The BarberShop with Shantanu

The BarberShop with Shantanu

by The BarberShop with Shantanu
Entrepreneurship
Season 4

Alok Sama on Being SoftBank CFO, Masa's investment style, India & AI, CEO Superpowers & more

What if playing it safe is the real courage in entrepreneurship? In Barbershop’s latest episode, Shantanu sits down with Alok Sama (Writer & Investor) to explore what truly makes a CEO great. It’s not just about flashy risks, but staying humble and adapting as things change. How Alok brought his first book ‘The Money Trap’ to life, and how getting a degree in Master of Fine Arts, from NYU at 58 proves that growth has no age. Key Takeaways: - Leadership is as much about humility and adaptability as bold risks. - AI and disruptive tech are shaking things up, but also raise questions on creativity and originality. - India’s startup scene faces unique socio-economic challenges alongside fresh growth chances. - How and why to go back to school if you feel a passion strongly. So, Alok’s story exhibits that sometimes fortune favours the unexpected. Join us, and maybe you will see your professional path a little more differently in the aftermath. Also, if you’d like to join our next conversation as live audience, sign up here: https://forms.gle/yF6Rzr9NRheKRoV98 Navigate the episode 00:00 Coming Up 01: 17 Introduction 2:30 Top CEOs in Alok’s views 7:44 Comparing CEOs' operating styles: global vs Indian leaders 11:14 Billionaire behaviour: insecurity or personal quirk? 14:40 How do visionary CEOs adapt and grow? 17:30 From Instagram to ChatGPT: Alok on AI 24:44 Top CEO behaviours: founder vs manager? 31:11 Alok on Indian founders and tech evolution 42:53 Alok’s take on the tariff situation 44:00 Indian conglomerates in US: capital drives disruption? 49:31 India’s middle class: unemployment and consumption issues 53:35 Risk-taking: entrepreneur or investor, Alok? 58:27 Alok on MFA, writing, and nonfiction passion 1:03:06 Money Trap duration and AI’s originality threat/His Book journey length and AI vs originality 1:07:48 Living and investing: Alok’s India perspective 1:18:14 Closing Thoughts
S4 · E17
May 23, 2025
1:18:35

How Is Ankur Warikoo Scaling a ₹70 Cr EdTech Company & Making ₹4.5 Cr in Book Royalties?

What if you could build your epic career without the fear of failing? In a world chasing speed, Warikoo advises people to try everything, experience it all, until the path becomes clear. In Barbershop’s latest episode, Shantanu chats with Ankur Warikoo (Entrepreneur and Bestselling Author), who deeply talks about personal growth and mindset shifts on career development. He shares his journey about scaling a 70 Cr education empire, ‘WebVeda’, with 100% refundable courses, and yet, it’s thriving effortlessly. In this episode, Warikoo explains that content isn’t just about reach, it’s about the trust you build over time. So, if he, being a well-known social media personality, gives content half a day a week and crushes it, why can’t you find your survival options? There’s no fluff at all in this conversation, just very actionable steps and real talk about life, purpose and bootstrapping your dreams. Key Takeaways: - What resilience and long-term thinking look like in business. - How AI is quietly transforming course dubbing and content clean-up. - What fuels his three income engines: content, community, and investing - What if playing it smart could also be playing it bold? Tune in, and maybe you will see your path a little differently. Hope this episode inspires you to go “all in” with your idea! And if you’d like to join our next conversation live, sign up here: https://forms.gle/yF6Rzr9NRheKRoV98 Navigate the episode 00:00 Coming Up 1:07 Introduction 2:03 The source of inspiration behind Ankur Warikoo’s content 4:51 Using knowledge and optionality to assess risk in career decisions 08:57 The power of consistent content and its role in trust-distributed perspectives. 16:01 How evolving content helps trust to shape consumer behaviour in low-trust societies 21:09 Understanding market dynamics and changing views on careers, income, and investments. 32:21 Easy loans, less accountability, AI cutting productivity and rising consumption across all layers. 41:00 Older Folks on money stress and Impact of AI on knowledge workers 47:50 Quick commerce vs. Offline profit: Ideal time strategic sales choices 57:27 Warikoo's views on commercial real estate in prime areas surged 59:16 Exploring Warikoo’s authorship path and the growth of his Ed-tech initiative 1:08:38 The role of AI in content creation and WebVeda’s setup 1:13:44 Warikoo's investment propaganda and vision 1:15:21 Role of Warikoo Crew and Warikoo Partner in zero-tech project management 1:21:19 Warikoo’s solo entrepreneurial story and strategic investment tips 1:29:27 A chat on books Shantanu and Ankur have read and key takeaways from Ankur’s 4th book. 1:42:08 Closing Thoughts
S4 · E16
May 16, 2025
1:46:19

