I learned business the hard way, so you don’t have to.
I’m Kapil Gaud. I help early-stage founders in India and around the world reach the right customers, investors and media for what they’re building.
✦ I read every message myself. If I’m not the right person, I’ll tell you who is.
The right people, for what you’re building.
In 17+ years I’ve seen the yes come most often from people who already back, cover or buy businesses like yours. I help you find them first.
Customers who buy.
We find where interested buyers stop, what to change first and how more of the right customers can find you, from your offer to your funnel.
Find where customers stop →Investors and grants that fit.
I research the investors and grant programmes, in your country and abroad, that have backed businesses like yours. You reach out, or I make the introductions.
Ask for an investor introduction →Media your investors and customers read.
I find the journalists, publishers and podcast hosts who cover your space. You pitch them, or I do. Investors notice coverage, and so do AI search tools.
Build a story worth pitching →Founders getting ready to raise
You have a product and early users, and you want to reach investors and grant programmes that back businesses like yours.
Founders nobody has heard of yet
The business is good. The right customers, journalists and investors just haven’t found it yet.
I’m building the mentor I never had.
I grew up in an average middle-class family that valued stability over dreams. In 2008 I chose to build a business instead, with little money and no one to ask.
Business after business said no, until I saw things from their side. That lesson has shaped 17+ years: find out what the other side actually wants. Now I help founders do that with customers, investors and the media.
Read my full story →A website was only the beginning of the job.
In 2009, my first clients needed enquiries more than websites, so I learned SEO to bring them. I won my first three clients while still in college.
That experience still shapes the question I start with: what needs to change in the business for this work to be useful?
Read the field note and customer checklist →iGNITED iDEA: a one-stop platform for Indian entrepreneurs and startup founders.
Many people in India have an idea they keep putting off because no one around them can help. I started iGNITED iDEA in 2021 so they have a place to start, get unstuck and grow.
Today 4,000+ active members share what they’re learning and help each other. Industry leaders and veterans who want to give back add their experience and contacts.
Visit iGNITED iDEA →Tell me what you’re working on.
One line is enough: what you’re building and where you’re stuck. If a quick answer helps, it’s yours. If you need more, we talk first, and I’ll tell you honestly whether I can help.
Tell me what you’re working on