What happens when a Ukrainian 🇺🇦 software engineer becomes a father and decides to change the world?

🚀Denis Yakovenko, CEO of Faster Than Light (FTL), shares the exact moment that transformed him from employee to entrepreneur—and how he built a company that helps startups launch products at record speed.

🔥 WHAT WE COVER:The personal catalyst that made him quit his job Why startups beat big corporations in the talent war Building through COVID-19 and the Ukraine war His unconventional approach to leadershipWhy he refuses to have role models The future of product development

💡 KEY INSIGHTS:→ Why people matter more than company prestige→ How global crises can accelerate startup growth→ The real cost of leaving employment for entrepreneurship→ Building resilient teams in uncertain times→ Why speed beats perfection in today's market

🎯 PERFECT FOR:✅ Developers thinking about starting a company✅ Entrepreneurs navigating crisis and uncertainty✅ Startup founders scaling their teams✅ Anyone seeking authentic entrepreneurship stories

Denis doesn't sugarcoat the journey—he shares the real risks, the failures, and why surrounding yourself with the right people matters more than having a perfect business plan.

🔗 CONNECT WITH DENIS:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ydionis/
FTL Website: https://fasterthanlight.me/

In this milestone 25th episode of Startups Dil Se, host Anthony Prakash sits down with Earnest Sweat, a distinguished venture capitalist from the Bay Area who exemplifies authentic leadership in the investment world. Earnest opens up about his remarkable journey from Little Rock, Arkansas, to the heart of Silicon Valley, sharing how his parents—a computer science graduate and dedicated educator—instilled in him the values of lifelong learning and investing in others' success.

What You'll Learn:

• How a transformative summer in New Delhi, India, led Ernest to discover his true calling in venture capital
• The honest story behind his failed startup experience and the invaluable lessons it taught him
• Why "learning velocity" is the critical skill every founder needs in today's rapidly changing market
• Ernest's vision for Stresswood and how he supports founders who can navigate dynamic challenges
• The importance of resilience, discernment, and having a clear "why" in both investing and entrepreneurship
• How to build strong, adaptable teams that thrive through uncertainty

Earnest's path from equity research analyst to failed founder to successful VC offers powerful insights into the art and science of investing. His humility, combined with deep wisdom about market dynamics and human potential, makes this conversation essential listening for founders, investors, and anyone navigating career transitions.

This episode explores the intersection of personal growth, professional success, and the evolving landscape of venture capital through the lens of someone who's lived every side of the startup ecosystem.

Guest: Ernest Sweatt, Venture Capitalist at Stresswood
Host: Anthony Prakash

Connect with us and share your thoughts on social media using #StartupsDilSe

Startups Dil Se is a podcast dedicated to authentic conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators who are shaping the future of business. New episodes drop every 2 weeks.
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Join Startups Dil Se hosts Riddhi Gore and Anthony Prakash for a fascinating conversation with the team behind Safi - an innovative startup tackling the intersection of climate change and public health.

University of Waterloo graduates Miraal Kabir(CEO), Daria Margarit(COO) & Martin Turuta(CTO) share how their journey began with a UN climate challenge and evolved into a mission to prevent disease outbreaks in East Africa, where drought conditions are forcing a shift to camel milk with higher disease risks. 

The founders discuss their clever solution: a smart pasteurization control unit that ensures milk safety without destroying nutrients. They reveal the challenges of introducing new technology in regions where 80-90% of milk flows through informal markets, and how their pilots in Rwanda and Kenya shaped their approach.

You'll hear about the technical innovations behind their device - from automated whisking to 
temperature monitoring and data tracking capabilities that provide oversight throughout the supply chain. Plus, discover their expansion plans beyond East Africa to countries like India and Pakistan, and their exploration of applications for different milk types.

This episode offers rare insights into social entrepreneurship, appropriate technology design, and what it takes to make a meaningful impact on global health challenges accelerated by climate change.

Listen now to be inspired by these young innovators and their journey from university case competitions to tackling one of today's most pressing public health issues.

