BlitzBusiness Indian Podcast

Hosted by Ashish Airon

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177

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Aug 2025

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About the show

The best Indian podcast business/startup stories from India and beyond. On each episode, host Ashish Airon talks to entrepreneurs/CXOs on new-age business models, challenges, opportunities how to scale. New episode every week. www.blitzbusinesstalk.com

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August 6, 202536 min

#173 Building a Home Appliances Brand from Scratch | Tanuj Gupta | Thermocool | Ashish Airon

Building a Home Appliances Brand from Scratch: A 33-Year Journey with Tanuj of ThermocoolIn this insightful episode of Blitz Business, we sit down with Tanuj, a second-generation entrepreneur from Ghaziabad, who shares the incredible 33-year journey of building Thermocool, a leading home appliances brand. From the early days of learning the business from his family to modernizing it with a strong focus on e-commerce, Tanuj's story is a masterclass in perseverance, strategic thinking, and adapting to change.Tanuj reveals how Thermocool differentiated itself in a highly competitive market, the challenges they faced with production and logistics, and their ambitious plans for future growth, including launching new product categories like refrigerators and ACs. He also discusses the importance of customer service, the pros and cons of an in-house manufacturing model, and his unique approach to brand building in a vast market like India.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business student, or someone fascinated by family-run businesses, this conversation offers invaluable lessons on how to build a brand that stands the test of time.00:00 - Introduction to Tanuj and Blitz Business00:14 - Tanuj's background and entry into the family business00:57 - The experience of studying in the US and UK02:45 - An overview of Thermocool's home appliances business03:17 - In-house manufacturing vs. white labeling04:11 - The challenges of manufacturing and a significant business setback05:27 - The journey of selling directly on their website06:28 - Differentiating in a competitive market like home appliances09:15 - Thermocool's market presence in North India09:33 - The need to expand beyond a single product category12:57 - The complexities of customer service in the home appliances industry14:38 - The 33-year journey of Thermocool's growth15:46 - The biggest challenges in the home appliances business17:34 - What products are good for new entrepreneurs to start with?18:50 - White labeling as a strategic starting point21:46 - The high cost of setting up manufacturing for complex products23:57 - The importance of managing inventory and production24:43 - Family dynamics in a second-generation business28:15 - Managing business processes and growth29:14 - What excites Tanuj about the future of his business31:21 - Debunking myths about top brands in the industry33:25 - The strategy for scaling a brand in India35:12 - The vision for Thermocool's future growth#Thermocool #HomeAppliances #BusinessJourney #Entrepreneurship #FamilyBusiness #Manufacturing #StartupIndia #CustomerService #ECommerce #BrandBuilding #BusinessGrowth #InHouseProduction #GrowthStrategy #IndianMarket

August 4, 202536 min

#172 From Zero to 14 IVF Centers: Journey & Insights on Fertility | Risaa IVF | Ashish Airon

From Zero to 14 IVF Centers: Dr. Sarthak’s Entrepreneurial Journey & Insights on Fertility | Dr Saarthak Bakshi, PhD ### Description:Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Sarthak, a multifaceted entrepreneur with a PhD in management. In this episode, he shares his incredible journey from founding and failing at a gaming and a laundry business to successfully building 14 IVF centers across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.Dr. Sarthak dives deep into the realities of his entrepreneurial path, highlighting the crucial lessons learned from his failures and the importance of perseverance. He also provides valuable insights into the world of IVF and fertility, dispelling common myths and explaining the economic and scientific aspects of the business. He touches upon the challenges of infertility today, the role of lifestyle, and the importance of fertility education.This video is a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs, those interested in the healthcare industry, and anyone looking to understand the future of fertility.### Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Sarthak01:40 - Dr. Sarthak's journey as a "failed entrepreneur"02:20 - Overcoming negative emotions and failures03:00 - Passion vs. Talent in business06:11 - Dr. Sarthak's PhD background06:25 - The story behind starting the IVF business08:42 - The economics of IVF: cost and operational breakdown10:12 - Technological advancements in IVF14:07 - Why infertility is increasing in society18:55 - The importance of fertility education24:40 - A look at adoption vs. surrogacy28:27 - Bootstrapping and scaling the business to 14 centers29:57 - Why franchising doesn't work for IVF33:20 - Scaling an IVF business and raising capital35:12 - Dr. Sarthak’s final message on fertility and career planning### Hashtags:#DrSarthak #BlitzBusiness #Entrepreneurship #IVF #Fertility #BusinessJourney #StartupIndia #HealthcareBusiness #EntrepreneurialLessons #SuccessStory #VentureCapital #FertilityEducation #StartupFailures #WomenInBusiness #MensHealth #InfertilityAwareness

