StartupGuy is a personal endeavor to stay abreast of the latest developments in the Indian startup and Venture Capital (VC) ecosystem. I am indebted to some really meaningful content encompassing Indian startups and VCs across the internet – Inc42, YourStory, Indian Startup News, Entrackr, to name a few, that help shape the blogs. A part of the blogs do reflect my own thoughts about the topics being blogged.

This blog is dedicated to Kiran Bapna, who was embraced by Mother Nature for the kind, caring, loving, helpful, and large-hearted person she was, during her journey through the Tirthan Valley trails in Himachal Pradesh in 2023. Kiran handheld and mentored me, and taught me everything about the Indian startup and VC ecosystem while she was my manager at Google. She was one of those rare professionals who did not have an agenda and let everyone around her grow. Professionally (and personally to a certain extent), whatever I am today, I owe it to Kiran – and her selfless love and support for one and all. She taught me how to work with the best in the business and become a better version of myself with each passing day.

I strive to pass forward the values and goodness I inculcated from Kiran to the teams I manage. Kiran was the motivation behind this blog when I decided to start writing, as I had already moved on from the startup and VC ecosystem (but not from the love for it) to something else. When I started off, I thought of writing for a year and then surprising her with the blogs – she would have been thrilled. I am sure she is, as I await her return!

  • Can Blinkit Win the Quick Commerce Race?


    Startup and VC Ecosystem Updates | Issue# 7 [November 18, 2024] What? The Quick Commerce (QC) battle is intensifying in India, with Blinkit, Swiggy’s Instamart, and Zepto competing fiercely, while heavyweights like Amazon (plans to launch instant delivery in Q4 FY25), Flipkart (with Flipkart Minutes), Tata’s BigBasket, and Reliance’s JioMart are gearing up to go…

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  • Inside Blume Ventures’ Strategy for the EV Sector


    VC Insights | Issue# 7 [November 12, 2024] What? The Indian Electric Vehicle (EV) industry saw a few interesting developments over the past year or so. The reduction in allocation for the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme during the Union Budget was a blow to the industry earlier this…

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  • Peak XV Recalibrates Largest Fund Size


    VC Insights | Issue# 6 [October 7, 2024] What? Peak XV Partners has reduced its eighth VC fund worth $2.85 Bn by 16%. The fund was closed in May 2022 and happens to be the VC’s largest fund earmarked for Indian startups. The decision to return $465 Mn to investors (Limited Partners or LPs) stems…

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