Join us for an insightful conversation with Saurabh Marda, co-founder of Freyr Energy, a leading rooftop solar company in India. Saurabh shares his journey into the booming solar sector, the reasons behind its recent surge in India, and Freyr Energy's unique approach to making solar accessible for homes and businesses. Discover common misconceptions about solar power, the impressive payback periods, and Saurabh's vision for India's clean energy future beyond solar. A must-watch for anyone interested in renewable energy and India's sustainable development!

In this episode of ELI, we speak with Karun Kandoi, the founder of Vidysea, an innovative platform revolutionizing how students find the right educational path, both domestically and internationally. Karun shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from his early exposure to family business to working at tech giants like GE and Microsoft before founding his own ventures.Discover how Vidysea utilizes AI-powered matching to connect students with suitable universities and courses based on their profile and preferences. We delve into the critical aspects of funding higher education abroad, including scholarships and affordable options in Europe. Karun also provides valuable insights into the initial challenges and successes of building Vidysea and his unique approach to student acquisition.Finally, we discuss the evolving landscape of international education, addressing concerns about tighter immigration policies and exploring the exciting future of global student mobility. Whether you're a student planning your academic journey or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with valuable information and inspiring stories.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to ELI and Karun Kandoi, Founder of Vidysea01:23 Karun's Background and Journey into Entrepreneurship05:57 The Trigger Moment for Starting Vidysea: Helping Students Find Their Calling07:55 Finding Your Calling: Evaluating Student Strengths and Passions12:45 AI-Powered Matching: How Vidysea Recommends Universities and Courses18:20 Funding Your Education Abroad: Loans and Scholarship Opportunities20:19 The Journey of Building Vidysea: Initial Days and Key Learnings26:51 Student Acquisition Strategies: Creating Value for Prospective Customers29:23 The Future of Studying Abroad: Navigating Immigration and Global Trends35:15 Global Expansion Plans for Vidysea36:30 Closing Remarks and Thank You

ELI: India's only podcast dedicated to founder journeys. In this episode, we sit down with Sonali Chowdhry, CEO of Netcomm Labs and Officenet, a leading SaaS-based HRTech platform. Hear Sonali's story of building her company over two decades, the evolution of Officenet's comprehensive "Hire to Retire" HR solutions, her perspective on the biggest trends shaping the HR landscape and the future of work, plus valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the tech space.

Welcome to ELI, India's premier podcast where we delve into the journeys of visionary founders. In this episode, we host Nikhil Gangamkote, the CEO of Prime Toolings, a leader in precision engineering and manufacturing.Nikhil elaborates on Prime Toolings' unique integrated approach, blending industrial design, simulation, and manufacturing under one roof, and how this benefits their clients and fuels innovation. Discover the driving force behind their strategic pivot towards becoming a product-based industry, focusing on propulsion and aerostructures, and their ambitious long-term goals in these cutting-edge areas.Get an exclusive insight into Prime Toolings' groundbreaking development of a Rotating Detonation Engine for short-range missiles – from the development process and potential impact to the challenges faced. Nikhil also sheds light on the extent of AI integration within their fully automated manufacturing operations and how it enhances efficiency, precision, and impacts their workforce.Learn about Prime Toolings' significant contribution to the growth of indigenous defense manufacturing in India, aligned with the "Make in India" initiative and backed by their ISO 9001:2015 certification. Nikhil also discusses their impactful internship program aimed at shaping the future generation of aerospace engineers.Finally, Nikhil shares insights into how Prime Toolings stays ahead in a rapidly evolving industry and offers a glimpse into their upcoming projects and milestones as they strive to become a global leader in precision manufacturing with a focus on sustainable engineering solutions.Tune in to gain valuable knowledge and inspiration from the remarkable journey of Nikhil Gangamkote and Prime Toolings.

Discover the entrepreneurial journey of Rahul Veerwal, the founder and CEO of GetWork. From his experiences managing placements at NIT Allahabad to building an AI-driven hiring platform impacting thousands of students across India, Rahul shares valuable insights on the challenges fresh graduates face, the impact of AI on job opportunities, and his vision for empowering the next generation of talent. We discuss the evolution of GetWork, their go-to-market strategy, and the future of recruitment in a rapidly changing world.