July 15, 202543 min

#171 Journey of a Hospitality Entrepreneur | Devanshi Tripathi | TripGo Hospitality | Ashish Airon

** Description:**Join us on BlitzBusiness as we sit down with Devanshi, a dynamic entrepreneur who transitioned from a successful corporate career to conquer the competitive world of hospitality. Devanshi shares her inspiring journey, from her roots in Lucknow to building a thriving hospitality business in Bengaluru.**Key Moments & Timestamps:*** **00:00** - Introduction to Devanshi and her background.* **00:12** - Devanshi shares her journey from Lucknow to Bangalore and her corporate job.* **00:25** - The decision to start her own hospitality company, Tripgo Hospitality.* **00:41** - Discussing her love for pets and pet-friendly restaurant spaces.* **00:49** - What drew Devanshi into the hospitality industry.* **00:57** - Her previous experience in the EdTech and development sectors.* **01:23** - Why Bangalore's F&B culture inspired her to enter hospitality.* **01:40** - The initial exploration and research phase before starting her restaurant.* **02:20** - Acknowledging the challenges in the restaurant business.* **02:32** - Diving deeper into her experience in the EdTech industry.* **03:30** - How she got started in the current hospitality space.* **03:59** - Top 3 crucial things aspiring restaurateurs should know.* **06:06** - The importance of understanding licenses and permissions in hospitality.* **07:17** - The significance of having a good financial runway for a restaurant.* **09:15** - Hidden costs and considerations when creating a business plan.* **10:30** - The variations in licensing and "under the table" costs across states.* **11:46** - Discussion on various restaurant formats and their profitability.* **12:13** - Comparing the risk and profitability of different F&B formats.* **12:30** - Challenges and advantages of cafes vs. bars.* **13:08** - Highlighting opportunities in markets with less competition.* **13:36** - The importance of location specificity in India's F&B industry.* **14:38** - The challenge of acquiring liquor licenses and potential solutions.* **15:10** - Advantages of buying a property with existing licenses.* **16:05** - Understanding the deposit and rental costs for liquor licenses in Karnataka.* **18:31** - The concept of BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) and licensing requirements.* **21:12** - How BYOB formats generate revenue from food.* **21:28** - Why cloud kitchens are not as profitable for new entrants.* **22:58** - Devanshi's current hospitality ventures.* **26:10** - Identifying the most profitable format among her current businesses.* **27:26** - Why cloud kitchens may not be a great business for new entrepreneurs.* **28:56** - Cloud kitchens as an additional revenue stream for existing businesses.* **29:30** - The strategy behind restaurants running cloud kitchens from the same location.* **30:15** - Funding options for hospitality businesses in India.* **30:30** - Venture Capital interest in new restaurant formats.* **30:57** - The common misconception that leads to high failure rates in hospitality.* **31:41** - Why almost everyone dreams of opening a cafe or restaurant.* **32:26** - The importance of strong expertise in niche industries vs. hospitality.* **33:37** - Devanshi's top 3 favorite Pan-India restaurants.* **35:45** - Why she admires Booji Cafe from both customer and business perspectives.* **37:46** - The enduring appeal and success of The Big Chill Cafe in Delhi.* **39:41** - The importance of effective marketing, especially on Zomato.* **40:53** - Key takeaways and lessons Devanshi wished she knew earlier about marketing.* **42:40** - Her final advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector.

