We often hear VCs saying location doesn't matter for startups. But if that's true, why don't we see more VC firms based in states like Madhya Pradesh?
How many venture capital firms can you name in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, or Jharkhand?
The numbers are disappointingly low and this disparity creates a significant disconnect.
While we preach that great ideas can come from anywhere, the capital and networks essential to nurture these ideas remain overwhelmingly concentrated in a few metro cities.
But things are changing and I recently witnessed this firsthand at an exceptional event in Gwalior organized by Fluid Ventures.
It brought together some of the most innovative thinkers and leaders in India's startup community, all under one roof.
The event was not just another startup gathering. It’s a reminder that innovation isn't limited to big cities. It's happening right here in smaller towns as well.
Experiencing this in my hometown hits me very differently.
It's one thing to read about change, but to experience it is entirely different. And I'm grateful I could contribute as a speaker, host, founder, and even gifting partner through Amrutam .
A huge thanks to the support and encouragement of Shmt. Priyadarshini Raje Scindia at the Gwalior Palace. It wouldn’t have come to life without your vision to make Gwalior grow and prosper.
A special thank you to Amit Singal and Rakhee Singal for spearheading this initiative in our city. For thinking about start-up ecosystems and building them in Tier 2 cities.
Let’s continue to work towards a more inclusive startup ecosystem across all of India.
How many venture capital firms can you name in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, or Jharkhand?
The numbers are disappointingly low and this disparity creates a significant disconnect.
While we preach that great ideas can come from anywhere, the capital and networks essential to nurture these ideas remain overwhelmingly concentrated in a few metro cities.
But things are changing and I recently witnessed this firsthand at an exceptional event in Gwalior organized by Fluid Ventures.
It brought together some of the most innovative thinkers and leaders in India's startup community, all under one roof.
The event was not just another startup gathering. It’s a reminder that innovation isn't limited to big cities. It's happening right here in smaller towns as well.
Experiencing this in my hometown hits me very differently.
It's one thing to read about change, but to experience it is entirely different. And I'm grateful I could contribute as a speaker, host, founder, and even gifting partner through Amrutam .
A huge thanks to the support and encouragement of Shmt. Priyadarshini Raje Scindia at the Gwalior Palace. It wouldn’t have come to life without your vision to make Gwalior grow and prosper.
A special thank you to Amit Singal and Rakhee Singal for spearheading this initiative in our city. For thinking about start-up ecosystems and building them in Tier 2 cities.
Let’s continue to work towards a more inclusive startup ecosystem across all of India.
The eChai Effect - In Their Words
“eChai has been that turning point in my journey. It gave me a platform when I wasn’t 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.”
Rushabh Shah
Managing Partner - STIR Advisors
“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 has been a game changer in my journey. It connected me with real people, real support and real opportunities. From building HMMBiz to launching Mindalcove, eChai has played a key role at every step. Grateful to be part of a community that truly believes in growing together."
Hardik Manwani
CTO, Mind Alcove
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.
.jpg "Digipple - We drive growth for brands with strategic, creative, and tech-enabled solutions.")