Startups Dil Se 🎙️

He was the quietest guy in the room now he's building a billion-dollar company. Anthony Prakash sits down with Haran Shivanan, CEO of IVIVA, in one of the most personal episodes of Startups Dilse yet. The two go back over 20 years to their time together at Cognizant in Chennai, and this conversation is as much a reunion as it is a masterclass in building deep tech products across global markets. IVA is a smart buildings software platform operating across Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and Australia. Their software connects to the physical systems people interact with every day — from energy management to predictive maintenance — and they're at the forefront of Asia's push toward net-zero buildings. Haran shares the unfiltered story of his career, from writing code and shipping to production the next day at a Singapore startup, to spinning out IVIVA and stepping into the CEO role with all the self-doubt that comes with it. He talks about how Paul Graham's essay on "founder mode" gave him language for his own leadership style, what it really means to manage a multicultural team across five countries, and why he believes IVIVA will be the first billion-dollar company in the smart buildings space. Whether you're a founder, operator, or just someone who appreciates a great career story — this episode delivers. ⏱️ What's covered: Introduction & reunion — Anthony and Haran’s Cognizant backstory How a Singapore smart buildings startup changed Haran’s approach to software The spin-out story: from product feature to standalone company Who buys smart building software (it's more complex than you think) AI and machine learning in a hardware-first world Singapore's net-zero 2030 mandate — and IVIVA’s role in it Imposter syndromePaul Graham's founder mode, and leading as an introvert Growing up as a global nomad and building cross-cultural resilience IVIVA’s 10-year vision: the first billion-dollar smart buildings company Whether you're a founder, operator, or just someone who appreciates a great career story — this episode is for you.

What happens when developer communities are scattered across a dozen different platforms? In this episode, we sit down with Arpan Garg, founder of Commudle, who's on a mission to solve one of the biggest headaches in developer relations: fragmentation. From watching Extreme Machines as a kid to speaking at Google I/O, Arpan's journey is anything but typical. After facing rejection as an electronics engineer, he became the sole developer at a healthcare startup, then dove deep into the Google Developer Group community—where he discovered a massive problem.The issue? DevRel teams are drowning in chaos. Events on Meetup. Conversations on Discord. Content scattered everywhere.The result? Lost data, zero insights, and communities that never reach their full potential.Arpan's solution? Commudle—a centralized platform that brings together events, content, hackathons, and developer profiles into one ecosystem. But here's what makes it different: it's not just another community management tool. It's built around the individual developer, giving them a portable identity that showcases their skills and journey across the ecosystem.In this conversation, we explore:Why traditional community platforms fail developer-focused companiesHow ML-powered spam filtering keeps communities high-qualityThe future of AI in understanding what developers actually want to buildWhat it takes to build in the competitive DevRel space from New DelhiWhether you're building developer tools, managing a tech community, or just curious about the future of how developers connect and learn, this episode is packed with insights.Listen now to discover how one founder is turning community chaos into strategic intelligence.

What happens when a Ukrainian 🇺🇦 software engineer becomes a father and decides to change the world?🚀Denis Yakovenko, CEO of Faster Than Light (FTL), shares the exact moment that transformed him from employee to entrepreneur—and how he built a company that helps startups launch products at record speed.🔥 WHAT WE COVER:The personal catalyst that made him quit his job Why startups beat big corporations in the talent war Building through COVID-19 and the Ukraine war His unconventional approach to leadershipWhy he refuses to have role models The future of product development💡 KEY INSIGHTS:→ Why people matter more than company prestige→ How global crises can accelerate startup growth→ The real cost of leaving employment for entrepreneurship→ Building resilient teams in uncertain times→ Why speed beats perfection in today's market🎯 PERFECT FOR:✅ Developers thinking about starting a company✅ Entrepreneurs navigating crisis and uncertainty✅ Startup founders scaling their teams✅ Anyone seeking authentic entrepreneurship storiesDenis doesn't sugarcoat the journey—he shares the real risks, the failures, and why surrounding yourself with the right people matters more than having a perfect business plan.🔗 CONNECT WITH DENIS:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ydionis/FTL Website: https://fasterthanlight.me/