Purplle Founder on ‘Beauty for Bharat’, Taking on Nykaa, Making Acquisitions Work, and More

To build a business, you should always have your feet on the ground and eyes on the stars. A mindset Manish Taneja has carried from the narrow lanes of Faridabad to build a ₹10,000 Cr beauty giant. In this episode, Shantanu sits down with Manish Taneja (CEO & MD of Purplle.com) for a raw conversation about the unseen side of entrepreneurship. Growing up in Tier 2 India, Manish never had the blueprint but just a dream to build big. And in 13 years, he turned that fascination into Purplle, a brand that has redefined beauty in India. From taking bold bets on acquiring big brands like Faces Canada and Carmesi to choosing long-term value over viral trends, this is a story of perseverance, principles, and playing the long game. Key takeaways from the episode: - Why it’s crucial to not chase trends but build with purpose. - What are the mistakes every founder often makes in the beauty space? - What is the role of AI in shaping the future of brand building? - If you’re still playing it safe, you’re probably holding yourself back. Hope this episode inspires you to go “all in” with your idea! And if you’d like to join our next conversation live, sign up here: https://forms.gle/yF6Rzr9NRheKRoV98 Navigate the episode 00:00 Coming Up 01:25 Introduction 01:50 Backstory of Purplle and their initial challenges 10:57 Business Cash Flow and Employee Growth at Purplle 13:25 Market Evolution and Capital Raising Milestones 21:00 Role of Investors and Purplle’s First Product to many more 27:10 Strategic Brand Acquisitions and Reshaping the market 30:51 Effectiveness of Data Usage and Geographic Customer Targeting 34:40 Revenue Margins and Sales Channel Insights 36:30 The Impact of Offline and Quick Commerce on Sales 39:16 Growth of the Beauty and Personal Care Industry 44:13 Innovation, New Product Categories, and Avoiding Trend-Chasing 49:45 The Role of AI in Brand Building 54:58 Understanding Market Dynamics and Capital Flow 1:02:02 Industry Evolution and the Power of Content Creation 1:05:03 A 13-Year Journey of Investor Relations and Key Success Stories 1:09:24 Manish’s Perspective on Building Startups 1:17:40 Closing Thoughts
S4 · E15
May 2, 2025
1:24:01

