Clubbing Entrepreneurially: My Journey of Growth and Innovation with the Entrepreneurship Club

Joining Entrepreneurship Club’s Venture Capital Vertical in my first semester was like stepping into a world where ideas, innovation, and ambition converged. It has been an enriching journey, packed with inspiring conversations, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to make a tangible impact. Reflecting on the past semester, I can confidently say that being part of E-Club has shaped my understanding of entrepreneurship in ways I never anticipated.

One of the highlights of this experience has been the opportunity to attend over 12 talks with seasoned investors, consultants, bankers and entrepreneurs who generously shared their stories, struggles, and successes in just 3 months. Among these, Matt Chitharanjan, the co-founder of Blue Tokai, left a lasting impression on me. His journey of transforming India’s coffee culture is not just a story of building a brand but a testament to staying true to one’s values while navigating a competitive industry. The subsequent field visit to the Blue Tokai roastery brought these lessons to life. Watching the meticulous process of crafting coffee beans into a cup of joy made me appreciate the intersection of art and business in entrepreneurship.

A pivotal moment for me was hosting a talk with Rahul Singh, the founder of The Beer Café. As a first-year student, I was both nervous and excited to moderate a session with such a dynamic entrepreneur. Preparing for the talk pushed me out of my comfort zone—I had to dive deep into his journey, anticipate audience questions, and ensure the session flowed seamlessly. This experience taught me the importance of active listening and adaptability, especially when engaging with someone whose journey is so layered. Rahul’s candid insights into the complexities of India’s alcohol laws, his approach to funding, and the resilience required to thrive in the hospitality industry resonated deeply with me. Hosting the talk wasn’t just about asking questions; it was about fostering a meaningful dialogue that inspired everyone in the room, including myself.

Beyond talks and visits, E-Club also gave me the chance to roll up my sleeves and organize impactful events. During Shatranj, our flagship entrepreneurship fest, I was part of the team that organized Venture Varsity, a competition where participants analyzed startups. Watching teams dissect business models and pitch their insights gave me a new appreciation for critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving. I also helped organize Monopoly, a creative competition on mergers and acquisitions, which introduced me to the intricacies of corporate strategy and negotiation. Coordinating these events was no small feat—it involved planning, teamwork, and the occasional curveball—but it was immensely rewarding to see everything come together successfully.

These experiences have taught me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business; it’s about understanding people, identifying opportunities, and solving problems creatively. CFE through Entrepreneurship and Business Club has been a platform for me to engage deeply with these ideas while developing skills like communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. More importantly, it has been a place where I could contribute meaningfully, whether by sparking curiosity in an audience, coordinating an event, or simply showing up to learn

Looking back on my first semester with E-Club, I feel proud of the journey so far and excited for what’s to come. This is just the beginning, and I’m grateful for the lessons, connections, and memories that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors.

Writer:- Avika Kapur – First Year (UG 2024)