Welcome to ELI, the podcast where we interview startup founders in India. In this episode, we speak with Avinash Shekhar, the founder of Pi42, India's first crypto-to-INR futures trading platform. Avinash simplifies the world of crypto futures trading, explaining how it works in the crypto space. We delve into the advantages of leverage (up to 75x on Pi42), the regulatory landscape of crypto in India, including taxation and the role of the government in preventing fraud. He also shares his journey into the crypto world and his vision for Pi42 in the next 5 to 10 years, aiming to be a leading crypto exchange globally. Tune in to understand the potential of crypto and blockchain in India and the opportunities for entrepreneurs in this evolving space.Chapters & Timestamps0:00 - Introduction0:11 - Meet Avinash Shekhar, Founder of Pi420:58 - Understanding Crypto Futures Trading2:27 - Demystifying Leverage in Crypto4:20 - Crypto Regulation in India vs. Traditional Finance5:22 - Evolution of Crypto Regulation and Fraud Prevention8:20 - India's Position in the Global Crypto Race12:06 - Avinash's Journey into the Crypto World15:26 - Building a Crypto Startup: Technology and Team19:24 - Navigating Regulatory Challenges in the Indian Crypto Market24:20 - Pi42: Current State and Growth26:49 - Entrepreneurial Opportunities Beyond Crypto Exchanges30:40 - Pi42's Vision for the Future34:33 - Conclusion

Chapters with Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction to Entrepreneur Lounge of India (ELI)0:03 - Guest Introduction: Ajay Rao, Founder & CEO of Emiza Supply Chain Services0:23 - Ajay Rao's Introduction and Background0:49 - Early Career and Entry into Supply Chain (US & India)1:27 - First Venture: ATM Cash Logistics at Writer2:18 - Moving to the Relocation Business within Writer2:56 - Role at Allcargo Logistics: Warehousing and LCL Business3:51 - The Decision to Embrace Entrepreneurship at 404:34 - Identifying the Opportunity in E-commerce Logistics for SMBs5:14 - Founding Emiza Supply Chain Services5:46 - Focusing on the Gap in Warehousing for Emerging E-commerce Brands7:40 - Challenges Faced by SMBs with Traditional 3PL Providers8:01 - Emiza's Agile Network and Business Model8:32 - Vision for Emiza: Dynamic Fulfillment Solutions8:51 - Topic Shift: Building Scalable Platforms for SMBs (Technology)9:28 - Importance of Infrastructure and Process over Technology for Emiza9:53 - Leveraging Existing Marketplaces and SAS Platforms10:24 - Emiza's Value Proposition: Plug-and-Play Infrastructure10:54 - Addressing the Real Estate Cost Aspect and Initial Capital11:44 - Advantage as a First Mover and Focus on Beauty & Personal Care (BPC)12:32 - Topic Shift: Challenges Today in Logistics (Post Quick Commerce)12:50 - Channel Proliferation and the Increasing Demand for Speed13:32 - Quick Commerce Disrupting Traditional Delivery Times13:50 - Adapting Back-End Operations for Speed and Multi-Channel Fulfillment14:12 - Inventory Replication and Management Challenges14:28 - Emiza's Solutions: Appointment Delivery, Same-Day Delivery, Inventory Replication14:59 - Efficient Inventory Management and Return on Capital15:22 - Topic Shift: India's Logistics Cost Compared to Other Countries15:50 - Debating the Reported Logistics Cost Percentage in India16:22 - Inefficiencies in Perishable Goods vs. Other Categories16:52 - Improvement in India's Road Network and Infrastructure17:30 - Rail and Air Network Status17:59 - Development of Warehousing Infrastructure18:13 - Impact of GST on Goods Movement18:33 - India's Advancement in Delivery Speed (10-Minute Delivery)18:51 - Pride in India's Delivery Innovation19:09 - Areas for Improvement: Cold Chain, Rail, Tier 3/4 Distribution19:31 - Topic Shift: Logistics as a Strategic Differentiator20:04 - Speed and Convenience as Key Customer Expectations20:28 - Brands Leveraging Logistics for Competitive Advantage20:47 - Cost Efficiency Through Intelligent Network Design21:17 - Holistic View of Supply Chain: From Procurement to Delivery21:36 - Impact of Efficient Logistics on Top and Bottom Line21:57 - Topic Shift: Impact of AI and Machine Learning on Logistics22:07 - Value and Potential Overuse of AI/ML22:33 - Warehousing and Supply Chain as Cost Centers22:44 - Need for Efficiency in Service Provision23:05 - Focus on Automation (including AI) for Efficiency23:37 - Examples of Automation: WMS, Handheld Devices, Conveyors, Data Usage24:12 - Eliminating Wastages through Data-Driven Insights24:28 - Manpower Optimization and Productivity Monitoring25:12 - Role of AI in Customer Service: Chatbots and AI Agents25:39 - Benefits of AI for Efficiency and Cost Savings25:57 - Topic Shift: Advice for D2C Vendors Based on Emiza's Observations26:18 - Upcoming Opportunities and Trends in the D2C and Logistics Sector26:32 - The Dominance of Quick Commerce26:40 - Category-Specific Reactions to Quick Commerce (Food/FMCG vs. Fashion)27:04 - Brands' Increasing Dependence on Marketplaces27:35 - Importance of Building Own Customer Base (Offline and D2C Websites)27:59 - Brands Pushing into Offline and Modern Trade28:17 - Leveraging AI for Performance Marketing and Inventory Analytics28:33 - Focus on Insight-Based Decision Making and Data-Driven Analytics28:53 - Declining RoRoAS and the Need for Smarter Spending29:13 - Closure of the Session and Thank You

