Everyone’s Launching AI Apps. I’m Still Fixing a Zip.

Everyone’s Launching AI Apps. I’m Still Fixing a Zip.

I started working on 58Miles in 2023 with a simple thought. Let’s make a better bag. Something I would actually want to use every day. A bag that works the way we live and move.

It’s now 2025. Still working on it. Still tweaking. Still not calling it “done.”

Everyone is launching apps and lots of AI apps, and I am launching a bag. Not because the world needs a new one, but because I couldn’t find a single one that worked for me.

Most bags either look good but don’t function, or they’re white-labeled, mass-produced pieces with designs that make no sense. Jahaa dekho, wahaa cool bags and good looking bags, they are like black holes. Too many zips. Random compartments. Loud branding. All show, no soul.

And pen compartments. Pen ke compartments me kaun pen rakhta hai.

I wanted something built for people like us. People who work on the move, who travel for work, who dump things into their bags and still want to stay sorted. I wasn’t trying to create a fashion statement. I just wanted a bag that works.

So I started making one. Here in India.

At first, I thought it would be quick. A few prototypes, a couple of months, and we’d have something good. But it never played out that way. Every sample fixed one problem and introduced another. The laptop section would feel too tight. The strap would lean weird. The bag wouldn’t sit right when placed on the floor. The zip didn’t feel smooth enough. These were small things. But they mattered.

40+ samples and 2 years, all these for little things no one notice but feel.

It’s hard to explain why this took so long. The truth is, I didn’t want to carry a bag that I had to explain. I wanted something that made sense the moment you used it. The kind of product that gets out of your way and becomes part of your rhythm.

I wanted to build for the people like us, who work, travel for work, build, create, hustle, messy and still organized.

Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost.

..

This post is part of Slice of Startup Life on eChai Startup Stream — where founders share the unfiltered version of their journey, as it’s happening.

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The eChai Effect - In Their Words

"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
“I have no hesitation in saying that my association with eChai has been a gateway into the startup ecosystem. Through this platform, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many young and dynamic entrepreneurs. These interactions have been immensely enriching - I’ve learned a great deal and have always tried to offer guidance whenever approached. It’s a truly symbiotic relationship that I deeply value, and it wouldn’t have been possible without eChai.”
Syed Nadeem Jafri - Founder, Hearty Mart
Syed Nadeem Jafri
Founder, Hearty Mart
“When we launched LegalWiz.in back in 2016, concept of procuring legal and compliance services through a digital commerce platform wasn't as prominent in India. eChai played a significant role in providing the early adopters, and building significant positioning in the startup fraternity. Overtime, eChai grew to be a massive network of like-minded entrepreneurs and extended that benefit to all the members in a true "co-rise" spirit. I personally love to attend eChai events, learn from subject matter experts who share relatable and actionable insights and experiences. For startup journeys, it is so important to be surrounded by people who can add relevance, perspective, and push you to do better. Most importantly a group of people where you aren't being judged about things going right or wrong, but be a motivational force that keeps you going, yet keeping you in check. eChai is that place for me!”
Shrijay Sheth - Founder at LegalWiz.in and Hire4Higher Consulting
Shrijay Sheth
Founder at LegalWiz.in and Hire4Higher Consulting

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