Not-So-Common Common Sense

Exitfund
  • 0.0 (0)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

We welcome you to the Exitfund Podcast. Through this podcast series, we explore everything associated with building and growing companies. You will learn to avoid common investment pitfalls, uncommon strategies, and tips from the makers of the startup ecosystem. The podcast episodes belong to three clusters: startups stories, controversial topics of discussion, and conversations with guests. Every episode is a deep dive into gathering insights and gaining knowledge, giving you valuable takeaways for your startup journey. Tune in and learn something new every week!

  1. Is AI the Only Villain Behind Tech Layoffs? Inside an Ex-Oracle Employee’s Story

    2D AGO

    Is AI the Only Villain Behind Tech Layoffs? Inside an Ex-Oracle Employee’s Story

    Most conversations around layoffs focus on headlines, numbers, and panic. Very few explain what is actually happening inside companies, how decisions are made, and what it means for the people affected. In this episode of the ExitFund Podcast, Akanksha, a former employee at Oracle Corporation, shares her first-hand experience of navigating layoffs, job uncertainty, and the changing dynamics of the tech industry. From cracking IIT to landing a dream job, and then facing sudden layoffs, she breaks down the reality behind job security in today’s market. The conversation explores how companies are restructuring for AI, why layoffs are often strategic rather than performance-based, and how professionals can adapt to survive in an increasingly competitive environment. In this episode, we cover: The reality behind mass layoffs and cost-cutting strategies How AI and automation are reshaping the workforce Why companies hire and fire in cycles The truth about job security in big tech companies Freelancing vs full-time jobs in a high-risk market Which roles are most at risk in the AI era The problem of salary drops after layoffs and market competition Why upskilling is no longer optional but necessary Follow the ExitFund Podcast for more real insights on startups, tech, and the future of work.

    31 min
  2. The Biggest Mistake Brands Make in Marketing

    APR 7

    The Biggest Mistake Brands Make in Marketing

    Most marketing conversations focus on ads or viral campaigns. Very few explain what truly drives growth, the balance between awareness, storytelling, and conversion. In this episode of the ExitFund Podcast, Srishti Rawat shares her experience in retail and breaks down how modern marketing actually works. From campaigns and influencer collaborations to full-funnel strategy, she explains why marketing is not just about selling, but about building long-term brand recall. The conversation explores how brands evolve with changing audiences, how Gen Z is reshaping marketing, and how companies like GAP and Apple stay relevant. In this episode, we cover: The role of marketing, influencer strategies, and full-funnel thinking Balancing awareness and sales for long-term growth How GAP and Apple stay relevant in changing markets The impact of Gen Z on marketing and brand loyalty Standing out in competitive industries and handling knockoffs ROI, brand recall, and why trust matters more than short-term sales Follow the ExitFund Podcast for more insights on startups, technology, and emerging industries.

    24 min
  3. AI vs Creativity: Will Game Developers Be Replaced By AI?

    MAR 31

    AI vs Creativity: Will Game Developers Be Replaced By AI?

    Most conversations around gaming focus on graphics, engines, or big-budget titles. Very few explore what actually drives game development, the blend of passion, storytelling, and technical execution behind it. In this episode of the ExitFund Podcast, Vimarsh Sharma shares his journey into game development and breaks down how the industry really works. From discovering game programming during engineering to navigating real-world challenges, he explains why game development is less about tools and more about mindset. The conversation goes beyond careers into how games are built, how markets evolve, and how emerging technologies like AI, AR, and VR are shaping the future of interactive experiences. In this episode, we cover: How passion and early gaming experiences shape game developers Why many big-budget games fail despite strong engineering The rise of Indie developers and community-driven platforms like itch.io How games like Baba Is You redefine creativity in game design The growing importance of co-op and social gaming experiences like It Takes Two How AI could transform NPC behavior and game worlds in the future The impact of geopolitics and global events on the gaming industry Why Indian education systems are not aligned with industry needs How aspiring developers can enter the industry through game jams and communities Follow the ExitFund Podcast for more insights on startups, technology, and emerging industries.

    43 min
  4. 90% Startups Fail: Manas from PedalStart Explains Why Product-Market-Fit Is The Reason

    MAR 24

    90% Startups Fail: Manas from PedalStart Explains Why Product-Market-Fit Is The Reason

    Most startup conversations focus on funding rounds, valuations, and success stories—but very few talk about the hardest phase: the journey from idea to product-market fit. In this episode of the ExitFund Podcast, Manas Yash Sunita Pal, Co-Founder of PedalStart, breaks down why the pre-seed stage is where most startups struggle—and often fail. From finding the right co-founder and validating the problem to getting the first customers and raising early capital, this phase is filled with uncertainty and critical decisions. PedalStart is building a founder-first ecosystem that supports startups in this exact phase, helping them move from ideation to early traction with hands-on guidance across product, growth, hiring, and fundraising. Why the pre-seed to seed journey is the hardest phase for founders The real reason 90% of startups fail globally Why product-market fit matters more than funding Why execution is more important than pitch decks The difference between India and US startup ecosystems Whether AI funding today is hype or real opportunity Why India 2 and India 3 will drive the next wave of startups How investors should think about diversification and exits Follow the ExitFund Podcast for more insights on startups, AI, and investing. In this episode, we cover:

