The Startup Operator

In this episode, Roshan interviews Shashank Avadhani, Co-founder of Alyve Health, to explore the future of health insurance in India. They discuss the industry’s biggest challenges, from underinsurance to regulatory hurdles, and how customer-centric solutions can drive change. Shashank shares his journey from consulting to launching Alyve Health, highlighting the need for collaboration with traditional insurers and the push for policy reforms, including GST reductions on health plans.

In this episode of the Startup Operator Podcast, Roshan chats with Joy Saldanha & Ankita Tandon, co-founders of Infinyte Club, a game-changing platform helping startup employees unlock wealth through ESOPs and diversified investments. They discuss their journey, the compound startup approach, and how execution matters more than just ideas. Learn about the Moneyball product, strategic diversification, and how Infinyte aims to redefine wealth management for startup professionals.

In this episode, we sit down with Vivek & Dinesh, co-founders of SSS Defence, a pioneering Indian defense startup specializing in small arms and ammunition. They discuss the challenges of building a defense company, navigating procurement and regulations, and their vision for India’s self-reliant defense sector. This insightful conversation sheds light on what it takes to innovate in a highly controlled industry and how SSS Defence aims to make India a global arms manufacturing hub.

Hiring in startups is evolving, and knowing what recruiters look for can give you an edge. In this episode of The Startup Operator Podcast, Roshan chats with Divesh Dhawan, founder of Meyrahkee Advisors, to break down 2024’s hiring trends. They discuss what makes a candidate stand out, the impact of Gen Z’s work preferences, and the industries with the highest demand. Plus, they explore cultural aspects shaping hiring decisions and highlight some of the best startups to work for this year.

In this episode of the Startup Operator Podcast, Roshan speaks with Gokul NA, founder of CynLr, a pioneering deep tech startup that is transforming robotics with advanced vision systems. Gokul shares his insights on solving the challenges of hardware manufacturability, enabling machines to recognize and handle objects with precision. They also discuss the complexities of building a deep tech startup, securing funding, and fostering interdisciplinary innovation to push the boundaries of robotics.

On The Startup Operator Podcast, Roshan sits down with serial entrepreneur K. Ganesh, the visionary behind BigBasket, Portea, Bluestone, and HomeLane. They discuss navigating the dynamic startup landscape, identifying high-impact sectors, and learning from both failures and successes. Ganesh shares insights on emerging opportunities in green energy, climate tech, and space tech, along with strategies for scaling businesses, planning exits, and harnessing Generative AI.

On The Startup Operator Podcast, Roshan talks to Venkatesh Mudragalla, co-founder of Jeh Aerospace, about the aerospace industry’s challenges and opportunities. They discuss Boeing’s issues, supply chain constraints, advanced manufacturing, and India's potential as a global aerospace hub. Venkatesh also shares his journey from Tata to launching Jeh Aerospace in 2022.

In this Startup Operator Roundup, Roshan and Gunjan break down key updates from India’s startup scene. They cover Swiggy’s massive IPO, Zomato’s innovations, Freshworks’ layoffs and stock buyback, ISRO’s IIT Madras partnership, and Elon Musk’s Starlink plans for India. Plus, they discuss the closure of Stowa’s alternate MBA program.

In this Startup Operator Roundup, Roshan and Gunjan discuss Ratan Tata’s legacy, India’s push to become a semiconductor hub, and Elon Musk’s tech innovations. They also tackle India’s security challenges, including data breaches at DotPay and Star Health Insurance, and reflect on cultural moments like BookMyShow’s Coldplay ticket chaos.

In this Startup Operator Roundup, Roshan Cariappa and Gunjan Saha break down major startup developments, from the Great Indian Shopping Festival and Mensa Brands' split with Men's XP to GoKwik’s acquisition of Return Prime. They also explore India's ambitious space plans, Accel’s new pre-seed accelerator, and government initiatives for overseas startup relocations. The episode wraps up with Ather Energy’s cultural sensitivity debate and Sourabh Netravalkar’s dual success in cricket and tech.