Naman Bajaj

Optimising for survival vs valaution During my previous startup journey My Dream Store we grew from 3cr annualRevenue to 30cr annual Revenue in 24 months and we were on look out for series A of 5Mn usd , Talked to almost every VC in town by that time we have only raise an angel round of 300k usd only. Everything was green we were super ambitious , stayed in market for 3 months could not close . During this time there were few Angel groups who could write 500k to 1mn cheques but we thought it would be too small for our ambitions. We went back to building again - our growth began to drop and became flattish at 2cr monthly revenue , we went back to market to raise 2Mn after 1yr to market to a different set of VCs - very hard to raise on back of degrowth, we were willing to dilute more but yes could not close. Lesson learnt always raise when you are going to peak in the next 3-6 months. As founders we would be focused on growth during that cycle but it’s better to put more money in war chest. Back to story one more year passed on flattish growth, we did some working capital solves , cut expenses we de grew to 1.5cr monthly revenue . Was again out in market this time looking for Angels founder angels or syndicates to raise 500k to 2Mn to build back. I was almost on verge of giving up but then Sujayath Ali wrote a small cheque gave us hope to rethink and started building Nobero. Only a founder can truly understand the grit and struggle. Now Nobero is a rocket ship we are super excited along side strong partner like TMRW House of Brands . From my journey of fundraising failures here are something’s that other founders / people who want to start can pick up 1. Always raise when you are on the raise 2. Do not be finicky about valuation pick best of what you are getting and go back to building 3. Like you see in my essay I moved down from 5Mn to 2Mn to 500k , very foolish . In hindsight had I picked the 500k to 1Mn cheque when we were at 30cr the story would have been totally different . Pick whatever you can at best price you can close fast. The art is to close deal fast and move from position to position strongly on back of good metrics 4. Small cheques get large cheques , you are no longer alone in journey. It’s in interest of all parties to protect org and do what is right for org to grow 5. Fundraising is sales , be very strategic of what you offer -if you are degrowing offer a larger share, create phased offers milestone led - 500k to x size and if I hit X follow on with 2Mn if I do not grow to X be willing to take more hit on equity. Always offer what others cannot 6. Have some founders on your cap table who have been part of these , it’s millions saved #fundraising #startup #lessonsbuildingnobero

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How bad design can hamper customer acquisitions I've been a frequent train traveler for the last 2.5 years, covering a 360 km distance between my college and home. While flights are faster (30 minutes from Silchar to Guwahati), they are expensive, making trains my go-to option. The fastest train on this route, the Vista Dome, takes around 6.5 hours to reach Badarpur, with an additional 1.5 hours by taxi to Silchar. Other trains take over 12 hours. Given similar prices of tier 3 AC in other trains and chair car in Vista Dome, the Vista Dome is ideal when time is a factor, and I have minimal luggage. The train is great, with comfortable seats, good food options, and excellent hygiene. However, one major flaw is the chair design. They seem ill-fitted for the average person, making it hard to recline and sleep. This poor design causes an uncomfortable gap between the neck and chair, leading to back stress. For frequent travelers, this can result in serious medical issues. A small design change, like extra cushioning in the neck area, could significantly improve comfort. How Improved Design Can Boost Customer Acquisition: 1. Many avoid this train due to the uncomfortable chairs, preferring slower, less hygienic options for better comfort, resulting in lost profits. 2. Extending the route from Badarpur to Silchar would attract more customers, given the presence of major colleges (NIT Silchar, SMCH, Assam University). As a regular user, I understand there may be limitations, but addressing these points could lead to better products and services. Observation is key to meaningful improvements. #observation #CAC #betterproduct