    31 min
  5. Are We Solving the Wrong Problem in Indian Agriculture

    MAR 17

    Are We Solving the Wrong Problem in Indian Agriculture

    India’s agriculture sector supports over 50% of the workforce, yet most farmers still struggle with one core issue: getting fair prices and reliable market access. Despite decades of reforms and rising startup activity, these problems remain largely unsolved. In this episode of the ExitFund Podcast, Abhinav Ahluwalia, founder of Kiwi Kisan Window, shares how his venture is addressing these long-standing challenges by building a farm-to-consumer model that focuses on value addition at the source. We explore why simply increasing production has not improved farmer incomes, how supply chain inefficiencies impact pricing, and why quality-driven agriculture may be the future. Kiwi Kisan Window works closely with farmers across India to improve market linkage, ensure better pricing, and rediscover indigenous food products, creating a more sustainable and transparent agricultural ecosystem. In this episode, we cover: Why many farmers still struggle to sell at the right price How improving products at the farm can increase farmer income The difference between growing more vs growing better quality How farm-to-consumer startups are changing how food reaches people Why India’s strength is in quality and traditional food systems What really happens after getting exposure on Shark Tank Follow the ExitFund Podcast for more conversations on startups, AI, investing, and building impactful companies.

    32 min
  6. AI vs Therapists? The Future of Mental Health Care

    MAR 10

    AI vs Therapists? The Future of Mental Health Care

    Mental health support is one of the largest unmet healthcare needs globally. As awareness grows, millions seek help for anxiety and stress, yet access to qualified therapists remains limited and expensive. In this episode of the ExitFund Podcast, Pranav Gupta, Global Head at Wysa, explains how AI-powered platforms expand access to emotional support while maintaining clinical safety by combining AI with human therapists. We discuss how Wysa uses CBT-based frameworks, why enterprises are becoming the main distribution channel, and why guardrails and risk detection are critical for AI in mental healthcare. Wysa has already supported millions of users across more than 95 countries, demonstrating how AI can democratize access to mental health support while complementing, rather than replacing, professional therapy.

    28 min
  7. How One Niche Market Can Build a Scalable Million-Dollar Brand

    MAR 3

    How One Niche Market Can Build a Scalable Million-Dollar Brand

    Entrepreneurship is often glamorized as scale, funding, and hype. In reality, sustainable businesses are built on focus, operational discipline, and clear market positioning. In a global footwear market projected to surpass $750 billion by 2030, even large industries leave profitable niche segments underserved. In this episode of the ExitFund Podcast, Avi Kumar, Founder of House of Avi, explains how identifying a specific gap extended and wider footwear sizes led to building an international, bootstrapped brand. By controlling manufacturing in India, maintaining fair pricing, and focusing on durability over trend cycles, House of Avi competes globally without venture capital backing. Alongside entrepreneurship, Avi also shares insights from his industrial relations and HR consulting work in Australia, emphasizing productivity, accountability, and disciplined workforce management. The conversation breaks down how niche dominance, supply chain control, pricing strategy, and strong people management can turn a focused idea into a scalable, million-dollar business. Follow the ExitFund Podcast for more conversations on startups, operators, and founders building real businesses under real-world constraints.

    30 min
  8. India’s Data Boom Is Creating a New Billion-Dollar Cloud Infrastructure Market

    FEB 24

    India’s Data Boom Is Creating a New Billion-Dollar Cloud Infrastructure Market

    The cloud is no longer just infrastructure. It's a national strategy. With India pushing data localization mandates, healthcare compliance frameworks like DISHA, government-hosted cloud requirements, and tax incentives for foreign cloud providers entering the market, the country is entering a decisive phase in its cloud evolution. In this episode of the ExitFund Podcast, Chandni Jagga, Founder of Cloud Minister Technologies, breaks down: • Why data sovereignty is driving hyperscaler expansion in India• How Indian cloud providers compete and collaborate with global giants like AWS and Google Cloud• Why healthcare and fintech are leading cloud adoption• The real cost difference between on-premise infrastructure and scalable cloud services• Why Cloud Minister chose to stay bootstrapped in a capital-intensive industry She also breaks down how small and mid-sized businesses should choose between owning hardware and using cloud providers and why scalable flexibility often beats ownership. As India accelerates toward a compliance-driven, GPU-powered hybrid cloud future, this conversation highlights where the real opportunity lies. Follow the ExitFund Podcast for more conversations on startups, infrastructure, and the systems shaping India’s economic future.

    25 min
See All (235)

About

We welcome you to the Exitfund Podcast. Through this podcast series, we explore everything associated with building and growing companies. You will learn to avoid common investment pitfalls, uncommon strategies, and tips from the makers of the startup ecosystem. The podcast episodes belong to three clusters: startups stories, controversial topics of discussion, and conversations with guests. Every episode is a deep dive into gathering insights and gaining knowledge, giving you valuable takeaways for your startup journey. Tune in and learn something new every week!

Information