#Throwback

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ #Bangalore: Would you attend a startup demo day on a Saturday evening?

4 years since I last saw Jatin at DSH Singapore for eChai Ventures, we finally caught up IRL โ€“ this time co-hosting an eChai #startup pitch event and #investor panel discussion at DSH Bangalore. Our roof was filled with 130+ #entrepreneurs and investors.

Here are some learnings:

โณ45 DAYS to 6 MONTHS

Is the duration for which due diligence, getting a term sheet, to receiving money in the bank can take up to in the process of startups #fundraising (as a gauge) ๐Ÿช™

๐Ÿ“š RESOURCES

โ€“ Venture Deals by Brad Feld is a great read to prepare founders who are #raisingcapital

โ€“ indianvcs.com is a pooled resource built by some VC folks, for entrepreneurs to have access to investor contacts (built with Notion ๐Ÿ”ฅ)

๐Ÿค๐Ÿผ KEEP IT PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL

โ€“ Before reaching out to an investor, research on the fund and what they invest in.

โ€“ Be genuine and authentic. Dishonesty is a red flag; The industry is interconnected, and will soon find out ๐Ÿšฉ

โ€“

Seeing is believing. I wouldn't have imagined a pitch night on a weekend evening being full house, and the energy is uplifting.

Thanks a ton to the investors for their valuable insights (Vijetha, Himansu, Bikramjeet, Mohammed Amaan Memon) and all the entrepreneurs who came to share their vision and business ideas with us ๐Ÿš€ ... Not forgetting one of the best hyper-connectors and startup enablers around: Jatin ๐Ÿ’ฏ


WHO SHOULD I MEET NEXT? ๐Ÿ˜
I've been here for two weeks already, but will be based out of Draper Startup House #India for the next couple more โ€“ I'm happy to connect with #founders, #startups, #investors, ecosystem partners and would love to meet others who are also enabling the startup community! Thanks for the recs ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿผ


Loving this journey so far!
Stay tuned for updates from BLR ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ

The eChai Effect - In Their Words

"eChai has played a truly pivotal role in HummingBirdโ€™s journey โ€” even before Day Zero. From ideation to establishment and into growth, itโ€™s been a constant source of support.ย It connected me with incredible people whoโ€™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 โ€” both personally and professionally โ€” in ways that are hard to articulate.ย Honestly, words fall short when I try to express what eChai means to me. Iโ€™m deeply thankful and forever grateful to eChai for being such an integral part of my journey."
Harsha Bhurani - Founder, HummingBird Consulting Group
Harsha Bhurani
Founder, HummingBird Consulting Group
"I have evolved from role of Community Builder to Startup Consultant to Startup Ecosystem Enabler to Angel Investor and now launching a Venture Studio and eChai has been a catalyst in my overall journey as Startup Evangelist since 13 years."
Mehul Shah - Co-Founder at Counselvise & Ivy Growth
Mehul Shah
Co-Founder at Counselvise & Ivy Growth
"eChai isnโ€™t just a startup community โ€ฆ itโ€™s a mindset .ย eChai has been one of the most impactful communities in my entrepreneurial journey. Itโ€™s been a turning point . In a world where building something can often feel isolating, eChai gave me a sense of belonging. Iโ€™ve found mentors, collaborators, and friends here โ€” people who genuinely want to see you succeed.ย Itโ€™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. Iโ€™ll always be grateful for the way eChai creates spaces where founders donโ€™t just grow businesses โ€” they grow together."
Koumal Kalantry - Founder, Bignano Ventures
Koumal Kalantry
Founder, Bignano Ventures

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