160 Founders, 2 VCs, and 1 Unfiltered Fundraising Night at eChai x Draper in Bengaluru

160 Founders, 2 VCs, and 1 Unfiltered Fundraising Night at eChai x Draper in Bengaluru

We pushed the limits of our terrace space by hosting over 160+ #entrepreneurs last Saturday! 🧠🔥🌆

The Bengaluru Startup Meetup on Fundraising for Startups, co-hosted with eChai Ventures, turned out to be one of our most high-energy events yet at Draper Startup House, Bangalore. 🚀🎤✨

We had the privilege of hosting two incredible speakers:

- Harnidh K., Head of Fund, WTFund – She broke down their complete vetting process, what they truly look for in founders and why WTFund has become such a magnet for young entrepreneurs 💼💡. It was mind-blowing 🤯 to learn that they receive 2500+ applications per cohort and every single one is read and vetted personally by the team – with zero AI or automation 🤓📄.

She also spent over an hour before and after the event chatting with founders 1:1 – total legend 🧃🫶.

- Neha Lakhwara, CEO, Agility Ventures – Neha didn’t just talk about Agility's investment thesis 💰 and the sectors they’re bullish on 📊🛠️ — she also shared why she will always bet on a founder who shows clarity & grit. 🧠💪. She opened up about her favourite deal and what made it stand out 💎🚀, plus gave a masterclass on the do’s and don’ts of a pitch deck – founders took notes like crazy 📝📉📈.

Huge shoutout to the 160+ attendees who brought the vibe, fired sharp questions 🔥🧨 (some controversial ones too 👀) and stayed till the very end 💬🌙.

We pulled this off thanks to the kindest speakers who gave us their time and wisdom, expecting nothing in return 🕊️💙.

Can’t wait to host Harnidh and Neha again at Draper Startup House soon 🏠🔁
Startup Stream

The eChai Effect - In Their Words

"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
"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

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.