Scaling a ₹1000 Cr GenZ fashion brand with The Souled Store and XYXX

If there’s no existential doubt, it’s not an early-stage business. Because you're just figuring it out, one bold risk at a time. In this episode Shantanu is joined by Vedang Patel (Co-Founder of The Souled Store) and Yogesh Kabra, (Founder of XYXX Apparels) for a raw and honest conversation on what it really takes to start up. As a bootstrapped company, Vedang started with just ₹5 lakhs and a big dream. On the other hand, Yogesh started up in a 250 sq. ft. room in Surat. But Now? These founders have built a 1000Cr empire. Key Takeaways from the episode: •⁠ ⁠How a customer-first mindset shapes everything, from product to brand. •⁠ ⁠What should you know before building a clothing brand for women? •⁠ ⁠Why “mental freedom” from your investor can often be more powerful than just financial backing. This is a story of building something of your own with the right people by your side. Tell us in the comments: What’s the wildest risk you’ve taken to build your dream? And if you’d like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here: https://forms.gle/yF6Rzr9NRheKRoV98 Navigate the episode 00:00 – Coming Up 01:10 – What Are Business Models and Market Trends? 04:13 – Why Being Honest About Business Numbers is Important 07:01 – Problems in the Clothing Industry 09:59 – How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market 13:08 – What Customer Retention and Acquisition Costs Really Mean 16:02 – How Good Products Keep Customers Coming Back 19:08 – How Fashion Trends Change and How to Keep Up 22:16 – A New Look at the Underwear Market 25:16 – Wrapping Things Up and Looking Ahead 26:49 – Why Average Order Value (AOV) is Important for Sales 29:20 – How to Market Your Brand and Keep People Interested 32:09 – The Problems with Quick Commerce in Clothing industry 35:14 – Why Consumers Return Stuff in Online Shopping 38:18 – How to Build and Market Your Brand Creatively 41:55 – Is Business Success About Luck or Strategy? 49:22 – Moving Your Business from Offline to Online 52:17 – How Luck and Your Attitude Impact Success 54:00 – Finding the Right Investors and Why They Matter 59:22 – How We Think About Money 01:03:03 – The Mindset of Thriving vs. Just Getting By 01:07:16 – The Excitement of Growing Your Business 01:14:01 – Closing thoughts
S4 · E14
Apr 28, 2025
1:20:06

MakeMyTrip’s Investor Sanjeev & Founder Deep Talk About Building ₹10000 Cr Travel Company

Some companies almost don’t make it, until they do. MakeMyTrip could’ve been one of them. In this episode, Shantanu Deshpande is joined by Deep Kalra (Founder and Chairman of MakeMyTrip Limited) and Sanjeev Aggarwal (Co-Founder, Fundamentum, Helion and Daksh), one of MMT’s early investors. Kalra and Aggarwal uncover the real behind-the-scenes of building one of India’s most iconic travel companies. This Investor-Founder bond isn’t just about travel. It’s about the courage to stick around when the road gets rough. Let us know in the comments: What’s the toughest phase your startup has survived and how? And if you’d like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here: https://forms.gle/yF6Rzr9NRheKRoV98 Navigate the episode 00:00 Coming up 01:09 Introduction 07:55 Relationship insights between founders and investors 08:38 Foundation of Make My Trip 13:28 How Sanjeev and Deep met 15:36 Sanjeev’s view on Makemytrip Founders 16:44 Tough time Prior 2005 21:52 What are the commonalities among founders? 27:34 Deep’s perspective on Sanjeev’s contribution in IPO board 33:33 The entry of fragmented market 39:38 The great vs an average board meeting 47:56 Reasons for the decline VC and entrepreneurship 56:43 Digitalisation impacts on business opportunities 59:32 Roles of professional high-quality management 01:04:56 Importance of governance training to run a company 01:08:29 Role of quick commerce 01:13:05 Key role of product genesis 01:15:09 Closing thoughts
S4 · E13
Apr 19, 2025
1:21:44

Kapil & Deepak Break Down Their Founder-Investor Dynamic After 8 Years of Friendship

Not every founder finds the right investor. Not every investor bets on the right founder. In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome a BarberShop veteran, Kapil Chopra (Founder - EazyDiner and The Postcard Hotel). But this time, he is not alone. Joining him is his first ever investor and his very good friend, Deepak Shahdadpuri (Managing Director, DSG Consumer Partners). Why did Kapil and Deepak take 8 years to finally start a business together? Find out in this episode. This isn’t just an entrepreneurial conversation. It’s a masterclass on the kind of investor-founder friendship required for businesses to thrive even when the going gets tough. Takeaways from this episode: What do investors look for in a founder during a pitch? Why did Deepak NOT invest in Bombay Shaving Company? How to identify your Product-Market-Fit in a crowded market. Kapil and Deepak’s story is a great reminder of why it matters who you surround yourself with. Who is that friend in your life you’d love to build a business with? Navigate the episode 00:00 Coming up 01:00 Introduction 06:37 Founder-Investor Friendship 11:53 How did Kapil Identify Market Opportunities 14:46 The Evolution of Consumer Brands in India 17:21 Founding story of Sula 23:13 The Future of Consumer Brands in India 27:37 Veeba Funding Story 29:55 Why and how did Deepak Invest in EazyDiner 33:00 Finding the Right Investor-Founder Dynamics 38:00 How to Navigate Startup Challenges 53:53 Evolution of Investments in India 01:05:41 Maturity of Family Offices in India 01:17:28 The Art and Commerce of Consumer Brands 01:41:40 Importance of Aligning Incentives for Long-Term Success 02:01:33 Challenges in the Startup Ecosystem and Corporate Governance 02:05:46 How to Find the Right Fit in Teams 02:06:17 The Importance of Cultural Fit 02:10:15 Opportunities in Travel and Hospitality 02:17:09 Culinary Diversity and Innovation in India 02:21:16 Closing Thoughts
S4 · E10
Mar 28, 2025
2:28:34

