Episodes

  • From Living Room Satellite to Democratizing Space: Raunak Kumar Mantri’s Take Me to Space Journey

    From Living Room Satellite to Democratizing Space: Raunak Kumar Mantri’s Take Me to Space Journey
    Aug 15 2025
    In this episode of The Startup Operator Podcast, Roshan speaks with Ronak Kumar Samantray, founder of Take Me to Space and former co-founder of NowFloats (acquired by Reliance). Ronak shares his journey from coding at age 10 to building satellites in his living room, and his mission to democratize access to space — letting anyone, anywhere, interact directly with satellites without the traditional gatekeeping. The conversation covers the evolution of space exploration from the 1960s to today, why private innovation has reignited interest, the economics driving launch cost reductions, and the mindset required to take on “mad” ideas. Ronak also explains Take Me to Space’s products — Orbit View and Orbit Lab — and how they could make programmable satellites as accessible as personal computers once became. Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a founder thinking about first-principles innovation, or just curious how a non-aerospace engineer ended up building satellites, this episode is full of inspiration and insight. 🔖 Topics 00:00 – Introduction to Take Me to Space 01:12 – Host Introduction and Episode Overview 02:19 – Guest Welcome and Space Ambitions 04:12 – Why Was There a Lull in Space Exploration? 08:06 – Mars as a Testing Ground for Exploration 12:28 – Billionaires, Governments, and the Dream of Space 14:41 – Raunak’s Founding Story26:38 – What Are CubeSats? Nanosatellites Explained 29:42 – Democratizing Space: The Vision of TM2S 36:02 – Orbit View & Orbit Lab: User Applications 47:07 – Business Model: SaaS for Space ($2/minute) 56:10 – Indian Space Policy & Regulatory Ease 01:00:03 – Rapid Fire: Reusable Rockets, Space Tourism & More 01:06:08 – Advice for Aspiring Space Founders
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • 253: Why Healthcare Startups Fail in India | Dilip Kumar (Rainmatter)

    253: Why Healthcare Startups Fail in India | Dilip Kumar (Rainmatter)
    Apr 17 2025
    In this episode of the Startup Operator Podcast, Roshan sits down with Dilip Kumar, investor at Rainmatter, to unpack the complex world of healthcare startups in India. The conversation dives into the fundamental challenges of building trust, why tech solutions often fall short, and the cultural and structural nuances that make healthcare a uniquely difficult sector to crack. Dilip shares his journey from founder to investor, the gaps in India’s healthcare infrastructure, and why founders must rethink traditional VC playbooks if they want to build for Bharat. Whether you’re building in healthtech or just curious about India’s evolving startup landscape, this episode is packed with sharp, first-principles insights. Topics 00:00 Sneak Peek 01:00 Introduction – From Founder to Investor 03:45 Why Healthcare Is Unlike Any Other Sector 07:50 India’s Unique Healthcare Economics 10:55 Why Copy-Paste Models Don’t Work in India 14:40 Choosing Your Audience: 1M vs 500M 17:10 The Real Challenge: Building Trust, Not Just Tech 21:00 Post-Covid Shift: Health Awareness and Consumer Behavior 24:30 Has the Quantified Self Movement Peaked? 29:00 What’s Missing in Mental Health Startups 31:25 EEG Wearables, AI Therapy & Future of Wellness 33:10 Ayurveda, Quacks & the Problem of Outcomes 34:50 How to Find Your Own Healthcare Startup Idea 37:00 Why Trust Is the Ultimate Moat in Healthtech 39:30 Healthcare Needs Patient Capital, Not Just VC 41:00 Dilip’s Personal Health Transformation Journey 44:15 Push-Up Challenge & Sign Off 💪 ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator ​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!
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    48 mins
  • 252: Secrets Behind Building Planes in India – What You Didn't Know | Venkatesh Mudragalla(Jeh Aerospace)

