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Unforgettable Lessons
Jazz Sethi x eChai at TiECon: The Power of Lived Experiences and Community
I had the chance to host this fireside chat with Jazz Sethi, Founder of the Diabesties Foundation, as part of TiECon Ahmedabad 2025.
This conversation wasn’t just about diabetes — it was about how lived experience can shape a movement. Jazz shared the deeply personal story behind starting Diabesties after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 13, and how that journey of loneliness, resilience, and creativity turned into a purpose-led, community-first foundation.
We spoke about building with empathy, scaling with structure, fundraising through emotional resonance, and leading with authenticity. Jazz’s belief in “designing with the user, not for the user” — and her focus on measurable outcomes backed by storytelling — makes this a compelling blueprint for any founder building for impact.
More than just inspiration, this session was full of practical lessons on blending purpose with operational clarity.
Key notes from our conversation:
The Genesis of the Diabesties Foundation
Key notes from our conversation:
The Genesis of the Diabesties Foundation
Jazz Sethi shared a very personal "origin story." She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 13, which she described as a "life-shattering diagnosis" that required daily insulin injections and a significant adjustment to a "new normal." Beyond the physical challenges, she experienced an overwhelming sense of loneliness — stemming from not having people who understood her invisible struggles. This feeling was particularly intense during a severe hypoglycemic episode while she was in Italy for a performance diploma course.
This experience fueled her desire to create something different from the dry, medical information available online. She wanted to build engaging content, a safe space, and a supportive community for people with diabetes — especially young individuals. In 2018, the Diabesties Foundation began with a small meetup that Sethi initiated by personally reaching out to patients (perhaps unethically, but with good intentions). Expecting just five attendees, she was surprised when 25 people showed up — highlighting a significant “gap in the healthcare system” and in society at large.
The Foundational Role of Lived Experience
A core theme throughout the conversation was the importance of lived experience in community-building. For Sethi, living with Type 1 Diabetes provides constant insight into the condition’s unique struggles. This personal understanding drives her approach to “design with the user, not for the user” — a principle she learned from her mother, a designer. In her words, the user is not just a consumer, but someone living with a daily challenge. This user-centric lens is central to how the Diabesties Foundation designs programs, builds communities, and forms partnerships.
Sethi emphasized that this “why,” rooted in lived experience, is what she always returns to when building something new or navigating uncertainty.
Sustaining and Scaling a Purpose-Driven Organization
The conversation also addressed the “business aspect” of running a non-profit. Sethi clarified that while their culture is like a family, they operate “like a corporate.” Early on, she realized that relying only on volunteers wasn’t sustainable. The foundation made a conscious decision to pay employees well, acknowledging that social work doesn’t negate the need for financial stability.
They’ve built strong business fundamentals — structure, teams, SOPs, regular meetings, a board of directors, and external advice from mentors across diverse fields including finance and design. As Sethi put it, “having strong business fundamentals is actually what helps you scale a mission-driven organization.”
Fundraising and Partnership Strategies
Sethi shared a deeply personal and effective approach to fundraising — appealing to people with lived experience of diabetes. Her first major donor was someone with Type 2 Diabetes, and her pitch focused on the shared emotional and physical toll of hypo- and hyperglycemia, especially for a child without resources.
For CSR partnerships, even with companies not directly aligned with diabetes, the foundation aligns its work with broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly reduced inequalities and good health. Fundraising is essential, and Sethi treats every opportunity — including this fireside — as a pitch to support a significantly underserved community.
Community Building through Listening and Impact
Sethi emphasized that genuine community-building means actively listening and co-creating with the community. She highlighted the importance of not being overly attached to ideas and being open to pivoting based on feedback. The Diabesties Foundation places a strong focus on outcomes — from measurable clinical metrics like HbA1c reductions to improvements in mental health, school attendance, and a sense of belonging.
Documenting these outcomes and sharing stories of evolution keeps the community engaged and attracts new contributors — whether time, money, or resources. Internally, they also focus on nurturing a “congenial culture” where trust, openness, and mutual support are central.
Embracing Growth and Tackling Challenges
Scaling the foundation comes with its own set of challenges — especially reaching rural India, which often requires slower-moving government partnerships. In 2018, the concept of support groups for chronic illness was still novel and often misunderstood. Now, Sethi sees growing momentum in the patient advocacy movement.
To encourage openness, the foundation nurtures “Type One Champions” and “Type One Ambassadors” who authentically share their journeys. Sethi’s advice to fellow founders: show up with authenticity, speak your truth, and lead by example. Over time, she’s also learned to delegate, trust her team, and say no — essential skills to avoid burnout and ensure sustainability.
Measuring Impact with Metrics and Stories
The Diabesties Foundation is highly data-driven. They track key metrics like HbA1c levels for supported children and quantify the impact of educational resources. But they also recognize the power of stories — the personal, emotional journeys that numbers can’t capture alone. Together, metrics and stories paint a powerful picture of real change.