33 VCs saying NO, being labelled FAKE to signing Diljit: The Incredible Story of Mokobara

Mokobara was rejected 33 times. And now they’ll beat legacy brands in their own game within 6 years. Something the biggest brands took 44 years to do! That’s the thing about great entrepreneurs. They don’t give up. In this episode, we are joined by three of Shantanu’s closest friends. Sangeet Agrawal, Founder at Mokobara, Navin Parwal, Co-Founder & CMO at Mokobara, and Manu Chandra, Founder and Managing Partner at Sauce.vc came together to uncover the power of aspirational hungry India. Mokobara is on a mission to redefine travel for India, designing luggage that feels world-class. But with ambition comes scrutiny. Recently, they faced backlash over claims of white-labeling and premium pricing. Instead of backing down, they flipped the script by dropping a non-apologetic comeback, launching a discount code named WHITELABEL on their latest Naruto collection. Through this episode, Sangeet and Navin, along with their friend and investor Manu Chandra also put down the curtains on the unnecessary controversy finally. Major takeaways from the episode: - Sangeet and Navin finally address their controversy. - How fast Mokobara grew in 6 years, something Safari took 44 years to do. - Why Indian brands need to build high-quality products and take them to the global market. - A secret BSCxMokobara product launch. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a design enthusiast, or just someone who needs to hear a story of resilience today, this episode is for you! Hit LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations. Drop your thoughts in the comments! And if you’d like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here :- https://forms.gle/uY8w2an4Q44mN9dd8 00:00 Coming Up 01:15 Introduction 06:06 The Dichotomy of Founders: Passion vs. Market Analysis 12:02 Cultural Exports: Lessons from Korea 18:10 The Evolution of the Indian Consumer 21:08 The Importance of Passion in Entrepreneurship 23:52 The Dynamics of Brand Building and Design 26:45 The Role of Community and Support in Business 29:57 The Journey of Growth and Resilience 32:59 Creating Products with Purpose and Identity 41:21 Building a Consistent Brand Identity 42:10 Navigating Product Life Cycles and Manufacturing 43:35 Philosophy of Timeless Design 45:30 Evolution of a Travel Lifestyle Brand 46:58 Balancing Focus and Scale in Business 49:02 Expanding into Global Markets 50:39 Creating an Exceptional Retail Experience 54:57 Importance of Offline Presence 01:00:11 The Role of Design in Brand Experience 01:02:39 The Impact of Retail on Digital Performance 01:09:10 Lessons from Adversity in Business 01:21:46 Importance of Patience in Building Brands 01:23:39 Valuation Challenges in Entrepreneurship 01:24:20 Understanding Business Valuation and Investment 01:26:18 The Risks of Overvaluation 01:28:19 The Reality of Angel Investing 01:30:08 Building a Brand with Passion and Quality 01:32:15 Navigating Competition in the Market 01:34:03 The Role of Patience in Brand Evolution 01:35:35 The Power of Team Dynamics 01:36:03 Leadership and Team Culture 01:39:40 Celebrity Endorsements and Brand Identity 01:42:30 The Impact of Profitability on Brand Partnerships 01:45:30 Collaborative Opportunities Between Brands 01:48:05 The Journey of Fundraising and Building Trust 01:51:56 Closing Thoughts on Building a Business
S4 · E9
Mar 21, 2025
2:00:19

From RBI to CEO of Paytm Bank: Shinjini Kumar's Exceptional Journey as a Woman in Finance.