Watch episode at https://startupsdilse.com

In this insightful episode, host Anthony Prakash sits down with Vishal Modi, Founder & CEO of Spoonified, who is pioneering smart utensils to transform how we track nutrition and develop mindful eating habits.

Episode Highlights: Vishal shares his personal journey from struggling with weight management as an immigrant to founding a company that addresses the "mile zero problem" in nutrition tracking. Drawing on his extensive background at tech giants like Motorola and Lenovo, he explains how his engineering expertise helped bring Spoonified's vision to life.

The conversation explores how Spoonified's smart utensils go beyond simple calorie counting by identifying food, measuring portion sizes, and monitoring eating speed—providing real-time haptic feedback to promote mindful eating. Vishal also discusses how their technology will evolve into a comprehensive ecosystem including smart plates and cups, all communicating to provide holistic nutritional insights.

With clinical trials scheduled and a soft launch planned for Q3 2025, Vishal offers candid reflections on the entrepreneurial journey, market validation strategies, and how user feedback is actively shaping their product roadmap. He also reveals plans for their AI-powered nutritional advisor that aims to democratize access to personalized nutrition guidance.

Don't miss this fascinating look at the intersection of technology and nutrition, and how one entrepreneur's personal struggle inspired an innovative solution that could change how we approach healthy eating.

This week, we welcome Gina Elmanasterly, the visionary founder and CEO of FULLY FYNE, who's changing the haircare game for people with fine hair everywhere.

Coming from a lineage of entrepreneurs, Gina's business acumen was shaped by watching her grandfather and father build their own ventures. These early influences planted the seeds for her own entrepreneurial journey, which began taking shape even during her college years.

What makes Gina's story compelling is how FULLY FYNE was born from frustration. When battling dermatitis, she discovered a market saturated with steroid-heavy treatments unsuitable for her fine hair. After connecting with others facing the same dilemma, she identified an untapped opportunity.

Despite having no background in the beauty industry, Gina partnered with a chemist to develop a steroid-free hair mask. From humble beginnings—personally packaging and shipping orders—to now selling through QVC and building robust social media communities, her growth trajectory demonstrates the power of solving real problems.In this honest conversation, Gina shares her entrepreneurial rollercoaster, including:

• The exact moment she realized FULLY FYNE needed to exist
• Navigating the challenges of entering an unfamiliar industry
• How she built her initial customer base
• Her vision for expanding the FULLY FYNE product line
• The critical role her family plays in her success

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, have fine hair struggles of your own, or simply love stories of innovation born from necessity, this episode offers valuable insights into turning personal challenges into business opportunities.

Listen now to be inspired by Gina's journey from frustrated consumer to industry innovator.

Subscribe to our podcast for more stories of entrepreneurs transforming their industries through creative problem-solving.

Checkout FULLY FYNE
https://www.instagram.com/fullyfyne/
https://www.tiktok.com/@fullyfyne
https://www.qvc.com/beauty/fully-fyne/_/N-rhtyZ1xzo92n/c.html

Join us for an insightful discussion with Jason L Zimmerman, Founder and Chief Strategist of 3Fold Collective, who brings a revolutionary approach to business strategy by combining psychology, economics, and organizational sociology. Based in Chicago, Jason's journey begins with a childhood passion for economics, sparked by helping his mother with everyday math problems.

After completing his undergraduate studies at Indiana University and earning his MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, Jason honed his expertise in Fortune 500 strategy consulting before founding 3Fold Collective. His firm now helps businesses of all sizes leverage the power of interdisciplinary approaches to organizational development.

In this episode, Jason unpacks his thought-provoking "1+1=3" philosophy and explores the practical applications of Social Network Analysis in modern change management. Our conversation delves into how these frameworks are revolutionizing traditional business thinking and preparing organizations for future challenges.

We conclude with a fascinating discussion about AI's emerging role in organizational strategy and its potential to transform how businesses approach complex challenges. Whether you're a business leader, consultant, or interested in organizational development, this episode offers valuable insights into the science behind successful business transformation.

