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

"At DevX.Work, we’ve greatly benefited from our association with eChai. Their events and networking forums have connected us with high-potential startups, ecosystem leaders, and innovation-driven professionals — many of whom have become valuable partners, collaborators, and even clients. What stands out most is the openness and accessibility of the community — whether you're an early-stage founder or an experienced entrepreneur, eChai provides a welcoming space to learn, collaborate, and grow. It's more than just a network — it's a catalyst for real, collaborative growth. We’re proud to be part of the eChai community. Highly recommended for any organization aiming to grow within the startup space."
Umesh Uttamchandani - Co-Founder, DevX
Umesh Uttamchandani
Co-Founder, DevX
“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
"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

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