Sometimes it feels like timing plays a bigger role in a startup’s journey than we admit.
When Kunal and I started eChai back in 2009, “startup” wasn’t a common word. Families worried if someone quit their job to build a company. There were hardly any coworking spaces, very few angel networks outside metros, and entrepreneurship still felt like an odd career choice. We kept building communities and hosting meetups, but most of the time it felt like planting seeds without knowing when they would grow.
Things changed after 2016. Jio made the internet affordable and accessible across India. UPI and India Stack made digital payments seamless. The Startup India program gave official recognition and support. At the same time, startups in e-commerce, payments, food delivery, mobility, and edtech were booming and changing consumer habits. Suddenly, being a founder felt possible. For eChai, this timing meant the same meetups we had been running for years now started to gain real momentum.
Another shift came as many founders from our community moved abroad, to San Francisco, Toronto, Singapore, Dubai, London, Melbourne. They carried the same spirit of eChai with them, which made our global expansion much easier. Instead of starting from scratch, we were simply reconnecting with familiar faces in new cities.
By the time Shark Tank India came on TV, startups had become part of everyday conversation. Parents who once worried were now proudly watching founders pitch with their kids. India’s startup story had gone mainstream, and the journey we had started years ago had found its moment.
Maybe timing really is an invisible co-founder.
Maybe it isn’t.
But one thing feels true:
Timing only makes sense in hindsight.
And staying consistent is what lets you be ready when the wave finally arrives.
Loneliness is the feeling of being unseen even when you’re surrounded by people. You can be in a busy room and still feel a quiet distance. The more people depend on you, the harder it feels to show doubt. Responsibility often brings its own solitude, even in the noisiest places.
For founders, this paradox feels even sharper. Nothing feels lonelier than being the one everyone turns to. Surrounded by teams, investors, customers, and communities, many still describe their journey as deeply personal and, at times, isolating. The more you support others, the fewer you feel you can truly lean on.
It’s not just about long hours. It’s the weight of decisions. Every choice has consequences. The need to appear confident while wrestling with doubt creates distance. Even in a crowd, it can feel like you’re carrying something invisible.
That’s why honest peer connections matter. A single conversation with someone who has walked the same path can cut through the isolation. The comfort often comes not from solutions, but from knowing someone else has stood in that same place.
Loneliness may never fully leave, but in the company of peers who truly understand, it shifts. What once felt like solitude begins to feel like belonging, and that’s the power of finding your own founder peer group.
In addition to our panels and demo days, we also host eChai Founders Socials, intimate gatherings for founders to connect. Last week in Ahmedabad, we hosted one at IIMA Ventures.
This time, we had a simple script. Everyone was asked: what was the most exciting or thrilling thing that happened to you last week, what challenge did you face, and how did you navigate out of it?
Generally, startup discussions tend to drift toward numbers, how much revenue someone is making, who’s doing better, or what some popular founders are doing that everyone else measures themselves against.
There’s value in focusing on individual journeys every now and then, the stories of a single week in a founder’s life. At this Social, founders spoke about the very real week they had just lived through: the small wins that gave them energy, the challenges that stretched them, and the unexpected roadblocks they had to work their way around.
We’ll do more of it. Alongside eChai Socials, we’ve recently started experimenting with the “Table of” format, curated, theme-based circles where founders and operators gather around a specific context. It could be a Table of 5 for folks building on Shopify, a Table of 7 for founders who’ve raised seed and are preparing for their next round, a Table of 4 for those trying to crack their hiring process, a Table of 10 for founders visiting San Francisco to explore opportunities, a Table of 6 for founders scaling D2C brands, or a Table of 8 for SaaS builders figuring out global GTM.
The idea is simple: bring together the right mix of people, keep it small, and let the conversations go deep.
Today on the eChai Startup Stream, we feature Nikita Maheshwari, Co-Founder of Tatkalorry. From starting out in law school to building a fast-growing logistics venture, her journey reflects the persistence, clarity, and courage that define many of today’s inspiring founders.
Nikita Maheshwari didn’t come from a family of entrepreneurs. Born in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh, she grew up in a service household, moving constantly because of her father’s transferable job. That nomadic childhood gave her a deep adaptability, one that would later define her entrepreneurial journey.
By the time she graduated from Gujarat National Law University, she was in the top 20% of her class, staring at the prospect of a secure legal career. But comfort wasn’t enough.
“I am a graduate in law from a National Law University. Being in the top 20% of my class gave me an opportunity to opt for a white-collar high paying desk job. However, coming from a service family the idea of employment generation and risk-taking always fascinated me as a perfect anti-thesis of the service life that I had seen my parents lead. Today the opportunity and ability to positively influence a greater number of lives gives me immense satisfaction which is why I chose a labour-intensive industry which requires a lot of human capital.”