July 15, 20250 min

India's infertility's Hidden Causes | Dr Saarthak Bakshi, PhD | Risaa IVF | Ashish Airon

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more such stories 🎥✨© Podcast by Ashish Airon 🎙️ on BlitzBusiness Indian Podcast 🇮🇳. India's top business podcast, startup podcast, and entrepreneur podcast. 🚀Follow, like ❤️, and subscribe 🔔 to stay updated! 📢

June 26, 202523 min

#170 India's EV Battery Revolution & Future of Mobility| Pratik Kamdar | Neuron Energy |Ashish Airon

Title:India's EV Battery Revolution: Inside Neuron's Journey & The Future of Mobility Description:Welcome to Blitz Business! In this insightful episode, we sit down with Pratik, Co-founder of Neuron, to deep dive into the rapidly evolving Electric Vehicle (EV) battery landscape in India.Pratik shares Neuron's journey, from his background in finance and real estate to discovering the immense potential in the EV battery space. We discuss the current state of EV adoption in India, focusing on the impressive growth of two-wheelers and three-wheelers, and the emerging four-wheeler segment.Gain valuable insights into:The current manufacturing scenario for EV batteries in India.How Neuron designs its battery packs and manages its supply chain.The economics of EV batteries, including replacement costs and decreasing cell prices.Neuron's fundraising journey, including details of their recent rounds and future plans for expansion, including a new factory in Pune.The crucial role of service networks and overcoming supply chain challenges in this nascent but booming industry.The environmental impact of EVs and the shift towards cleaner energy sources like solar.Exciting future technologies like Sodium-ion and Solid-state batteries.Opportunities for new players in the EV ecosystem, particularly in battery recycling.Don't forget to like this video, subscribe to Blitz Business for more insightful discussions, and hit the notification bell! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!Connect with us:[Your Social Media Links][Your Website/Blog]Key Moments & Timestamps (Video Length: 23:53):0:00 - Introduction to Pratik and Neuron0:14 - Pratik's professional journey and how he entered the EV battery space1:23 - Current battery manufacturing situation in India1:33 - Growth of Electric Two-wheelers and Three-wheelers in India2:10 - Growth in Electric Three-wheelers and Four-wheelers2:22 - Increasing penetration of EV mobility in India2:33 - Neuron's product offerings: Batteries for Electric Mobility & Energy Storage2:52 - Neuron's supply chain and battery manufacturing process3:26 - Impact of cab aggregator issues on Neuron's business3:45 - Neuron's client segments: OEMs, Fleet Operators, and Retail4:33 - Economics of EV batteries: Replacement cost and battery lifespan5:35 - Lithium-ion vs. Lead-acid batteries: Differences and advantages6:32 - Decreasing battery costs and impact on EV adoption7:14 - Neuron's fundraising journey: Seed and Series A rounds8:15 - Utilization of raised capital: Working capital and factory setup8:53 - Payment terms and credit cycles with OEMs9:17 - Biggest challenges in the EV battery business (SCM & Service Network)10:11 - Future technologies: Sodium-ion and Solid-state batteries10:44 - Neuron's R&D team and its objectives11:25 - Reasons for slower growth of four-wheelers compared to two-wheelers12:35 - Future infrastructure development for four-wheelers12:57 - Impact of monsoon on EV batteries and climate change13:42 - Environmental benefits of Lithium-ion battery manufacturing14:19 - Shift from thermal to solar power in India for cleaner energy15:09 - Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and grid neutrality16:20 - Pratik's transition from real estate to the EV industry17:45 - The evolving nature of the EV ecosystem and future opportunities18:48 - Current market trends and sales in the EV space19:12 - Neuron's future plans: Factory launch and revenue projections20:10 - Gross margins in storage vs. mobility space20:51 - Opportunities for new players in the EV industry, especially recycling22:39 - Neuron's plans for entering the four-wheeler segment23:25 - Concluding remarks#EVBatteries #ElectricVehicles #IndiaEV #Neuron #StartupIndia #ElectricMobility #BatteryTechnology

