Notes from Podcasts

How Starbucks Took Over the World — with Howard Schultz on Acquired

Jatin Chaudhary

Salesman @eChaiVentures l Good at managing WhatsApp groups n organizing high quality, large gathe...

https://youtu.be/A0fvX-wV70Y?si=yyqZc42nKxxDxzcN

Source: Acquired

..

Before the frappuccinos, PSLs, and 40,000 stores, Starbucks was just a quirky little coffee bean shop in Seattle — and Howard Schultz wasn’t even the founder.

This episode is different. For the first time ever, Howard Schultz joins the Acquired podcast not just as a guest, but as a cohost — telling the entire story of how he took a six-store operation in 1987 and built it into one of the most iconic global brands.

Howard is fully out now — no board seat, no CEO role, no plans to return — so what you get is raw, unfiltered reflection. From big vision bets to cultural missteps, it's honest, deep, and surprisingly emotional.

✅ Brand building lessons
✅ Culture, leadership, retail scale
✅ How not to lose your brand soul at scale

It’s rare to hear a founder at this stage talk like this.

Startup Stream

Blessing in disguise Books for Entrepreneurs Documentary eChai Wall of Love How I Met My Co-Founder In Focus Today Insight Reports Movies for Entrepreneurs Notes from Podcasts Slice of Startup Life The First Hire The First Welcome in Silicon Valley The Reading Room Unforgettable Lessons

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

"eChai has played a truly pivotal role in HummingBird’s journey — even before Day Zero. From ideation to establishment and into growth, it’s been a constant source of support. It connected me with incredible people who’ve become more than just friends. One of the biggest reasons I chose to stay in Ahmedabad is because of the eChai community. It has shaped my growth — both personally and professionally — in ways that are hard to articulate. Honestly, words fall short when I try to express what eChai means to me. I’m deeply thankful and forever grateful to eChai for being such an integral part of my journey."

Harsha Bhurani

Founder, HummingBird Consulting Group

"We found eChai to be a force multiplier throughout our startup journey. Through it, we connected with folks from DevX, Allevents, Plutomen, and more - many of whom became friends of IndiaBizForSale.com and even part of our clientele."

Bhavin S Bhagat

Co-founder of Indiabizforsale and IBGrid, TiE Ahmedabad President

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.

Zestard

Zestard

eCommerce and D2C experts in Shopify, WooCommerce, Digital Marketing & Performance Marketing