Sebastian Sulma, a Czechxican serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist, has founded Cuid, a startup dedicated to making security technology affordable and accessible globally. Motivated by personal experiences with crime, Sulma is leveraging advanced AI and hardware solutions to address safety challenges. Key Highlights of Cuid:

• Quarterly revenues exceeding $100,000
• Raised approximately $800,000 in investments
• AI-powered software and hardware platform
• Initial market focus on Mexico, with plans for international expansion

In our in-depth conversation, Sulma shared insights into Cuid's unique market positioning, current customer base, and growth strategy. Drawing from his extensive venture capital experience, he is positioning Cuid to become a unicorn by addressing a critical global need for affordable, innovative security solutions. The startup represents more than a business venture—it's a mission-driven approach to leveraging technology for community safety, rooted in Sulma's multicultural background and entrepreneurial spirit.

From building apps for Indian farmers to revolutionizing podcast production with AI, Sachin Gaur's journey exemplifies purpose-driven innovation. In this episode, we sit down with the founder of Ukumi.ai to explore how his 'tinkerer' mindset and passion for solving real-world problems have shaped his entrepreneurial path.

Sachin takes us through his evolution from an Adobe engineer to a serial entrepreneur, sharing candid stories about the personal experiences that sparked his ventures - including Mobile Harvest and Samajh.ai. We discuss his transformative time in Finland, where conversations with tech pioneers from Nokia, CERN, and Aalto University reshaped his approach to innovation.

We also dive into Sachin's current venture, Ukumi.ai, which is already making waves with its AI-powered media processing technology. Learn how his team secured their first international client and a $500K investment round while staying true to their vision of democratizing content creation.

Listen in as Sachin shares his reading recommendations and explains how figures like APJ Abdul Kalam and JRD Tata have influenced his leadership style.

Meet the visionary behind Africa's cross-border payment revolution. In this compelling episode, Tope Alabi, Co-founder and CEO of Afriex, shares his extraordinary journey from winning the visa lottery to building a FinTech powerhouse that's transforming how millions handle international transactions.

Tope's story begins with a life-changing moment: his mother's sudden announcement that they'd be moving to America in just four days. This unexpected twist set him on a path that would eventually lead to creating Afriex, a platform now serving over 40 countries. We explore how Tope's deep understanding of blockchain technology and his personal experiences with cross-border payments inspired him to develop a groundbreaking solution using stablecoins.

You'll hear about the serendipitous meeting with his co-founder at a Facebook hackathon, their remote journey through Y Combinator during the pandemic, and the bold decision to establish Afriex's headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.

But this isn't just a story about technology – it's about family, roots, and giving back. Tope shares how his entrepreneurial mother shaped his vision and why returning to his childhood home of Lagos was crucial for his mission. 

With over 70 employees and a unique culture of ownership, Afriex is redefining what's possible in African FinTech. Whether you're an entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or simply love stories of innovation and impact, this episode offers valuable insights into building a company that truly makes a difference.

Meet the man behind Nokia's phenomenal success in India during the telecom revolution of the late 1990s. ⁠Chandan Chatarjee⁠ joins us for a riveting conversation about building markets from scratch, navigating complex business landscapes, and transforming challenges into opportunities.In this episode, Chandan takes us through his remarkable journey from the Tata Group to becoming a key architect of Nokia's unprecedented growth in India.

 With candid storytelling and rich insights, he reveals how Nokia tackled fierce competition, managed relationships with service providers, and overcame numerous obstacles to become a market leader.But this isn't just a story about past successes. Chandan shares his fascinating transition to the Nordic region, where he discovered a unique work culture and startup ecosystem that captured his imagination. Now an active investor and mentor to startups across the Nordics and India, he offers valuable perspectives on what makes the Nordic startup environment so special and why government support is crucial for fostering innovation.

Looking toward the future, Chandan explains his bullish stance on healthcare technology and why he believes it's poised for significant growth. The conversation wraps up with our signature "Dil Se Questionnaire," where he opens up about his career inspirations, shares his go-to book for wisdom, and reveals the best career advice that shaped his journey.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or simply curious about the intersection of technology, culture, and business, this episode offers valuable lessons from one of industry's most experienced voices.