    252: Secrets Behind Building Planes in India – What You Didn't Know | Venkatesh Mudragalla(Jeh Aerospace)
    Feb 25 2025
    In this episode of the Startup Operator Podcast, Roshan sits down with Venkatesh Mudragalla, co-founder of Jeh Aerospace, to discuss the intricacies of the aerospace industry. The conversation covers a variety of topics, including the challenges Boeing faced, the impact of supply chain constraints, and the critical nature of manufacturing in the aerospace sector. Venkatesh shares his journey from working with Tata to starting J Aerospace in 2022, the importance of advanced manufacturing, and how India is poised to become a global aerospace hub. Topics: 00:00 Sneak peak 01:06 Introduction 03:28 Challenges and Evolution in the Aerospace Industry 04:40 Impact of Supply Chain on Aerospace 11:23 India's Role in the Global Aerospace Market 12:35 The Origin Story of J Aerospace 14:18 Starting Up in Aerospace: Challenges and Strategies 19:43 Technical Nuances in Aerospace Manufacturing 22:36 Partnering with Academia for Industry-Relevant Education 23:35 The Evolution and Current State of Industry 4.0 24:07 Balancing Automation and Workforce in Aerospace 25:51 Leveraging India's Jugaad Mentality in Aerospace 27:36 Challenges in Indian Aerospace Manufacturing 28:45 Targeting Mid-Market Companies for Growth 29:56 Building Trust in Indian Manufacturing 32:17 Government Support and Ecosystem Growth 34:29 VC Interest and Funding Challenges 36:10 Rapid Fire: Future Technologies and Aspirations 40:29 Advice for Aspiring Aerospace Entrepreneurs 43:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator ​ Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!
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    44 mins
  • 251: The Winning Formula to Build Billion-Dollar Businesses | Ganesh Krishnan (Serial Entrepreneur)

    251: The Winning Formula to Build Billion-Dollar Businesses | Ganesh Krishnan (Serial Entrepreneur)
    Feb 1 2025
    In this episode of The Startup Operator Podcast, Roshan sits down with K. Ganesh, the serial entrepreneur behind BigBasket, Portea, Bluestone, and HomeLane. They delve into topics like staying relevant in the ever-changing startup ecosystem, the importance of focusing on large, core sectors, and the reality of embracing both failures and small successes in entrepreneurship. Ganesh shares his insights on potential sectors for future startups, including green energy, climate tech, and space tech, while emphasizing the need for passion and a bit of foolishness in believing in one's ideas. They also discuss the importance of planning for exits, how to build scalable businesses, and leveraging the latest technological disruptions like Generative AI. This episode is filled with practical advice and frameworks for aspiring and current entrepreneurs. Topics: 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Guest Background 02:15 Staying Relevant in the Startup Ecosystem 08:10 Building Scalable and Exitable Businesses 24:26 Changing Consumer Behavior 30:25 Storytelling for Investors 32:15 Choosing the Right Investor 33:46 Understanding Investor Motivation 34:44 Challenges in the Indian Market 44:01 The Importance of Timing in Exits 50:31 Emerging Sectors and Opportunities 56:40 Mastering Disruption: Key Takeaways 01:05:10 Recommended Reads and Final Thoughts
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 250 : Solving the Impossible: Teaching Robots to See | Gokul NA (Founder,CynLr)

    250 : Solving the Impossible: Teaching Robots to See | Gokul NA (Founder,CynLr)
    Jan 11 2025
    Join us for an intriguing episode of the Startup Operator Podcast as Roshan talks to Gokul, the founder of CynLr, a pioneering deep tech robotics startup. Discover how CynLr is transforming the way machines recognize and handle objects through advanced vision systems. Gokul shares the challenges of hardware manufacturability, innovation in automation, and insights into the future of robotics and human life. Learn about the journey of building a deep tech startup, fundraising intricacies, and fostering interdisciplinary talent to solve complex problems in the robotics industry. 00:00 Sneakpeak 01:03 The Journey of CynLr's Founders 03:06 Vision Systems and Robotics 06:49 The Evolution of Robotics 19:48 Building a Universal Factory 25:21 Starting a Robotics Company 37:38 Challenges with Vision-Based Systems 38:27 Understanding Customer Needs and Supply Chain 38:42 Navigating Organizational Dynamics 43:18 Identifying and Solving Profitable Problems 49:39 Manufacturing Complexities and Vendor Relations 01:04:42 Iterating in Hardware Development 01:08:21 Leveraging Industry Infrastructure 01:13:31 Dust and Shoes: The Unexpected Connection 01:14:20 The Future of Factories: Micro and Universal 01:15:06 Standardization Challenges in Robotics 01:15:48 Navigating Tech and Application Layers 01:17:23 The Patience Game: Building an Industry 01:18:30 Vision for Robots: Technical Challenges 01:20:15 Depth Perception: Human vs. Machine 01:28:11 Building a Talented Team 01:34:14 Fundraising for Deep Tech Startups 01:43:48 The Future of Humans and Technology 01:49:26 Conclusion and Reflections ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator ​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup ​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!
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    1 hr and 50 mins
  • 249: The Truth About Getting Hired in 2024 | FULL | Divesh Dhawan (Founder, Meyrahkee Advisors)