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When we launched flutrr we knew we were introducing online dating to a nascent market where such apps were largely unheard of or taboo. So, user feedback was our priority from day one. On one instance, a user reported that her cousin had found her profile on flutrr and complained to her parents. As a result, she was heavily reprimanded. Hearing this, we launched the 'Block Known Contacts' feature so users can prevent their family, friends, or relatives from viewing their profiles. Another case involved a user who reported that a boy had tracked her down using the app. In response, we introduced 'Ghost Mode' option, which only reveals your “current city” and not your distance from your matches. We might not have thought of these features if we hadn't listened to our users. Many of our most successful features have come directly from solving user concerns. If you're building a consumer-centric product, you need to keep your ears to the ground. Always. #product #tech #userfeedback #entrepreneurship

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This is something I wish every founder would practise: Listen to your team more. As Hiked continues its growth journey, I am deeply invested in ensuring everything goes smoothly. However, I’ve found that my team is even more committed to the vision, which makes me prouder than ever. What I’ve observed is that when I allow my team to be their most creative selves without micromanaging, the results are extraordinary. Of course, I hold weekly meetings with them, but these are primarily for updates and to offer my input, which is combined with their suggestions and feedback. This approach has been crucial for my growth and in building a strong team. What do you think? . . #Feedback #Team #Founder #Teamwork #Growthmindset

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Prisha and Dishani were discussing startups. Dishani asked, Why do some startups fail, while others succeed? Prisha replied, It depends on various factors. Let me share a small story. Prisha continued, There were two startups. Both had a great product. Both had smart teams. One founder knew how to pivot when needed. The other stuck to the original plan no matter what. One adapted to market feedback. The other ignored it. Only one survived. Morale Adaptability can determine the success of a startup. Stay flexible and listen to the market. #startup

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A founder once asked me for a quick fix to boost community engagement. I had to be blunt: There are NO shortcuts. Community building requires founder-level commitment. It's not a task you can delegate. It demands attention. It demands dedication. It demands a founder's touch. Everything Lazy Lions is today is a result of our intense community focus. - $100M+ in trading volume.  - $10M+ in revenue in the first six months.  - 250,000+ members strong. All because we made community our priority. So, if you want to build a community, ask yourself: Am I ready to give it the focus it deserves? If not, don't waste your time. —— Building something new in web3? Let's chat! Apply to join my Web3 Founder Inner Circle Here: https://lnkd.in/etFxq3wH

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The jump from Employee to Founder (E2F) is one of the steepest jumps ever. The first step towards becoming a founder - is a deeper exploration of the "What", "When" and "Who" of starting up. Our Antler team created the Before Day Zero community to engage with great operators, precisely during this phase. Our learnings from the first 2-3 months of what we have done - anchored by Dravisha Katoch https://lnkd.in/g3kM4ssz

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You don’t need to be in tier 1 cities now! We're seeing innovation expand beyond metro cities, with significant contributions from Tier 2 & 3 cities. Startups are no longer just about launching products—they're patenting technology, pushing boundaries in AI, robotics, agritech, and more. So, what can startups do? [1] Expand your focus- There’s untapped potential in smaller cities. Whether it’s sourcing talent or targeting local markets, now is the time to explore beyond metro areas. [2] Invest in R&D- Innovation is key. Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, or agriculture, developing unique solutions can set you apart. The simplified patent process means protecting your ideas is easier than ever. [3] Leverage collaboration opportunities- With incubators, accelerators, and government-backed programs, there’s plenty of support for growth. Plug into these resources to gain mentorship, funding, and visibility. ‌ Are you a startup? I help people invest in startup that sustains and grow! Reach me out to discuss!