June 25, 202540 min

#169 From Investment Banking to Food Processing | Atul Gupta | Bonvie Snacks | Ashish Airon

From Banking to Bites: Atul's Journey in Food Tech & Healthy Snacking | BlitzBusinessJoin Ashish on Blitz Business for an insightful conversation with Atul, a serial entrepreneur whose career spans investment banking, solar energy, and now, the cutting-edge world of food processing. Atul shares his passion-driven shift into the food industry, emphasizing the growing global demand for mindful eating and the immense opportunity to combat food waste.Atul elaborates on the company's dual business model, focusing on B2B bulk processing and private labeling, alongside the exciting growth of their healthy snacking brand, Bonvee. Learn about their strategy to deliver clean, additive-free products in a market increasingly valuing transparency.The discussion also tackles the competitive landscape, India's unique advantages in raw materials, and the challenges of market awareness. Atul offers candid insights into the economics of the D2C space, the balancing act between online and offline retail, and the future of quick commerce in India. Key Moments & Timestamps:0:00 - 0:14: Introduction to Atul's diverse background.0:14 - 1:14: Atul's career path: From finance to solar energy to food.1:14 - 2:22: Why Atul ventured into food business and the market for conscious eating.2:22 - 3:17: Addressing global food waste through advanced processing.3:17 - 4:03: How freeze-drying technology works and its wide applications.4:03 - 5:02: The science behind freeze-drying and its prevalence in instant coffee.5:02 - 5:46: Shelf life and nutritional benefits of freeze-dried products.5:46 - 6:35: Market for processed ingredients and advantages over frozen foods.6:35 - 7:44: Global and Indian market competitiveness in food processing.7:44 - 9:18: Launching Bonvee, the healthy snacking brand, and product diversification.9:18 - 10:55: The innovative "ice cream snacks" that don't melt.10:55 - 12:02: Unlimited possibilities with freeze-drying, including experimental food and beverage items.12:02 - 13:20: Freeze-drying vs. traditional dehydration: Superior taste and nutrition.13:20 - 14:13: Ready-to-eat Indian food and the absence of additives in their products.14:13 - 15:17: Customer perception and brand positioning against traditional restaurant tastes.15:17 - 16:24: Business model (B2B & private labeling) and focus on retail expansion.16:24 - 17:12: India's potential as a global food processing hub due to raw material advantage.17:12 - 17:55: Challenges of market awareness and adoption of new food tech in India.17:55 - 18:56: Growth of India's food processing sector and key competitors.18:56 - 19:54: India's competitive edge in raw material pricing for food processing.19:54 - 21:16: High capital investment in freeze-drying plants and operational efficiency.21:16 - 22:53: Overcoming market challenges and the evolution of consumer awareness.22:53 - 24:15: The role of government support and financing for food tech startups.24:15 - 25:28: Importance of solid business intent and financial discipline for investment.25:28 - 26:12: The profitability of their business and managing cash flow.26:12 - 27:05: Retail expansion into quick commerce (Blinkit) and hyper-local strategies.27:05 - 28:07: Understanding commission-based models with quick commerce platforms.28:07 - 29:28: High marketing costs in D2C and the importance of product quality.29:28 - 30:12: Comparison of retail margins in India vs. US.30:12 - 31:59: The changing retail landscape and the shift towards online commerce.31:59 - 34:50: The thesis of D2C and why online channels have become dominant.34:50 - 36:20: The future of food tech and the balance between online and offline channels.36:20 - 40:25: Conclusion and final thoughts on the future of food.:#FoodTech #FreezeDrying #HealthySnacks #FoodProcessing #IndianStartups #Entrepreneurship #BlitzBusiness

June 18, 202540 min

#168 The Rise of an Indian Cosmetics Brand | Himanshu Madnani | Shryoan Cosmetics | Ashish Airon

