In this episode of Stories from Bharat on CurlyTales, we sit down with Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner of Rukam Capital, to dive into the world of funding and the Indian startup ecosystem. Archana, a seasoned venture capitalist, shares invaluable insights on how you can secure funding for your business—whether you’re in the restaurant industry, textiles, or beyond. She emphasizes the untapped talent in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where businesses hold immense potential for growth and investment. Archana also sheds light on the unique challenges women face in securing funding, from biases around marriage and family to age. We met Archana in the vibrant city of Vadodara, known for its dynamic startup ecosystem. During our visit, we enjoyed the local favourite, sev usal, at Jai Mahakal and explored Gazra Cafe, a unique establishment run by the LGBTQ community. Vadodara’s energy and diverse entrepreneurial spirit added an inspiring backdrop to our conversation on funding and innovation Watch the full episode to learn how you can overcome these barriers and make your startup dream a reality!