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I hardly ever call an article; "a masterpiece". Today I came across one of those masterpieces ❣ As a person who is obsessed with the concept of #ProductMarketFit, it was a relief to read 3 Archetypes of Product-Market Fit put out by Sequoia Capital. ➡ Hair on Fire ➡ Hard Fact ➡ Future Vision These are simple yet powerful definitions of the type of problems and the ways customers relate to those problems. This is a MUST-READ for all startup founders. Link in the comments ⬇

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As a founder of a startup, we all go through tons of action, fire fighting and stress...often more than what we bargained for. But then, that's how this world is and somewhere in the middle of all the hustle, numbers and timelines, there are moments which lighten you up. To keep things from getting too serious and managing pressure, I personally like to see the lighter side of these things so thought of starting this trend of sharing short startup stories.....my experiences that gave me a headache and a laughter at the same time... totally worth sharing. (please pardon the HINGLISH but that's how it works) Story 1 - The Genius Task: Hiring kitchen helpers for the base kitchen Mode: On call Interviewer: Do you have kitchen experience? Kitchen ka koi experience? Candidate Response: Kitchen experience kisko nahin hota hai. Har ghar mein kitchen hai. Toh humein aap experienced hi maan lo. Interviewer: 🙄 Interviewer: Base kitchen mein kaam kiya hai? Candidate Response: Humra base bahut strong hai. Kuch bhi kar valo aap. Interviewer: Humara matlab hai, kissi food company ke base kitchen mein kaam kiya hai. Candidate Response: Pichli company mein basement mein kaam kiye the. Interviewer: 🙄 somewhere I mustered the courage to ask one more- Interviewer: kitchen experience nahin hai toh fresher join karo. Candidate Response: Fresher nahin hain hum. Litti choka bana sakte hain hum. Aap bhi bechiye, bahut badiya kaam hai. Iske baad I said politely "sorry nahin hoga" , kept the phone, walked to the toilet, closed the door and screamed. 😩 Came back refreshed, picked up the phone and called another candidate. The hunt continues..... 😉 #perseverance #funnybones #startupstories #ziddi #startupjourney

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This philosophy enhanced our company’s team engagement by 70%. As founders, the constant grind of meetings, emails, and tasks can drown us. The work that goes into building a company from the ground up frequently requires founders to live and breathe 24/7. However, some of the most insightful and rewarding moments I've experienced have come from informal after-hours conversations with my team. The benefits of our offline casual meets: > Builds deeper personal connections.  These casual hangouts create a judgement-free environment where deeper, more personal discussions can unfold naturally. You'll learn about employees' lives outside of work, strengthening mutual understanding and vulnerability-based trust. > Surface new ideas and perspectives:  Team members can freely share frustrations, concerns, wild ideas, and operational issues in the relaxed, no-agenda atmosphere that they might not have otherwise. Fresh thinking can spark new product ideas or solutions. > Understand on-the-ground realities:  Employees will often provide a real-world, ground-level view into customer experiences, process inefficiencies, or other gaps that leadership may be unaware of. valuable insights for improvement. > Bond as human beings:  Relating to your team as people, not just positions, fosters healthier workplace dynamics and cohesion. You'll gain deeper empathy and context for motivating your people. To make it work, schedule optional hangouts in relaxed settings like bars or cafes after hours. Encourage a tone of openness without judgement, allowing conversations to unfold naturally. Be mindful of power dynamics to ensure everyone feels comfortable. Let connections develop authentically, without forcing personal boundaries. As a founder, you owe it to yourself and your team to periodically step away from the whiteboard and connect over a casual drink or meal. Not only will it recharge the workplace batteries, but those frank conversations may spark the next pivot that facilitates your company's success. Do you also socialise with your team? #teambuilding #communication

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🌐✨ Navigating the Hype: Is the Startup Boom Building a Bubble? The Indian startup ecosystem is booming, with new unicorns and funding announcements making headlines daily. But as thrilling as this surge is, could it be masking a deeper issue? When startups prioritize "growth at any cost" over sustainable business models, we risk creating a fragile bubble that could burst. Sky-high valuations often don’t reflect real profitability or long-term viability. Many startups burn through cash faster than they generate revenue, leaving them vulnerable when the funding flow slows. What can we do to ensure the ecosystem thrives? 1️⃣ Sustainable Models: Focus on clear pathways to profitability. 2️⃣ Realistic Valuations: Avoid inflating worth beyond actual performance. 3️⃣ Cautious Optimism: Celebrate growth, but align it with scalability and longevity. The glitter of high valuations is tempting, but real success lies in staying power, not just initial momentum. As stakeholders, let’s champion stability over sensationalism and ensure the future of our startup ecosystem is built on strong, sustainable foundations. 💬 What are your thoughts? Are we heading toward a bubble, or is this just the natural course of innovation? Let’s discuss! #Startups #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #Sustainability