Tackling Misconceptions and Sharing Guidance
Sethi addressed several myths around diabetes, such as the misconception that it’s contagious or that insulin can be replaced by alternative treatments. Her guidance for parents of newly diagnosed children: accept the diagnosis and actively seek a community. In India, navigating the healthcare system often requires much more than a 15-minute doctor’s visit.
Vision for the Future and Systemic Collaboration
While the focus remains on Type 1 Diabetes for now, Sethi dreams of replicating this support model for all chronic conditions. Her 2040 vision? A diabetes clinic in every district of India, offering access, education, and support. But that level of impact requires many hands, deep collaboration, and government participation.
Building Meaningful Partnerships
Sethi believes successful partnerships are built on shared purpose. From the outset, roles should be clearly defined, and credit must be shared generously. For her, it’s not about the Diabesties Foundation getting recognition — it’s about impact.
Meeting people who inspire, guide, and support you is incredibly empowering
Meeting people who inspire, guide, and support you is incredibly empowering.
Truly grateful to Dr. Sunil R Parekh – D. Litt. (HC) for the continued support over the years.
Truly grateful to Dr. Sunil R Parekh – D. Litt. (HC) for the continued support over the years.
eChai SF is Gaining Momentum
Fremont’s startup energy is picking up — and it’s only getting better.
Last week, Khyati Brahmbhatt hosted the first eChai Startup Mixer in Fremont — and it felt different in the best way. Founders came with ideas, shared what they were building, and got into conversations that weren’t surface-level.
People showed up — curious, honest, and open to learning from each other.
From someone sharing their early MVP to a group jamming on what growth looks like — it was a reminder of what real community feels like when it’s driven by builders themselves.
Now Khyati is taking it forward with more meetups:
April 15, Tuesday – Where Builders Meet Over Brews
An evening for founders and operators to connect, swap stories, and hang out in a relaxed setting.
at Sama Coffee Shop, San Mateo, California.
RSVP here
An evening for founders and operators to connect, swap stories, and hang out in a relaxed setting.
at Sama Coffee Shop, San Mateo, California.
RSVP here
April 24, Thursday – AI Founders Circle
Live product demos, real conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build in AI today.
at PlayGround Studio, 2727 Walsh Ave, Suite 101, Santa Clara, CA.
RSVP here
Live product demos, real conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build in AI today.
at PlayGround Studio, 2727 Walsh Ave, Suite 101, Santa Clara, CA.
RSVP here
If you're in the Bay Area and building something — these are the rooms you'll want to be in.
Hosted by Khyati Brahmbhatt with eChai Ventures.
Myntra, Cure.fit, and Now AI — The Quiet Compounding of Mukesh Bansal
A few years ago, I had the chance to interview Mukesh Bansal at IIMA’s Red Brick Summit. Back then, he was building Cure.fit and had already put Myntra on the map. That session stayed with me — not because of buzzwords or unicorn talk, but because of how calmly he spoke about playing the long game.
I recently revisited that interview — watch it here — and it still hits differently. Mukesh talks about starting Myntra with personalized merch in 2007, figuring out reverse logistics before e-commerce was even a thing in India, and building trust one order at a time. No shortcuts, no playbook — just deliberate execution.
Post Myntra and Cure.fit, Mukesh went on to lead digital at Tata and is now building something new in the enterprise AI space with Nurix.ai. But the core remains the same — solving real problems, building long-term, and being okay with slow compounding.
It’s a must-watch if you're in the early days of building. Especially if you’re in that phase where it feels like nothing’s working. Because sometimes, the boring parts of the journey are where all the real stuff gets built.
One Week. Multiple Cities. Dozens of Founders. Real Startup Conversations Across India.
This week at eChai feels like one big cross-city founder jam — where startup folks come together to talk fundraising, AI, product, growth, and what it actually takes to build.
Here’s what’s happening:
Surat Startup Summit ’25 | April 11–13
eChai is Co-hosting couple of panels with SGCCI, as part of their 3-day startup festival.
Surat Startup Summit ’25 | April 11–13
eChai is Co-hosting couple of panels with SGCCI, as part of their 3-day startup festival.
🔥 Shark Tank Stars sharing real fundraising stories:
– Radhika Sundarka (Zebra Learn)
– Chetan Kanani (Alpino)
– Yash Tarwadi (Solnce Energy)
– Priya Gadhiya (Raja-Rani Coaching)
– Rakesh Somani (Decode Age)
– Radhika Sundarka (Zebra Learn)
– Chetan Kanani (Alpino)
– Yash Tarwadi (Solnce Energy)
– Priya Gadhiya (Raja-Rani Coaching)
– Rakesh Somani (Decode Age)
🤖 AI Panel – Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work
– Arjun Kava (VideoSDK)
– Prerna Mehta (Narola AI Studio)
– Chintan Papaiya (KissanAI)
– Manoj Adwani (Narad.io)
...
Women Founders Initiative – Mumbai Edition
– Arjun Kava (VideoSDK)
– Prerna Mehta (Narola AI Studio)
– Chintan Papaiya (KissanAI)
– Manoj Adwani (Narad.io)
...
