaders ๐ค A powerful network of partners and peers
Whether you're gearing up for your next big leap or fine-tuning your growth engine, we've got your back every step of the way.
Ready to write your own success story? Apply Now in the comments!
Follow along for insights, success stories, and more as we continue to elevate the B2C startup ecosystem.
I recently attended an incredible AI product showcase event at the LOGICWIND, powered by the eChai Ventures community. The event was a fantastic opportunity to see firsthand the innovative AI solutions being developed by brilliant minds in the tech industry.
I would like to give a special mention to two standout products that left a lasting impression:
1. AI Ingredient Scanner by WebOsmotic Private Limited: This tool scans the nutrients of packaged foods and classifies them as vegan or not. Itโs a game-changer for health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions (Being a Jain myself this product would help many overseas Jain people and not only Jain but other community people who are strictly following a vegan diet )Kudos to the team for developing such a practical and beneficial AI solution!
2. Legal advisory AI assistant by Counselvise : This AI assistant acts as a legal advisor, guiding users with references to real-world court cases. Itโs an invaluable tool for both legal professionals and the general public seeking legal advice.
Also a fun and innovative AI application of narad.io | Intranet company to integrate AI model that generates a quiz based on the company policies and legal documents and testing out knowledge base of employees is a win-win implementation for both company and employees .
Thank you to LOGICWIND and eChai Ventures for organizing such a stellar event, and to all the participants for sharing their visionary products. Looking forward to more such enlightening and engaging events in the future!
๐ I am sure you missed this in #Mumbai.. . I was honored to have been the speaker along with Rajendra Lora at the recent eChai Ventures community meetup at DevX, Andheri
๐ Moderated by Shubham Dumbre, I shared my raw startup journey and it was an absolute thrill, especially with such an inspiring audience of young founders and top voice like Dr. Hashim Adil ๐, including many incredible female leaders like Aanchal Verma๐ students, and passionate professionals.
From practical startup-building advice to insights on hiring and achieving the extraordinary, our session was a heartwarming exchange of knowledge and motivation.
Remembering the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
๐จ PMs from Bangalore >>> Got something for you ! ๐
๐ค Have you ever thought about how AI would impact your career? I did and after talking to some 100+ AI Leaders in the last couple of months, Iโm thrilled to share a unique opportunity with all of you via Anybody Can AI ( by Lyzr AI) ๐
๐ญ Imagine a day where youโre immersed in all things AI, surrounded by fellow Product Managers who are just as eager to learn and grow. Thatโs exactly what weโre planning, and I canโt wait for you to join us at the 1st Edition of Anybody Can AIย #Socials
๐คTheyโre not just experts; theyโre passionate about sharing their knowledge, democratising AI for #NonDevelopers and got incredible insights on integrating AI into product management.
๐๏ธBut itโs not just about listening to talks. Itโs about having the real talk and engage in discussion about the "future of work". Whether youโre new to AI, havenโt yet started your AI journey or already pretty much some good experience - we have something in store for everyone.ย
๐๏ธโโ๏ธ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ This event will help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of AI in product management and supercharge growth no matter where youโre in your AI journey.ย
๐ฏ And hereโs a fun twist: Weโreย #HIRING at Lyzr AI! This could be your golden ticket to landing that job and working w a team that has cracked $2M ARR in revenue in last 7 months.
๐ซ Weโre keeping it exclusive, so weโre looking for Product Managers with at least 2 years of experience. This isnโt just another networking meetupโitโs a game-changer.
So, are you ready to elevate your career with the power of AI? Letโs make it happen together. ๐
๐ Save the date and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Had a fantastic time at the Product Social hosted by eChai Ventures last weekend! It was enlightening to engage with fellow product enthusiasts and exchange insights.
The session was about '๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐จ๐๐ญ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ'. If you do not know who Amartya Jha is, he is the founder of CodeAnt AI (YC W24)
CodeAnt AI (YC W24) helps companies detect and auto-fix bad code without breaking existing logic!
He shared with us his amazing journey and how he was able to raise the initial funding from Y Combinator!
There was extensive discussion around howย #AI is changing software development and its future implications.
I was also able to meet young entrepreneurs who were building startups leveraging AI to solve realistic problems.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend eChai Ventures Ahmedabad Marketing Summit 2024 at GUSEC, Gujarat University.
A premier event that brought together top marketing professionals and innovators. The sessions provided valuable insights into the latest industry trends and strategies, fostering meaningful discussions on how to navigate the evolving marketing landscape.
Grateful for the opportunity to learn from the best and to network with like-minded individuals passionate about driving marketing excellence.
