✨Nivaaz Sehmbhi

"If It’s Out of Your Hands, it deserves Freedom from Your Mind too." As startup founders, we often find ourselves staring into the chaos of the unknown - markets we can’t predict, customer behaviours we can’t control, and external events that seem to play dice with our efforts. The uncontrollable feels like a shadow we must outpace. But here’s the paradox: The more we focus on what we can’t control, the more we weaken our grip on what we can. A wise approach to startup success and leadership begins with radical clarity. Imagine you’re building a fortress in a storm. You can’t stop the wind, but you can build stronger walls. You can’t prevent the rains, but you can lay a foundation that absorbs and remains steady. The same is true for your startup.  Control what is in your grasp: • Perfect your product, not the whims of the market. • Build a team that thrives on adaptability, not perfection. • Focus on serving your customers core needs, regardless of the surrounding noise. In my book #FounderUp, I write that this philosophy is not just about strategy; it’s about mental resilience. By choosing to own the controllable, you not only calm your mind but inspire your team. They look to you for strength during challenges—your focus sets the tone for theirs. Remember, hoping and wishing are distractions, disguised as effort. Real success lies only in the persistent optimization of what’s within your hands. As founders, we must accept one truth: life will throw its storms. What matters is how well our ship is built. Trust in your preparation, adapt with courage, and let the rest unfold as it may. So, founder friends,  Remember not all motion is progress - sometimes we have to just drop anchor and stay steady, wait for the storm to pass and the fog to clear up. Let's FounderUp :) #Saathi #TheSaathiApp #StartupMindset #FounderUp #LeadershipTips #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #StartupSuccess #MentalClarity #BuildStrongTeams #EntrepreneurMotivation #FoundersJourney #AbHongeKamyaab

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These optimisations to clean up and remove 137 animations reduced 20393 lines of code from this well-known Australian scaleup website 🥲 🤠 When you're a startup/scaleup, your ability to scale your site efficiently means: - You'll have better conversion rates (quicker website) - Quicker page speeds - Easier to scale your pages for SEO, content etc. - Google will love your website! When you're a startup/scaleup, scaling your website is a really important part of the marketing function, and neglecting the foundations comes back to bite you in the future, it is worth getting a website partner to help with scaling your site, not just the branding agency who do websites on the side

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🔥 Unpopular Opinion: Australia's Fractured Fintech Ecosystem As a Fintech founder or community member to go to all the major events this month you're looking at circa $1K minimum, even more if you're not a startup founder. 💰 Now it's not a HUGE amount of money but that's just June, there's multiple events throughout the year. 🤝 Now all of these events are great opportunities for networks to grow, deals to be done and partnerships to be formed and should be attended. They're organised by passionate and great people. 🤗 But there's lots of talk about Fintech struggles of late and how as a community we can band together and help increase funding, talent and growth of Fintech in Australia. 🤯 We have multiple communities, awards, summits (including a new one last week), newsletters, memberships and then there's other communities for cyber, regtech, proptech, insurtech, crypto and on and on and on the list goes. 👊 And I'm not naive as to how we got to where we are, and I'm certainly not diluting the value each community or event brings, we all love a good backslapping. It's just appears to be overly complex for our size of market. So it beggars the question, do we need micro communities, with different audiences, agendas, voices? And as a Founder how do you determine where to spend your hard earned $ and get the best bang for buck? #australia #fintech #events #community #networking

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Failure, its something every start-up founder is scared of, but only when you admit it's gone to Poops can you regroup and make a (better) plan, in Aotearoa. I learnt a heck of a lot though. - show value FAST - people ARE prepared to pay .. - you need WAY more runway than you think - build networks BEFORE LANDING - taking investment is not bad as long as everyone has the same values - I like people allot more than I thought. #startuplife #failure #lessonslearnt

