UPI Struggle Story, India vs The World, BRAIN DRAIN Challenge I Sharad Sharma I iSPIRT I Neon Show

This week’s episode is a HEARTFELT conversation between 2 women founders who discuss beauty standards in India, healthy living, career & much more as Nansi takes over hosting duties while welcoming Yoga Bar founder, Suhasini Sampath, to the Neon Show!

How Has The Beauty Industry Impacted India?

The TRUTH Behind Low & No-Added-Sugar Products!

Prioritising “Needs” Over “Wants”

Biggest Lesson Learnt From ITC Acquisition?

All these juicy topics and more in this SINCERE conversation. A dive into the mind of one of India’s brightest female founders & one who has beautifully balanced her career & family commitments… Wishing you all a very Happy International Women’s Day! Tune in NOW!

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Precap
01:26 - Welcoming Suhasini Sampath, founder of Yoga Bar!
04:51 - Life Growing Up As A “Tam-Brahm”
07:52 - Prioritising “Needs” Over “Wants”
11:55 - Turning To A Minimalist Lifestyle
14:54 - How Does She Balance Her “Multiple Lives”?!
15:49 - Beauty Industry’s Impact On India
22:23 - Social Media’s Impact On Mental Health
26:58 - “Health Taste Ke Bina Nahi Bikega!”
28:35 - Unhealthy Products Indians Eat
30:35 - “Diabetes Is A REAL PROBLEM In India!”
34:36 - 5 Poor Diet Choices Indians Are Making
38:04 - The TRUTH Behind Low & No-Added-Sugar Products!
41:22 - SECRET Behind Suhasini’s Drive!
44:23 - Motherhood vs Career
47:13 - Biggest Lesson Learnt From ITC Acquisition
48:55 - Difference Between Institutions vs New-Age Brands
54:28 - 5 Brands That Changed Indian Consumer Habits For The Better
56:40 - Concept of “VC Hallucination” Explained
1:01:12 - Importance Of Supportive Men
1:06:00 - Concluding Remarks

This week’s episode is an assortment of INSIGHTFUL INFORMATION about stocks in the banking sector, PayTM vs RBI & Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s strategies to becoming generationally wealthy as we welcome once again Deepak Shenoy, founder of CapitalMind, to the Neon Show!

What Happened To PayTM?

What Is The State of Banking Stocks & Sector in India!

Is PM Modi Right About PSU Stocks?

Are Startups Going IPO A Good Trend?

All these juicy topics and more in this DETAILED conversation. A dive into the psyche of the man who manages over Rs. 1700 crore in the Indian markets… One of the rare times where the conversation never stops being informative & gripping. Tune in NOW!

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Siddhartha Ahluwalia, Founder, Neon Fund & Host, The Neon Show
Twitter: https://twitter.com/siddharthaa7
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthaahluwalia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siddhartha_a/
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*Sponsor Shout Out*

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high-conviction, high-support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!
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CHAPTERS
00:00 - Precap
01:34 - Welcome Back Deepak Shenoy, CEO of CapitalMind!
01:52 - What Happened To PayTM? Fintechs vs RBI
11:21 - State of Banking Stocks & Sector in India!
28:07 - Should You Buy A Banking Stock?
34:23 - Is RBI Mis Selling Information?
39:07 - Why Are Public Sector Banks Doing So Well?
40:10 - Indian Banks’ Bad Lending History!
45:07 - ArcelorMittal DRAMA Decoded!
52:20 - What Was The Problem With Yes Bank?
58:13 - Is PM Modi Right About PSU Stocks?
1:08:00 - Is The Indian Stock Market Currently Overvalued?
1:11:41 - Are Micro Cap Companies The Best Bet Right Now?
1:15:57 - Are Startups Going IPO A Good Trend?
1:31:03 - Are Jio Financials A Good Stock To Invest in?
1:33:06 - Top 3 Active Stocks In India!
1:39:57 - “The Market Goes Up When You Sleep!”
1:41:11 - Should Financial Advisors Be Held Accountable?
1:48:51 - Is Buying Large Caps The Safe Option?
1:50:18 - Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s Strategies
1:55:52 -

This week’s episode is a case study which explains Bangalore's water crisis and raises the question whether Karnataka government is at fault for how Bangalore has struggled to deal with water issues as we welcome water activist Viswanath Srikantaiah to the Neon Show!

