Piyush Bhandari

Corporations now play a very active role in the Indian startup ecosystem, taking inspiration from their global counterparts. India has seen the rise of Corporate Venture Capital Funds (CVCs) and the boom of Family Offices in the last 5 years. Inc42 Media has covered some of my thoughts on this growth and its impact on corporates, startups, and other investors in the ecosystem. Aeravti Ventures https://lnkd.in/e7uqBU9s

65

As someone who is privileged to be closely involved in the journey of several startups including Mygate, the ability to write such a blog, let alone publish it to the public shows an extraordinary longterm thinking and maturity for founders. First of all, kudos to the team on stellar execution and is the input to this blog. Secondly kudos on the courage to publish such information, for a second time now. Last but not least, I encourage all founders to write such a blog and a similar plan for the year ahead. Publishing this can be at your own discretion - private, management team, board, investors, public. Use your best judgement but write you must! It’s a great discipline to have - ideally once a quarter! Yes the first two times will be difficult, but it will soon become a “liberating” habit.

18

1 Comment

3 Reasons Entrepreneurs Must Master Policy Knowledge 🚀 Think policies don’t matter to your business? Think again. Government policies can shape opportunities, define markets, and unlock growth for savvy entrepreneurs. Here’s why being versed in policies is a game-changer: ⇒ Unlock Strategic Benefits Policies like Karnataka's draft for GCCs (Global Capability Centers) are designed to boost specific industries. Entrepreneurs who align with such frameworks gain access to incentives, funding, and fast-tracked approvals. (Find the link to the draft GCC policy in the comments) ⇒ Stay Competitive Knowledge of policy changes ensures you’re ahead of the curve. Whether it’s taxation, trade regulations, or tech incentives, informed entrepreneurs pivot faster than their competition. ⇒ Maximize Opportunities Policies often provide untapped advantages. For instance, subsidies for clean energy or tax breaks for startups can significantly reduce operational costs and accelerate scaling. 💡 Many entrepreneurs think execution is everything. But understanding what policies support your business vision can multiply your efforts. 👉 What’s one policy or incentive you’ve leveraged to grow your business? Let’s share insights and inspire action! #Entrepreneurship #PolicyKnowledge #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Strategy

17

4 Comments

The Make in India initiative started back in 2014 and been a cornerstone in transforming India into a global manufacturing hub. 🚗 India’s manufacturing GDP has nearly doubled in the last decade and is now the world’s 4th largest car manufacturer. That would not have been possible without a focus on developing technical skills, expertise, & capabilities across the working population. 🔑 The Skill India initiative was launched in 2015 to build those pockets of capabilities and provide adequate training in market-relevant skills to the youth & underpriveled populations. The program has reached 10’s of millions of people since its inception. 68% of the 1.4 billion people in India are between the ages of 15-64, making it the largest working-age population in the world! Future is bright for India! 🇮🇳 #makeinindia #skillindia #manufacturing #indiagrowth #digitalindia Hiten Shah Suhas Jagtap Nipul Keniya

10

1 Comment

Bizom raises $12 million in Series B Exciting news in the retail tech space! Hyderabad-based SaaS startup Bizom has secured $12 million in a Series B funding round led by Pavestone, with participation from existing investor IndiaMART and various family offices. This investment will fuel Bizom’s mission to revolutionize retail distribution through next-generation products like Real Intelligence infrastructure, agentification, voice recognition, and augmented reality. Currently, Bizom’s platform enhances sales efficiency and product distribution for over 600 retail brands across industries such as CPG, dairy, and FMCG. CEO Lalit Bhise stated, “We are engineering the future of retail distribution through next-generation products like Real Intelligence infrastructure, agentification, voice recognition, and augmented reality to address real-world challenges faced by global retail enterprises.” This funding marks a significant milestone in Bizom’s journey to digitize B2B retail and transform the consumption landscape in India. #StartupFunding #RetailTech #SaaS #Bizom #SeriesB #Investment #RetailDistribution #TechInnovation #IndiaStartups #IndiaMART #FMCG #ceo #cfo #pavestone

