Vaibhav Goyal

Successful Product Engineering requires a strong sense of Ownership. You focus more on doing things right even when nobody is watching: Integrity. You are not bothered by the gray and can comfortably deal with it: Creativity. You take the initiative and do not wait for instructions. You are okay if proven wrong and are open to making mistakes: Empowerment. You do not limit yourself to technology; you gather domain knowledge and are driven towards solving the business problem: Efficiency. You are keen to understand and solve the user's problem to the best of your ability: Empathy. I am proud to be surrounded by a team of Product Engineers who want to create an IMPACT.

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The process of getting deeper into the Indian start-up ecosystem as an angel investor and limited partner (2 new hats of mine since 2023) is well on its way. Today spent the day attending Ivycap day 2024 as a special attendee. getting to understand the dynamics of investing, assessing business models and plans, valuation and most importantly founders. should have started a bit earlier but then no regrets. these new hats are part of a larger connecting the dots am attempting.

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"Health is an investment, not an expense." — Anonymous Just a few days ago, our teams at DeVC and PeerCapital brought together an incredible group of entrepreneurs and enablers to explore the real investments and expenses in healthcare. On stage, we had the dynamic trio of Mayank Banerjee , Dilip Kumar and Tarun Bhambra, who combined their wit and wisdom to delve into: - The consumerization of healthcare, preventive vs. curative approaches, accessibility and affordability challenges, offline vs. online dynamics, and how founders can bridge skill gaps. - The evolving role of AI and tech in healthcare, and how founders are strategically allocating resources to build cutting-edge solutions. - Collaborating with doctors, aligning incentives across systems and how ambitious change starts with robust foundational systems (think CAC's and LTV's). The conversations were raw, experiential, and refreshingly honest. If it weren’t for the ticking clock and the rainy day, we might still be chatting! It was inspiring to engage with so many passionate builders committed to reshaping India's #healthcare future. Let’s keep the dialogue alive. We invite more of your participation and views. Together, we are investing in the future of health. #healthtech #investing #founders

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"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together" GalaxEye announced investment by MountTech Growth Fund - Kavachh, a $60 million Category-II AIF, has made its inaugural investment in GalaxEye’s $10 million Series A fundraising round. GalaxEye, founded by a dynamic and skilled team from IIT-M, is on a mission to revolutionize space-based surveillance with cutting-edge, multi-sensor (SAR and MSI) fusion technology. With the first LEO satellite launch slated for mid-2025, GalaxEye aims to meet critical security and commercial needs, showcasing the power of innovation driven by purpose and precision. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to supporting trailblazing solutions that address pressing challenges in surveillance and security. GalaxEye’s ambition to leverage SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and MSI (Multispectral Imaging) fusion for space-based surveillance aligns well with the evolving demands of both defence and commercial sectors. Their innovative approach with LEO #satellite constellations promises to address critical security and monitoring needs with unmatched precision and real-time insights. Backing a driven and skilled team like GalaxEye, rooted in a legacy of innovation like Avishkar Hyperloop, speaks volumes about the fund's dedication to fostering groundbreaking technology. This partnership not only reflects the fund's commitment to advancing national security infrastructure but also highlights a forward-looking vision that appreciates the convergence of innovation and practical impact. The anticipated satellite launch in mid-2025 is set to be a milestone in this collaborative journey, and it will be exciting to witness the tangible outcomes of this strategic alliance! #space #venturecapital #investment #india #strategic https://lnkd.in/ggZuW2xs

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Digital Rural Entrepreneurs: Bharat’s Ready-to-Deploy Solution! Bharat’s vastness—700+ districts, 6,500+ blocks, and 2.5 lakh gram panchayats—is often seen as a challenge for scaling digital solutions. But the answer has been in front of us all along: Digital Rural Entrepreneurs (DREs). These entrepreneurs are already trained, equipped, and deeply embedded in their communities, serving as bridges between technology and grassroots realities. They don’t just bring digital services; they bring trust, understanding, and cultural relevance. The gap isn’t their readiness—it’s the industry’s adoption. Consider this: DREs are uniquely positioned to localize digital campaigns, onboard sellers to platforms like ONDC, and manage last-mile logistics in ways no centralized system can. They solve translation issues—not just language but context. For example, a DRE understands why purple is called “baingani” locally and tailors their approach accordingly, building trust through familiarity. Why Should Industries Embrace DREs? - Efficiency: DREs provide ready access to local networks, reducing the learning curve for market entry. -Scalability: With an organized approach, industries can leverage DREs to expand operations across Bharat quickly. -Sustainability: By empowering local enablers, businesses ensure long-term trust and growth at the grassroots. The time has come for industries to organize and utilize this untapped network. DREs are not just a solution—they are Bharat’s most scalable asset for inclusive growth. Let’s Talk How can we collectively harness the power of DREs to bridge the gap between innovation and Bharat’s reality? Share your thoughts or connect to explore collaborative models. Together, we can create a Bharat-first strategy for growth and empowerment. #DigitalRuralEntrepreneurs #BharatForBharat #BuildingTrust #RuralEmpowerment #PhysicalPlusDigital #InclusiveGrowth Open Network For Digital Commerce (ONDC) KaroStartup Lokal Hitesh Sharma