Join Startups Dil Se hosts Riddhi Gore and Anthony Prakash for a fascinating conversation with the team behind Safi - an innovative startup tackling the intersection of climate change and public health.University of Waterloo graduates Miraal Kabir(CEO), Daria Margarit(COO) & Martin Turuta(CTO) share how their journey began with a UN climate challenge and evolved into a mission to prevent disease outbreaks in East Africa, where drought conditions are forcing a shift to camel milk with higher disease risks. The founders discuss their clever solution: a smart pasteurization control unit that ensures milk safety without destroying nutrients. They reveal the challenges of introducing new technology in regions where 80-90% of milk flows through informal markets, and how their pilots in Rwanda and Kenya shaped their approach.You'll hear about the technical innovations behind their device - from automated whisking to temperature monitoring and data tracking capabilities that provide oversight throughout the supply chain. Plus, discover their expansion plans beyond East Africa to countries like India and Pakistan, and their exploration of applications for different milk types.This episode offers rare insights into social entrepreneurship, appropriate technology design, and what it takes to make a meaningful impact on global health challenges accelerated by climate change.Listen now to be inspired by these young innovators and their journey from university case competitions to tackling one of today's most pressing public health issues.Watch episode at https://startupsdilse.com

This week, we welcome Gina Elmanasterly, the visionary founder and CEO of FULLY FYNE, who's changing the haircare game for people with fine hair everywhere.Coming from a lineage of entrepreneurs, Gina's business acumen was shaped by watching her grandfather and father build their own ventures. These early influences planted the seeds for her own entrepreneurial journey, which began taking shape even during her college years.What makes Gina's story compelling is how FULLY FYNE was born from frustration. When battling dermatitis, she discovered a market saturated with steroid-heavy treatments unsuitable for her fine hair. After connecting with others facing the same dilemma, she identified an untapped opportunity.Despite having no background in the beauty industry, Gina partnered with a chemist to develop a steroid-free hair mask. From humble beginnings—personally packaging and shipping orders—to now selling through QVC and building robust social media communities, her growth trajectory demonstrates the power of solving real problems.In this honest conversation, Gina shares her entrepreneurial rollercoaster, including:The exact moment she realized FULLY FYNE needed to existNavigating the challenges of entering an unfamiliar industryHow she built her initial customer baseHer vision for expanding the FULLY FYNE product lineThe critical role her family plays in her successWhether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, have fine hair struggles of your own, or simply love stories of innovation born from necessity, this episode offers valuable insights into turning personal challenges into business opportunities.Listen now to be inspired by Gina's journey from frustrated consumer to industry innovator.Subscribe to our podcast for more stories of entrepreneurs transforming their industries through creative problem-solving.Checkout FULLY FYNEhttps://www.instagram.com/fullyfyne/https://www.tiktok.com/@fullyfynehttps://www.qvc.com/beauty/fully-fyne/_/N-rhtyZ1xzo92n/c.html

Sebastian Sulma, a Czechxican serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist, has founded Cuid, a startup dedicated to making security technology affordable and accessible globally. Motivated by personal experiences with crime, Sulma is leveraging advanced AI and hardware solutions to address safety challenges. Key Highlights of Cuid:Quarterly revenues exceeding $100,000Raised approximately $800,000 in investmentsAI-powered software and hardware platformInitial market focus on Mexico, with plans for international expansionIn our in-depth conversation, Sulma shared insights into Cuid's unique market positioning, current customer base, and growth strategy. Drawing from his extensive venture capital experience, he is positioning Cuid to become a unicorn by addressing a critical global need for affordable, innovative security solutions. The startup represents more than a business venture—it's a mission-driven approach to leveraging technology for community safety, rooted in Sulma's multicultural background and entrepreneurial spirit.

Meet the visionary behind Africa's cross-border payment revolution. In this compelling episode, Tope Alabi, Co-founder and CEO of Afriex, shares his extraordinary journey from winning the visa lottery to building a FinTech powerhouse that's transforming how millions handle international transactions.Tope's story begins with a life-changing moment: his mother's sudden announcement that they'd be moving to America in just four days. This unexpected twist set him on a path that would eventually lead to creating Afriex, a platform now serving over 40 countries. We explore how Tope's deep understanding of blockchain technology and his personal experiences with cross-border payments inspired him to develop a groundbreaking solution using stablecoins.You'll hear about the serendipitous meeting with his co-founder at a Facebook hackathon, their remote journey through Y Combinator during the pandemic, and the bold decision to establish Afriex's headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.But this isn't just a story about technology – it's about family, roots, and giving back. Tope shares how his entrepreneurial mother shaped his vision and why returning to his childhood home of Lagos was crucial for his mission. With over 70 employees and a unique culture of ownership, Afriex is redefining what's possible in African FinTech. Whether you're an entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or simply love stories of innovation and impact, this episode offers valuable insights into building a company that truly makes a difference.

