India’s startup ecosystem is evolving at lightning speed, and while the headlines cover unicorns and funding rounds, it’s the real, behind-the-scenes conversations that truly empower founders. That’s where podcasts come in.
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned founder, these top 5 Indian startup podcasts will offer you fresh insights, honest experiences, and the kind of real talk every builder needs.
1. Founder Fridays: Conversations with Rukam Capital’s Portfolio Founders
Best for: Founder journeys, venture capital, building consumer brands
Founder Fridays is a dynamic series dedicated to exploring the journeys, challenges, successes, and strategies of Rukam Capital’s portfolio founders. Each session features a mix of candid and professional conversations that provide valuable insights into the entrepreneurial landscape.
Designed specifically for founders looking to build and scale their startups, Founder Fridays offers a unique perspective on the VC-portfolio relationship, helping participants understand the nuances of collaboration between Rukam Capital’s portfolio founders and investors.
2. Founder Thesis by ThePodium.in
Best for: Deep-dive startup journeys and scale strategies
This podcast is known for going deep — not just into startup ideas, but into the mindset and mechanics behind successful founders. Each episode unpacks everything from early pivots to investor relations, making it ideal for anyone navigating India’s early- to growth-stage founder journey.
3. The Barbershop with Shantanu
Best for: Unfiltered founder conversations, leadership insights
Hosted by Shantanu Deshpande, founder of Bombay Shaving Company, this podcast is loved for its raw honesty. It’s the kind of podcast where founders talk about failure as openly as success — and where leadership, legacy, and learning intersect.
4. The Filter Koffee Podcast
Best for: Culture x business conversations
Hosted by Karthik Nagarajan, this one’s a favorite among brand-builders and marketers. While not strictly a startup podcast, the insights into Indian consumer culture, digital behavior, and brand storytelling are gold for entrepreneurs.
5. The Ranveer Show (TRS)
Best for: Founder mindset, wellness, and hustle inspiration
Ranveer Allahbadia’s show blends entrepreneurship with self-development, wellness, and personal growth. He regularly invites startup founders, creators, and thought leaders, making it a go-to for entrepreneurs who want to build holistically — not just in terms of revenue, but resilience.
Final Word
From funding to founder fatigue, branding to burnout, these five Indian podcasts are must-listens for anyone serious about entrepreneurship. They’re not just about tactics — they’re about truth. And in a noisy startup world, that’s what sets these shows apart.
So plug in, slow down, and soak up the stories that could shape your next big move.