👉 If you're interested in **cosmetic brands, entrepreneurship, and the future of beauty Brand**, this is a MUST-WATCH! 👍 **LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE** for more deep insights into India's business landscape! Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more such stories 🎥✨© Podcast by Ashish Airon 🎙️ on BlitzBusiness Indian Podcast 🇮🇳. India's top business podcast, startup podcast, and entrepreneur podcast. 🚀Follow, like ❤️, and subscribe 🔔 to stay updated! 📢

June 2, 202531 min

#167 From Bihar Village to Rural Development Leader: SBI Fellowship Transforms Lives | Ashish Airon

From Bihar Village to Rural Development Leader: SBI Fellowship Transforms Lives | BlitzBusiness PodcastJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Gyan, an SBI Youth for India Fellowship alumnus who left his IT career to dedicate his life to rural development. From growing up in a small Bihar village with free education from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya to becoming a fellowship coordinator, Gyan shares the incredible journey of the SBI Fellowship program that's changing lives across rural India.🎯 What You'll Learn:How the 13-month SBI Youth for India Fellowship worksAmazing transformation stories from rural villagesHow urban youth are making real impact in remote areasThe courage to change career paths and find your purposeReal stories of lake restoration, women's livelihood programs, and community development🌟 Key Highlights:70% of fellows stay in development sector after completionFellows are placed far from their native states for maximum impactMonthly stipend of ₹19,000 plus language training supportWorking across 12 thematic areas from education to women empowermentThis episode is perfect for anyone considering a career change, looking for purpose, or interested in rural development and social impact.Guest: Gyan - SBI Youth for India Fellowship CoordinatorHost: Ashish - BlitzBusiness PodcastConnect with us:Subscribe for more inspiring business and social impact storiesFollow BlitzBusiness for entrepreneur interviews and startup insights#SBIFellowship #RuralDevelopment #CareerChange #SocialImpact #BlitzBusiness00:00 - 02:30 - Introduction & Gyan's background from Bihar villageJawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya education systemEngineering to social sector transition02:30 - 06:45 - The Challenge of Career DecisionsWhy people change paths after engineeringMaking decisions at 12th standard vs. later in lifeImportance of pursuing passion at any stage06:45 - 12:20 - What is SBI Youth for India Fellowship?Bridging urban-rural gap since 201113-month village immersion programConnecting passionate urban youth with rural communities12:20 - 16:10 - Top Issues in Rural IndiaEducation, health, livelihood as common challengesHow issues vary by location (water in Rajasthan)Fellow placement strategy across different states16:10 - 19:45 - Fellowship Structure & ExperienceLiving far from native state for cultural exposure12 thematic areas of workMonthly stipend of ₹19,000 plus language support19:45 - 24:30 - Transformation Stories: Lake RestorationSasank Singh's water project in RajasthanCommunity mobilization and crowdfundingLong-term impact on village ecosystem24:30 - 27:15 - Finding Purpose & Dealing with Being LostIt's normal to feel lost in careerImportance of trying different paths70% stay in development, 30% return to corporate with new perspective27:15 - 31:01 - Success Story: Women's Livelihood ProgramPratibha's knitting business in village200+ women now earning livelihoodFellow deciding to stay back permanently#SBIFellowship #RuralDevelopment #CareerChange #SocialImpact #BlitzBusiness#YouthForIndia #VillageLife #PurposeDrivenCareer #CommunityDevelopment #IndianPodcast #RuralIndia #SocialEntrepreneurship #LifeTransformation #FindYourPurpose #ImpactStories#CareerTransition #PodcastInterview #MotivationalStory #Rural Development #SocialService #PurposeOverProfit #ChangeTheWorld #IndianYouth #GivingBack #MakeADifferenceDescriptionKey Moments & TimestampsHashtagsPrimary HashtagsSecondary HashtagsTrending/Relevant Hashtags

May 26, 202532 min

#166 Bespoke Suits, Bollywood Celebs & Tailoring Secrets | Ravi Gupta | Gargee Designer's | Ashish Airon