Women Founders Initiative – Mumbai Edition
📅 April 12 | Saturday | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Invite-only | Venue will be shared with confirmed guests
📍 Invite-only | Venue will be shared with confirmed guests
🎙️ For women founders and operators across Mumbai
This is a safe and open space for women entrepreneurs to connect, share their journeys, and support one another. Each participant gets a chance to introduce themselves, share what they’re building, and explore ways to collaborate.
Expect real talk, shared experiences, and strong community vibes — from one founder to another.
...
...
Bengaluru Startup Meetup – Fundraising for Startups
📅 April 12, Saturday | 6pm onwards | Draper Startup House, Koramangala
🎙️ Featuring:
– Neha Lakhwara (CEO, Agility Ventures)
– Harnidh Kaur (Head of Fund, WTFund)
– Moderated by Nivin Joseph (Draper Startup House)
– Neha Lakhwara (CEO, Agility Ventures)
– Harnidh Kaur (Head of Fund, WTFund)
– Moderated by Nivin Joseph (Draper Startup House)
Expect honest takes on early-stage investing, what founders miss while pitching, and how investors really evaluate deals.
AI and Marketing – The New Growth Formula
AI and Marketing – The New Growth Formula
📅 April 12 | Saturday | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 UrbanVault, HSR Layout, Bengaluru
📍 UrbanVault, HSR Layout, Bengaluru
🎙️ Featuring founders & marketers building at the intersection of AI and growth
Expect real-world strategies on how startups are using AI to personalize engagement, run leaner campaigns, automate workflows, and scale faster.
Whether you’re running AI-driven experiments or looking to sharpen your GTM with automation, this panel will offer candid insights, honest lessons, and actionable takeaways.
📅 April 13 | Sunday | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Draper Startup House, Koramangala
📍 Draper Startup House, Koramangala
🎙️ Open to all founders, builders & early-stage teams
Expect informal, high-trust conversations with fellow founders. Bring what you're building, share ideas, discover collab opportunities, or just hang out with people who get the startup life.
No decks. No pitches. Just good energy and real conversations.
...
Ahmedabad Design Meetup – Building with Design
📅 April 12 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Aubergine Solutions, Prahladnagar
🎙️ Featuring:
– Bhavesh Patel, Co-Founder, Brands.live
– Bhakti Dudhara, Founder & Chief Designer
– Jhanvi Thaker, Co-Founder, Olleeve Films & Design
– Drupad Mistry, Experience Design Expert
Hosted by: Jatin Chaudhary (eChai Ventures)
– Bhavesh Patel, Co-Founder, Brands.live
– Bhakti Dudhara, Founder & Chief Designer
– Jhanvi Thaker, Co-Founder, Olleeve Films & Design
– Drupad Mistry, Experience Design Expert
Hosted by: Jatin Chaudhary (eChai Ventures)
Expect candid conversations on how design shapes product thinking, lessons from building design-led ventures, and what community-driven design looks like in the real world. Whether you’re a founder or a first-time designer, this is where perspectives meet practice.
...
...
📅 April 12 | 11:00 AM onwards | COEP's Bhau Institute
🎙️ Featuring product builders, engineers & AI hackers
Expect live demos, code-first convos, and behind-the-scenes workflows from developers building at early-stage startups. Great for anyone working on AI tools, dev infra, or experimenting with new frameworks.
Expect live demos, code-first convos, and behind-the-scenes workflows from developers building at early-stage startups. Great for anyone working on AI tools, dev infra, or experimenting with new frameworks.
📅 April 12 | 4:00 PM onwards | Ideas to Impacts (1st Floor)
🎙️ Featuring founders, marketers & growth leads
Expect informal conversations around traction, distribution, customer acquisition, and startup growth stories. No pitches — just real talk and connection over coffee and experiments.
...
Expect informal conversations around traction, distribution, customer acquisition, and startup growth stories. No pitches — just real talk and connection over coffee and experiments.
...
🎙️ Featuring early-stage founders, startup operators & enablers
Expect a relaxed, high-trust environment to share what you're building, explore collaborations, and connect with fellow founders driving innovation in Hyderabad. No pitches — just meaningful conversations over chai and startup stories.
..
Also, on April 10th, Thursday, we hosted a high-signal session on Fundraising for Startups with the team from Expert Dojo at Draper Startup House, Koramangala.
..
Also, on April 10th, Thursday, we hosted a high-signal session on Fundraising for Startups with the team from Expert Dojo at Draper Startup House, Koramangala.
🎙️ Brian Mac Mahon (Founder & Managing Partner) and Ashutosh Kumar-Jha (GP & Head of Portfolio) shared global perspectives on:
– What early-stage investors actually look for
– How Indian founders can stand out internationally
– Why storytelling matters more than ever in 2025
– What early-stage investors actually look for
– How Indian founders can stand out internationally
– Why storytelling matters more than ever in 2025
The session was packed with honest takes, sharp questions from founders, and practical insights you won’t find on Twitter threads.
Big thanks to Nivin Joseph for steering the conversation just right
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
"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
"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
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.