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Forget the "next big thing" – there's gold in the fundamentals. As founders of Seeders, we often get bombarded with messages about disruption, unicorn startups, and revolutionising industries. But what about those backbone businesses? Manufacturing. Distribution. Services. They're not always flashy, but they're vital. Here's the thing: You don't need a radically unique idea to break through in these sectors. Sometimes, it's about taking a basic problem that's been around forever and finding a fresh, better solution. ➡ Case in Point: #Refeel Awards ⬅ Early on, I realised the awards manufacturing sector was...let's just say it wasn't known for its innovation. Unreliable suppliers, lack of transparency, the same tired designs. It was a pain point, but also an opportunity. We didn't reinvent the trophy. We brought tech, streamlined processes, and relentless focus on customer service to a traditional industry. The result? Today, we are one of the India's top awards manufacturer. Success in "fundamental" industries is about: Seeing the overlooked problems: What do customers take for granted as "just the way things are"? Fix that, and you've got an edge. Execution over flash: Maybe your solution isn't about AI or blockchain. But if it's superior quality, reliability, or simply doing things better – you'll win. Passion for the "unglamorous": Love revolutionising supply chains? Obsessed with finding the perfect widget supplier? That enthusiasm is infectious and builds businesses. What's a "fundamental" industry that's ripe for a shakeup according to you?  👇 #entrepreneurship #innovation #manufacturing #MSME #RefeelAwards

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Third Wave Coffee - IS IT A GAME CHANGER FOR STARTUPS LOOKING OUT FOR WORK SPACE ?? Imagine sipping on a perfectly brewed cup of coffee while brainstorming the next big idea for your startup. That’s the magic Third Wave Coffee brings to the table—literally! As a work space, Third Wave Coffee is more than just a cafe; it's a hub for innovation, collaboration, and productivity for '8 Minutes' and countless other startups across India. Why Third Wave Coffee is an Ideal Workspace : Ambiance that Fuels Creativity: The calming yet vibrant atmosphere, complemented by aesthetic interiors and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, creates an environment conducive to creative thinking and focus. Flexible and Accessible: With outlets across major Indian cities, Third Wave Coffee provides accessibility for entrepreneurs who are constantly on the move. Its pay-as-you-use setup makes it a cost-effective alternative to traditional office spaces. Networking Opportunities: These spaces naturally attract a community of like-minded individuals—freelancers, startup founders, and creative professionals. Such serendipitous encounters can lead to meaningful collaborations and partnerships. Great Coffee and Fuel for Work: Let’s not forget the star of the show—the coffee! High-quality brews keep the energy levels up during long work sessions, while their food menu ensures you stay nourished. A Game-Changer for Co-Working Spaces? While co-working spaces have been a go-to for startups, Third Wave Coffee presents an intriguing challenge: Affordability: Startups can save on expenses by opting for a pay-as-you-go model, especially in their early stages. Location and Convenience: With cafes located in prime urban areas, accessibility is often better compared to some co-working spaces that are situated on the outskirts of cities. Comfort and Casual Vibe: The informal setting of a cafe can sometimes be more inviting and less intimidating than a structured office, fostering open conversations and creativity. However, it’s not without its challenges. Cafes may lack private meeting rooms, high-speed internet consistency, or the community-building initiatives that dedicated co-working spaces offer. Yet, they serve as an excellent option for teams looking for flexibility or individuals seeking a refreshing change of scenery A Final Thought: Third Wave Coffee’s unique blend of great coffee and an inspiring environment is transforming the way startups in India work. While it may not replace co-working spaces entirely, it certainly offers a fresh and flexible alternative. So, the next time you’re looking for a workspace, why not grab your laptop and head to the nearest Third Wave Coffee? Who knows, you might just brew your next big idea over a cup of their signature flat white! #coffee #startups #workspace #culture #entrepreneur Third Wave Coffee Third Wave Coffee Roasters Third Wave Coffee Company

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Bryan Johnson thinks ageing is a choice. And he’s betting millions on it. Bryan Johnson is pushing the limits of what’s possible. Not in tech this time, but in biology. At 46, the founder of Braintree (which was bought by PayPal for $800M) has launched Project Blueprint to tackle the one thing money can’t buy: Time. He’s spending millions yearly, aiming to reverse his biological age. Johnson claims that he has the: → Skin of a 28-year-old → Heart of a 37-year-old → And the lungs of an 18-year-old His philosophy? If you treat your body as the most valuable asset, it will be more rewarding than any investment. His daily routine consists of: - 111+ pills - Intensive health monitoring - A dedicated team of doctors tracking organ performance Bryan's protocol may not be possible for the average person. But his journey is forcing the world to rethink what’s possible in health & wellness.

