The Spotlight podcast

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Crypto vs Stocks vs Gold: What Should You Really Invest In? | Raghvendra Nath(Ladderup) Explains 1:15:16

6 weeks sitten1:15:16

1:15:16

Stop thinking about your wealth like a startup. Your biggest strength as a founder - your bias for high-risk, high-growth, and breakneck speed - is your biggest liability when managing your own money. The instinct that built your company can easily destroy your personal wealth. This episode is the antidote. In this episode, host Akshay Datt sits down with Raghvendra Nath, a 30-year veteran of the Indian financial markets. After a stellar 18-year corporate career in senior roles at the Aditya Birla Group, Raghvendra co-founded Ladderup Wealth Management in 2011. He has since grown the firm to manage an AUM of 2,000 Crore by challenging the industry's product-pushing culture. His core philosophy is brutally simple: protect the capital first. This conversation is a masterclass in building and preserving wealth for entrepreneurs who have created something valuable and can't afford to lose it. Learn: 👉The math behind compounding that can double your money in 5 years instead of 10. 👉Why Raghvendra believes most day trading is a zero-sum game destined to fail. 👉The surprising truth about gold’s performance and why central banks are buying it furiously. 👉A breakdown of when to use Mutual Funds, Portfolio Management Services (PMS), or Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). 👉The single biggest mistake investors make when choosing a fund to invest in. 👉The powerful case study of Titan, and how a company’s revenue can become its profit over a decade. If you're an entrepreneur or leader who has built something valuable, this conversation is non-negotiable. #FounderThesis #Investing #WealthManagement #StockMarket #FinancialPlanning #Entrepreneurship #StartupIndia #AssetAllocation #Compounding #LongTermInvesting #IndianStartups Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the speaker, not necessarily the channel…

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Your Money Deserves More Than 3% - Bond Investing Explained | Suresh Darak (Bondbazaar) 1:20:37

7 weeks sitten1:20:37

1:20:37

What if your idle savings could earn 8–13% returns instead of just 3–4% sitting in your bank account? In this episode of the Spotlight, host Akshay Datt speaks with Suresh Darak, founder of Bondbazaar, a digital bond investment platform that’s making the fixed-income space accessible to retail investors. With 20+ years in financial services and 13 years focused specifically on bonds, Suresh offers a masterclass in bond investing, debt capital markets, and personal finance strategies for modern India. Key Takeaways: 👉India’s corporate bond market stands at ₹50 lakh crore, growing at 20% CAG 👉Bonds offer predictable returns, lower volatility, and daily interest accrual 👉Bondbazaar is building retail-friendly infrastructure for investing in listed and privately placed bonds 👉SEBI regulations and credit ratings ensure transparency and investor safety 👉Robo-advisory for bonds is set to make smart investing even more accessible #BondMarket #Fintech #StartupStory #IndianStartups #FounderThesis #FixedIncome #RetailInvesting #UnfundedStartup #DebtMarkets #FinancialLiteracy #InvestmentStrategy #Entrepreneurship #BootstrappedStartup #IndianFintech #BondInvesting #WealthCreation #financialinclusion Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the speaker, not necessarily the channel…

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A Founder's Guide to Legal Contracts | Aditya Pandranki (Doqfy) 1:02:26

13 weeks sitten1:02:26

1:02:26

"India's complex regulatory landscape, often seen as a hurdle, can actually be a powerful competitive advantage for startups." Aditya Pandranki shares how Doqfy strategically leveraged the intricacies of varying state-wise stamp duty regulations, turning a common business challenge into a unique selling proposition and a significant moat. Aditya Pandranki is the Founder and CEO of Doqfy, a B2B SaaS platform revolutionizing contract lifecycle management in India, founded in 2019. Drawing from over 18 years in IT and pivotal experience in banking with institutions like Standard Chartered, Aditya launched Doqfy, which now empowers over 1,000 businesses across 10+ industries. The platform has managed over 100 million contracts, achieved a $1.3 million revenue in FY24 (approx. Rs 9.05 Cr) with a stunning 110% year-over-year growth, and has successfully raised around $2 million in funding after an initial bootstrapping phase of Rs 25 lakhs. Key Insights from the Conversation: 👉The critical legal necessity of stamp duty for contracts in India and why it's often misunderstood or sidestepped. 👉A deep dive into various digital signature mechanisms like Aadhaar eSign, DSC tokens, and electronic signatures, including their validity and use cases in India. 👉Doqfy's strategic evolution from a focused contract execution tool to a comprehensive Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) platform. 👉The transformative role of AI and NLP in modern LegalTech, automating contract drafting, review, summarization, and proactive risk assessment. 👉Actionable strategies for customer acquisition, market penetration, and scaling a B2B SaaS business tailored for the Indian enterprise landscape. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction: Aditya Pandranki & The Doqfy Mission 00:01:25 - The Personal Story Behind Doqfy's Founding 00:03:15 - From Contract Execution to Full CLM & COVID's Impact 00:04:22 - When is a Contract Legally Binding in India? 00:05:25 - Stamp Duty: Why It's Crucial (and Often Skipped) 00:18:02 - Doqfy's High-Volume Use Cases: Banking & Beyond 00:24:00 - Automating eStamping & The Tech Behind Doqfy 00:27:00 - Decoding Digital Signatures: Aadhaar, DSC, Electronic Explained 00:43:45 - Doqfy's Revenue Model & Market Landscape 00:49:30 - The Role of AI in Modern Contract Lifecycle Management 01:00:15 - Client Acquisition & Scaling a B2B LegalTech in India 01:02:41 - Doqfy's ARR & Future Growth Projections #LegalTech #ContractManagement #eSignature #eStamping #CLM #SaaS #B2BSaaS #StartupIndia #IndianStartups #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLaw #DigitalTransformation #AIinLaw #FounderThesis #MakeInIndia #DigitalIndia #RegulatoryMoat Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the speaker, not necessarily the channel.…

