More about Payal Shah
I started working in Human Resources a bit by accident :)
I started my career as a Software Developer with Smithe Technologies Pvt. Ltd., and being a member of IT department, I was involved in developing software for the healthcare industry. We (I was part of the team) developed EMR (Electronic Medical Records) for one of our clients based in US. As my career progressed, I got a chance to lead the team, and the role itself called for conversing with client and understanding his requirements, distributing the work to the team members and helping them.
Thanks to this role, it made me realize that I was a people’s person, someone who is gregarious and enjoys being around people. Also, my verbal communication skills helped me express my ideas clearly, precisely and confidently. Things were going ahead smoothly, but accidents happen :) And yes I got married, I went on a sabbatical for 6 months to balance my personal life. After which, I thought of taking up a different job, a job that helped me identify, develop, empower and facilitate people to work at their highest level. Opportunity struck and I started working as a People Manager at Digicorp.
In the last 13 years of my career with Digicorp, as a HR Manager, I have gained experience in talent acquisition, talent development, talent assessment, organization development and culture. I am at my best when exposed to a positive, creative and a dynamic environment. And thanks to Digicorp who has helped me evolve and work at par by providing a conducive environment.
I started my career as a Software Developer with Smithe Technologies Pvt. Ltd., and being a member of IT department, I was involved in developing software for the healthcare industry. We (I was part of the team) developed EMR (Electronic Medical Records) for one of our clients based in US. As my career progressed, I got a chance to lead the team, and the role itself called for conversing with client and understanding his requirements, distributing the work to the team members and helping them.
Thanks to this role, it made me realize that I was a people’s person, someone who is gregarious and enjoys being around people. Also, my verbal communication skills helped me express my ideas clearly, precisely and confidently. Things were going ahead smoothly, but accidents happen :) And yes I got married, I went on a sabbatical for 6 months to balance my personal life. After which, I thought of taking up a different job, a job that helped me identify, develop, empower and facilitate people to work at their highest level. Opportunity struck and I started working as a People Manager at Digicorp.
In the last 13 years of my career with Digicorp, as a HR Manager, I have gained experience in talent acquisition, talent development, talent assessment, organization development and culture. I am at my best when exposed to a positive, creative and a dynamic environment. And thanks to Digicorp who has helped me evolve and work at par by providing a conducive environment.
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Founders and startup folks who joined past eChai startup events
The eChai Effect - In Their Words
"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
“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
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.