Will WW3 Happen Because Of Water Scarcity?

Has The Karnataka Government FAILED Bangalore?

Why Metropolitan Cities In India Are Unliveable!

“The TRAGIC Reality About India Is…”

All these EXPLOSIVE topics and more in this BRUTALLY HONEST conversation about India’s long standing relationship with water. A deep dive into how water may lead to the waging of the next big war in the world as well as a special focus on Karnataka & Bangalore's struggles with water… Tune in NOW!

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Siddhartha Ahluwalia, Founder, Neon Fund & Host, The Neon Show
Twitter: https://twitter.com/siddharthaa7
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthaahluwalia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siddhartha_a/
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Sponsor Shout Out*

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high-conviction, high-support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
CHAPTERS

00:00 - Precap
01:46 - Introducing Viswanath Srikantaiah, Bangalore-based water activist!
02:19 - Will WW3 Happen Because Of Water Scarcity?
05:04 - Indo-China Water War On Brahmaputra Explained!
07:22 - Indus Water Treaty Conflict Between India & Pakistan
08:53 - Cauvery Water Dispute Decoded!
15:14 - Geographical Breakdown of Bangalore’s History
22:40 - Has The Karnataka Government FAILED Bangalore?
26:43 - Is Urban Architecture At Fault For Water Issues? 
31:33 - Will Indian Water Quality Reach Levels Of U.S. & Australia?
35:00 - Why Metropolitan Cities In India Are Unlivable!
41:40 - Why Is Bangalore Poor At Dealing With Water Issues?
45:58 - Can India’s Economy Thrive Like Japan & Singapore?
48:26 - History Of Migration In Bangalore!
53:48 - Impact of Green Revolution on India
1:03:22 - Why India Will NOT Leapfrog China’s GDP!
1:06:30 - Social Impact of Water Crisis on Farmers
1:09:53 - Is Migration DESTROYING Kannadiga’s Livelihoods?
1:13:44 - Impact of Population Explosion on India
1:18:42 - “The TRAGIC Reality About India Is…”
1:29:42 - Shining Light On The Well Digging Community In Karnataka
1:36:31 - Concluding Remarks

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This week’s episode is about India’s Gold Obsession, Pitching to Anushka Sharma, and Silver Jewellery’s $4 billion Business as we welcome GIVA’s Co-founder Ishendra Agarwal to the Neon Show!

History of Gold & Silver As A Stored Value!

Why Does South India Love Jewellery So Much?!

How Has Perception Of Jewellery Changed?

How Did GIVA Pitch To Anushka Sharma?

All these JUICY topics and more in this HONEST & DETAILED conversation about India’s jewellery industry. A deep dive into how jewellery became such a large part of Indians’ lives & whether silver can eventually take over the jewellery sector in India… Tune in NOW!

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Siddhartha Ahluwalia, Founder, Neon Fund & Host, The Neon Show
Twitter: https://twitter.com/siddharthaa7
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthaahluwalia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siddhartha_a/

*Sponsor Shout Out*

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high-conviction, high-support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
CHAPTERS

[00:00] - Precap
[01:09] - Introducing Ishendra Agarwal, founder of GIVA
[01:42] - History of Gold & Silver As A Stored Value!
[05:19] - Evolution Of Gold & Silver In India!
[09:04] - % of India That Invests In Jewellery
[12:09] - Early Days Growing Up In Agra
[13:29] - The GIVA Journey
[19:55] - How Did GIVA Become Such A Recognizable Brand?
[22:44] - Pitching To Anushka Sharma! 
[26:13] - Breaking Down India’s Jewellery Sector
[30:02]- Why Are Making Charges So High For Silver?
[32:17] - How Do Silver Brands Solve For Low Average Order Values?
[35:25] - Breaking Down GIVA’s Revenue Structure
[36:55] - Why Does South India Love Jewellery So Much?!
[39:23] - How Has Perception Of Jewellery Changed?
[44:34] - Will Made To Order Be The Future Of The Jewellery Sector?
[46:47] - North India vs South India: Observations On Jewellery
[52:01] - Can Tanishq Take Over Market Share For Jewellery In India?
[56:26] - Concluding Remarks