2

Few articles on leadership have made a more lasting impression on me than this one by Venkatesh Rao of the Ribbon Farm newsletter. “BDFxing, or Post-Charismatic Distributed Leadership” is my Good Read recommendation for Aug 9, 2024. https://lnkd.in/gcWsdPWv Venkatesh covers so much in this article. Exposing the unnecessary nature of most leadership, most of the time. “Even in an ordinary org with no special architecture, 80% of activities don’t need to be led 80% of the time.” And then countering that “There’s no such thing as a leaderless org.” Enter what Venkatesh calls the ephemeral/transient leadership organization. The idea that certain situations require bursts of leadership from the team members best suited to resolve the specific situation. Or as he puts it, “The giraffe leads when the problem is high up, the mouse leads when it is down a long hole.” I love the clarity of this model. It resonates with my experience and I suppose my temperament. The job of a founder or co-founder then is to design for bursts of leadership. To welcome them when and where they are needed. And to resist the inclination to lead all the things. That small gesture creates the conditions for others to experience agency in their work. And an organization where agency is widely experienced is an organization that can accomplish just about anything it sets out to accomplish. There’s much more in this good read. I highly recommend it. #leadership #distributed #sustainablebusiness

7

🚀 Exciting News Alert! 🚀 🎉 We're thrilled to announce the launch of our latest venture: OnDemand Business Solutions! 🎉 🤝 As co-founders me, Sonia Jethwani and Pradeep Singh Tanwar, we've come together with a shared vision to revolutionize the way businesses handle their day-to-day operations. OnDemand Business Solutions is more than just a service provider; it's your one-stop-shop for all things related to hiring, sales, aftersales, operations, and beyond! At OnDemand Business Solutions, we understand the challenges businesses face in today's fast-paced world. That's why we're committed to providing comprehensive solutions tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you're a startup looking to scale or an established enterprise seeking optimization, we've got you covered. But here's the best part: We can't do it alone. We're calling on you, our esteemed network, to join us on this journey. Together, let's build something extraordinary. Let's innovate, collaborate, and propel businesses to new heights of success. Join us in making OnDemand Business Solutions a resounding success. Together, we can redefine the future of business operations. Are you ready to revolutionize the way you do business? Let's connect and explore the endless possibilities! #OnDemandBusinessSolutions #BusinessInnovation #Collaboration #JoinUs

7

Private equity is changing, so are we. Our inhouse software caters to nuances of this industry and can seamlessly deliver NAVs, fees, financial reports, investor activity, compliance and US tax returns. Backing delivery is our highly trained and qualified 700+ colleagues across 8 locations and 26 jurisdictions. Do DM ayone of us to discuss how we can create more time for your investments, build LP credibility and reduce manual work/errors without breaking the bank. Nitin Somani, CFA Amit Arora Frank Bukowski Deepa Arora Ashish Modi Private Equity Insights Singapore Venture & Private Capital Association Private Debt Investor Private Equity Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA)

59

1 Comment

A few weeks ago we announced the launch of 'My Legacy Book'. Its a physical form of what our App + Web product (www.mittarv.com) is aimed to be, but reduces friction to start planning the end state in a gradual way. We are now live on Amazon India too. You can order My Legacy Book in two variants - Wiro Bound (a bit better quality) or Staple Bound quality with both of them having an MOQ of 2. This can be delivered anywhere in India. You can use this as a gift to your friends, families, employees, clients and partners. If you want to order more than 10 of any, please reach out to me separately and we can give between 15-25% discount vs Amazon. https://amzn.in/d/hy80aCt (You can click on 'See All Formats' to see the other option which is Staple Bound). PS: If you've seen it or ordered earlier, please leave a review, that will definitely help PS2: You don't have to be in India to order this, you can order for your India resident friends and families 😉 #legacy

