What Today’s Founders Taught Me About Teams, Culture & Letting Go



Just a few hours ago, I had the opportunity to attend one of the most grounded and honest startup conversations I’ve experienced in a while. Hosted by eChai Ventures, the focus was clear: Building Startup Teams & Company Culture — but the takeaways went far beyond titles.

Here's what I learned today from founders who’ve been in the trenches:

1. Culture Isn't Built in Docs. It’s Built in Reactions.

One founder said it best:

“People don’t watch what you say, they watch how you act—especially in difficult moments.” Whether it's resolving disputes or making tough calls, your reactions shape your company's real DNA.

2. Want Loyalty? Build Open Channels, Not Just Pay Hikes

“If someone wants to leave, they will. But if they feel heard, they might not even want to.” An open-door culture with real feedback loops matters more than retention bonuses.

3. Hire for Alignment, Not Just Resumes

One founder shared how their average cost per hire rose from ₹3.5L to ₹12L in under a decade. The shift? Not just inflation—but a focus on mindset alignment over skill matching.

4. AI Is Coming—But Adoption Is a Culture Shift Too

Some brands, like Theka Coffee , are still experimenting. Others are integrating AI into internal workflows and CX. The consensus:

“AI isn’t about tools. It’s about readiness—organizationally and mentally.”

5. Sometimes Leadership Means Saying Goodbye

“If someone repeatedly blocks progress, you must choose mission over momentary peace.” One founder shared how hard, but necessary, it was to part ways with senior team members misaligned with long-term goals.

 Personal Reflection:

As someone who works closely with teams across marketing, sales, and product, this session reinforced a key truth: People strategy is business strategy. Whether you’re scaling a startup or running a digital campaign—how you build matters just as much as what you build.

Gratitude to the stellar speakers:


If you’re building a team, culture, or vision—let’s connect. And if you’re curious how AI, leadership, marketing and digital culture can intersect—DMs open.

Grateful to be part of Ahmedabad’s buzzing #founder ecosystem. If you're building teams or culture—or just figuring it out like the rest of us—this one's for you.
More stories on eChai

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
“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
"I have evolved from role of Community Builder to Startup Consultant to Startup Ecosystem Enabler to Angel Investor and now launching a Venture Studio and eChai has been a catalyst in my overall journey as Startup Evangelist since 13 years."
Mehul Shah - Co-Founder at Counselvise & Ivy Growth
Mehul Shah
Co-Founder at Counselvise & Ivy Growth

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.

Creative and Marketing Agencies
MeDigit

Performance driven business growth agency for digital brands.

Cloud Telephony
CallHippo

Virtual phone system enhancing productivity, automating workflows, and reducing costs.

Marketing Tools
Creatosaurus

All-in-one creator stack for storytelling.

Academia
Narayana Business School

Narayana Business School is recognized as the preferred destination for top companies seeking exceptional talent and future leaders.

Blockchain Development
Timechain Labs

Global blockchain development services.

FMCG Food and Retail
Hearty Mart

Modern retail for rural and semi-urban markets.