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The mixer was a bang, but what's next? Cohort 2 is in the 3rd month and is about to start placements. What are we trying to do to maximise value for upcoming and current cohorts? > Big partnerships coming on the way! > Demo day happening with a bang in January. > Trying to bring in sales leaders to have interactive sessions. The complete focus is on building a value-led brand and possibly generating the best results. Cohort 3 is getting built, and the kind of talent we can cater to is beyond expectations Applications are open, and the last 20 seats remain. Apply here:- https://lnkd.in/dxitXA78 PS: The photo gives a hint about an upcoming collaboration. Nikhil Gaur Simar Sekhri Naksh Wadhwa Anupreet Singh 📈

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In startups, choosing your advisors wisely is key. Shoutout to Anup Khera who’s been transforming how we think about GTM at Uhubs as one of our NED / Advisors the past 18 months. Anup has experienced most of the headwinds experienced on the startup journey. It's rare to find an Advisor who doesn't just sprout strategic 'tips' but also likes to roll up his sleeves and brings practical insights from the market. If you’re not following Anup yet, you should be. #shoutout #advisor #appreciation

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One piece of advice if you are creating content today: In a world where content supply is infinite and discovery is the core challenge. Go more niche. Be super verticalised on the topic you cover. Get 1,000 people to truly love your work. #founder #funding #business #investing #vc #venturecapital #entrepreneur #startup

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Why is taking grant money from the Australian goverment detrimental to lean startups? #AskGPT #FatBureaucraticStartup #ObeseStartups #FakeEconomy #AustralianStartup #LeanStartup #DeathByForms #WasteOfTime #LeanStartup Taking grant money from the Australian government can be seen as detrimental to lean startups for several reasons: 1. **Loss of Agility**: Lean startups thrive on agility and the ability to pivot quickly based on market feedback. Grant funding often comes with specific conditions and reporting requirements, which can slow down decision-making and hinder flexibility. 2. **Dependency on Funding**: Relying on government grants can create a dependency that detracts from the startup’s motivation to achieve sustainable revenue. Startups may focus on meeting grant criteria instead of building a viable business model. 3. **Misalignment with Lean Principles**: Lean startups emphasize customer discovery and validation. Government grants may incentivize startups to focus on meeting funding milestones rather than directly addressing customer needs. 4. **Increased Bureaucracy**: Navigating the application process for grants can be time-consuming and bureaucratic, taking time away from core business activities. This can be especially challenging for startups with limited resources. 5. **Limited Market Signals**: Grants can distort market signals. If a startup is funded by a grant, it may not be compelled to seek market validation as aggressively as a self-funded startup, potentially leading to a misalignment with actual market demand. 6. **Expectations and Pressure**: Grant funding often comes with expectations from the government for job creation or technological advancement, which can pressure startups to scale prematurely or in directions that may not align with their strategic goals. While government grants can provide valuable support, it's essential for lean startups to carefully consider the implications and ensure that any funding aligns with their long-term business objectives and lean methodologies.