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Building a 400cr+ Waste Empire | Dhruv Luthra (Luthra Group) 1:08:56

17 weeks sitten1:08:56

1:08:56

"Waste is the resource which is in the wrong place." This powerful statement from Dhruv Luthra encapsulates the core philosophy driving the Luthra Group. It’s a paradigm shift from viewing waste as a problem to seeing it as an opportunity – a valuable raw material waiting to be transformed. This mindset has propelled the Luthra Group to the forefront of India's sustainability sector. Dhruv Luthra is the Managing Director of the Luthra Group, a third-generation entrepreneur who has been instrumental in steering the family's legacy from its origins in textiles to becoming a pioneering force in hazardous waste management and sustainable energy solutions across India. Under his leadership, the group operates 11 plants, processes around 1100 tons of waste daily in its key recycling facilities, and has played a pivotal role in significant environmental achievements, including saving over 1.8 Lac ML of landfill waste and recycling 12 Lac Tonnes of Greenhouse Gases. The Luthra Group, which started its waste management journey in 1999 as arguably India's first private company in the sector, has seen remarkable growth, with an asset value growth from under Rs. 10 crores to over Rs. 400 crores over a 25-year period. Key Insights from the Conversation: 👉The Genesis of Circular Economy: Understand that the "new age jargon" of Circular Economy is fundamentally the trusted "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" principle, applied innovatively. 👉From Textiles to Transformation: Learn about the Luthra Group's strategic pivot from a successful textile business to tackling India's pressing waste management challenges. 👉Waste as a Valuable Resource: Discover how industrial waste, from textile effluents to hazardous materials, is not just managed but converted into valuable products. 👉Innovation in Action: Get a glimpse into the "recipes" and processes involved in treating and converting diverse waste streams, including solidification of semi-solid waste. 👉Scaling Sustainably: Insights into expanding operations across multiple states, the importance of being close to the source of waste, and the critical role of managing supply chain costs. 👉Technology as an Enabler: How the Luthra Group leverages technology like SAP for ERP, and is implementing advanced systems like Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) to enhance efficiency and safety. 👉The Hard Decisions: The rationale behind exiting the decades-old family textile business to focus entirely on the burgeoning field of environmental solutions. #CircularEconomy #WasteManagement #Sustainability #Entrepreneurship #StartupIndia #MakeInIndia #GreenTech #Innovation #WasteToEnergy #HazardousWaste #Recycling #IndianBusiness #FamilyBusiness #EnvironmentalSolutions #ClimateAction #FounderThesis Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the speaker, not necessarily the channel.…

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Solving Healthcare Affordability Crisis | Aditya Sharma (Affordplan) 51:05

21 weeks sitten51:05

51:05

"The journey of reduction in health care costs is not the responsibility of the hospital on its own, it's also the responsibility at the patient level." Aditya Sharma, CEO and Co- founder of AffordPlan, is tackling the critical issue of healthcare affordability in India. From his unique perspective as an investor-turned-founder, he's driving a purpose-led mission to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for millions. AffordPlan partners with hospitals to offer a blend of micro-insurance, loans, and wellness programs, making essential healthcare services more accessible and financially manageable for patients. Key Insights from the Conversation: 👉 Healthcare Affordability Focus: Afford Plan's central mission is to alleviate the financial burden of healthcare on Indian families. 👉 Integrated Hospital Partnerships: The company's success relies on close collaboration with hospitals, integrating their services into existing healthcare systems. 👉 Financial Tools for Patients: Micro-insurance and loan options are strategically bundled to reduce immediate and long-term healthcare costs. 👉 Beyond Traditional Loyalty: Afford Plan's program offers tangible financial benefits, creating a sustainable relationship between patients and hospitals. 👉 Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship: Aditya's approach emphasizes social impact, aligning business goals with the critical need for affordable healthcare. 👉 Strategic Turnaround Experience: Valuable insights into navigating a company turnaround, highlighting the importance of adaptability and decisive action. 👉 Investor's Perspective on Founding: Aditya discusses how his investment background shapes his strategic thinking and risk management. 👉 Emerging Healthcare Opportunities: He identifies wellness and AI as key areas for innovation in the Indian healthcare sector. #HealthcareAffordability #AffordPlan #FintechIndia #HealthTech #MicroInsurance #IndianHealthcare #PatientFinance #HealthInnovation #StartupIndia #SocialImpact #HealthcareCosts #HealthWellness #AIHealthcare Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the speaker, not necessarily the channel.…