    249: The Truth About Getting Hired in 2024 | FULL | Divesh Dhawan (Founder, Meyrahkee Advisors)
    Nov 26 2024
    In this episode of The Startup Operator Podcast, host Roshan sits down with Divesh Dhawan, founder of Meyrahkee Advisors, to discuss the evolving landscape of hiring in startups. They delve into the importance of understanding Gen Z workers, the sectors currently in high demand, and valuable tips for candidates to get shortlisted. They also touch on the cultural aspects that influence hiring decisions and share some of the top startups known for their exceptional work environments. 00:00 Introduction 01:41 Current Hiring Trends in Startups 03:56 Tips for Job Candidates 07:38 Evaluating Company Culture 11:24 Top Startups to Work For 14:39 Funny Interview Stories ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator ​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!
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    51 mins
  • Why Freshworks Fired 1000+ (While Buying Back Stock) | Roundup #165 | Startup Operator

    Why Freshworks Fired 1000+ (While Buying Back Stock) | Roundup #165 | Startup Operator
    Nov 16 2024
    In this episode of the Startup Operator Roundup, Roshan and Gunjan cover the latest and most impactful headlines from India's startup ecosystem. They start with Swiggy's second-largest IPO of the year, Zomato's innovations, Freshworks' recent layoffs and simultaneous stock buyback, and ISRO's new partnership with IIT Madras. They also discuss Elon Musk's Starlink seeking permission for satellite broadband in India and the closure of Stowa's alternate MBA program. Topics: 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Opening comments 01:19 Major Headlines 02:28 US Elections and Tech Influence 06:05 Swiggy's Market Debut 09:22 Zomato's New Features 12:39 Freshworks Layoffs and Buyback 17:43 ISRO and IIT Madras Partnership 19:44 Starlink's Entry into India 23:11 Stoa's Shutdown and Reflections 25:53 Weekly Fundraisers and Wrap-Up ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!
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    27 mins
  • 248: 100% Made-in-India Guns, The SSS Defence Story | Vivek & Dinesh (Founders, SSS Defence)

    248: 100% Made-in-India Guns, The SSS Defence Story | Vivek & Dinesh (Founders, SSS Defence)
    Oct 27 2024
    In this special episode of the Startup Operator Podcast, we venture out to meet the dynamic team behind SSS Defense, an emerging defense manufacturer in India specializing in small arms and ammunition. Join us for an in-depth conversation with co-founders Vivek and Dinesh as they share insights on building a defense company from the ground up, the challenges of operating in the defense sector, the intricacies of procurement, and their ambitious plans for the future. Topics: 00:00 Sneak Peak 00:43 Introduction 03:03 The Origin of SSS Defense 3:18 Starting up in the guns and ammunitions space 16:15 Product thinking in manufacturing 27:16 Defence procurement value chains 43:01 Building arms for export & domestic consumption 54:55 Forging strategic partnerships 1:09:05 Role of DRDO & Ordinance factories 1:16:40 Global benchmarks 1:24:07 Upcoming opportunities 1:31:20 Wisdom for defence startups 1:40:38 Recommended resources ------------------------------------- Connect with Us: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-operator ​Twitter: https://twitter.com/OperatorStartup​​ ------------------------------------- If you liked this episode, let us know by hitting the like button and share with your friends and family. Please also remember to subscribe to our channel and switch on the notifications to never miss an episode!
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    1 hr and 44 mins