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"Business is tricky, but we have seen this movie before. We must ensure that decisions are not made from a place of fear." In today's economic climate, this statement couldn't be more relevant. New Zealand is grappling with a technical double-dip recession, marked by back-to-back GDP contractions due to rapid interest rate hikes​. The recent economic challenges, including inflation and a sluggish recovery, have put many businesses in a difficult position​ However, history has shown us that fear-based decisions can lead to suboptimal outcomes. In these challenging times, it’s crucial to: Stay Informed and Agile: Keep up with economic trends and adjust your strategies accordingly. Focus on Long-term Goals: Short-term pressures shouldn't distract us from the bigger picture. Stability and resilience are key. Innovate and Adapt: Embrace new technologies and practices to stay competitive. New Zealand businesses have faced tough times before and emerged stronger. By avoiding fear-driven decisions and focusing on strategic growth, we can navigate this tricky business environment and thrive. If you are feeling STUCK taking a CALCULATED Risk can pull you out of a rut!

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Hey startup founders! Are you trying to figure out the best way to reward and retain your hardworking team? 🌟 Look no further! We’ve got the scoop on Company Share Option Plans (CSOPs) and Share Incentive Plans (SIPs). These share schemes are fantastic tools to incentivise your employees, keep them motivated, and ensure their goals are aligned with your business objectives. But which one is right for your startup? 🤔 Our latest Quick Insight breaks down the benefits of each to help you make the best decision for your team and your startup's future. Ready to learn more? Take a read: https://lnkd.in/eccfJJNJ

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Meet Cheryl Kellond 💎, a 3X founder, having previously built Bia sport, the #1 rated fitness wearable on Amazon, and Apostrophe, which she scaled to $10M in ARR. Now she's building Play Money!, an investment platform enabling everyday angels to build a diversified startup portfolio without making angel investing a full-time job. Cheryl and I share a passion for unlocking angel dollars to get more capital to underrepresented founders, so I couldn't be more excited to highlight her and what she's building! In this episode we chat about: 💫 How and why she started investing with just $1.5-$2.5K checks 💫 The most common mistakes angel investors make 💫 Raising $20M during her career from investors like M13 💫 + so much more Check out our full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/gpNbjzSm #invest #venturecapital #startups #vc

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The suggestion to first-time founders is to approach funding strategically rather than seeking to secure all necessary capital in one go. Founders must convey trust and confidence to investors, demonstrating a commitment to building a scalable and profitable business, rather than appearing driven by short-term financial gain. Investment firms often advise raising a smaller initial amount to complete your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or market launch and to gain initial validation. Typically, raising enough to cover 12-18 months of the runway is advisable, allowing you to achieve key milestones and demonstrate traction. Once you achieve PMF, raising a subsequent round of funding becomes considerably easier and more advantageous. The increased valuation at this stage is beneficial for securing the necessary capital and enhancing the long-term value of your startup. Therefore, it is a win-win strategy: securing an initial, smaller round to prove your concept and then leveraging that success to raise a larger round at a higher valuation. #startups #investment #angelinvestment #venturecapital #fundraising #vcworld

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I see a lot of founders whinging about the current government of the day and their policies towards startups. You may very well be right, this post isn't about my views on that... ...this post is about how you build your startup. If you've done it, so all it takes is a couple of different policies or a new government, and all of a sudden your business is flailing at the knees.... ...Well you built the wrong startup. You relied to much on government gifts, handouts and favourable terms (things like EIS, allowances, etc). All those can change, at the whim of someone you don't control. So if you did that... It's on you - take ownership. Oh and while you are at it - pay your staff properly too.

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🚀 Transform One Meeting a Month into Massive Engagement 🚀 Imagine trading just one mundane meeting a month for an opportunity to supercharge your brand on social media. That’s exactly what our new Creator Packages at Trapdoor Productions offer. After two decades of producing top-notch videos for big corporates, I finally found the time to work on my personal brand. Now, I’m committed to helping founders and busy executives craft powerful content that fuels business growth.💪 The outcome? A 5x boost in LinkedIn engagement in just 30 days! Interested in learning more? Send me a message or drop a comment below. Let's make your brand shine! 💥 #TechEntrepreneur #ContentCreation #ThoughtLeadership #LinkedInGrowth #TrapdoorProductions #BrandBuzzing #BusinessGrowth #PersonalBrand #VideoProduction #ContentStrategy #SocialMediaMarketing

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