Congratulations to BonV Aero!

Exciting news from Meet the Drapers Season 6 Finale - BonV Aero emerged as the champion, securing a whopping $1.6 million in funding! 🏆

I had the opportunity to be part of the selection panel along with Devesh Ramchandani, Dr. Barada Prasad Panigrahy and Sarika Batra, we witnessed more than 300+ Startups from across India, Srilanka and the MENA region, and least mention the Sri Sri University, Bhubaneswar, certainly was tough call to pick one startup to be represented from each region.

I would like to thank all our judges who were at MEET THE DRAPERS-season 6 India, Madan Padaki Nikhil Kamath Nupur Hemant along with Tim Draper.

BonV Aero’s groundbreaking mission to transform critical logistics with innovative electric aerial vehicles, tailored for demanding terrains, has garnered them well-deserved acclaim from our distinguished panel of judges.

Many congratulations to the team BonV Aero Satyabrata Satapathy Gaurav Achha the winners and 1st Indian startup to be funded at Meet the Drapers seasons.

This season witnessed a total investment of $2.8 million, underscoring the extraordinary promise and commitment of our contestants to propel innovation and change.

If you're convinced your startup can make a significant impact, seize the opportunity to apply for Season-7 of Meet the Drapers. Embark on this journey to leave your imprint on the global entrepreneurial landscape. https://lnkd.in/gWuVsvJF

The eChai Effect - In Their Words

“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
Utpal Vaishnav
Founder @ Upsquare & House of Starts • Angel Investor + LP
"If there’s one phrase that sums up my journey, it’s truly ‘The eChai Effect.’ Six years ago, I simply walked into my first eChai event, not knowing what to expect. The honest conversations, energy, and inspiration from founders and entrepreneurs struck a chord within me. That eChai spark became the catalyst for everything to follow. I proudly say: my entrepreneurship journey started—and keeps evolving—because of eChai. Redicine Medsol’s story is integrally linked to this community. I’ve gained so much, not just as a founder but as a forever volunteer and grateful member of the eChai family. With all my heart, thank you Jatin Bhai and everyone at eChai for shaping, guiding, and supporting my dreams. The eChai Effect will always be a part of my story."
Kush Prajapati - Founder, Redicine Medsol
Kush Prajapati
Founder, Redicine Medsol
"I attended my first eChai event 3 yrs back, and no one knew me in the market. Over the next three years, eChai didn’t only help me with knowledge or networking, but it gave me an identity from being unknown to now being recognized by a group of inspirational entrepreneurs connected with eChai, who have been gracious enough to acknowledge me and Digipple."
Viraj Rajani - Co-Founder, Digipple
Viraj Rajani
Co-Founder, Digipple

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.