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As an entrepreneur turned Venture Partner with Kalaari Capital, I have the unique experience of sitting IC meetings on the other side of the table. And the view is so different. Over the past decades, I have pitched to many, many investors. I got better at it as time went on. But it was never easy. Now as I sit in on IC meetings, hearing different founders pitch, there are certain forced errors lot of them unintentionally end up making. This question was asked to the Kalaari partnership - here are their insights: 👁️Glossing over the vision Some founders are self effacing - they shy away from making what might sound like a grandiose statement. That is a mistake. Lay out your vision clearly - veteran investors like Vani Kola are looking for that unique insight that only a founder can have. 📢 Long introductions Knowing when to stop pitching yourself and start pitching your idea is important. It comes with practice. A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 8-10 mins on the intro - the more concise the better as Karthik Nageswaran recommends. 📚Not researching the firm VC firms and investors have their own thesis. Smart founders know it before they enter the room. Do as Vamshi Reddy suggests - understand the firm, the partners & their thesis. 🏆Generic statements VC firms have done research on your sector in general. They probably know the TAM better than you. Your right to win should be rooted in specifics. Kiran Vasireddy right suggests a clear focus on differentiation beyond generic statements. 📊Unsubstantiated claims Founders end up making lots of claims when pitching. Sampath P advises to back them up with real & relevant feedback & data. 👯‍♀️ Insufficient prep The associates on the deal are your champions in the firm. They are motivated to help founders sucessfully pitch. Reaching out to them for info is an easy way to know the people on the investment committee. At Kalaari Capital we invest in early-stage companies - reach out to us [email protected]

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India’s Oyo, once valued at $10 billion, is finalizing new funding at a $2.5 billion valuation. This marks a steep decline from its $10 billion valuation in 2019. The startup, which has raised over $3 billion from backers like SoftBank, Peak XV Ventures, Lightspeed, Airbnb, and Microsoft, has struggled to attract institutional investors. In recent months, it has aggressively pitched to high-net-worth individuals after withdrawing its IPO application twice in the past four years. Once a red-hot Indian startup active in markets including the U.S. and Europe, Oyo has now scaled back its international presence. #venture #downround https://lnkd.in/gE2GjYnM

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It's been a year since I began exploring a career in venture capital (VC). Initially, I talked to people outside the industry, which didn't lead me anywhere. However, I soon started building meaningful connections with those who've successfully navigated this path. I made an invaluable connection with Maulik Mehta, a Senior Associate at Arc Ventures in New York. With his extensive experience in VC and a genuine passion for supporting innovative startups, Maulik has been a dynamic friend and mentor, guiding me with insights and advice on breaking into the VC world. This interview discusses how to break into the venture capital industry. We talk about what makes you stand out, share tips for getting started, and highlight the importance of internships. We address common challenges and offer advice for overcoming them, especially for those from non-traditional backgrounds. We explore the skills VC firms look for and the role of mentorship. We also touch on emerging trends in VC and share valuable lessons learned. Give it a listen; I hope it helps those navigating the VC journey: https://lnkd.in/e8aKTqWJ #venturecapital #careers #vc #startupinvesting

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When you find a practical use of AI in an area that has strong tailwinds in the India growth story, you know this is a venture that has a high potential not just for value creation but for job creation in the country. Delighted to back TraqCheck founders Jaibir Nihal Singh, Armaan Mehta and @rishabh jain as they make it easier for over 200 corporations to embrace the new way of work. Traqcheck's Ai-enabled background checks of employees is way, way faster and far more reliable than traditional methods of background verification. Pankaj Bansal (पंकज बंसल)Karann Mittal Danish Dogra Aman Khan Yukta Kelkar Atreyi D.

