‘Stage 2 founders win…’: Shark Tank India’s Anupam Mittal explains why drawback solvers outshine dream sellers


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Every single day, founders pitch the “subsequent huge factor” — however few make it previous the buzzwords. For Shaadi.com founder and Shark Tank India decide Anupam Mittal, what really stands out isn’t ambition, however readability. In a put up that struck a chord with India’s startup neighborhood, Mittal referred to as out surface-level pitches and defined why actual worth lies in solution-oriented considering — an method that reveals depth, route, and deliberate motion.

Anupam Mittal, founding father of Shaadi.com and a Shark Tank India decide, emphasised {that a} solution-oriented mindset captures his consideration greater than generic, hype-driven pitches.

In a LinkedIn put up, Mittal wrote, “I’m constructing the subsequent huge app. So is remainder of BLR. Truthfully, if I had a rupee for each time somebody says ‘I’m constructing the subsequent huge XYZ,’ I’d have… nicely, much more. However right here’s the purpose. After years of investing, I’ve stopped reacting to ambition. As a result of 9 instances out of 10, it’s not a pitch – it’s a ‘Jai Mata Di’. And it’s often an indication of Stage 1 considering.”

He elaborated additional: “Stage 1 founders discuss what they need to construct. Stage 2 founders clarify what stands in the best way. The first is surface-level. It’s enthusiasm with out construction. The 2nd reveals me they’ve interrogated the issue. They’ve moved past vitality in direction of readability. It’s true for founders. It’s true for professionals attempting to steer change. And college students determining what to pursue.”

Mittal added, “The best way you body your ideas says so much about the way you’ve processed it. For eg. As an alternative of claiming ‘I’m constructing the subsequent huge social community’, when somebody says they’ve cracked the chilly begin drawback, I lean in. Not as a result of it sounds cool, however as a result of it means they’ve taken the time to determine a potential resolution to the issue.”

Concluding his put up, the investor highlighted how this shift in mindset applies universally: “Whether or not you are constructing a product, pitching a mission, or planning your subsequent profession transfer. Do not simply dream. Research & Act upon the risks.”

The put up resonated extensively on-line.

“This put up is a masterclass in founder discernment. Everybody talks concerning the dream, however only a few can clearly articulate the landmines. I’ve discovered that ambition with out readability burns quick, it impresses, but it surely not often sustains. The founders I now guess on? Those who obsess over constraints like they’re constructing with their very own cash,” one consumer replied.

One other commented, “Anupam Mittal’s distinction between Stage 1 and Stage 2 considering isn’t only a critique — it’s a roadmap for the way forward for entrepreneurship. As markets mature, success will belong to those that prioritise problem-solving depth over surface-level ambition. Founders who embrace readability, resilience, and operational rigor at the moment are laying the groundwork for scalable, sustainable ventures tomorrow.”

A 3rd added, “The secret’s to look past self-importance metrics. Concentrate on fundamentals: traction, readability, and management.”