Introduction
From leading corporations to empowering founders at the grassroots level, Ninad Karpe’s journey is a reflection of India’s evolving startup story. As the Founder and Partner at 100X.VC, Karpe has played a pioneering role in shaping early-stage venture capital, most notably with the introduction of ISAFE notes—a funding instrument tailored to the needs of Indian startups. In this exclusive conversation with The Indian Startup Times, he discusses his shift from boardrooms to board decks, the importance of founder resilience, and why storytelling matters just as much as spreadsheets in today’s entrepreneurial landscape.
From CEO to VC: Supporting the Zero-to-One Journey
Karpe’s transition from a successful corporate career to the high-risk world of early-stage venture capital was rooted in a desire to contribute at the foundational level. “I wanted to work closely with founders from day one, supporting the zero-to-one journey that is often the most challenging,” he shared. His prior experience as a CEO gave him unique insight into organizational scale and structure, helping him recognize what it takes to turn a spark into a sustainable business.
The ISAFE Revolution: Making Fundraising Founder-Friendly
One of the most significant contributions by 100X.VC to India’s startup ecosystem has been the introduction of ISAFE (India Simple Agreement for Future Equity) notes. “Fundraising for early-stage startups was often mired in complexity. We needed a simpler, faster, and founder-friendly solution—and ISAFE was our answer,” he said. Inspired by similar models in Silicon Valley but adapted for Indian regulations and norms, ISAFE notes have become a game-changer, making it easier for startups to secure funding without the burden of early-stage equity valuation.
What 100X.VC Looks for in a Founder
When it comes to startup selection, Karpe emphasized clarity of purpose and problem-solving. “We’re not looking for startups chasing trends. We want founders solving real-world problems,” he said. The sectors he finds most promising? Agri-tech, logistics, and deep tech manufacturing—areas where Indian innovation has the potential to lead globally. But beyond the idea or industry, one key factor stands out: resilience. “We observe how founders respond to feedback. It reveals their ability to adapt and stay committed when things get tough,” he added.
Frugality, Focus, and the Post-COVID Founder Mindset
Post-pandemic, Karpe has observed a refreshing change in the mindset of early-stage entrepreneurs. “There’s a greater emphasis on frugality and ROI-driven decision-making,” he noted. This maturity, he believes, is a sign that India’s startup ecosystem is entering a more disciplined, sustainable phase. At 100X.VC, this change is met with structured support: founders receive help with branding, go-to-market strategies, and tactical decision-making—ensuring they’re not just funded, but also guided.
The Theater of Startups: Storytelling and the Human Touch
A lesser-known facet of Karpe’s journey is his involvement in regional theater. This passion, he explained, informs his approach to evaluating startups in the media, creator, and consumer-facing spaces. “A startup pitch is ultimately a story. Founders need to connect emotionally with their customers. That’s where the humanities come in—even in tech,” he said. His belief in the intersection of STEM and the arts underscores a broader theme: innovation thrives at the crossroads of disciplines.
On Reinvention and Resilience: Lessons from ‘Born to Baba’
Karpe’s book, Born to Baba, explores the role of resilience in personal and professional life. Drawing parallels to the James Bond franchise’s continual reinvention, he believes that adaptability is the most vital trait a founder can possess. “No matter how brilliant the idea, success lies in solving one customer problem at a time,” he said, offering advice to first-time entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
As India’s startup ecosystem enters a new phase—defined by sharper focus, deeper resilience, and bold new ideas—Ninad Karpe stands at the intersection of capital, creativity, and conviction. His journey from CEO to VC, his efforts to simplify early-stage fundraising, and his unwavering belief in founders’ potential continue to shape the entrepreneurial future of the country. At 100X.VC, the mission is clear: back the doers, guide them well, and help them tell stories that resonate far beyond pitch decks.
-Interview by Sandhya Bharti, Deputy Editor @ IST
