I Now Give Up.

I give up on thinking I know everything about marketing.

I give up on believing that sticking to what’s familiar will take me further.

And most importantly, I give up on underestimating the power of new ideas.

Attending this event completely flipped my perspective. Here’s why:

My way of thinking

I always thought marketing was about strategies, numbers, and perfect campaigns.
But this event? It showed me it’s so much more than that.

It’s about people, relationships, and how you evolve your thinking to match the ever-changing world around you.

 The Founder’s Touch is Crucial
 ↳ The team behind simply Salads shared how staying connected with your business as a founder can create trust and authenticity.
 ↳ It’s a reminder that your unique touch is what sets your brand apart in a crowded market.

Lesson? People connect with people, not just products.

 Traditional Marketing Still Has Power
 ↳ Koumal Kalantry taught us that while digital is booming, traditional marketing strategies can still create a lasting impact.
↳ Combining the old with the new can future proof your brand while keeping it relatable.
Takeaway? The medium might change, but the message stays timeless.

 Think Bigger, Dream Bigger
↳ Meeting founders (some who’ve been featured on Shark Tank!) showed me the importance of pushing past limitations and broadening your perspective.
↳ Innovation happens when you challenge yourself to think beyond what’s possible.


If you’re a small founder or business owner, here’s the truth: your success isn’t about doing what’s trendy—it’s about doing what’s authentic to you.

Learn from the past, innovate for the future, and never stop building meaningful connections.

A heartfelt thanks to all the incredible founders I met for broadening my perspective and reminding me why I started this journey

Soham Payal Pathak| Jimish Kapadia|Mitesh Shethwala|Koumal Kalantry

And a special thank you to Jatin Chaudhary and Viraj Rajani for curating such an inspiring event. 🙏

P.S. What’s one lesson that’s helped you grow as a founder? Let’s learn from each other!

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
Rushabh Shah
Managing Partner - STIR Advisors
"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
Koumal Kalantry
Founder, Bignano Ventures
"For me, eChai is a second home. I've been associated with it since the early days, when it was already setting a different tone for how startup communities could work. As a traditional business owner entering the new-age D2C space, eChai supported me in every direction. Over the years, it became my window to the startup world — and also gave me lifelong friends who continue to show up, for business and beyond."
Pankaj Bhimani - Founder, 58miles
Pankaj Bhimani
Founder, 58miles

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.