Her turn toward entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight leap. It began with an experiment: Tilebazzar.com.
Tilebazzar: The First Attempt
During her post-graduation at EDII, Nikita was surrounded by Gujarat’s booming ceramics ecosystem. She spotted an opportunity to build an online marketplace that could connect Morbi’s manufacturers to dealers across the country.
Tilebazzar.com showed promise — but it also revealed the hidden cracks in the system. Even when demand and supply matched, shipments broke, delays were frequent, and buyers were left stranded. The real bottleneck wasn’t sales; it was transport.
“While I was pursuing my Masters in Business Entrepreneurship I could not help but be influenced by a barrage of tech-oriented start-ups. However, as I developed keen understanding in business I realised that tech-start-ups more or less enhance an already existing thriving business. Less and less number of young entrepreneurs for core-manufacturing industry related and allied business with the ability to transform any sector from grass-roots. My belief in entering such a core area was fortified by the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the Make in India campaign. With resources of the Government being channelized in promoting manufacturing industries, I was motivated to contribute by supporting such splurge in manufacturing by developing an effective logistics and supply chain management system.”
Tilebazzar had given her the spark. Tatkalorry would give her the fire.
Tatkalorry: Built on the Move
In 2016, Nikita co-founded Tatkalorry to solve what Tilebazzar had exposed: India’s broken logistics chain. At just 24, she found herself in a male-dominated industry that had long resisted change.
“Starting Tatkalorry at 24, I definitely had my "uh-oh" moments! My biggest blind spot? Funding wasn't the golden ticket I thought it was. Back in 2015-2016, everyone seemed to be getting funded, and I thought starting up and scaling would be a breeze. Turns out, VCs were mostly looking for purely tech platforms, not so much for "tech-supported" core industry startups like mine. That was a tough pill to swallow – money isn't cheap or easy, especially when you're pioneering! So, the quick lesson was: generate revenue and self-fund as much as possible.”
She also learned quickly that growth could be dangerous if unstructured.
“The second biggie was understanding the power of solid systems and policies. I learned the hard way that without clear rules in place, growth can actually be destructive. It's like building a house of cards; one strong gust (of growth!) and it all tumbles down. Getting those foundational policies right is key to preventing a complete meltdown.”
Adaptability as a Survival Tool
Her resilience wasn’t accidental, it was forged by her childhood.
“Well, I had a secret superpower: my "nomadic" childhood! Moving schools 7 times in 14 years taught me to be a lightning-fast adapter. New environment, new rules – I learned to observe, adjust, and make quick decisions. Plus, my time on various committees at GNLU hammered end-moment management and on-the-fly problem-solving. That combo of quick decision-making, multitasking, and crisis handling was my crash course in startup survival!”
Scaling by Listening, Not Just Delivering
Unlike most startups that focus on scale, Nikita put listening at the core.
“You know, what really clicked for us right from the start, allowing us to grow to 13 cities and see so many customers come back, was a pretty simple philosophy: we actually listen to our customers. Seriously, that's it. Even if they're angry or frustrated, we've found that if you genuinely listen to them, they'll almost always come back. Sab customer ko ek hi dukh hai ki service company unki baat nahi sunti hai. They just want someone to hear them out, and aadha gussa wahin thanda ho jata hai. On top of that, we make sure we deliver on time, 95% of the time. We keep that 5% margin for error for those unforeseen circumstances, but our commitment to listening and being reliable has been our biggest strength.”
That consistency has given Tatkalorry its defining numbers: 95% on-time delivery and a 60% repeat customer rate.
Stories of Growth That Matter
For Nikita, the most powerful markers of success are people, not metrics.
“One story that truly stays with me, and honestly, warms my heart to this day, is about one of our vendors. When he first started working with us, he was a driver for one of our rented pickups, using a very basic, old Samsung phone. Over six years, through his hard work and our association with Tatkalorry, he managed to buy two pickups of his own, and then even a truck. His personal growth was incredibly inspiring for all of us. While he's not with Tatkalorry anymore, seeing him achieve so much really reinforces what's possible.”
At headquarters, she has created a culture where education and ambition are celebrated.
“Beyond individual stories, something else we're incredibly proud of is our team at the Head Office. 60% of our team members are women, and what's even more remarkable is that 30% of them are actively pursuing their master's degrees from local colleges. We fully support them, offering leaves whenever they need to attend classes or study. It's my personal belief that there's simply no replacement for education when it comes to the growth of our society, and seeing more and more women pursuing higher education is just top-tier stuff. It's truly humbling to be a part of their journey.”
The Truth of Tier 2 and Tier 3 India
Nikita knows the difference between building in metros and in small cities.
