Four days ago, Mumbai-based founder Yash Gawde found himself at Bandra’s Subko Cafe soaking in priceless advice from VC friend. Their discussion centered around the critical role of storytelling in startup pitches—how clarity and courage can transform an opportunity. Fate intervened when Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath walked in with his group, just a fewfeet away. When prompted by his friend, Yash scribbled a simple but heartfelt note introducing his AI startup, BeHooked, and asked the cafe staff to deliver it.
Nikhil Kamath’s quiet gesture—a careful read, an appreciative smile, and a wave—seemed like a fleeting moment. Yet, it carried huge weight, reinforcing two big lessons: don’t waste a pitch, even if it’s unconventional; and ensure your story is genuine and clear. Yash’s approach, relying solely on honest words and initiative, stood out in a space often packed with glossy pitch decks and rehearsed presentations.
Read this:How Nikhil Kamath Reacted to the Founder’s Handwritten Note at a Mumbai Café
From One Post to a Flood of Investor Interest
That handwritten note, and the LinkedIn post recounting it, erupted into a viral sensation. Within 72 hours, Yash’s story was everywhere—industry news, social media, and the founder grapevine. His sentiment captured the mood: “For 17 months I’ve been grinding on BeHooked. Some days I thought I was the smartest guy alive, other days I felt like shutting shop. But last week? Easily the craziest high so far.”
Check his latest post on Linkedin:
Riding the wave, Yash quickly capitalized—he set up an investor interest form, expecting a few responses for a modest ₹25 lakh bridge round to keep growing before a formal seed round. Instead, almost overnight, investor interest soared well past expectations, oversubscribing the round to more than ₹6 crore.
He joked, “Now the problem is the opposite—too much money. And honestly? That’s the kind of problem I don’t mind. Now it’s on us to choose who brings real strategic value.” The challenge shifted from survival to picking the right partners—a kind of founder’s dream problem.
Lessons from the Indian Startup Ecosystem
Yash Gawde’s journey is more than a viral moment; it’s a snapshot of how hustle, authenticity, and a dash of luck can open real doors for entrepreneurs in India. In a space where everyone chases the “breakthrough moment,” sometimes all it takes is the courage to act, even if the circumstances aren’t perfect.
For founders, investors, and operators, this episode is a reminder:
- Take the shot, no matter how small or unusual the forum.
- Keep your narrative simple and true—it resonates much more than the most polished deck.
- Viral moments can catapult you, but sustained grit (those 17 months of grind) is what gets you ready for them.
- Ultimately, success is about matching opportunity with the right people—not just about raising money.
He Broke the internet?
Final Thoughts
From a handwritten note at a neighborhood cafe to a surge of fundraising interest, Yash’s story reflects the unpredictability and excitement of building a startup in India today. It’s proof that clarity, resilience, and smart timing still matter—and that sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs come when you’re ready to seize even the most unexpected chance.
