Welcome to Indian Startups's Private Community

Providing Analytical Insights to Startups that are just Starting up, to help them realise their true potential! Let’s connect!

Product analyst

Providing Analytical Insights to Startups that are just Starting up, to help them realise their true potential! Let’s connect!- Grapevine

So, I am an analytics guy with almost 5.5 YoE under my belt. My latest transition was to Phonepe that I made this year (feeling shitty here already, given the kind of work creating almost no impact)
I saw a post on LinkedIn where the CEO of this startup recently raised some pre-seed funding (~1.5mn). Since I was following them for almost 6-7 months before this, I reached out to the founder on LinkedIn. 
We first had a virtual call where we got to know each other and after that discussion, he called me over to his place where we further talked about the idea, the scope and the future while also discussing what I could bring to the table. Post that, we met again, and this time with the other co-founder who deep-dived a slight bit into the tech stack that I had worked on.
It seems that all is going well, but the founder, in the first face to face meeting told me that for the time being (for almost the next 3-4 months), he'll be able to pay me a monthly amount which is less than half of my current in hand pay, post which it'll be reviewed and adjusted accordingly. How do I negotiate this now? Also, since the team size is super small (only 5 full time folks and one customer support part timer), how do I negotiate on what equity I take (looking for a benchmark number here)?

Joining an early stage startup - Need guidance

Analyst

I know we all somewhere deep down in our minds are thinking of starting up something new, some crazy SAAS that would disrupt the market, and make you a founder overnight ! But the friction is way too much, mostly because we are surrounded by people who don’t think the same way, who are stuck in the trap of 9to5 like us, but are also satisfied with it ! 
So I am calling out all the people who may have some crazy idea, or maybe don’t even have and idea ? Just a crazy will to build something of their own !! Let’s connect and spend more time with people who think like you and want to reach somewhere! 📈

Looking for people who want to startup!

Software Developer

I want to start my own startup . Want to connect with same mindset people

Welcome to Software Engineers's Private Community

Hey folks, i m a wannabe be entrepreneur. My reasons are simple I like problem solving and I want to create a secondary source of income. How do you find those problems? I feel you guys stumble upon problem statements through your own experiences. Ohh and one more thing, if there are any solopreneurs here on grapevine, let me know your thoughts as well as your journey too. Cheers :)

For the startup founders

Software Engineer

I've been in startups for the last 8 years. From Series B/C onwards to even a unicorn, over time worked at 3. 
One of them was an outright scam, raised many millions of $s from top investors, and then ultimately died. 
Also close with CXOs at decent sized startups, and there is a pattern out there. 

A few thoughts:
1. Being a startup founder is tough. There's pain. Some people thrive in pain. AKA Masochists. Know how to spot a founder who works 15 hours a day because they love their vision vs. somebody who works 15 hours a day because they're masochists. These people thrive in pain, and hence love to see you miserable as you slog away the hours under their leadership. 

There is absolutely no vision for the future that they have. They do it for the fame, money, and cause a lot of pain in the process. Nothing good comes out of it. Investors love this breed.
   
2. I wish I'd done more than just leave the scammy startup. At the point, I decided against whistleblowing. Because I thought there's so many people employed here, they would all be impacted. Over time, 200-300 people more joined after I left. Once the scam was caught, all of them lost their jobs.
   
3. I'm not a coder. I'm a generalist. Over time, my pay grew but not in line with my peers who went into consulting/VC and then came back to big tech/startups. Over time, you disadvantage yourself if you stick around as a generalist in startups for too long. The next team pays you at some premium over the last one, there's no step jump. 
You need to somehow find a successful startup early, and genuinely, that is impossible to game - even VCs have to bet on 20 to get it right.

These are a few disjointed thoughts. I hope they give some insight.
My only takeaways:
- If you work at a scammy startup, don't stand it. At least, don't stick around. 
- I earn lesser than my peers (tier 1 undergrad), but I regret nothing. I love my work, and I'll never get over the kick. I cannot imagine working at a larger company ever again.
- Ultimately, you have to be optimistic. Believe that India will grow, good founders will come around, magic will happen ❤️

PSA: What 8 years in startups have taught me

A startup with experienced folks and a well defined set of roles and responsibilities >>> one where we're all "a family"

Founder

I've been observing a concerning trend lately on this platform, and I believe it's high time we rethink the way we treat startup founders. Take a moment to consider the dedication and courage it takes to leave a secure job and venture into the world of entrepreneurship. 

I feel Companies like Dukaan, AppX etc were unnecessarily mocked here based on one side of opinion,
I've had the privilege of working closely with a startup's CTO for the past two years, and it's been an eye-opening experience. Startups are like fragile ecosystems where every member plays a crucial role. However, what I've noticed is that sometimes employees who find it challenging to keep up with the dynamic startup environment tend to cast blame on the founders and the company culture.