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You'll always question if the market is overvalued. And that's okay. Let me explain. I felt this deeply when analyzing the Indian markets recently. The numbers were clear, but doubts lingered. I started to think: - Are investors paying too much? - What does this mean for future growth? - Should I be cautious or optimistic? I wish I could tell every investor; It's a complex picture. I took a deep dive into the data and found some insights. Often, markets are a mix of signals. Not always clear, but often. These are the steps I took to understand the valuation: → I looked at the P/E ratio. The SENSEX's P/E ratio of 23.88 is high. Investors are paying a premium compared to historical levels. → I checked the Buffett Indicator. India's market cap to GDP ratio is 102.75%. This is above the 10-year average, suggesting overvaluation. → I analyzed foreign investor activity. In October 2024, foreign investors sold $8 billion in Indian stocks. This was the largest outflow since March 2020. → I reviewed expert opinions. Some experts, like Mark Matthews, express caution. Others point to strong GDP growth as a justification for high valuations. So, while some indicators suggest overvaluation, the economic fundamentals offer a different story. On one hand: - NIFTY trades at ~20x forward earnings vs historical average of ~17x - Small/mid-cap valuations are significantly stretched - FII ownership remains high, risking potential outflows - GDP numbers warrant scrutiny given base effects However: - Corporate earnings growth remains robust (15%+ YoY) - Banking sector NPAs at decadal lows - Domestic retail participation provides valuation support - India's consumption story and demographic dividend remain intact According to me, the key is bottom-up stock selection rather than index-level calls.

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Today, as Ola Electric goes public, I find myself reflecting on what this day truly represents. While IPO ceremonies happen frequently, this one is different because it marks not just my journey, but our collective journey. Though entrepreneurs often receive the spotlight, we all know it's the team - those who show up every day to get their job done - that deserve the credit. And not just the team, but their families, who have sacrificed as much as my own, to ensure their loved ones can contribute to our mission. I want to acknowledge and thank them all. I also want to express my gratitude to my family, my parents, and especially my wife who made everything seem possible and achievable, with so much grace. I must also thank my “Guru”, TVG. The "Darja" of Guru is unique in our Indian culture as one who shows the way, and he has done so for more than 12 years! As I ponder the significance of this day, I ask myself: what message should I convey? Is it that we all worked tirelessly, to build this company to this scale so quickly? Yes, our hard work has definitely paid off, and the world recognizes that. But today isn't only about our hard work. Is it that we have built a new industry in India and led the EV revolution to help create a better tomorrow? Indeed, in just 3 years from launching our first product, India is now one of the world's largest EV 2-wheeler markets. But today isn't only about our achievements so far. Perhaps it's that we fought the naysayers and disbelievers to build something for all to be proud of. We were written off from day one, yet we didn't let that affect us and kept building. But today isn't about our vanity either. In truth, today isn't about giving any message to satisfy or celebrate ourselves. Rather, it's about taking a message away with us - a message of inspiration and responsibility. We're inspired to double down on our dreams and mission to truly contribute towards India's future and build the country of our dreams. We now bear the responsibility of being custodians of public money, tasked with allocating it wisely for the benefit of all stakeholders - consumers, employees, shareholders, and most importantly, society. I hope when we all remember this day, wherever we are, in whichever company or job or country, we remember this emotion that we all feel today - that our destination is still far ahead! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 Link here: https://lnkd.in/gv8umCsQ

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