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Sponsor Shout Out*

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high-conviction, high-support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

This week’s episode is in discussion with India’s ex-RBI Governor about Dr. Manmohan’s Legacy, India's 1991 Reforms & Future Economic Plans as we welcome C. Rangarajan to the Neon Show!

What Was Life Like After Independence?

What Was RBI’s Role Before & After Rangarajan Came In? 

Why Did The Partition Of Tamil Nadu Happen?

Was Manmohan Singh A Good Prime Minister?

All these SPICY topics and more in this PREMIUM conversation about India’s economics. A deep dive into how India became a powerhouse economy in the world since 1991 & the man behind reviving India in the 90s… Tune in NOW!

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🎇CHAPTERS

[00:00] - Precap
[01:14] - Introducing C. Rangarajan, ex-RBI Governor of India!
[02:36]- Balance of Payments CRISIS That Led To 1991 Reforms!
[06:23] - Why Did 1991 Economic Reforms Happen?
[07:40] - Socialist India’s Downfall During The Late 80s!
[11:49] - Who Did India Owe Its Default To?
[14:10] - How Did India Overcome Its Current Account Deficit?
[18:27] - Influence of Narasimha Rao & Manmohan Singh
[20:37] - What Was RBI’s Role Before & After Rangarajan Came In? 
[28:43] - RBI’s Biggest Policies During Rangarajan’s Tenure!
[33:57] - Rangarajan’s Childhood Before Partition!
[38:46] - What Was Life Like After Independence?
[41:35] - Could India Have Changed From Socialist Principles Earlier?
[42:50] - Why Did The Partition Of Tamil Nadu Happen?
[45:27] - Reason Why Tamil Nadu Has Become Industrial Hub Of India!
[47:47] - How Terms Like NPA & FDI Get Created!
[50:32] - How Did The Advisory Team To Manmohan Singh Get Assembled?
[53:30] - Was Manmohan Singh A Good Prime Minister?
[59:47] - Why Did Rangarajan Step Down in 2014?
[1:00:59] - His Message To The Youth of India & Where India Is Headed!
[1:09:18] - Concluding Remarks

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Sponsor Shout Out*

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high conviction, high support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!

This week’s episode is an EYE-OPENER for those who want to understand how AI impacts our lives & to be aware of potential AI scams as we welcome Manoj Agarwal, co-founder at DevRev, to the Neon Show!

Can Machines Think For Themselves?

What Jobs Are Most At Risk Due To AI?

Is AI Progression Outpacing Humans?

All these JUICY topics and much more in this DEEPLY INSIGHTFUL conversation about the AI revolution that has taken over the world & how it will impact future generations… Tune in NOW!

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🎇CHAPTERS

[00:00] - Precap
[00:48] - Introducing Manoj Agarwal, co-founder of DevRev
[01:25] - Journey At Nutanix & Building DevRev
[10:18] - Why Is AI At The Heart Of Innovation Today?
[12:34] - Can Machines Think For Themselves?
[17:51] - Why Is ChatGPT So Monumental?
[21:19] - AI & Geopolitics
[22:38] - BIGGEST Problem With Enforcing Laws on AI
[25:19] - Is AI Progression Outpacing Humans?
[27:07] - What Jobs Are Most At Risk Due To AI?
[29:59] - What Jobs Will Be Created Due To The AI Revolution?
[33:14] - How Is Gen Z Using AI Today?
[34:40] - How Do AI Models Ensure There Is No Confirmation Bias?
[37:35] - Why Are Indian Engineers/Developers More In Demand Now?
[40:45] - Is India’s Talent Pool The Best In The World?
[42:51] - Difference Between AI Focused Companies In The Past vs Now
[47:00] - How AI Is Making Day-To-Day Life Easier
[49:53] - The Concept Of “Hallucination” In Technology
[53:51] - Concluding Remarks

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Sponsor Shout Out*

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high conviction, high support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!
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This week’s episode is a MUST WATCH for Indians abroad as we welcome Saravana Kumar, co-founder at Kovai.co, to the Neon Show!

