Unlocking Startup Growth: Key Insights and Practical Steps by Ms. Sai Sudha
In a dynamic and highly practical 30-minute session, Sai Sudha Nunna, startup mentor and founder coach, led an insightful discussion with early-stage entrepreneurs on their journey through a startup growth program. The session focused on honest reflection, actionable insights, and immediate next steps — creating a space for candid learning, shared challenges, and growth strategies.
The Power of Being Camera-Ready
One of the first points Sai Sudha emphasized was the importance of getting comfortable on camera. In today’s virtual-first business world, video sales calls, webinars, and investor meetings are the norm. Being confident and natural in front of the camera is essential for building trust and making strong connections.
She encouraged participants to overcome self-consciousness about how they appear on video, reminding them that “the camera shows you differently than a mirror.” The 8-week program, she explained, is the ideal space to practice and build this confidence before engaging with real clients or investors.
Three Reflective Questions for Founders
At the heart of the session were three guiding questions that prompted participants to assess their progress and mindset shifts:
- How has your thinking changed since the start of the program?
- What has turned out to be harder than expected?
- What now feels more real or achievable than it did at the beginning?
These questions led to rich reflections and real-world takeaways from multiple participants.
Founder Reflections: Growth Through Realization
Phanidhar Varanasi shared that he initially approached his startup casually, but has since adopted a more structured and serious outlook, especially after learning about customer interviews and validation techniques. He found the technical execution — particularly developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) — harder than anticipated due to the lack of modular resources. However, he now sees his product’s scalability as far more real, even if profitability will take longer to achieve.
Dr. Suryadeep Majumder highlighted the contrast between background research and actual execution. Thanks to mentor guidance, he has taken concrete steps forward. His greatest challenge has been balancing his startup with a full-time job. Still, the impact he’s already seeing — especially among his students and community — has made his vision more tangible.
Sanjib Kumar Mahapatro acknowledged a false assumption: that there was little competition for his idea. A deeper analysis revealed strong competitors in India and abroad. He also faced challenges developing a prototype without upfront investment and realized that AI models demand very specific training. Building partnerships, especially in sensitive domains like healthcare, proved harder than expected due to data privacy concerns.
Strategic Advice: From Vision to Execution
Drawing on these stories, Sai Sudha offered three core pieces of advice:
- Get Comfortable Talking About Money
Founders must learn to confidently discuss finances, pricing, and investment. While humility is admirable, understanding and communicating the monetary value of your skills and product is key when approaching investors. - Use Mentors and Peer Collaboration
Many challenges can be solved faster by tapping into your network. She suggested creating a shared document where founders can offer and seek help, leveraging the skills available within the group. - Find Complementary Co-founders or Partners
Don’t try to do everything alone. A co-founder who complements your strengths can move the vision forward more effectively. She emphasized the value of having “50% of a big pie rather than 100% of a small one.” The progress made by Karthika Mariyala’s team served as a powerful example.
Action Tasks: Homework for Real Progress
To convert insight into momentum, Sai Sudha assigned four practical tasks for every founder to complete:
- Talk to One Hesitant Target User
Identify someone you’ve avoided speaking to — perhaps due to fear or insecurity — and engage them. Don’t pitch; validate. Ask what they really think about your product and find the gap. - Run a Small Test
Design and execute one tiny test — it could be a product demo, a social media campaign, or a mock pitch. The goal: fail fast or validate fast. - Take the Energy Test
Ask yourself: does this idea energize or exhaust me? If it’s draining your energy, something needs to change — whether it’s the approach, the team, or the product. Sustainable startups are fueled by founders who are genuinely excited about their mission. - Craft Your Product’s Value Statement
Develop a one-line statement (ideally 6 words, max 15–20) that answers:
“What value does a customer get if they buy from you?”
Leave out the tech specs and focus only on the customer benefit. This will be your anchor at the upcoming Spark Lab event.
Final Thoughts
This expert session served as both a mirror and a compass — helping founders evaluate where they stand and where they need to go next. With the right mindset, peer collaboration, and consistent reflection, early-stage entrepreneurs can not only overcome roadblocks but build resilient and meaningful ventures.