Founders contemplate whom to approach for funding, while investors consider where to allocate their investments. When one should seek funding or refrain from it is an individual choice. There are no definitive answers to any questions; it's always subjective and often seasonal.
It was an enriching meetup eChai Ventures on very apt topic #funding - learning about this from the best Milapsinh Jadeja sir ,Umesh Uttamchandani sor @mihir joshi sir GVFL Limited , Dheeraj Bhojwani sir !!
Many congratulations to Jatin Chaudhary for completing 15 years to eChai Ventures journey and hosting the show!
Friends and family are typically the first investors in your vision, and early-stage startups often receive initial investments from them.
• Bootstrapping: Self-funding the startup with personal savings or revenue.
• Seed Funding: Initial capital from friends, family, or angel investors.
• Series A, B, C Funding: Increasing rounds of financing from venture capitalists as the company grows.
• Bridge Funding: Short-term financing to sustain operations between major funding rounds.
Pros of Funding:
• Accelerated growth potential.
• Access to expertise and networks of investors.
• Ability to scale operations rapidly.
Cons of Funding:
• Pressure to meet investor expectations.
• Dilution of equity.
Are you part of startup ecosystem?
And which stage you are into , bootstrapping, seed funding, more round of funds , Bridge funding or other??
I am just truly love the energy of all the founders !!
Pankaj Bhimani Ekta Shah Mitesh Shethwala Himani Kankaria Harshal Trivedi Yash Mehta Amit Panchal Nikita A Macquinn Harsha Bhurani Satya Mehta Novin Jaiswal Viraj Rajani Niraj Harlalka Bhavik Makwana Shreyans Panchal
It was an enriching meetup eChai Ventures on very apt topic #funding - learning about this from the best Milapsinh Jadeja sir ,Umesh Uttamchandani sor @mihir joshi sir GVFL Limited , Dheeraj Bhojwani sir !!
Many congratulations to Jatin Chaudhary for completing 15 years to eChai Ventures journey and hosting the show!
Friends and family are typically the first investors in your vision, and early-stage startups often receive initial investments from them.
• Bootstrapping: Self-funding the startup with personal savings or revenue.
• Seed Funding: Initial capital from friends, family, or angel investors.
• Series A, B, C Funding: Increasing rounds of financing from venture capitalists as the company grows.
• Bridge Funding: Short-term financing to sustain operations between major funding rounds.
Pros of Funding:
• Accelerated growth potential.
• Access to expertise and networks of investors.
• Ability to scale operations rapidly.
Cons of Funding:
• Pressure to meet investor expectations.
• Dilution of equity.
Are you part of startup ecosystem?
And which stage you are into , bootstrapping, seed funding, more round of funds , Bridge funding or other??
I am just truly love the energy of all the founders !!
Pankaj Bhimani Ekta Shah Mitesh Shethwala Himani Kankaria Harshal Trivedi Yash Mehta Amit Panchal Nikita A Macquinn Harsha Bhurani Satya Mehta Novin Jaiswal Viraj Rajani Niraj Harlalka Bhavik Makwana Shreyans Panchal
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 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."
Harsha Bhurani
Founder, HummingBird Consulting Group
"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 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.