Why Are Expats Coming Back To India?

Is a Masters' Degree Abroad Still the Best Option For Indians?

Why Hasn’t India Produced A Company As Big As Microsoft or AWS?

All these INFORMATIVE topics and more in this DEEPLY INSIGHTFUL conversation about the exponential changes taking place in India and why Indians abroad are eager to make their way back to their home country… Tune in NOW!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Sponsor Shout Out*

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high conviction, high support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

🎇CHAPTERS

[00:00]- Precap
[00:46] - Introducing Saravana Kumar, co-founder of Kovai.co
[02:06]- Middle-Class Upbringing in Coimbatore!
[04:18] - Biggest Learnings From Childhood To Now
[06:14] - “They Put a Team of 18 People To Replace Me!
[10:24] - Why Are Expats Coming Back To India?
[12:19] - Reasons For “INDIA SHINING”
[13:46] - Why InfoSys Is The McDonald’s of India!
[20:56] - Is a Masters' Degree Abroad Still the Best Option For Indians?
[28:34] - Creating Silicon Valley In Coimbatore
[30:48] - Secret Behind His Efficiency & Speed!
[33:44] - Will ChatGPT & AI Kill Many Indian Startups?
[38:09] - Why Hasn’t India Produced A Company As Big As Microsoft or AWS?
[42:29] - What Indian Founders Need To Unlearn!
[48:11] - What Kind Of Leader Is Saravana?
[49:17] - Is Narayana Murthy’s 70 Hr Week Policy Correct?
[53:58] - Will Bangalore Continue To Be Tier-2 India’s First Choice Of Escape?
[58:49] - How Many SaaS Companies Are In Coimbatore?
[59:11] - The Future of Kovai
[1:03:30] - Concluding Remarks

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This week’s episode requires that you watch this podcast before you apply for a Venture Capital job, as we welcome Ashish Fafadia, Partner at Blume Ventures, to the Neon Show!

The History of Venture Capital in India!

Is Obsession Required To Be A Successful Founder?

What Is The Right Skill Set Required To Be In The VC Ecosystem?

All these INFORMATIVE topics and more in this MASTERCLASS conversation about the inception of venture capital in India, what the DNA of a successful fund is & how to succeed in the VC ecosystem… Tune in NOW!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Sponsor Shout Out*

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high conviction, high support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

🎇CHAPTERS

[00:00] - Precap
[00:54] - Introducing Ashish Fafadia, Partner at Blume Ventures!
[02:03] - The History of Venture Capital in India!
[17:10] - Blume Ventures’ Inception
[24:19] - Do Investors Have FOMO?
[29:03] - Food Chain Model in Venture Capital
[32:57] - Blume’s Fund 1 & 2 Journey
[37:46] - Why A DNA Change Was Necessary For Blume!
[42:18] - How To Raise Funds From Large Institutions
[52:54] - $102 Million Fund 3 Journey!
[55:55] - $290 Million Fund 4 Journey!
[1:02:25] - Top 5 Investments Made By Blume Ventures
[1:10:04] - Biggest Learnings From Investing!
[1:14:58] - Is Obsession Required To Be A Successful Founder?
[1:19:45] - Future of The India Opportunity
[1:23:47] - Want A Job In VC? Watch This!
[1:28:25] - The Right Skill Set Needed To Be In A Fund!
[1:30:35] - How To Succeed In The VC Ecosystem!
[1:34:26]- “Fund Is A 5 Muscle Job!”
[1:37:21] - Concluding Remarks

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This week’s episode is about why India as a country loves seeking status, as we welcome Ankush Sachdeva, co-founder of ShareChat, to the Neon Show!