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{New pod 🎤} "𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐈 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬?" Was super-fun to jam with Thiyagarajan Maruthavanan (Rajan) - Managing Partner at Upekkha. We discussed how Indian startups should look at AI, including real addressable opportunities, how to differentiate and compete against global competitors, what pre-AI SaaS startups should do to stay relevant, the India domestic AI opportunity, and finally, operating learnings for US go-to-market. Some thought-provoking insights and learnings for Indian AI and SaaS startups in here. Let us know what you think! YouTube - https://lnkd.in/g8d7rSe5 Spotify - https://lnkd.in/gpzkM8Jw Apple Podcasts - https://lnkd.in/gEf_zvKM An Operator's Blog - https://lnkd.in/gRzK2nTb

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Exciting Developments in the Indian Budget 2024 for the Startup Ecosystem! 🚀 The Indian Budget 2024 has unveiled several groundbreaking measures that reflect a strong commitment to economic stability, growth, and innovation. Here’s a quick overview of the key highlights: ✅️ ₹5000 Crore Innovation Fund: A substantial new fund has been introduced to support innovative startups and extend tax benefits, providing a significant boost to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. ✅️ ₹1000 Crore Venture Capital Fund for Space Economy: The establishment of this fund demonstrates India’s forward-looking vision and positions the country as a leader in the emerging space sector. ✅️ Angel Tax Abolished: The removal of angel tax is a major step forward, eliminating a significant barrier for startups and investors. ✅️ Long-Term Capital Gains Tax Reduced to 12.5%: The new rate of 12.5% on long-term capital gains will enhance investment attractiveness and encourage more funding into startups. These measures are set to invigorate the startup landscape, drive innovation, and support long-term growth. As an entrepreneur and angel investor, I’m excited about the opportunities these initiatives will unlock for the startup ecosystem! For a deeper dive into these developments and their implications, check out my views in a detailed article in the Economic Times https://lnkd.in/g_znAT9r #IndianBudget2024 #StartupEcosystem #Innovation #EconomicGrowth #SpaceEconomy #VentureCapital #AngelTax #CapitalGains #Faad Aditya Arora Dr.Dinesh Singh Harshika Paliwal Shivani Khare Neha Mourya Vatsal Lunawat Abhilash Gupta Samarth Gupta Sanyam Jain

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As an investor its fascinating to watch founders tackle a complex market, nail a sticky value proposition and figure out global GTM. When we met Shashank Bijapur Madhav Bhagat and Rohith Salim a couple of years back it was still early. In a short while Spotdraft has changed the way mid-market businesses leverage AI to make contract management more efficient and intelligent. The company has seen strong market pull by scaling to 400+ customers, 120% NRR, 85%+ gross margin while doubling revenue in each of the past three years. Here is their journey straight from the founders. SpotDraft Arkam Ventures

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Discover why AI's future is Indian! 🇮🇳 I recently spoke to The Economic Times about SenseAI Ventures' latest WhitePaper, which reveals how India is poised to lead in AI adoption. From SaaS dominance to untapped AI tooling potential, find out what the future holds for Indian AI startups. Explore the full WhitePaper: https://lnkd.in/dC8jQU6j Check out the Economic Times article to learn more about these recent developments. SenseAI Ventures #ai #indiaai

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Another insightful session I attended at the Product-Led Alliance conference was "Navigating your team towards Product-Led Growth" by Prassath Leelakrishnan. Key takeaways include: ⤷ Experimentation is key to product-led growth. Aim for a 25% win rate. Every 1 in 4 experiments should be a success. ⤷ Clarity through Documentation. Create a one-page document for each experiment: › Who: Which customers are we serving better? › What: What problems are we solving for them? › So what: What impact does solving these problems have? › How: How are customers interacting with our products? The best part: Losing an experiment costs at most 2-3 weeks, but a winning experiment benefits the organization for its entire timeline. Thanks Prassath Leelakrishnan for the invaluable insights and to the Product-Led Alliance for organizing such a great event! #ProductLedAlliance #ProductGrowth #Experimentation #ProductManagement

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✨ Chet Kapoor ✨ is quite the Silicon Valley legend. Three-time founder and currently the CEO of DataStax his wisdom for founders is incredibly spot-on ✅ and timeless ⏰ ! In this most recent and probably best-ever episode of The Enterprise GTM podcast, Chet discusses what it takes to build enduring tech companies. Some 🎤 soundbites 🎤 from our conversation: 👩‍🏫 The quality of people influences the outcome of your startup the most. 🔥 You do not need smart people who sit around and pontificate. ☄ Momentum is everything. Never underestimate it. 🌟 Having complete clarity of thought at any given time is very important--who are you doing this for, and how will it change their lives? 🌈 One of the best ways to create a large company is to create a parade or join one. ☝ Know who you are. There's a high likelihood that the company will become more like who you are rather than who you want to be. 🛑 Don't make the mistake of hiring sales execs too soon. Be extra cautious about partnerships. 📣 Tune in to hear about what he has to say about AI startups getting started today, the future of the data layer, the evolving importance of data roles (data science, data engineering), and so much more! #devtool #founder #startup #data #ai https://lnkd.in/gW-58nvE

