Categories
A Mumbai entrepreneur’s spontaneous pitch to Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath at Subko Café in Bandra turned into a memorable startup moment. Discover how a handwritten note and a quick wave opened unexpected doors.
When Nikhil Kamath Waved Hi – A Startup Pitch Born Over Coffee
Seizing the Unexpected: A Cafe Meeting That Changed Everything
In the bustling heart of Bandra sits Subko Café—an unassuming hub that witnessed an extraordinary entrepreneurial moment. A young Mumbai-based founder, recently recounting his story on Reddit, found himself in the same café as Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha. What followed was not a scheduled meeting, but an instance of pure initiative that highlighted the power of being prepared—in any setting.
From Meeting to Moment: The Café Shift
The narrative begins innocuously: the entrepreneur was meeting with a VC friend on Subko Café’s ground floor, receiving golden advice on storytelling, fundraising dynamics, and pitch clarity. However, when the space felt too cramped, they moved upstairs—unbeknownst to them, setting the stage for a serendipitous encounter.
It was during this shift that both spotted Nikhil Kamath in a private room nearby. Excited, yet mindful of not wanting to interrupt, the entrepreneur hesitated—until his VC friend nudged him into action.
The Handwritten Pitch: When Pen Meets Opportunity
With no business cards on hand, the founder tore a page from his diary and swiftly scribbled a concise note about his startup, BeHooked. He handed it to a café staff member, who delivered it to Kamath. Nikhil read the note, looked up, smiled—and waved.
That simple wave, according to the entrepreneur, made his entire day—and possibly marked the beginning of a long-term connection. The interaction exemplified readiness and boldness, even when access seems unlikely.
Lessons Beyond the Café: Initiative Beats Inertia
This story isn’t just a fun anecdote—it underscores a vital lesson for all founders: sometimes, opportunity knocks when you least expect it. Emails may go unanswered, and LinkedIn messages may fall flat. But a handwritten note, delivered in person, paired with a flash of confidence, can cut through the noise.
As the young entrepreneur aptly reflected, “If we hadn’t moved to the top floor, this moment would never have happened. Take your shots. You never know which one will land.”
Connecting the Dots: Nikhil Kamath’s Broader Role in Startups
While this moment was spontaneous, it aligns with Kamath’s broader involvement in nurturing Indian startups. Beyond his co-founding role at Zerodha, Nikhil is an active investor through Gruhas and Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund, supporting early-stage ventures across sectors such as sustainability, consumer brands, and more.
His engagement with brands like Subko—not just as an investor but as someone genuinely intrigued by homegrown innovation—further highlights his supportive role in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Final Thoughts: Why Every Founder Should Carry a “Pitch-in-One-Hand”
This tale reminds us that opportunities are often disguised as everyday moments. Here are three takeaways:
- Presence is Power – Being in the right place matters—but being proactive matters more.
- Creativity Trumps Convention – No visitor card? No problem. A torn diary page can be enough.
- Courage Ignites Connection – A simple, confident gesture—like waving or approaching someone—can light the spark of opportunity.
In a competitive startup ecosystem like India’s, where messaging can feel fatigued or distant, authentic, spontaneous gestures—laced with clarity and brevity—are memorable. And sometimes, it’s the wave that signals the start of something bigger.