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Surviving Downturns and Bootstrapping a Fintech Giant | Sameer Mathur (ROINet) 1:03:00

24 weeks sitten1:03:00

1:03:00

"You cannot grow the country's GDP if a third of your population is not a part of the financial inclusion piece." Sameer Mathur highlights the critical link between financial inclusion and national economic growth, emphasizing the vast untapped potential of serving the underserved in India. This isn't just about business; it's about societal impact. Sameer Mathur, Managing Director of ROINet Solutions, is a former Country Manager at HP who transitioned to entrepreneurship, driven by a desire to make a difference. He co-founded FIA Technology before starting ROINet, which has scaled to 70,000 Customer Service Points (CSPs), generating ₹350Cr in revenue, and employing 500 people. His story is about resilience, strategic pivots, and building a sustainable business in the challenging but rewarding fintech space. Key Insights from the Conversation: 👉The "Assisted Model" Endures: Digital adoption in rural India is growing, but the need for human assistance at physical CSPs remains strong, driven by trust and familiarity. 👉Founder-Investor Synergy is Vital: Sameer's experience underscores the importance of having investors who are aligned with the company's long-term vision and provide support during challenging times. 👉Bootstrapping is Viable: ROINet's initial growth was fueled by internal resources and leveraging existing relationships, demonstrating the power of bootstrapping. 👉Product Diversification Fuels Growth: Expanding beyond basic banking services to include travel, investments, and lending is crucial for scaling in the financial inclusion space. 👉Hyperlocal approach wins: Creating a large business is about winning multiple, smaller battles. Having a hyperlocal strategy helps. 👉Social impact is a business advantage: ROINet's focus extends to the triple bottom line. Chapters: 0:00:00 - Introduction: Sameer Mathur's Journey from Corporate to Startup 0:03:44 - The Pivotal MBA and the Financial Inclusion Opportunity 0:07:52 - Founding and Scaling FIA Technology: The BC Model 0:18:08 - Strategic Differences and the Decision to Leave FIA 0:20:28 - ROINet: Building a Diversified Fintech Platform 0:27:10 - The Technology Behind 70,000 Banking Points 0:32:52 - Scaling Sales and Reaching Rural India 0:41:44 - Key Leadership Lessons for Aspiring Founders 0:47:06 - Weathering the Storms: Downturns and Resilience 0:53:54 - Validating the Customer: Biometrics and Trust 0:56:27 - The Future of Fintech and ROINet's Expansion Plans 0:59:37 - Expanding Access to Credit: ROINet's Lending Strategy #Fintech #India #FinancialInclusion #RuralIndia #Startup #Entrepreneurship #Bootstrapping #VentureCapital #Banking #ScaleUp #Leadership #DigitalIndia #Innovation #ImpactInvesting #SocialImpact #MSME #Lending #Insurance #Investment #BusinessGrowth…

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Ajay Singhania (Epack Durable) on building a Rs 3500Cr empire from near bankruptcy 1:05:19

28 weeks sitten1:05:19

1:05:19

From losing their biggest client to building a ₹3500 Cr manufacturing powerhouse, hear the inspiring journey of Ajay Singhania, MD & CEO of Epack Durable! In this episode of "The Spotlight", presented by the Founder Thesis podcast, learn how resilience, strategic pivots, and a commitment to "Make in India" fueled Epack's rise from near collapse to industry leadership. Discover actionable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs on building, adapting, and scaling a successful business. Akshay Datt, a serial entrepreneur having run ventures in Employability Training and hiring, is the host of "The Spotlight", presented by the Founder Thesis podcast. He has interviewed 500+ founders to date. Connect: Ajay Singhania: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajay-dd-singhania-a492258/ Akshay Datt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshay-datt/ Founder Thesis: www.founderthesis.com…

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Amit Mehta's (Asha Ventures) Path to Impactful Investing 1:13:55