How Have Indian Consumers Evolved In The Last 10 Years?

India vs Bharat Argument

Are Majority Of Indian Products Aimed At Tier-1 Cities?

All these CAPTIVATING topics and more in this FREE-FLOWING conversation about how social media has played a part in the consumer behaviour of Indians. A deep dive into why Indians are so status-driven rather than wealth-driven… Tune in NOW!



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🎇CHAPTERS

[00:00] - Precap
[01:02] - Introducing Ankush Sachdeva, co-founder of ShareChat!
[01:45] - Siddhartha & Ankush’s Friendship Journey!
[03:44] - Setbacks Ankush Faced Before ShareChat
[04:39 ]- Previous Companies Ankush Tried Building!
[09:48] - Lessons Learnt From His 14 Previous Failures
[13:30] - ShareChat’s Untold Story
[17:45] - India vs Bharat Argument
[20:26] - Why India LOVES Seeking STATUS!
[24:20] - Are Bharat’s Audience Poor Spenders? 
[28:57] - How Have Indian Consumers Evolved In The Last 10 Years?
[34:50] - How Far Is ShareChat From Profitability?
[39:23] - How TikTok’s Ban Affected ShareChat!
[45:14] - Does China Have Better AI Algorithms Than India?
[53:04] - Why Is Generative AI Taking Over The World?
[57:03] - Will AI Read Human Minds In The Future?
[58:47] - Can AI Capture Human Desire?
[1:02:19] - What Categories Does India As A Country Love To Consume?
[1:09:33] - Are Majority Of Indian Products Aimed At Tier-1 Cities?
[1:13:09] - Will Mainstream Professions Like Doctors & Engineers Change In India?
[1:16:55] - Concluding Remarks
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________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Sponsor Shout Out*

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high conviction, high support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!

This week’s episode is about the most important tips required to get a good night’s sleep as we welcome Ankit Garg, co-founder of Wakefit, to the Neon Show!

Why Do Indians Sleep So Poorly?

Misconceptions Indians Have About Sleep!

Will Quality Of Sleep Get Better Or Worsen In 10 Years?

All these JUICY topics and more in this EYE-OPENING conversation about sleep cycles in a country like India. A deep dive into why India’s ambitious goals come at a loggerhead with the amount of sleep it gets… Tune in NOW!

🎇CHAPTERS

[00:00] - Precap
[01:09] - Happy New Year Neon Tribe!
[01:38] - Introducing Ankit Garg, co-founder of Wakefit!
[02:22] - Why Do Indians Sleep So Poorly?
[04:56] - Gen Z’s Relationship With Sleep
[06:40] - Why Is Quality Of Sleep Going Down But Focus On Health Going Up?
[08:45] - How Has The Indian Consumer Changed Over The Years?
[11:50] - Ankit’s Backstory & Its Influence On Creating Wakefit
[15:53] - Sleep Patterns That The Highest Performers Across Business & Sports Have!
[18:39] - Which Cities In India Sleep The Best?
[20:57] - Steps Required To Get Good Sleep!
[29:14] - Will Quality Of Sleep Get Better Or Worsen In 10 Years?
[30:28] - What Is REM? Various Phases Of Sleep?
[34:39] - Misconceptions Indians Have About Sleep!
[38:36] - Is The Neck Pillow Industry Operating On A Placebo Effect?
[41:19] - Will People Go Back To Buying Cheaper Mattresses In The Future?
[43:16] - Wakefit’s Agenda
[46:19] - Concluding Remarks

*Sponsor Shout Out*

Looking to build a differentiated tech startup with a 10X better solution? Prime is the high conviction, high support investor you need. With its fourth fund of $120M, Prime actively works with star teams to accelerate building great companies.

To know more, visit https://primevp.in/!