More about Arpit Agarwal
I have been actively involved with promotion of startups since 2006, my first brush with it being at the first BarCamp in Bangalore. I later joined hands with fellow campers to start Headstart Network, today India's leading early stage entrepreneurs' network with over 20 city chapters.
I got introduced to the power of taking academic research to market as an MBA student at IIT Bombay which led the start of Academic Ventures, a consulting firm in technology commercialization space. Before Blume, I worked with TLabs, the accelerator program of Times Internet, as its second employee and discovered the joy of working closely with early stage startups.
At Blume, I lead science-led and hardware investments, particularly keen at proposals from Biotech, CleanTech, Energy, Electic Vehicles, Robotics and Electronics sectors. Companies I manage include Cashify, MechMocha, Tricog, MilkBasket, Spinny, Unocoin, BeatO, RailYatri, Mettl and E2E Networks.
I got introduced to the power of taking academic research to market as an MBA student at IIT Bombay which led the start of Academic Ventures, a consulting firm in technology commercialization space. Before Blume, I worked with TLabs, the accelerator program of Times Internet, as its second employee and discovered the joy of working closely with early stage startups.
At Blume, I lead science-led and hardware investments, particularly keen at proposals from Biotech, CleanTech, Energy, Electic Vehicles, Robotics and Electronics sectors. Companies I manage include Cashify, MechMocha, Tricog, MilkBasket, Spinny, Unocoin, BeatO, RailYatri, Mettl and E2E Networks.
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Founders and startup folks who joined past eChai startup events
The eChai Effect - In Their Words
“eChai has been that turning point in my journey. It gave me a platform when I wasn’t looking for visibility but needed direction. Over the years, it became more than just a network. It became my tribe; a place where conversations sparked collaborations, and strangers became trusted sounding boards. What I value most is how effortlessly eChai brings people together - no airs, no filters, just genuine people with shared dreams. I owe a lot to this community and to Jatin, whose consistency and belief in people have shaped journeys like mine. Forever grateful to be part of something so real.”
Rushabh Shah
Managing Partner - STIR Advisors
"From late-night brainstorming over chai to early morning founder calls, eChai has been more than just a network for me; it’s been home base for ideas, impact, and inspiration. What started as a simple meetup years ago turned into a powerful movement, connecting founders, creators, and dreamers. I’ve had the privilege of seeing startups find product-market fit, marketers (like me) find unexpected collaborations, and most importantly, people finding their tribe. संगच्छध्वं संवदध्वं – Let us move together, speak together. It’s not just a verse from the Rigveda — it’s how Jatin and the entire eChai community truly operate. We don’t just network, we grow together. Forever grateful to be a part of the eChai Effect.
Jaydip Parikh
Chief Everything Officer at Tej SolPro
“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
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