I’d never imagined writing onboard an aircraft, but there’s a first time for everything.
I’ve been on the move over the last four weeks, thanks to the eleven magnificent editions of SaaSBoomi Social, which have now become nothing less than a pan-India release. Every other day was a new city, and it’s unfortunate that we get to do this only once a year. That, I’m sure, will change in the coming months.
The energy and camaraderie showcased by every single chapter reaffirm why SaaSBoomi is an outlier—a community that stands out as an example not just in India but across the world.
It’s fascinating to meet so many founders across cities, each with its own unique flavor, truly representing the deep-rooted values of their regions. This diversity is what makes India the most rare and dynamic geography in the world, and I’m truly proud to say this.
In the past weeks, I have collectively met at least 600 founders, with over 90% of them talking about their AI advantage. The quick pivots and adaptability in motion showcase the resilience and disruption-proof mindset of our startup ecosystem—something that inspires SaaSBoomi to do even more in 2025.
As I write this, my thoughts go back to my meeting with Deepak Dhanak of DocuX—a steadfast Gujju and an extremely smart finance guy with deep product and legal knowledge. A bootstrapped founder whose product was significantly disrupted by advancements in AI, he didn’t choose to pivot blindly but instead gave—and continues to give—his best shot.
“I do not want to put my baby on a ventilator and watch it suffer in every possible way. I’d rather give it a peaceful end and let it be remembered as the strong one that stood tall before falling,” he told me, his eyes beaming with the valour of a thousand lions.
In my 20+ years of community building, trust me, I have seen so many startups on the ventilator. But this guy—letting it all go with both practicality and passion—stands out as one of the strongest forces in the face of the disruptions ahead.
This is our startup ecosystem. This is India. Today and forever. Resilient, relentless, and—my God—a force of revival!
I’ve now landed in the US for a new dawn for SaaSBoomi. More on that in my next edition!
