Kapil & Deepak Break Down Their Founder-Investor Dynamic After 8 Years of Friendship

The BarberShop with Shantanu

Not every founder finds the right investor. Not every investor bets on the right founder. In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome a BarberShop veteran, Kapil Chopra (Founder - EazyDiner and The Postcard Hotel). But this time, he is not alone. Joining him is his first ever investor and his very good friend, Deepak Shahdadpuri (Managing Director, DSG Consumer Partners). Why did Kapil and Deepak take 8 years to finally start a business together? Find out in this episode. This isn’t just an entrepreneurial conversation. It’s a masterclass on the kind of investor-founder friendship required for businesses to thrive even when the going gets tough. Takeaways from this episode:

• What do investors look for in a founder during a pitch?
• Why did Deepak NOT invest in Bombay Shaving Company?
• How to identify your Product-Market-Fit in a crowded market.

Kapil and Deepak’s story is a great reminder of why it matters who you surround yourself with. Who is that friend in your life you’d love to build a business with?

Navigate the episode

00:00 Coming up

01:00 Introduction

06:37 Founder-Investor Friendship

11:53 How did Kapil Identify Market Opportunities

14:46 The Evolution of Consumer Brands in India

17:21 Founding story of Sula

23:13 The Future of Consumer Brands in India

27:37 Veeba Funding Story

29:55 Why and how did Deepak Invest in EazyDiner

33:00 Finding the Right Investor-Founder Dynamics

38:00 How to Navigate Startup Challenges

53:53 Evolution of Investments in India

01:05:41 Maturity of Family Offices in India

01:17:28 The Art and Commerce of Consumer Brands

01:41:40 Importance of Aligning Incentives for Long-Term Success

02:01:33 Challenges in the Startup Ecosystem and Corporate Governance

02:05:46 How to Find the Right Fit in Teams

02:06:17 The Importance of Cultural Fit

02:10:15 Opportunities in Travel and Hospitality

02:17:09 Culinary Diversity and Innovation in India

02:21:16 Closing Thoughts