In this conversation with Shinjini Kumar, Co-Founder of SALT-mysaltapp, we talk to her about her diverse professional journey, something you don’t see in many founders. Coming from Bihar, she started as a journalist at the Times of India and then shifted to the Reserve Bank of India in the early ‘90s. At the heart of the action, she was responsible for handling Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In this episode, she discusses exactly how she landed every job she did in her early days. Shinjini eventually went on to study in the US, joined Bank of America, then came back to be the CEO at Paytm Payments Bank. And mid-COVID, she took the leap into entrepreneurship. Major takeaways from the episode: 1.⁠ ⁠How she transitioned from journalism into finance and entrepreneurship. 2.⁠ ⁠How career plurality shapes perspective and adaptability. 3.⁠ ⁠Lessons from building SALT and the challenges of raising capital at the right time. 4.⁠ ⁠What women are missing when it comes to finance. We are excited for conversation, and we can’t wait for you all to watch it. Drop your thoughts in the comments! And if you’d like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here: https://forms.gle/uY8w2an4Q44mN9dd8 00:00 The Financial Agency of Women 03:02 The Journey of Shinjani Kumar 05:51 Conversations on Financial Inclusion 09:10 Building SALT: A Mission for Women 12:05 Understanding Financial Services for Women 14:55 The Role of Agency in Financial Decisions 18:02 Cultural Influences on Financial Behavior 20:59 The Impact of Social Conditioning on Women 23:50 Navigating Financial Independence 27:10 The Future of Women in Finance 38:13 Understanding Gender Disparities in Income and Assets 41:44 The Role of Women in Family Businesses 47:00 Women as Catalysts for Social Change 50:41 Behavioral Changes in Financial Services 57:51 Lessons from Entrepreneurial Journeys 01:11:17 Building Trust Through Technology 01:14:05 The Evolution of Banking and Finance 01:16:24 Navigating Challenges in Entrepreneurship 01:20:42 The Complexity of Work and Gender Roles 01:24:01 Raising the Next Generation: Gender and Equality 01:31:12 The Value of Work and Education 01:37:21 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs and Professionals
S4 · E8
Mar 7, 2025
1:41:48

How “Shark” Amit Jain plans to build 20 unicorns out of Jaipur with his brother Anurag