In this compelling episode , we sit down with Venkata Chunduru, a visionary engineering leader who has been quietly revolutionizing India's transportation and infrastructure landscape for over two decades.As the Director and Head of India Operations at Arcadis IBI Group, Venkat offers an unprecedented look into the complex world of infrastructure development, innovation, and technological transformation.Key Highlights:A 25-year journey through mobility and constructionInsights from landmark projects like the Worli Bandra SealinkThe groundbreaking story behind India's first RFID tolling system (FastTag)Cutting-edge AI traffic management in BengaluruListeners will be inspired by Venkat's academic journey at IIT Bombay, where he was mentored by Professor PK Sikdar, choosing the path of infrastructure engineering over the lucrative software industry. Special Segment: Dil Se Questionnaire Venkat opens up about:His deepest professional inspirationsCareer-defining momentsPersonal reading recommendationsWisdom for emerging professionalsBonus: Hear about his recent recognition as a 2024 ET EY Infrastructure Awards winner—a testament to his outstanding contributions to India's technological evolution.Perfect for:Engineering enthusiastsInfrastructure professionalsStartup foundersAnyone curious about technological innovation in India Listen now and discover the human story behind India's infrastructure transformation! #EngineeringIndia, #Infrastructure, #Innovation, #CareerJourney, #TransportationTech, #IndianEngineering, #AITraffic, #InfrastructureAwards, #startupsdilse, #entrepreneur, #india, #bengaluru

What happens when frustrated doctors decide to fix healthcare technology themselves?In this fascinating episode, we dive into the world where medicine meets code with two remarkable physician-entrepreneurs who are tackling one of healthcare's biggest headaches: broken software systems. Meet Dr. John Manning and Dr. Grey Faulkenberry, who split their time between saving lives in emergency rooms and building MayJuun, a startup that's revolutionizing how medical data moves between hospitals. They share raw insights about why doctors are drowning in after-hours paperwork (known as "pajama time"), and how this digital burden is pushing medical professionals to their breaking point. But this isn't just another tech story. It's about doctors building for doctors, understanding the pain points from the frontlines, and creating solutions that actually work in the real world of medicine. Our guests break down complex topics like FHIR (healthcare's data standard) into digestible insights and share their vision for a future where technology enhances rather than hinders patient care.Key Conversations:Why current healthcare software is failing both doctors and patientsThe real cost of poor tech on physician mental health and patient careHow MayJuun is building doctor-friendly solutions that just workThe open-source revolution in healthcare tech (FHIR-FLI)What's really happening behind the scenes in hospital IT systemsWhether you're in healthcare, tech, or simply curious about how innovation happens in complex industries, this episode offers unique insights into the intersection of medicine and technology. Listen in as we explore how these physician-founders are working to give doctors more time for what matters most: taking care of patients.#StartupsDilSe #HealthTech #DigitalHealth #MedTech #StartupStories

From the high-stakes trading floors of Goldman Sachs to revolutionizing investment access in India, Ram Tulluri's journey is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship.As the founder of Shrish Infotech and creator of WealthUpp, Ram is tackling a crucial challenge: while India's NIFTY 50 has delivered 20X returns since 2000, 95% of Indians haven't participated in this wealth creation.In this episode, Ram shares his transition from IIT Madras to Wall Street, and ultimately to founding a fintech startup in Hyderabad. He breaks down how WealthUpp is democratizing mutual fund investing through its innovative app, making systematic investing accessible to every Indian. With India projected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2050, Ram's vision of inclusive wealth creation couldn't be more timely.You'll learn:Why Ram left his successful Wall Street career to start WealthUppHow small, consistent investments (just ₹100/day) could grow to ₹1 Crore over 15 yearsThe technology behind WealthUpp's soon-to-be-patented investment algorithmsPractical insights into building sustainable investing habitsRam's perspective on India's economic trajectory and the opportunities aheadWhether you're an aspiring investor, fintech enthusiast, or startup founder, this conversation offers valuable insights into building products that drive meaningful social impact.