29

We are excited to announce FinAlyzer's sponsorship, as a "Supporting Partner", of the second edition of the CFO Connect Conclave by FinancialExpress. In today’s volatile economic climate marked by global uncertainties, rising costs, and increasing focus on sustainability, the role of the CFO is evolving faster than ever. This year’s conclave gathers India’s most influential financial leaders to explore actionable strategies for driving innovation, optimizing portfolios, and fostering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) integration. At FinAlyzer, we empower CFOs to navigate these complexities with confidence through our advanced financial consolidation and reporting solutions. By enabling cost efficiencies, data-driven decisions, and regulatory compliance, we help organizations stay agile and future-ready. We look forward to engaging with visionary leaders at the conclave to discuss how FinAlyzer can transform financial operations and unlock new growth opportunities. See you there! #FinAlyzer #Digitaltransformation #FinanceTransformation #FECFOConnectConclave #FinanceLeadership #FutureofFinance #FinancialExpress #CFO

26

1 Comment

🚀 Opportunity for SaaS Companies Looking to Exit 🚀 🙂 Are you a B2B SaaS company operating in India, the Middle East, Australia, or the US, and looking for an opportunity to sell and exit? 🙂 We are seeking to acquire a 100% stake in profitable or breakeven SaaS companies with a strong topline:(Non Negotiable) 🚀 India: Minimum revenue of $5M and Above 🚀 US, Middle East, Australia: Minimum revenue of $10M and Above We are mandated by a US-based multinational to finalize the deal within 60 days. The buyer is particularly interested in companies with no ongoing losses or burn, making this an excellent opportunity for those with a stable, profitable business model. Our team operates on a 4 % success fee from the sell side, ensuring a smooth and swift process. If your company meets these criteria, reach out to discuss further details at [email protected]. We share 30% Referral Fee for our Associates Amit Gupta Kanwal Rekhi SaaS Labs saas.group Software as a Service (SaaS) SaaS Finland Software as a service Software as a service SAAS SoftwareOne E&P Software Software-As-A-Service (SaaS) Startup India Startup Insider Indian Startup News Viestories Startup News

9

Nitin Sharma and Rajiv Srivatsa are committing $10M from Antler India into stellar idea-stage companies in the coming 6 months—$500K per company X 20 investments. They will work with you in your ambiguous -1 to 0 phase. To know more details, join the Antler Ama event happening next week. Kindly Check the event link in the comment section. Source: Twitter #venturecapital #startup

12

1 Comment

In the world of startups and MSMEs, a prevailing obsession has emerged - an obsession with raising funding and achieving stratospheric valuations. While securing substantial investments and attracting high valuations undoubtedly offer an alluring veneer of success, It is imperative for entrepreneurs and investors alike to remember that profitability remains the true cornerstone of sustainable growth. In this article, we, a strategy consulting company, shed light on the significance of profitability in startup success and advocate for a shift in focus from hype to financial stability. By exploring the benefits of maintaining sustainable revenue streams and efficient resource allocation, we aim to underscore the inherent value of profitability as a key measure of triumph. #strategyconsulting #startups | Stratsmith | Ankush

169

3 Comments

From Vision to Victory: Harnessing the Power of Advisory Boards In the entrepreneurial journey, there comes a point where the founder's vision and hard work alone are not enough to scale the business to the next level. This is where the value of an advisory board becomes indispensable. An advisory board provides invaluable guidance, diverse perspectives, and expertise. But how do you know when it's the right time to establish one? Why Have an Advisory Board? Strategic Guidance: Advisory board members bring experience and strategic outlook to navigate complex business landscapes. Their high-level advice keeps the company on course and aligned with long-term goals. Diverse Expertise: Experts from different industries offer a broad range of skills and knowledge, enabling well-rounded advice and innovative solutions. This diversity helps tackle business challenges effectively. Objective Insight: Unlike fiduciary boards, advisory boards do not have governance responsibilities, allowing them to provide unbiased and strategic advice without legal or financial obligations. This perspective helps evaluate strategies and performance objectively. Networking and Contacts: Advisory board members' networks open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and markets, providing access to valuable resources. Risk Mitigation: With their experience, advisory board members can foresee potential challenges and risks, allowing the business to take proactive measures and avoid costly mistakes. Support in Decision Making: An advisory board serves as a sounding board for critical decisions, offering support and reassurance, leading to well-rounded and confident choices. When to Form an Advisory Board Here are key indicators to determine the right time to establish an advisory board: During Growth or Expansion: When expanding into new markets or launching new products, an advisory board can provide strategic guidance and market insights. Facing Major Transitions: Whether scaling operations, navigating regulatory changes, or preparing for a leadership transition, an advisory board can help manage these shifts smoothly. Experiencing Rapid Growth: Rapid expansion can strain existing structures and strategies. An advisory board helps manage scalability and maintain strategic focus. Building Strategic Partnerships: Leveraging board members' networks and expertise can significantly enhance the company's ability to form beneficial partnerships. Addressing Specific Challenges: When facing technical or functional challenges that require specialized knowledge, advisory board members can offer the needed expertise and solutions. Conclusion The journey of entrepreneurship is challenging, but you don't have to navigate it alone. An advisory board can provide the strategic support, expertise, and perspective necessary to propel your business to new heights. Embracing this support might be uncomfortable initially, but it is crucial for growth and success.

