Had an amazing time on the eChai's panel discussion last weekend about D2C startups, alongside Sanil Jain of 'The Better Shop' and Aayush Poddar of 'The Messy Corner'. 🚀
One of the highlights of the event was the exceptional quality of questions from the audience. 💡
Drawing from my own experiences, I was able to contribute to the discussion by sharing insights from my journey of building Clapper 🎬, and working with SUGAR Cosmetics.
Building Clapper, has given me a unique perspective on engaging with a young and dynamic audience. Understanding their preferences and constantly innovating to meet their needs has been key to our success. 💪
Whereas working with SUGAR Cosmetics has helped to understand the significance of branding and marketing in the beauty and personal care sector.
I hope that the insights shared during the session will inspire others to embark on their own journey. 🙏
One of the highlights of the event was the exceptional quality of questions from the audience. 💡
Drawing from my own experiences, I was able to contribute to the discussion by sharing insights from my journey of building Clapper 🎬, and working with SUGAR Cosmetics.
Building Clapper, has given me a unique perspective on engaging with a young and dynamic audience. Understanding their preferences and constantly innovating to meet their needs has been key to our success. 💪
Whereas working with SUGAR Cosmetics has helped to understand the significance of branding and marketing in the beauty and personal care sector.
I hope that the insights shared during the session will inspire others to embark on their own journey. 🙏
The eChai Effect - In Their Words
“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
"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
“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.