In this episode of Entrepreneur Lounge of India (ELI), we speak with Vikram Marwaha, Joint Managing Director of DRRK Foods, the makers of Crown Rice. Vikram shares the fascinating history of their family business, tracing back four generations in the rice industry. We delve into the evolving challenges of rice production and export, from pesticide concerns to global logistics. Discover the unique nuances of running a family business and gain insights into DRRK Foods' strategy for navigating competition and the booming Indian basmati market.Chapters with Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction to Entrepreneur Lounge of India (ELI)0:03 - Guest Introduction: Vikram Marwaha, JMD of DRRK Foods (Crown Rice)0:30 - Vikram Marwaha's Greetings and Background0:51 - DRRK Foods: Company History and Family Legacy (Four Generations)1:18 - Core Business Values: Honesty and Integrity2:21 - Becoming a Private Limited Company and Corporate Governance3:09 - Evolving Challenges in the Rice Industry: Pesticides4:33 - Challenges in Manpower and Global Logistics6:03 - Vikram's Entrepreneurial Journey Begins (2003)6:25 - Early Roles: Managing Production and Dispatch7:48 - Transitioning to Sales and Facing New Challenges8:53 - Evaluating Business Partners: Trust and Long-Term Vision9:12 - The Importance of Traveling with Potential Partners10:07 - Topic Shift: Export and Logistics Challenges10:30 - Impact of Tariffs and Global Trade on Exports11:30 - Basmati Rice Tariffs and Market Price Adjustments13:09 - Current State of Ocean Freight Logistics13:35 - Topic Shift: Competition in the Rice Market14:05 - DRRK Foods' Approach: Knowing the Customer (KYC)14:38 - Consistency in Quality and Consumer Loyalty15:30 - Understanding Diverse Consumer Needs16:11 - Product Diversification: Price Ranges and Specialty Rice (Diet Rice)17:51 - Maintaining Quality and Fostering Loyalty for Growth18:18 - Topic Shift: Booming Domestic Market for Basmati Rice18:56 - Shifting Consumption Patterns in India19:18 - Rice Varieties Across India19:35 - Basmati: The Queen of Rice19:56 - Impact of COVID-19 on Basmati Consumption at Home21:00 - Growing Demand for Basmati in Southern India and Interiors21:54 - Health Benefits and Characteristics of Basmati Rice22:31 - Tremendous Growth in the Indian Basmati Market22:53 - DRRK Foods' Expansion Plans: New Facility in Madhya Pradesh23:26 - Growing Basmati Cultivation in New Regions (Hybrid Seeds)24:07 - Topic Shift: Innovation in DRRK Foods' Portfolio24:18 - Plans for Ready-to-Cook/Eat Rice (Frozen Division)24:32 - Innovating with Rice Crackers from Broken Rice25:11 - Adding Value through Snacks and Frozen Foods25:31 - Topic Shift: Government Support and Regulations in Agriculture25:58 - Vikram's Respect for Farmers26:38 - Farmers' Hardships and the Need for Continued Support27:28 - Impact of Government Initiatives and Technology in Farming28:00 - Positive Changes in Northern States vs. Challenges in Other Regions (Farmer Suicides)30:44 - Topic Shift: Nuances of Running a Family Business vs. a Corporate31:10 - Differences in Decision-Making Processes (Partnership vs. Corporate)31:45 - Maintaining Family Values While Operating as a Corporate32:22 - Addressing Differing Viewpoints and Reaching Common Ground32:45 - Balancing Past Experiences with Future Predictions33:15 - Empowering Professionals Within the Family Business34:03 - The Importance of Professional Voice in Family-Oriented Companies34:19 - Closure of the Session and Thank You