“Founders in metros often misunderstand one crucial thing about building in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets: tech alone isn't the magic bullet. Unko lagta hai ki technology sab kuch solve kar degi, but yeh galatfaimi hai… For them, margins and earnings matter more than convenience… You need to clearly demonstrate how it will save them money on a per-unit basis. That's the language they understand, that's what truly resonates.”
“Another vital point often overlooked is that in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, your entire foundation rests on the shoulders of blue-collar workers… If you pay them decently and, more importantly, genuinely listen to their concerns… these Tier 2 and Tier 3 workers will form such a strong foundation for your business that koi bhi growth storm use hila nahi payega. Their loyalty and hard work are your biggest assets in these markets.”
Finding Calm in Chaos
The fires of logistics never stop, but she’s found her rhythm.
“Honestly, for me, the most wonderful and often overlooked thing is simply getting 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep… Alongside that, a 30-minute walk—either late at night or early in the morning—really helps clear my head… But the absolute best strategy I've been practicing for the last 15 years… is making a conscious effort to not take my office home. Office ka baggage ghar ke bahar hi rakho. This way, I get to spend quality time with my friends and family ke saath baith ke Khana khana zindagi jeene ke liye ek bahut bada sukh aur khushi ka strot hai, we don't appreciate it enough!”
Lessons That Shattered Myths
Over time, she’s dismantled some of the biggest myths founders carry.
“After more than five years in the trenches, several founder myths have shattered for me… Monetary gratification is deeply delayed… Not every founder is extraordinary… Office parties don't stop attrition… Your CA won’t save your company… Extensive social media marketing alone will not bring in revenue. You need to choose the marketing path that genuinely aligns with your company's unique strengths and target audience.”
Technology as a Slow Cultural Shift
Unlike Tilebazzar, Tatkalorry is not just digital. It has to combine tech with trucks.
“In India's traditional sectors like logistics, technology's role isn't about immediate, sweeping changes. It's a nuanced evolution… We're talking a 25-year horizon… Crucially, mere technology cannot perform magic in traditional sectors. These industries operate with deeply ingrained, often localized business patterns… For technology to truly succeed in India, it must be culturally adaptive.”
Her Biggest Win Isn’t an Award
She’s won national recognition, but that’s not what she treasures most.
“You know, with all the awards, podcasts, and meeting incredible people… it always comes back to my parents… When my father sends me a simple, beautiful text saying, ‘Moli aur tum humara garv ho!’ and my mother says, ‘Motumal ekdum sar uncha rakhta hai humara!’ — that’s my ultimate reward. Their quiet pride has always been my loudest applause.”
Her Message to the Next Generation
And to the 21-year-old woman in a small town with a dream?
“Things will rarely go according to your plan. And that's fantastic!… Flexibility is your superpower… They will try to scare you… But if you truly believe, look them in the eye and declare: Darling, it is going to work out!… Allow yourself to fall and make mistakes… Cultivate a safe space… Learn to be comfortable with discomfort… And never underestimate the power of joy — a giggle, a smile, good food, and even dancing in the refrigerator light.”
The Legacy She Wants to Leave Behind
At entrepreneurship forums, when Nikita finishes speaking, the applause is loud. But what matters to her most are the whispers in the crowd: “Woh dekh, yeh Nikita ke maa aur papa hain.”
For her, that is the true measure of success. From Tilebazzar to Tatkalorry, from law books to logistics yards, she has walked the long road, not just to build a company, but to build pride.
This Monday felt like a circle of life moment. I had the opportunity to moderate a panel with fellow Nirma alumni founders at the NIM Auditorium.
We spoke to the undergrad batch about how our journeys have evolved, the things we did as students, what led us to become founders/operators, and what we might do differently if we were to begin our student life in 2025.
Tejal Upadhyay ma’am has been doing an incredible job of keeping the entrepreneurial buzz on campus alive. If you’re a Nirma alum, do reach out to her, or let me know and I’ll make the intro. We need more alumni to come back, share their journeys, and engage with students.
Coincidentally, four of us, Bhakti Dudhara (Aubergine), Hemal Patel (Ray), Pratik Vohera (Petpooja), and myself, were from the same class: 01 IT ; I was very infamous as 01IT010. That made it even more special. Abhishek Desai (Cricheroes) and Samir Motwani (Salesmate) were the other speakers.
Back then, I probably visited the NIM library more often than my classes. This time, I was leading the discussions in the NIM Auditorium. A surreal feeling.
We used to read about “super successful” people coming back to campus during annual functions. Today, thanks to the wave of startups and entrepreneurship, many of us get that chance earlier, even if we are not yet that successful, one of the small but meaningful benefits of being founders.
“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 @ Polynxt (EightQor Capital, Upsquare, House of Starts) • Architect & Capital Allocator
“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
“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
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.
