There are many things a startup founder learns and unlearns on his journey. I can speak about many things starting, pivoting, business model, product, technology, storytelling, imposter syndrome, communication, clarity, legal, thick skin, breathing, gratitude, why me? why not me? industry, timing, belief, faith, other stuff, etc. But there is one thing, which stands out for me is the fact that if it was not for Venture as an Industry, we at AlphaBlock would not have been where we are and we wouldn't have dared to do what we do.

Creating something innovative is hard, parting with it is harder. The fear of losing control is a big fear for founders. So bringing someone on board is like marriage, far from perfect. You got to build a communication, a bridge, with that person. Things invariably go south but working through a relationship is where the magic begins. I am speaking about a founder’s capability to bring the best out of his relationships. There is so much that goes into a startup, especially the ones which rely on research and innovation, a long-drawn process. Then there are friends and families. It’s an impossibility to keep perfect alignment. In the end, it’s not just about everyone else, it’s also about a founder’s capability to find peace and fortitude. Because, in the end, a founder is at the centre of the storm. You can not find peace, which can power you ahead, till you know how to communicate, with yourself and your stakeholders, which inturn can benefit your communication with your community and clients.

I asked my father a few years back, how come he taught me so many things, but nothing about the people part of business, there is so much that goes wrong, why did he not give me a heads-up? His answer was simple. “I taught you about that. All you need is a clear conscience. If you can sleep well, you know you have dealt well with it.”

The simplicity of that thought helped me overcome challenges of dealing with people, even when sometimes perception diverges from reality. This inner balance is essential for creation. If you lose it, it’s game over.

It’s like the story of the centaur and the horse. Someone dear from Venture once asked me. "Mukul, how do you see your ego? Is it a horse, separate from you, or do you feel, you are one with it like a centaur?" I answered, that I was detached from my ego, and I believe my ego was a horse that I could mount or dismount at wish. It was a swift response. It has taken me years to process the concept. Even if I feel, I am separate from my ego, it is not easy to detach. Listening and taking feedback can be so simple and so complex at the same time, depending on who you are riding, a horse, or yourself. I believe separating yourself from your ego and having a clear conscience is a positive path a founder can find to communicate with self. And only when you can find ways to communicate with yourself, could you potentially build more communication bridges, and create that impact that you want to create. Individuals with clearer conscience contribute more to the fabric of societal conscience.

I received loving and heartfelt messages from my family, friends, and network. I feel blessed to have lived the life I have lived and am looking forward to learning, being better and moving ahead on my journey.

Spend time on your relationships. Communicate openly. Don’t be fearful. A good relationship is worth the effort. And in case a relationship turns sour, send it good quantum energy but never give up on positive communication.

Thank you.

Have a great year ahead!