In this compelling episode , we sit down with Venkata Chunduru, a visionary engineering leader who has been quietly revolutionizing India's transportation and infrastructure landscape for over two decades.

As the Director and Head of India Operations at Arcadis IBI Group, Venkat offers an unprecedented look into the complex world of infrastructure development, innovation, and technological transformation.

Key Highlights:

• A 25-year journey through mobility and construction
• Insights from landmark projects like the Worli Bandra Sealink
• The groundbreaking story behind India's first RFID tolling system (FastTag)
• Cutting-edge AI traffic management in Bengaluru

Listeners will be inspired by Venkat's academic journey at IIT Bombay, where he was mentored by Professor PK Sikdar, choosing the path of infrastructure engineering over the lucrative software industry. Special Segment: Dil Se Questionnaire Venkat opens up about:

• His deepest professional inspirations
• Career-defining moments
• Personal reading recommendations
• Wisdom for emerging professionals

Bonus: Hear about his recent recognition as a 2024 ET EY Infrastructure Awards winner—a testament to his outstanding contributions to India's technological evolution.

Perfect for:

• Engineering enthusiasts
• Infrastructure professionals
• Startup founders
• Anyone curious about technological innovation in India

 Listen now and discover the human story behind India's infrastructure transformation! 

#EngineeringIndia, #Infrastructure, #Innovation, #CareerJourney, #TransportationTech, #IndianEngineering, #AITraffic, #InfrastructureAwards, #startupsdilse, #entrepreneur, #india, #bengaluru

Join us for an electrifying conversation with Ralph Gootee, Co-founder and CTO of TigerEye, as he shares his extraordinary journey from creating animated blockbusters at Pixar to revolutionizing business strategy through AI technology. In this episode, you'll discover:

• How a chance meeting sparked a $875M startup success
• The inside story of PlanGrid and its game-changing impact on construction technology
• Insights into building TigerEye: An AI platform transforming strategic decision-making
• Technical deep dive into Flutter and open-source innovation
• Y-Combinator advisor wisdom on startup growth

Built with cutting-edge technologies like #flutter and featuring an open-source DuckDB.Dart API, TigerEye is reimagining how companies leverage data for growth. Learn how unexpected connections and a passion for solving complex problems can lead to remarkable entrepreneurial success!

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or business leader, Ralph's story offers unprecedented insights into turning complex challenges into breakthrough innovations.

What happens when frustrated doctors decide to fix healthcare technology themselves?

In this fascinating episode, we dive into the world where medicine meets code with two remarkable physician-entrepreneurs who are tackling one of healthcare's biggest headaches: broken software systems. 

Meet Dr. John Manning and Dr. Grey Faulkenberry, who split their time between saving lives in emergency rooms and building MayJuun, a startup that's revolutionizing how medical data moves between hospitals. They share raw insights about why doctors are drowning in after-hours paperwork (known as "pajama time"), and how this digital burden is pushing medical professionals to their breaking point. But this isn't just another tech story. It's about doctors building for doctors, understanding the pain points from the frontlines, and creating solutions that actually work in the real world of medicine. Our guests break down complex topics like FHIR (healthcare's data standard) into digestible insights and share their vision for a future where technology enhances rather than hinders patient care.

Key Conversations:

• Why current healthcare software is failing both doctors and patients
• The real cost of poor tech on physician mental health and patient care
• How MayJuun is building doctor-friendly solutions that just work
• The open-source revolution in healthcare tech (FHIR-FLI)
• What's really happening behind the scenes in hospital IT systems

Whether you're in healthcare, tech, or simply curious about how innovation happens in complex industries, this episode offers unique insights into the intersection of medicine and technology. Listen in as we explore how these physician-founders are working to give doctors more time for what matters most: taking care of patients.

#StartupsDilSe #HealthTech #DigitalHealth #MedTech #StartupStories

Ever had that sinking feeling something's wrong with your boat? This week, we're trading land for water as we chat with Matija Jasarov, Co-founder and CEO of VisionAnchor, who turned a frightening personal experience into a game-changing solution for maritime safety.

