Things to keep in mind during fundraising for early stage founders.
1) It is very important to know/understand when is the right time to raise funds. Don’t raise at the last minute else you won’t have any leverage. Also consider there may be multiple ways to increase your company’s cash including debt options
2) In the struggle between balancing funds and growing customers, try to focus on growing customers using any means necessary. Remember if there is growth, funds will follow.
3) During the process of raising funds, anything could go wrong. Don’t rest just because you have a signed term sheet. It’s never over until the funds are in your bank account.
4) Having some kind of leverage is the most important thing while raising funds.
You can have leverage if,
a) your growth is strong
b) multiple VCs are interested in putting money creating competitive situations
c) founders have a history of building successful companies before
1) It is very important to know/understand when is the right time to raise funds. Don’t raise at the last minute else you won’t have any leverage. Also consider there may be multiple ways to increase your company’s cash including debt options
2) In the struggle between balancing funds and growing customers, try to focus on growing customers using any means necessary. Remember if there is growth, funds will follow.
3) During the process of raising funds, anything could go wrong. Don’t rest just because you have a signed term sheet. It’s never over until the funds are in your bank account.
4) Having some kind of leverage is the most important thing while raising funds.
You can have leverage if,
a) your growth is strong
b) multiple VCs are interested in putting money creating competitive situations
c) founders have a history of building successful companies before
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The eChai Effect - In Their Words
"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."
Koumal Kalantry
Founder, Bignano Ventures
"eChai is playing biggest role in my personal and professional life together. Its a community where i meet like minded people to share idea and learn from their idea. Even while playing cricket i learn something and i implement something new from that learning. Its my entry point for building network in different countries where my base is not established yet. Personally my only fun activity day in a week is eChai cricket and social."
yash shah
Chairman, ES Group of Companies
"eChai has played a truly pivotal role in HummingBird’s journey — even before Day Zero. From ideation to establishment and into growth, it’s been a constant source of support. It connected me with incredible people who’ve become more than just friends. One of the biggest reasons I chose to stay in Ahmedabad is because of the eChai community. It has shaped my growth — both personally and professionally — in ways that are hard to articulate. Honestly, words fall short when I try to express what eChai means to me. I’m deeply thankful and forever grateful to eChai for being such an integral part of my journey."
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Founder, HummingBird Consulting Group
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.
