A Courageous Gesture in Mumbai’s Startup Scene
In a bold move that highlights the determination of India’s new generation of entrepreneurs, Yash Gawde, the founder of video Indian AI Startup BeHooked, made headlines in Mumbai this week. Gawde approached Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath at a local café and handed him a handwritten note, seeking guidance or potential collaboration. What could have been seen as an unconventional approach has instead been celebrated online as an inspiring story of entrepreneurial courage.
The Encounter That Captured Attention
Witnesses at the café described the scene as genuine and heartfelt. Gawde, instead of relying on cold emails or LinkedIn messages, chose to take a personal approach, penning a short handwritten note for Kamath. The note expressed his ambition, outlined BeHooked’s vision in video-based artificial intelligence, and politely sought advice or mentorship.
Rather than brushing it aside, Kamath responded with grace. Reports suggest he took the time to acknowledge the effort, sparking admiration for his openness and encouragement toward India’s budding entrepreneurs. Within hours, the story began circulating on social media platforms, resonating strongly with Indian AI Startup community.
Why This Moment Resonates with Entrepreneurs
For many young founders, gaining the attention of high-profile investors or mentors can feel impossible. Gawde’s decision to approach Kamath in such a direct, human way challenges conventional networking norms. It also reflects the hunger and boldness often necessary for success in India’s increasingly competitive startup ecosystem.
The incident highlights a broader trend of entrepreneurs experimenting with unconventional methods to stand out in a crowded market. From creative pitch videos to viral campaigns, founders are finding that authenticity and persistence can open doors where traditional outreach often fails.
About BeHooked and Its AI Vision
BeHooked, founded by Yash Gawde, is a rising startup specializing in video Indian AI Startup solutions. The company is reportedly developing tools that help creators, brands, and businesses leverage artificial intelligence to analyze, edit, and distribute engaging video content.
With video consumption in India growing rapidly across platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and OTT services, startups like BeHooked are positioning themselves to capture a significant share of the creator economy. Indian AI Startup-driven editing, personalization, and recommendation tools are expected to play a transformative role in how businesses and creators connect with audiences.
Nikhil Kamath’s Growing Role as Mentor and Investor
Nikhil Kamath, widely known as the co-founder of Zerodha, India’s largest stock brokerage firm, has increasingly stepped into the role of startup mentor and angel investor. Beyond his work with Zerodha and True Beacon, Kamath has been active in supporting entrepreneurs across technology, finance, and social impact sectors.
His willingness to acknowledge Gawde’s handwritten pitch reflects his reputation as an approachable leader in India’s business ecosystem. By responding positively to unconventional outreach, Kamath has reinforced his image as a mentor open to fresh ideas and new voices.
The Power of Offline Networking in a Digital Age
The Mumbai café encounter also serves as a reminder of the value of face-to-face interactions in an age dominated by digital networking. While email inboxes and online platforms are often saturated, genuine human connections can sometimes cut through the noise more effectively.
Business experts note that while bold gestures don’t guarantee funding or mentorship, they do demonstrate initiative, risk-taking, and confidence—traits investors and mentors often look for in founders.
Social Media Applause and Entrepreneurial Lessons
Social media users were quick to praise Gawde for his creativity and courage. Many described the move as “inspiring” and a “lesson in persistence” for other aspiring founders. Others highlighted Kamath’s humble and encouraging response as an example of how established leaders can play a vital role in nurturing India’s innovation ecosystem.
The viral buzz surrounding the story reflects how even small, symbolic acts of courage can resonate with larger audiences, particularly when they capture the spirit of India’s entrepreneurial ambition.
India’s Startup Ecosystem Thrives on Bold Moves
India continues to rank among the world’s fastest-growing startup hubs, with thousands of new ventures emerging across technology, fintech, health, and media. The story of Yash Gawde and Nikhil Kamath underscores the importance of courage, persistence, and creativity in navigating this ecosystem.
For BeHooked, the encounter may or may not translate into a formal partnership with Kamath, but it has already achieved something valuable—visibility, goodwill, and credibility within India’s competitive startup landscape.
Conclusion: A Small Gesture, A Big Message
The handwritten note in Mumbai may have been a simple act, but its impact has gone far beyond a single café table. It has become a symbolic reminder that entrepreneurship is as much about courage and human connection as it is about technology and funding.