Let's remember, every startup is a journey of learning, growth, and innovation. Founders make mistakes, learn from them, and strive to create something meaningful. They invest their time, energy, and resources into building something from scratch. Instead of mocking them, we should applaud their courage and determination.
But, what's even more disheartening is the toxic behavior exhibited by some employees here on Grapevine. It's disheartening to see individuals intentionally targeting someone's reputation due to personal grudges. Instead of resorting to negativity, let's try to understand the challenges startup founders face. Put yourself in their shoes; empathize with the pressure, uncertainty, and sleepless nights they endure to bring their visions to life.

We should strive to be a community that supports and uplifts one another, especially those who are trying to make a difference in the business world. Let's promote constructive criticism and empathy, recognizing that we all have our unique journeys, struggles, and successes.

#SupportStartups #EmpathyMatters #GrapevineCommunity 🌟

Embracing Empathy and Entrepreneurship on Grapevine 🌱

Backend Engineer

Hi everyone,

I've recently become fascinated by startup culture and am eager to build something meaningful and inspiring. 

Can you recommend resources or communities where I can learn about tech startups, discover new and emerging startups, and understand what makes them successful? I'm looking to immerse myself in a community that lives and breathes startups.

Thanks!

Startup Ideas and research

Salesforce Developer

Hi, I am new on this app and I have come on this with a motive to do something. I am thinking of starting my own startup and if anyone who want to start his career comment below. I don't have any plan and ideas , join me and then we can discuss and start everything from scratch.
I may not be able to pay you and will not promise that I cant fulfill in the starting but  I promise if the startup succeeded you will also grow.

Thinking for Starting a startup

What all ideas you came across recently that you found very interesting? I am just looking to get some perspectives.

start up ideas

I know this will sound like a very biased opinion but just sharing my 2 cents of today’s market.

The way with highest probability of success, money and ensuring a better future for your future generations is to startup.

It has the highest risk, highest reward. But in today’s landscape: where inflation is always higher than your hike, there’s no guarantee of employment even in next 1 years, the effort to remain in top 1% is humongous and many other reasons like that, really make me feel that if you’re able to start a company and even capture 0.1% of market who’s willing to pay something for your service/product, that’s all you need. Of course the struggle doesn’t end there and you have to keep working for as long as possible? But your capacity to earn and provide for generations to come is much higher than working for someone else.

All disagreement is welcome :)
Just tired of running this race for years now and still never feeling financially secure.

The guaranteed way to success (if there’s one)

It depends, founding a startup is a 24/7. For me, I need the time that 9-5 jobs provide after work for my health issues. Also my current company is doing a lot of layoffs so everyday I start with uncertainty and anxiety, but cannot quit cos I need the income. We are definitely moving backwards in growth in this corporate slavery, expensive education and inflation. In India, Our entire identities is based on our jobs as though your life is useless if you don’t have one!!

Senior Designer

Hi guys,
are there startups who help someone who like to start a small business, while working full time.
I know there are lot of startups who will provide help with marketing, accounting, legal, web development, sales 
but what I'm looking for platform which can provide me all the resources along with mentor/guide who will guide throughout the process
What I will bring to table- small capital say<10L, time resource over the weekend, problem solving mindset 
What I want from the startup- experiment with different ideas and come up with the one which will be best suited for my personality/profession/background, for example if I'm from Jaipur highly likely I would like to start something there, I might not be available physically.

Startup who help people start small business from idea to execution

Product Manager

What are the startups that I can invest in

So I was running a startup but it got failed in June. Since then, I have been looking for a job in a startup or VC. But, there are very less openings in Business Analyst, Finance, and Investment Analyst roles.

Does anyone know startups or VCs hiring for the above roles?

Startup got failed, not getting any job

Equity Research

I work at corporate and i really want to move into a startup, i have about 2 years of work ex, can anybody help me find a startup job in the tech space?

Hey folks,
2023 graduate here; been working in a startup for around 1.5 years now (including 6 months full time internship) 

At the moment, I am currently looking for something challenging to solve and be a part of small early stage startup. 
Is someone here aware of any reputed early stage startup (team with enthusiastic folks and pays well) hiring for SDE full time roles.

Thanks!

Looking out for an early stage startup to join!

What are the most important factors to consider before joining a startup?

Welcome to Product Managers's Private Community

Seeking a product leadership position in a startup that's at series A+ level, where I can directly work with passionate founders. I'm keen on joining teams that are genuinely adding value and scaling sustainably. Any recommendations for standout startups or exceptional founders to connect with?

Reason for Series A+, I also need a decent pay.

Which Startup is a Must-Join?

Creating this thread to help the laid off folks look for their next company.

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