In this episode, you'll hear how a successful music and video producer pivoted to maritime tech after his anchored boat drifted perilously close to shore during what should have been a relaxing swim. Learn how this wake-up call led Matija and his co-founders to develop a smart anchoring system that's making waves in the boating industry.

We dive deep into:

• The dramatic origin story of VisionAnchor
• How their smart anchor monitoring system works
• The challenges of building hardware startups
• Slovenia's emerging startup ecosystem
• The unexpected environmental impact of proper anchoring
• Key lessons for entrepreneurs navigating uncharted waters

Whether you're a boating enthusiast, tech founder, or simply love a good startup story, this conversation about innovation, perseverance, and making our waters safer is one you won't want to miss.

Available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop every Sunday.

From the high-stakes trading floors of Goldman Sachs to revolutionizing investment access in India, Ram Tulluri's journey is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

As the founder of Shrish Infotech and creator of WealthUpp, Ram is tackling a crucial challenge: while India's NIFTY 50 has delivered 20X returns since 2000, 95% of Indians haven't participated in this wealth creation.In this episode, Ram shares his transition from IIT Madras to Wall Street, and ultimately to founding a fintech startup in Hyderabad. He breaks down how WealthUpp is democratizing mutual fund investing through its innovative app, making systematic investing accessible to every Indian. With India projected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2050, Ram's vision of inclusive wealth creation couldn't be more timely.

You'll learn:

• Why Ram left his successful Wall Street career to start WealthUpp
• How small, consistent investments (just ₹100/day) could grow to ₹1 Crore over 15 years
• The technology behind WealthUpp's soon-to-be-patented investment algorithms
• Practical insights into building sustainable investing habits
• Ram's perspective on India's economic trajectory and the opportunities ahead

Whether you're an aspiring investor, fintech enthusiast, or startup founder, this conversation offers valuable insights into building products that drive meaningful social impact.

Revolutionizing Digital Identity with Port's CEO Aniruddh Balasubramaniam

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Aniruddh Balasubramaniam, the visionary CEO of Port by Numberless, who's on a mission to transform how we manage our online identities.

Episode Highlights:

• The COVID-19 lightbulb moment: How pandemic contact tracing exposed the need for better digital identity solutions
• From frustration to innovation: The birth of the Port Protocol and App
• Cryptography meets convenience: How Port eliminates the need for phone numbers in online identities & verification
• The power of partnership: Aniruddh's collaboration with his lifelong friend to bring Port to life
• Startup struggles and triumphs: Aniruddh's journey as a first-time CEO
• The unsung heroes: How family support fuels entrepreneurial success

Aniruddh takes us through his journey from a math grad at the Indian Institute of Sciences to a tech entrepreneur tackling one of the digital age's most pressing issues.

Learn how Port is leveraging cutting-edge cryptography to put users back in control of their online identities. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a privacy advocate, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of digital identity and the realities of startup leadership.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about innovation, perseverance, and the power of turning everyday frustrations into world-changing ideas.

In this episode, we sit down with Shiti Rastogi Manghani, the CEO of STEPN by Find Satoshi Labs (FSL). A true trailblazer , Shiti's journey from consultant to CEO is nothing short of remarkable.

Episode Highlights:
Shiti's impressive career trajectory, including her transition from consulting to leadership roles in the CPG industry
The founding of Breathe Happy  during Covid-19, revolutionizing at-home fitness with ML and AI 
Her decision to join forces with FSL(Find Satoshi Labs) and her rise to CEO
The groundbreaking success of  STEPN and its impact on the fitness and Web3 markets Insights into starting a venture and overcoming blockchain skepticism
Shiti's approach to building great company culture
Valuable advice for founders and women in tech
A sneak peek into STEPN Go

About Shiti : Shiti Rastogi Manghani is a groundbreaker, recognized with awards such as: UK Government's Exceptional Talent 2021 WomenTech Network's "Women-Led Tech-Startup of the Year 2020" Finalist for Microsoft's "Entrepreneur of the Year 2021" She's been named a "Woman to Watch" in HealthTech, a "Trailblazer" in Digital Longevity, and a "Fem Foundry Leader" in digital technology. Her insights have been published in Hackernoon and featured across various health and tech platforms.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation. Tune in to hear Shiti's story of innovation, perseverance, and success in the ever-evolving world of Web3 and fitness technology.