29 weeks sitten1:13:55

1:13:55

In this episode, Amit Mehta, Managing Partner at Asha Ventures, a venture capital and private equity firm highlights key lessons from his successful investments and the evolving Indian VC landscape. He discusses Asha Ventures' focus on sustainability, healthcare, and inclusion in its investment strategy, as well as the importance of governance and vision in selecting impactful startups. Tune in to explore Amit's insights on building scalable businesses that create positive change. Akshay Datt, a serial entrepreneur having run ventures in Employability Training and hiring, is the host of "The Spotlight", presented by the Founder Thesis podcast. He has interviewed 500+ founders to date. Connect: Amit Mehta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-mehta-6b90b92/ Akshay Datt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshay-datt/ Founder Thesis: www.founderthesis.com…

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Sahil Anand (Cedar IBSi Capital) on the massive B2B Fintech opportunity 1:27:55

30 weeks sitten1:27:55

1:27:55

In this episode, join Sahil Anand, founder of Cedar IBSi Capital, as he shares his entrepreneurial journey, exploring the evolution of Cedar Consulting and the unique challenges of launching a fintech investment fund. Learn about the consulting landscape, Cedar's execution-heavy approach, and the promising future of fintech in India. Akshay Datt, a serial entrepreneur having run ventures in Employability Training and hiring, is the host of "The Spotlight", presented by the Founder Thesis podcast. He has interviewed 500+ founders to date. Connect: Sahil Anand: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahil-anand-0669a689/ Akshay Datt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshay-datt/ Founder Thesis: www.founderthesis.com…

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Unravelling the Threads | Ankit Jaipuria @ ZYOD 1:18:51

31 weeks sitten1:18:51

1:18:51

Dive into the world of fashion manufacturing with Ankit Jaipuria, Co-founder of ZYOD! Discover how ZYOD is disrupting the B2B fashion industry with a cutting-edge supply chain, learn about the rise of fast fashion, and explore opportunities in India's growing market. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, a business owner, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the future of fashion . Akshay Datt, a serial entrepreneur having run ventures in Employability Training and hiring, is the host of "The Spotlight", presented by the Founder Thesis podcast. He has interviewed 500+ founders to date. Connect: Ankit Jaipuria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankit-jaipuria/ Akshay Datt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshay-datt/ Founder Thesis: www.founderthesis.com…

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Redefining Wealth Management | Brijesh Damodaran @ Auxano Capital 46:11

33 weeks sitten46:11

46:11

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Brijesh Damodaran, Managing Partner of Auxano Capital, as he transitions from a corporate financial controller to a leading entrepreneur in wealth management. Discover his innovative "three-bucket strategy", insights into private market investing, approach to adapting to regulatory changes, and the importance of building trust through client relationships. Brijesh Damodaran is the Managing Partner of Auxano Capital, a venture capital firm investing in tech-enabled, next-generation businesses, focusing on Seed and pre-IPO stages. Akshay Datt, a serial entrepreneur having run ventures in Employability Training and hiring, is the host of "The Spotlight", presented by the Founder Thesis podcast. He has interviewed 500+ founders to date. Connect: Brijesh Damodaran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brijeshdamodaran/ Akshay Datt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshay-datt/ Founder Thesis: www.founderthesis.com…

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Binu Jacob of Experion Technologies on The Art of Product Development 1:05:47

34 weeks sitten1:05:47

1:05:47

Join us for an enlightening episode featuring Binu Jacob, MD & CEO of Experion Technologies, as he recounts his extraordinary transition from aspiring professor to thriving entrepreneur in the product engineering services arena. Binu is the MD & CEO of Experion Technologies, a Global Product Engineering Services company offering enterprises future-ready and transformative digital solutions. He is a visionary with a proven track record for driving growth over his 30 years of professional experience. Akshay Datt, a serial entrepreneur having run ventures in Employability Training and hiring, is the host of "The Spotlight", presented by the Founder Thesis podcast. He has interviewed 400+ founders to date.…

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Pioneering deep tech investing in India | Vishesh Rajaram @ Speciale Invest 1:05:14

35 weeks sitten1:05:14

1:05:14

In this episode of The Spotlight, Akshay Datt speaks to Vishesh Rajaram, co-founder of Speciale Invest. Vishesh shares some amazing stories about his journey in the venture capital scene in India, starting from his early days at Venturis back in 2007. Vishesh talks about how he’s helped shape innovative startups and why thinking big—like really big—is key in this game and how relationships play a huge role in finding great investment opportunities and what the future of AI might look like for new businesses. Listen to this episode if you’re curious about what it takes to be a venture capitalist or just want to hear some cool insights about deep tech investing in India…

2 years sitten42:51

42:51

Sudip is a luggage industry veteran having working in leadership roles with luggage companies for more than a decade. In this candid conversation, he shares the journey of becoming an entrepreneur at such a late stage in life and how he is fundamentally changing the business model of the luggage industry by using smart technology. For more such interesting founder journeys, subscribe to our newsletter www.founderthesis.com…

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