You don’t grow despite challenges, you grow because of them

You don’t grow despite challenges, you grow because of them
At eChai Ventures, our Unforgettable Lessons series highlights the defining truths founders learn not from success, but from the obstacles that shaped them.

For CA Swati Panchal, that truth was forged in the moments when ambition looked unreasonable, when starting over felt endless, and when resilience became her greatest strength.

Here’s how she tells it:

“I come from a small town where the idea of pursuing Chartered Accountancy was considered too ambitious, especially without a business background. But I took that leap. From Dahod to Ahmedabad to Mumbai, I followed the path less taken and embraced every risk that came with it.

At 20, I became a Chartered Accountant, and soon after, I built my own firm from scratch. Every setback, from personal loss to starting afresh after relocations, didn’t stop me. They shaped me. They made me stronger.

Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: Chartered Accountant, Author, Anchor, Startup Mentor, Podcast Host, and Advisor. My work has spanned forensic accounting, NBFC advisory, fintech, corporate finance, and startup mentorship. I’ve hosted TV shows, contributed to national platforms, delivered keynotes at leading forums, and written for business and finance media.

The recognitions, from Times of India’s 40 Under 40 Leader of Tomorrow to being honoured as Humanity Star by the Gujarat Police, are milestones, but not the measure. For me, growth has always come from the challenges that forced me to adapt, rebuild, and push further.

eChai has been a powerful part of that ecosystem, a space where knowledge flows freely, collaborations thrive, and founders build together. For me, entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting up; it’s about vision, resilience, and creating lasting impact.

From small-town dreams to mentoring startups at i-Hub, GTU, LJ University, and Parul University incubation centres, my journey is proof that every challenge carries the seed of growth, if you choose to see it that way.

Because you don’t grow despite challenges, you grow because of them.”
Startup Stream

The eChai Effect - In Their Words

"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
“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
“You don’t plan to build a company via eChai. You just keep showing up … and one day, you realize you did.” I’ve known Jatin since 2012, when I was still deciding what kind of second innings I wanted to play as an entrepreneur. Over the years, through events, chai breaks, intros, and seemingly small conversations, eChai helped shape not just Upsquare but also refined the lens through which we see collaboration. At Upsquare, we’ve hired talent, met partners, discovered co-investors, and built lifelong friendships. One of our joint ventures exists today only because a casual eChai memory sparked a deeper trust. Now, as we build House of Starts — our venture builder — eChai continues to fuel our mission: co-creating a shared future. eChai isn’t just a startup network. It’s a trust network. And for business builders like me, that makes all the difference."
Utpal Vaishnav - Founder @ Upsquare & House of Starts • Angel Investor + LP
Utpal Vaishnav
Founder @ Upsquare & House of Starts • Angel Investor + LP

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