In this captivating episode, we continue our conversation with Sabari Raja, Managing Partner at JFF Ventures, as she shares invaluable insights from her journey from entrepreneur to venture capitalist.Sabari dives deep into the world of startups and VC, offering:

• Essential advice for new entrepreneurs
• The critical importance of personal connection to your startup idea
• Eye-opening perspectives on women in the startup ecosystem
• Strategies for overcoming challenges faced by women founders
• Insider look at JFF Ventures' unique investment principles

Drawing from her rich experience, Sabari discusses how much entrepreneurs should care about the problem they're tackling and the circumstances that birth great startup ideas. She candidly shares her personal experiences as a woman in tech and VC, shedding light on industry data that often stacks against women founders.

But Sabari isn't just highlighting problems – she's actively working to change the narrative. Learn about her mission to empower women in tech and how she's leveraging her role at JFF Ventures to make a difference.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned founder, or simply curious about the inner workings of the startup world, this episode offers brilliant insights and inspiration. Tune in to discover how Sabari's unique perspective as a former entrepreneur shapes her approach to venture capital and drives her mission to support the next generation of innovators.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation that could reshape your understanding of entrepreneurship and the VC landscape!

(Note: This is Part 2 of our conversation with Sabari Raja. Check out Episode 8 for the first part of this inspiring discussion.)

Episode Overview
In this special two-part episode of the Startups Dilse Podcast, we bring you the inspiring journey of Sabari Raja, Managing Partner at JFF Ventures. Host Anthony sits down with his former SMU B-school classmate to uncover a story of determination, innovation, and success against all odds.

Part 1: Breaking Barriers and Building Dreams Sabari Raja's story is one of relentless pursuit and unwavering spirit.

In this episode, we explore:

• Her humble beginnings as a farmer's daughter in rural Tamil Nadu, India
• The courage it took to leave home and pursue higher education at Louisiana State University
• Her foray into the world of Educational Technology at Texas Instruments
• The entrepreneurial spark that led to the founding of Nepris, bridging the gap between students and professionals

Sabari candidly shares the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the support system that kept her going. Her journey is a testament to the power of stepping outside one's comfort zone and embracing new challenges. Quotable Insights

• "My biggest cheerleader has always been my husband"
• "My first big lesson learned is If I'm partnering with someone, I need to make sure that both of us are able to take the same level of risk"

Why Listen
This episode is more than just a success story; it's a masterclass in grit, willpower, and the relentless pursuit of one's goals. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a student looking for inspiration, or someone facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Sabari's journey offers valuable insights and motivation.

Coming Up in Part 2
Stay tuned for the second part of our conversation with Sabari, where we'll dive into her transition to venture capital, her role as Managing Partner at JFF Ventures, and her perspectives on supporting the next generation of founders. Don't miss this compelling two-part series that proves no dream is too big and no starting point too small when you combine passion with perseverance.
#StartupStories #WomenInTech #EdTechInnovation #VentureCapital

Ever struggled to find decent housing? Samir Aliyev and his friends did too - and they decided to do something about it. In this eye-opening chat, discover how a group of frustrated UBC Okanagan students transformed their rental woes into RentalHunt, a groundbreaking platform that's shaking up the rental housing market.

🎓 Discover how RentalHunt:

• Transforms the "First Come, First Served" model into "Best Come, Best Served"
• Connects top renters with quality landlords
• Evolved from hackathon victories to a successful Kelowna launch

👤 Get to know Samir:

• His upbringing in Azerbaijan
• Childhood influences and life principles
• Vision for RentalHunt's company culture

Don't miss this captivating story of determination, innovation, and the power of solving real-world problems!