In this conversation with Amit Jain (Co-Founder & CEO, CarDekho) and Anurag Jain (Co-Founder & COO, CarDekho) we learn why every founder should consider building in a small town like Jaipur—and do it with family. Amit and Anurag turned what started as a small-town dream (announced on LinkedIn - true story) into a billion-dollar reality. If that doesn’t make you believe in manifestation, we don’t know what will. 😏 CarDekho’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From a bootstrapped company to one of India’s most sought-after startups, they’ve completely redefined how India buys and sells cars. In this conversation, we break down: - The power of trust in leadership and how it shapes company culture. - Scaling a startup: structuring equity, empowering talent, and navigating co-founder dynamics. - Why founders today should pick Tier 2 cities over metros to thrive. - Working with family—the unique challenges, advantages, and what makes it work. - The mindset shifts required to build billion-dollar businesses and what Indian entrepreneurs can learn from global success stories. This episode is a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs, family business owners, corporate leaders, and anyone looking to turn their big dreams into reality. Drop your thoughts in the comments! Also, if you’d like a chance to interact with SD as an audience member for our next shoot, fill this form: https://forms.gle/5j26oEVkRbEFJmcX8 Looking forward to hearing what you think! Navigate your way through this conversation: 00:00 - Coming Up 01:04 - About the Podcast 04:41 - The Journey of Entrepreneurship 10:45 - Building a Consumer-Centric Ecosystem 13:36 - Identifying and Empowering Talent 16:25 - Structuring for Success: Equity and Ownership 19:41 - The Dynamics of Brotherly Co-Founders 22:37 - Navigating Challenges and Growth 25:41 - The Role of Trust in Leadership 28:34 - The Evolution of Organizational Structure 31:37 - Lessons from Experience and Scaling Up 43:47 - Understanding Numbers and Business Instincts 45:47 - Building a Knowledge-Driven Organization 47:53 - Fostering Personal Connections in Leadership 49:53 - Balancing Professionalism and Personal Bonds 52:12 - The Importance of Authentic Leadership 53:57 - Celebrating Alumni Success Stories 55:14 - Encouraging Individual Aspirations 56:03 - Co-Founder Dynamics and Feedback 57:50 - Influencing Each Other's Leadership Styles 59:57 - The Role of Sports in Team Bonding 01:01:32 - The Jaipur Connection and Talent Pool 01:03:06 - Creating Opportunities in Tier 2 Cities 01:05:11 - Company Culture as a Family 01:07:54 - Navigating External Capital and Investor Relations 01:22:02 - Building for the Future: Vision and Legacy 01:25:03 - The Power of Compounding: Growth and Strategy 01:28:24 - Energy and Inspiration: What Drives Founders 01:29:48 - Patriotism and Community: Building in India 01:32:31 - Giving Back: The Role of Mentorship and Support 01:34:03 - The Rise of Entrepreneurship in Tier 2 Cities 01:36:56 - The Evolving Landscape of Startups and Investments 01:44:02 - Harnessing AI: Opportunities and Challenges 01:49:59 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Taking the Leap
S4 · E7
Feb 28, 2025
1:57:35

Peak XV MD Rajan Anandan on BILLION $ ideas, STANDOUT founders and why INDIA's got game

Shantanu sitting down with Rajan Anandan, MD of Peak XV and Surge, and Prachi Pawar, Founder of Anandi Schools, is everything you need to watch today to visualise the future of the startup ecosystem in India. You also get a glimpse into a mentor-mentee relationship in the ecosystem! Rajan Anandan is one of the most influential voices in India’s Venture Capital space. On the other hand, Prachi is just starting out in the world of entrepreneurship. With Anandi Schools, she aims to help students stand out in college admissions. Tune in for a deep dive into: •⁠ ⁠How India’s AI future will be driven by application-first companies •⁠ ⁠The mindset shifts required to build billion-dollar businesses •⁠ ⁠What makes Silicon Valley founders different—and how Indian entrepreneurs can learn from them A must-watch for founders, investors, and anyone curious about the future of India’s startup ecosystem. Drop your thoughts in the comments—and in the process, earn a chance to interact with Shantanu as an audience for our next shoot. For a chance to receive an invite to watch the shoot and interact with SD, fill this: https://forms.gle/X3cT1x78Xj6NvZ3z7 Navigate your way through this conversation: 00:00 Coming up 01:17 Podcast Summary 02:45 What is happening in India 05:44 The Rise of AI and Technology in India 08:50 India's Potential as an AI Superpower 11:38 The Future of AI Applications in India 17:44 India's Competitive Edge in Global Markets 20:51 Investing in the Future of AI 23:50 India's Economic Landscape and Workforce Dynamics 26:45 Historical Context and Future Prospects for India 35:41 Long-Term Economic Outlook for India 38:20 Energy Independence and Renewable Resources 40:16 The Future of Employment and Skill Development 45:21 The Evolution of Indian Entrepreneurship 46:51 Quality of Founders and Ecosystem Support 52:00 R&D Challenges 58:36 The Current Landscape for Venture Capital in India 01:05:46 Market Dynamics and Competitive Strategies 01:07:35 Career Building Insights 01:08:47 The Importance of Hard Work and Passion 01:11:29 Mentorship and Learning from Experience 01:13:52 The Role of Curiosity in Career Growth 01:19:16 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 01:25:05 Surrounding Yourself with the Right People 01:27:21 Long-Term Commitment to Entrepreneurship
S4 · E6
Feb 21, 2025
1:32:13
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