Over the past few months, I’ve been recognising our incredible volunteers. These individuals are often busy founders, operators, and VCs. Yet, they carve out time to empower our community with valuable insights, advice, and support. I truly appreciate each one of them!
Today, I want to shine a light on those who have helped me—my champions, cheerleaders, and advisors. These individuals have been my partners and friends, my guides and mentors. In the fading light of this year, I want to acknowledge those who encouraged me when my knees wobbled and offered their hands when I stumbled.
Two years ago, when I chose to step out of my comfort zone at Together to focus on curating our community, I felt unsure. Suresh Sambandam from KissFlow sat me down and shared some wisdom. While the specifics of our conversation have faded from my mind, one thing he said stuck with me: “This is your calling. Don’t ignore it.” He made it clear that he believed my purpose was to help founders unite and leverage their strengths to build a thriving community and movement that starts from India but is genuinely global. His guidance has been invaluable this year.
Destiny and fate are often intertwined, leaving me conflicted. I’m motivated by the idea that my choices shape my future. Every meeting I attend, and every connection I make is a step toward building my future. However, the universe has its way of nudging me in unexpected directions. Girish and Manav have been incredible conduits, advisors, and cheerleaders, supporting my ambition to build SaaSBoomi full-time despite my commitments with Together.
This year, they’ve helped steer my actions to benefit the community.
While Suresh and Manav are more visible, Krish has been my quiet guiding force behind the scenes. He is my late-night friend, coach, and partner. During moments of doubt, when I questioned my ideas and abilities, Krish was always there to take my call.
I am grateful to all of you!
However, it wouldn’t be fair to mention these four without acknowledging the GC, which plays a crucial role in shaping our present.
I can already picture Vinod feeling embarrassed as he reads the next part, but he’ll have to manage that! 🙂
I’ve known Vinod for a few years, and our connection makes it feel like we’ve been friends for a lifetime. Earlier this year, I struggled with some doubts and questioned myself. These thoughts were deeply personal, and I hadn’t shared them with anyone—neither my colleagues nor my family. Yet, Vinod sensed my unease and delivered a heartfelt, emotional monologue at the GC. He highlighted my strengths and our achievements, urging us to focus on our long-term goals and to double down on our efforts. By the end of that call, I felt a level of support I had never experienced. His charisma and humour make every conversation light and uplifting.
Running SaaSBoomi is like raising a child; it truly takes a village.
Next on my list are my village elders, which is the perfect way to describe them. Many are probably around my age or younger, but wisdom isn’t just about time spent—it’s about how we’ve lived.
Ashwini, Shekhar, and Mohit have been my trusted village elders since we began this journey.
- Ashwini, throughout this year, you’ve believed in my instincts and decisions. You’ve never second-guessed me; your unwavering support and encouraging words mean the world to me!
- Shekhar, you’ve always been straightforward with me, never shielding me from the hard truths. Whenever I needed feedback, you delivered it gently but honestly. You’ve coached me to think strategically and tactically, and I know I can always rely on you.
- Mohit, my friend, you’re the visionary in my life! You constantly zoom out to view my ideas in ways I could never have imagined. Like me, you put India first, and every little effort contributes to realising our country’s potential, which inspires us both!
And to my fantastic team at SaaSBoomi, you’ve been my rock. I’ve become a more effective leader because you’ve helped me find my voice, learn from my mistakes, and support my wild ideas. Together, we’ve dreamed the impossible and made it happen!
None of this would have been possible without each of you. I bow my head in gratitude to you all.
I can’t wait to see you in 2025!
From the Author:
SaaSBoomi began in 2015 as a small gathering of ~50 founders, and today, with over 500 events across three countries and countless lives touched, we’ve only just scratched the surface.
None of this would have been possible without the unrelenting passion of our 125+ volunteers — the lifeblood of SaaSBoomi.
Their contributions go beyond effort; they’ve built a community bound by camaraderie, empathy, and a shared vision for a Product Nation.
Pay it FWD is my tribute to every pay-it-forward champion I’ve encountered on this incredible journey.
Their contributions to SaaSBoomi and the broader ecosystem have been immeasurable, yet there remains a story left to be told — one that echoes the impact they continue to create.
