Utsav Somani, the founder of Offline, a platform designed for founders and leaders, is looking to expand into more international markets, beginning with the UAE. "Communities like Offline fill a crucial gap by promoting collaboration and peer learning. When founders openly share in a secure environment, it results in collective problem-solving and innovation. Offline also links founders with resources—whether it’s executive coaching or cross-border opportunities—that can speed up their growth. We believe such communities are vital for fostering a thriving, sustainable tech ecosystem," said Utsav Somani, the founder of Offline.
Excerpts from an interview:
What inspired you to create Offline, and how has it evolved into a leading community for scaled-up tech founders? Founders often encounter unique challenges, especially as they scale—feelings of loneliness, decision fatigue, and the need for nuanced advice. Offline was born out of the understanding that these issues could be mitigated through trusted peer support. Over time, Offline has transformed into more than just a community; it’s a high-impact network. Through carefully curated peer groups, leadership treks, and retreats, we’ve established a space where founders not only grow their businesses but also develop as leaders and individuals.
You played a significant role in bringing AngelList to India. What were the initial challenges, and how did you adapt the platform for the Indian startup ecosystem? The Indian startup ecosystem was still in its infancy when we introduced AngelList India. A significant challenge was persuading investors and founders to adopt an online syndication model. Building trust was crucial, and we achieved this by emphasizing transparency and delivering early successes. We localized the platform by addressing regulatory specifics, simplifying compliance, and creating a network of angel investors passionate about India’s potential. It’s gratifying to see syndicates becoming a mainstream funding model today.
What emerging trends in technology excite you the most, and how do you think they will shape the future of India’s startup ecosystem? Generative AI is at the forefront—its capacity to automate workflows, democratize knowledge, and enable creative solutions is thrilling. Additionally, India’s advancements in fintech, climate tech, and agritech are noteworthy. Startups are not only addressing local issues but also creating globally competitive solutions. I foresee a future where Indian founders will lead innovation in underserved markets worldwide.
What advice would you give to early-stage founders navigating today’s competitive startup landscape? Concentrate on developing a great product that addresses a genuine problem, rather than just chasing funding or valuations. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who challenge your thinking. Be prepared to pivot quickly based on data, but remain committed to your core vision. Most importantly, prioritize resilience—startups are long-term endeavors, not short sprints.
How do you see startups competing on a global stage, and what can be done to make India and the UAE a more favorable environment for innovation? Startups from India and the UAE are already making significant strides globally, but there’s room for further growth. To facilitate this, we need policies that minimize regulatory hurdles, encourage more cross-border collaborations, and provide access to global talent pools. Platforms like Offline can contribute by facilitating these collaborations and offering founders a global perspective.
What are your future plans? The focus is on expanding Offline into more international markets, starting with the UAE. We aim to enhance the community’s impact by introducing more founder-centric resources, from advisory clinics to global retreats. Personally, I’m also enthusiastic about documenting the Offline journey in a book to inspire more founders. The objective is clear: to continue building platforms that empower founders to succeed.
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