Looking forward to applying these new insights to our ongoing projects!ย
Yesterday, it was my pleasure to attend the eChai Ventures event on Building Team & Company Culture. Here are some of my key learnings and takeaways:
Jatin Dudhat, I really appreciate your effort in initiating free lunch for all employees. Throughout my career, I thought I would always have to eat cold food, but it's inspiring to see someone like you living the core values of your company. Keep up the great work, and I encourage every IT company to consider thisโit's worth it!
Shruti Sheth, it was wonderful to hear about how you eliminated the sir/ma'am culture in your company and how you support employees emotionally. Your approach is commendable.
Mukul Goyal is a no-nonsense guy with a straightforward thinking and approach. I am truly impressed and inspired by his perspective:
- We can measure the effectiveness of company internal event initiatives by employee retention and internal referrals for new hires. - Do not start something for employees that you can't sustain long-term. For example, if you start giving every Saturday off but later need to change it due to business impact, it can create a negative impression among employees. - For startup companies, the founder's thoughts and vision initially shape the culture. To improve company culture, start with transforming the founder's mindset. - Do not over-please employees. Support them and be with them, but maintain a professional arm's distance. - Companies can organize events where employees share stories about how they have lived the company's core values in the past.
Thank you, Manoj Adwani and eChai Ventures Surat, for making this happen. It was a great learning experience from the experts, and I look forward to the next event.
Entrepreneurship is the driving force behind the growth of a nation, and last week, I was amazed to see how Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India contributes towards building that force!
Joining eChai Ventures' ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐๐ฝ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐๐ต ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ at EDII's ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐บ๐บ๐ฒ gave me a glimpse of the passion and talent of tomorrow's entrepreneurs, currently being trained at EDII. Their questions and active participation convinced me that our startups of tomorrow are going to be even more successful and transformational for our nation.
Hats off to the management, faculty, and staff of EDII for creating an atmosphere and academic experience that inspires and nurtures our business leaders of tomorrow.
If youโre struggling to sell your products or services,
then you havenโt heard this guy speak.
About 8 weeks ago, I attended an eChai Ventures event where Udit Goenka came in as a speaker and shared his story about how he started his journey when he was only 16 years old.
Yesterday, I was honoured to host him and ask him more detailed questions about sales and building a successful business.
Hereโs everything that we unpacked:
โฅ Understanding your value proposition. โฅ Different ways to generate more sales. โฅ The need to create valuable content. โฅ Communication is the key to sales. โฅ Defining your target audience. โฅ Using case studies to convert. โฅ Building a strong community. โฅ Moment marketing strategy. โฅ Testing product market fit. โฅ Change in user behaviour. โฅ Pivoting your business. โฅ Accountability in sales. โฅ Demos and Webinars. โฅ Focusing on results. โฅ OPR, RTO and CRO. โฅ The right channels. โฅ Of course failures.
Well that wasn't it.
But imagine walking away with not just strategies, but a mindset shift that transforms how you approach every conversation in sales.
Thatโs exactly what got delivered yesterday.
Thank you Jatin Chaudhary founder of eChai Ventures for making this happen and Udit Goenka for taking out the time to share your experience and provide valuable insights on sales.
P.S. I wrote this post at 1:00am last night and after processing the super insightful information gathered through this sales masterclass.
~ Hi, I am Haarshit Gala, and I help visionary entrepreneurs and business owners build thoughtful brands.
Not sure about what youโre doing? Book your Discovery Call https://lnkd.in/dimNmfv5 to share your story, goals and challenges.
We were thrilled to host the exclusive eChai Ventures Social. Engaging in small group candid conversations with innovative hardware founders about designing cutting-edge hardware products was truly inspiring.
Reflecting on the insightful panel discussion at E-Chai Ventures, where I had the privilege to speak alongside Pathik Patel from Fit & Flex, Sumit 'Curl' Karranji from Curlin Professional, and Kena Shah from Inara. The topic, "Insights from Scaling Up," sparked engaging conversations about the challenges and triumphs weโve encountered on our journeys as D2C founders.
A special thank you to Jatin Chaudhary, Co-founder of eChai Ventures, for orchestrating this opportunity. Your platform continues to inspire and empower entrepreneurs to share their stories and grow together.
Scaling a business is never a linear path, but with shared experiences and collective wisdom, we can navigate it more effectively. Hereโs to continuing the journey, learning from each other, and striving for greater heights.
If you are also a D2C founder, do share the challenges you face in your journey.
Yes, I'm discussing how important it is to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and not to limit your thoughts as an employee only.โ
Recently, I attended the 'Sales Masterclass for Startups' at IIMA Ventures which was organised by eChai Ventures and it gave me a new perspective.๐
What it feels like to be in the shoes of an entrepreneur can be understood when the respected speakers : Mr.Pankaj Bhimani, Mr. Bhavin Bhagat and Mr. Pratik Patel gave their insights.๐๐๐
Thanks to eChai Ventures for organising the masterclass and providing a great network opportunity to us.
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.