๐ Had a blast at the Startup Social in Bangalore organised by eChai Ventures & moderated by Chaitanya last Saturday, where the conversations were as energetic as a double-shot espresso! During one of the discussions, I casually mentioned "ICP," and someone in the audience asked, "What's that?" ๐ค
Well, ICP could stand for Ice Cream Party" ๐ฆ๐ but thatโs not quite right. ๐
ICP actually stands for ๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ณ๐ถ๐น๐ฒโnot as fun as an Ice Cream Party but arguably just as essential. ๐
Let me break it down for you:
(some gyanbaji ) ๐ฌ
Imagine you're in the business of selling custom superhero capes. You could try selling to everyone, but wouldnโt it be better to focus on those die-hard superhero fans who canโt wait to put on a cape and feel invincible? These are your ideal customersโthe ones who not only need your product but are also excited about it, ready to buy, and might even show up to work wearing one!
Your ICP is that dream crew for your product or serviceโthe people who need what you offer, will benefit from it, and will love you for it. When you know who they are, you can focus on speaking directly to them. No more guessing games, no more "shouting into the void."
Why is this crucial for product managers and founders?ย
tโs like having a superheroโs map ๐บ๏ธ that guides you toward the right customers, knowing your ICP helps you avoid the classic startup trap of trying to be everything to everyone. ๐ฏ
Instead, you can zero in on those who truly need what youโre offering. This means better product-market fit, more effective marketing, and ultimately, a happier customer base.
In short: Know your ICP, and youโll spend less time chasing the wrong customersโand more time delivering value to the right ones. ๐ก
P.S. Still craving that Ice Cream Party though... ๐จ
Well, ICP could stand for Ice Cream Party" ๐ฆ๐ but thatโs not quite right. ๐
ICP actually stands for ๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ณ๐ถ๐น๐ฒโnot as fun as an Ice Cream Party but arguably just as essential. ๐
Let me break it down for you:
(some gyanbaji ) ๐ฌ
Imagine you're in the business of selling custom superhero capes. You could try selling to everyone, but wouldnโt it be better to focus on those die-hard superhero fans who canโt wait to put on a cape and feel invincible? These are your ideal customersโthe ones who not only need your product but are also excited about it, ready to buy, and might even show up to work wearing one!
Your ICP is that dream crew for your product or serviceโthe people who need what you offer, will benefit from it, and will love you for it. When you know who they are, you can focus on speaking directly to them. No more guessing games, no more "shouting into the void."
Why is this crucial for product managers and founders?ย
tโs like having a superheroโs map ๐บ๏ธ that guides you toward the right customers, knowing your ICP helps you avoid the classic startup trap of trying to be everything to everyone. ๐ฏ
Instead, you can zero in on those who truly need what youโre offering. This means better product-market fit, more effective marketing, and ultimately, a happier customer base.
In short: Know your ICP, and youโll spend less time chasing the wrong customersโand more time delivering value to the right ones. ๐ก
P.S. Still craving that Ice Cream Party though... ๐จ
The eChai Effect - In Their Words
โeChai has been that turning point in my journey. It gave me a platform when I wasnโt looking for visibility but needed direction. Over the years, it became more than just a network. It became my tribe; a place where conversations sparked collaborations, and strangers became trusted sounding boards. What I value most is how effortlessly eChai brings people together - no airs, no filters, just genuine people with shared dreams. I owe a lot to this community and to Jatin, whose consistency and belief in people have shaped journeys like mine. Forever grateful to be part of something so real.โ
Rushabh Shah
Managing Partner - STIR Advisors
"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
"The eChai platform has been super valuable for me - it has helped me gain a deeper understanding of domains in the startup and tech ecosystem. What stands out most is the celebration of knowledge, professional growth, and entrepreneurship - itโs one of the best for the Indian ecosystem. Along the way, Iโve also been fortunate to make some great friendships and connections too."
Shalin (Shawn) Parikh
Founder, MyCPE One
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.