🎬 Title:Bespoke Suits, Bollywood Celebs & Italy’s Tailoring Secrets | Ravi Gupta x Blitz Business📝 Description:From the streets of South Delhi to fashion ramps in Italy and London — Ravi Gupta of Gargee Designers reveals the hidden world of luxury men's tailoring.In this exclusive episode of Blitz Business, we dive deep into:The craftsmanship behind custom & bespoke suitsWhy Italian mills place their looms under mountainsHow Ravi built a designer brand from his father's legacy storeThe secrets behind dressing Bollywood celebritiesAnd why dressing well is a business power moveWhether you're a founder, fashion lover, or just curious about what makes a ₹50 lakh suit worth it — this one's a masterclass in legacy, craftsmanship, and vision.🔔 Subscribe to Blitz Business for more inspiring founder stories!🕰️ Key Moments & Timestamps (⏱ Duration: 32:40)00:00 – 02:05 → Introduction: Ravi Gupta’s Legacy & Gargee Designers02:06 – 05:40 → How Custom Menswear Works & Why It's Growing05:41 – 08:22 → Indian vs. International Fit: The Case for Custom08:23 – 11:00 → India’s Top 100 Tailors & Representing India at WFMT (World Cup of Tailors)11:01 – 13:55 → Secrets from Italian Mills & Why Italian Fabrics Reign Supreme13:56 – 16:40 → Bespoke vs. Made-to-Measure vs. Mass Market16:41 – 20:10 → What Goes into a ₹50 Lakh Suit – Savile Row, Zenya & Horse Hair Canvassing20:11 – 23:00 → Can Tech Replace Tailors? The Role of Machines vs. Humans23:01 – 26:00 → Building a Global Brand: Vision, R&D & Designer Machines26:01 – 28:45 → From Karan Johar’s Team to London Fashion Week28:46 – 30:30 → Why Dressing Well Builds Confidence & Business Presence30:31 – 32:40 → Ravi’s Mission: Dress 5,000 Entrepreneurs a Year🏷️ Hashtags:#BlitzBusiness #RaviGupta #GargeeDesigners #MensFashion #CustomTailoring #BespokeSuits #Entrepreneurship #FashionBusiness #MadeInIndia #KaranJohar #SavileRow #LuxuryMenswear #ItalianFabrics

May 12, 202535 min

#165 From Scientist to Entrepreneur India's First Gut Health Company | Dr.Debojyoti Dhar |Ashish Airon

From Scientist to Entrepreneur: Dr. Dhar on Microbiome Science & India's First Gut Health Company | BlitzBusinessIn this enlightening episode of BlitzBusiness, host Ashish interviews Dr. Debojyoti Dhar, founder of Leucine Rich Bio - South Asia's first microbiome company. Dr. Dhar shares his journey from molecular biology researcher to entrepreneur, explaining the revolutionary science of microbiome testing and how it's transforming healthcare in India. Learn about the gut-health connection, how your microbiome affects overall wellness, and the challenges of building a deep science company in India's startup ecosystem.Subscribe for more insights from India's most innovative entrepreneurs and business leaders!00:00 - Introduction and Dr. D's background as a scientist-turned-entrepreneur03:27 - What is microbiome? Understanding the science of gut bacteria06:15 - Lucenrich Bio: South Asia's first microbiome company08:42 - Bug Speaks: How the gut microbiome test works11:30 - DNA sequencing technology and its role in microbiome testing14:18 - How your diet affects your microbiome balance16:45 - From testing to solutions: The Rich Biome product line19:23 - COVID's impact on gut health awareness in India21:56 - Connection between Ayurveda and microbiome science24:10 - Kombucha and fermented foods: Benefits and limitations27:18 - The "one size doesn't fit all" approach to nutrition29:41 - Challenges of building a deep science company in India32:05 - Capital barriers for biotech startups compared to app-based businesses33:45 - Future plans: Expanding to skin, oral and vaginal microbiome tests#MicrobiomeScience #GutHealth #IndianStartups #Entrepreneurship #BioTech #HealthTech #Wellness #Probiotics #AyurvedaScience #BlitzBusiness