1

Co-lead a workshop (with Sumathi my business partner and Komal lath of Tute Consult) on branding and communication and why/how its' strategic & important for the portfolio companies of an early stage growth focused PE fund in Mumbai this noon. very interactive session. lots of takeaways. one of the biggest benefits of doing such workshops with founders and CXOs of growth companies is that you get to first hand understand their pain points and priorities. which makes you realize there is a long road ahead laden with great opportunity for those in PR & comms if we take off our hats and look at it from their perspective.

21

3 Comments

In my experience, engaging right vendors in industrial services goes beyond pricing or speed—first it’s about aligning the vendor’s skills with the specific needs of the project. I’ve seen time and again how vendors who don’t communicate their expertise early in the process and end up losing out, never even getting to the stage where techno-commercial discussions happen. Whereas on the client side, I’ve noticed that when pre-qualifying requirements aren’t defined clearly, it’s easy to miss out on the best-fit vendors, which can impact the overall success of the project. Let’s break this down: -𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞: Vendors often miss opportunities by not showcasing their unique competencies. A civil contractor with chemical plant experience pitching to a chemicals client should prove this through: 1. Past project references 2. Project images or videos 3. Testimonials from satisfied clients Highlighting such credentials makes vendors better understood by the clients in the competitive bidding process. -𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞: 1. If a project needs a civil contractor with chemical plant construction experience, this must be explicitly stated in the pre-qualification criteria (PQR). 2. Venwiz works with the client to set these necessary requirements, and communicate the PQRs to the vendors at the very start, ensuring only the most qualified/matched vendors advance. This means a faster, more effective vendor discovery and a better project outcome. Using established processes and cutting-edge tech, we bring clarity to both sides of the table. Clients articulate exactly what they need, and vendors prove their expertise with verifiable credentials. This alignment fosters partnerships that drive consistent project success. What’s your take on the importance of client<>vendor alignment in the procurement process? Share your thoughts below. #IndustrialProcurement #VendorManagement #Projects

31

1 Comment

𝗗𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵: 𝗖𝗔𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽’𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 🚀 In the rush to disrupt industries and scale at lightning speed, startups often neglect one critical factor: financial strategy. Many believe that Chartered Accountants (CAs) are too traditional, too conservative for the startup world. But here’s the harsh truth: Without the strategic insights of a CA, your startup could be flying blind 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙮: • 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Innovation without a financial plan is just a gamble. CAs help startups allocate resources efficiently, ensuring that innovative ideas are backed by solid financial strategies that fuel sustainable growth. • 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝗴e: Startups need to take risks, but they must be calculated. CAs are trained to identify potential pitfalls while supporting bold, innovative moves. They help balance creativity with caution, ensuring that risks are managed effectively . • 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺s: CAs excel at setting up scalable financial systems. As your startup grows, these systems allow you to innovate and expand without losing control over your finances. • 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: In a rapidly changing regulatory landscape, CAs ensure startups remain compliant without stifling innovation. Their knowledge of the regulatory environment allows startups to pivot quickly while staying within legal boundaries. • 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: A CA on your team boosts credibility. Investors are more likely to back innovative ventures when they see that strong financial leadership is in place. In today’s competitive startup ecosystem, CAs aren’t just suitable—they’re essential for driving innovation while building a sustainable business foundation. #𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 #𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 #𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 #𝗖𝗙𝗢 #𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 #𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

5