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Shashank Bijapur co-founder and CEO of SpotDraft, our portfolio company, ran a terrific panel at the Arkam Innovation Summit. He covered a lot of ground with Manish Jethani Co-founder and CEO of Hevo Data Data, and Gaurav Sharma Founder, and CEO of SaaSLabs .    Here are some key takeaways that stayed with me: Initial journey of identifying the problem statement and figuring out the solution during the early days at SaaS Labs and Hevo Data After selling his first company in the US, Gaurav returned to India. All he wanted to do was make $4-5 K living in India, so he started out by building tools for Shopify users. But when those tools rapidly grew to half a million in recurring revenue, Gaurav realized that he could build anything, be anywhere in the world, and sell it worldwide. Manish believes that your product has to solve a personal problem in addition to an industrial one. Once you start the journey as an entrepreneur, financial success will not satisfy you. “What one problem can you solve even if the financial outcome is not that great?” Deciding whether to validate the product in India and move to the US versus taking a US market-first approach Selling in India is hard, especially in the early days. As Gaurav said, "if you sell a $10 product, you must create an invoice, and then they’ll make the payment in 60 days. So, it became very hard to make a profit. From this, I realized that India is not ready to buy software yet, so the best model would be to build it in India and sell it across the world" Manish believes customer needs and expectations are completely different across India and the US. It's quite challenging to build a product for India and expect it to succeed in the US. So, from day one, he focused on the US market-first approach. Establishing product differentiation during the early days of growing in the US market? Initially, the number one challenge for Manish was to sell a product that their target audience could build themselves. Hevo Data needed needed financial and operational data from companies, which nobody shares easily. Most companies prefer to build a product in-house and work with that tool. So, Manish decided to find initial customers who meet three criteria: they should not want to build a product in-house, they should be fine with sharing the data, and they should be from the US. Aspects of the business that changed from 0-1 to 1-10 journey and beyond To get initial customers, Gaurav decided to integrate his product into larger companies to get more eyes on it. To sustain this growth, Gaurav bet on excellent customer service, which is “an unfair advantage for Indian SaaS,” as he says. His customer service and fast responses became the talk of the town amongst his customers. Here’s the full video video. Well worth your time to listen to three $10M+ ARR SaaS founders at the top of their game.   Arkam Ventures https://lnkd.in/gP_YT-gV

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What’s being #aggressive means for a founder Lot of time founders must have heard this feedback from investors, peer group or mentors …to be aggressive What’s does it means … caution ⚠️ please don’t go by the dictionary meaning Here are my views - self #assesmemt …it starts from knowing your strengths & vulnerabilities… and acting accordingly … be straightforward to accept you can’t be good in everything but then find someone expert in areas where you need help and plug that gap - #communication regularly to your cofounders, peer group, investors and customers … don’t try to master things before you share… let it be flowing - take #half chances… that’s what separate founders from legacy business owners or corporate… never hesitate to back your gut … unrealistic optimism is core strength - work on faster #decision making Also If you are humble & vulnerable then that’s perfect, you don’t have to change your behaviour, but keep building on your personality. You can take lot of inspiration from sports … where you have to be super aggressive on field but you can be an extremely humble person in life! Happy to learn what’s being aggressive means to you !! #LetsBuildItTogether the above pointers are part of my self notes habit. It keeps me reminding what I need to do 😊 We Founder Circle Avinya Ventures Invstt EvolveX

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We've been part of this journey with Vidur Kataria Sidhanth Madan & Radhika Mittal since the pre-seed round in 2020 (also closer to heart since this was the first deal from Fund II). The investment thesis for us was always very simple - we tried cooking Chinese food at home during Covid, and all that was available was "Ching's Secret Schezwan Fried Rice Masala" & it was surprising that the second most enjoyed cuisine in the country is Chinese & we have just one brand that catered to this audience. Then we ended tasting the Masterchow sauces & we were just floored to see the difference in quality and taste. Having said that, the thesis that we believed in, didn't ring a bell with a lot of folks that we spoke to in the last 4 years. These were the top reasons why VCs hesitated -> 1) Market size is not large enough - Our belief was that the market appeared to be small, because the only brand available thus far was Ching's. Then Ching's got sold to Tata for ~5500cr, then noone questioned the market size any more. 2) Products are too expensive - Their sauces which was the first category they got into - was priced at ~Rs.240. Lot of people thought that this was expensive for India. But that was just the first category, after that in just last 2 years the founders have innovated on the product (Cup Noodles, Ramen, Chilli oil) and made products cheaper (Masterchow Staples, Chowmein, Schezwan). But I'm glad we got some believers along the way in the form of Anicut Capital LLP & Surge. And now, Tanglin Venture Partners. The founders continue to surprise everyone & I believe they'll do so in the future as well! #startup #funding #fmcg https://lnkd.in/g2wdAvmx

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