In this episode, we sit down with Shiti Rastogi Manghani, the CEO of STEPN by Find Satoshi Labs (FSL). A true trailblazer , Shiti's journey from consultant to CEO is nothing short of remarkable.Episode Highlights: Shiti's impressive career trajectory, including her transition from consulting to leadership roles in the CPG industryThe founding of Breathe Happy during Covid-19, revolutionizing at-home fitness with ML and AI Her decision to join forces with FSL(Find Satoshi Labs) and her rise to CEOThe groundbreaking success of STEPN and its impact on the fitness and Web3 markets Insights into starting a venture and overcoming blockchain skepticismShiti's approach to building great company cultureValuable advice for founders and women in techA sneak peek into STEPN Go About Shiti : Shiti Rastogi Manghani is a groundbreaker, recognized with awards such as: UK Government's Exceptional Talent 2021 WomenTech Network's "Women-Led Tech-Startup of the Year 2020" Finalist for Microsoft's "Entrepreneur of the Year 2021" She's been named a "Woman to Watch" in HealthTech, a "Trailblazer" in Digital Longevity, and a "Fem Foundry Leader" in digital technology. Her insights have been published in Hackernoon and featured across various health and tech platforms.Don't miss this inspiring conversation. Tune in to hear Shiti's story of innovation, perseverance, and success in the ever-evolving world of Web3 and fitness technology.

Episode OverviewIn this special two-part episode of the Startups Dilse Podcast, we bring you the inspiring journey of Sabari Raja, Managing Partner at JFF Ventures. Host Anthony sits down with his former SMU B-school classmate to uncover a story of determination, innovation, and success against all odds.Part 1: Breaking Barriers and Building Dreams Sabari Raja's story is one of relentless pursuit and unwavering spirit. In this episode, we explore:Her humble beginnings as a farmer's daughter in rural Tamil Nadu, IndiaThe courage it took to leave home and pursue higher education at Louisiana State UniversityHer foray into the world of Educational Technology at Texas InstrumentsThe entrepreneurial spark that led to the founding of Nepris, bridging the gap between students and professionalsSabari candidly shares the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the support system that kept her going. Her journey is a testament to the power of stepping outside one's comfort zone and embracing new challenges. Quotable Insights"My biggest cheerleader has always been my husband""My first big lesson learned is If I'm partnering with someone, I need to make sure that both of us are able to take the same level of risk"Why Listen This episode is more than just a success story; it's a masterclass in grit, willpower, and the relentless pursuit of one's goals. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a student looking for inspiration, or someone facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Sabari's journey offers valuable insights and motivation.Coming Up in Part 2 Stay tuned for the second part of our conversation with Sabari, where we'll dive into her transition to venture capital, her role as Managing Partner at JFF Ventures, and her perspectives on supporting the next generation of founders. Don't miss this compelling two-part series that proves no dream is too big and no starting point too small when you combine passion with perseverance.#StartupStories #WomenInTech #EdTechInnovation #VentureCapital

In this episode, we take a fascinating detour from our usual startup founders and investors to explore how a Fortune 500 company is embracing the startup ecosystem. Join us as we sit down with Abhishek Prasad, the leader of JLL's Idea Labs in Bengaluru.JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle) isn't just a real estate giant; they're actively shaping the future of PropTech through their innovative incubation arm, Idea Labs. Abhishek, a former founder himself, brings a unique perspective to the intersection of corporate resources and startup agility.What you'll hear in this episode:The vision and mission behind JLL's Idea LabsHow a major corporation is tapping into the startup ecosystemCutting-edge technology applications in the PropTech marketAbhishek's journey from startup founder to corporate innovatorCurrent projects and future plans for Idea LabsA lightning pitch on why Bengaluru is a startup havenWhether you're a startup enthusiast, a corporate innovator, or simply curious about the future of PropTech, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of corporate-startup collaborations.Don't miss Abhishek's compelling arguments for why Bengaluru remains a special place for entrepreneurs and startups!Show Notes:Guest: Abhishek Prasad, Head of JLL's Idea Labs, BengaluruJLL (Jones Lang LaSalle): is a global real estate services company, founded in the United Kingdom with offices in 80 countries. PropTech: Proptech is an abbreviation for "property technology", which is the use of technology to help real estate professionals and individuals manage real estate.Connect with us:Website: https://startupsdilse.comTwitter: @startupsdilseInstagram: @startupsdilseWe'd love to hear your thoughts! What do you think about corporations adopting startup methodologies? Share your views with us on social media or leave a review.Remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a rating – it really helps!