Raw Talks With Vamshi Kurapati - Telugu Business Podcast

• 🔥🔥99TH SPECIAL ON RAW TALKS | ZOHO STORY | Ft. RAJU VEGESNA | RawTalks Telugu Podcast

  What if one of the world’s most respected tech companies, selling in over 180 countries, with 25 offices across the globe, wasn’t built in Silicon Valley or Bangalore, but from a small village in Tamil Nadu called Tenkasi? In this episode of Raw Talks with VK, we sit down with Mr. Raju Vegesna, the Chief Evangelist at Zoho Corporation, for a deeply honest, philosophical, and powerful conversation in Telugu. This is not just a startup success story; it’s a blueprint for building with integrity, vision, and an unshakable connection to roots.Raju takes us through his personal journey and his connection with CBN (Chandrababu Naidu), including the viral tweet after Chandra Babu Naidu’s arrest. He shares how he first met Sridhar Vembu, Zoho’s founder, and how that meeting shaped a decades-long partnership based on values, simplicity, and service to the country. He talks about how Zoho made the bold decision to stay bootstrapped, carry zero debt, and invest in long-term thinking instead of chasing short-term valuations. We discuss how Zoho, unlike many other companies, built its offices in rural areas like Renigunta, with the belief that villages don’t need to be emptied to build cities, and that innovation doesn’t have a pin code.From losing 400 clients to rejecting an acquisition offer from Salesforce, Raju walks us through the philosophy that helped Zoho survive and thrive. He breaks down the purpose behind Zoho Schools, where dropouts and underprivileged youth like, security guard Abdul Alif, are trained to become full-fledged software engineers. He explains why they don’t provide degrees, only skills, and why many graduates today ask if they too can join this alternative education model.We dive into how culture acts like the "character of a company," why they avoid traditional corporate structure, and how they’ve managed to operate without ever doing layoffs. Raju opens up about how design, interior choices, and even sofa arrangements affect team dynamics and why they design everything in-house to nurture culture. He also touches on Zoho’s product journey from launching Zoho Writer before Google Docs, to making Zoho Mail one of the top 3 email platforms globally, to building a CRM that now sees large-scale migrations from other platforms.This conversation also takes a wider lens on India’s startup ecosystem. Raju shares his views on entrepreneurship and patriotism, India’s engineering graduate crisis, and the philosophical mindset shift we need to stop waiting for Western validation. We discuss how AI and robotics are not just tech trends but tools for digital and national sovereignty, and how real disruption is only beginning. He compares the state of Tier 1 Indian cities with Tier 3 cities in the U.S., and asks the question: can we build from here and still lead the world?With memorable stories like the early Ameerpet startup days, co-founder disagreements, and incidents where clients once rejected them harshly, this episode offers a full-spectrum view of the mindset and mission behind one of India’s most inspiring companies. For aspiring entrepreneurs, tech dreamers, and anyone who believes in building with purpose, this episode isn’t just a conversation, it’s a call to action.If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to build a global company out of a village, this might be for you. Whether you’re dreaming of staying bootstrapped, creating real impact, or building from Bharat, this story is proof that it can be done.

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• EP - 98 | 😮🔥UNBELIEVABLE STORIESSS!! Ft. Vani Kola Garu | RawTalks Telugu Podcast

  In this Telugu Podcast episode, we sit down with one of India’s most respected and pioneering venture capitalists, Vani Kola, the founder of Kalaari Capital, to uncover the untold stories behind the early stages of India’s startup ecosystem. Her journey begins at Osmania University, where she was one of just six women in an engineering classroom. From there, she made her way to Silicon Valley, immersing herself in the world of technology and innovation, before returning to India with a burning desire to contribute to the country's evolving business landscape.What follows is a trailblazing career in venture capital, including early and critical investments in startups like Myntra—at a time when e-commerce in India was still taking baby steps. It was not just the numbers that convinced her, but the subtle cues—like Myntra’s outstanding customer service—that signaled deep-rooted potential. She walks us through the investment process, how she and her team funded the company, and how they played a pivotal role in orchestrating the historic Myntra-Flipkart merger, a turning point in Indian e-commerce.We also dive into her investment in Snapdeal and her sharp analysis of the cost of doing business in India—not as a roadblock, but as a challenge to innovate around. The conversation expands to her forward-looking views on the aviation sector, the future of food businesses, and whether they can sustain and scale without a strong e-commerce presence. She also breaks down the explosive growth of India’s cosmetics industry, especially within the rising men’s grooming market, marking a powerful shift in consumer behavior and lifestyle aspirations.But this episode isn’t just about investments and startups—it’s about mindset, resilience, and personal evolution. She speaks with remarkable clarity about the importance of stepping into uncomfortable spaces to unlock true growth. She adivices young entrepreneurs to stop waiting for validation, to act with conviction, and to trust their instincts. Her insights into identity crises, dealing with reputation and net worth, and the emotional challenges of today’s highly competitive world are powerful, vulnerable, and deeply relatable.We reflect on what it means to thrive as a woman in a male-dominated business world, how her family supported her vision, and why living a simple lifestyle can ground even the most ambitious entrepreneurial dreams. Her personal stories—from visiting India’s first mall and sensing the winds of change, to building Kalaari Capital from scratch—add texture and emotion to her already inspiring professional journey.When asked whether young people today should still chase the “Silicon Valley dream,” she delivers a sharp and optimistic answer: India today offers unprecedented opportunities, and this is the moment to build, innovate, and lead from within.She also shares her admiration for iconic Indian leaders like Ratan Tata, Narayana Murthy, and others—not to idolize them, but to compare values, leadership, and long-term thinking. Her message to the youth is bold and liberating: Be the change you seek, rather than waiting for the world to change for you.This is more than just a podcast—it’s a masterclass in navigating India’s business landscape, investing with purpose, and growing as a person while building something that matters. Whether you're a founder, student, investor, or dreamer—this episode will inspire you to think bigger, act bolder, and believe in the power of your own journey.

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• EP - 97 | 🤯🤯 EXPOSEDDD!!! | Ft. Suresh Kochattil | RawTalks Telugu Podcast

  In this Telugu Podcast episode, we had an eye-opening conversation with Suresh Kochattil garu, who's been in the media industry for 40 yrs & 17 yrs of experience at Times of India in various levels. As the world drowns in breaking news, social media headlines, and sensationalism, This episode takes you through the actual machinery that runs Indian media. Starting with a simple question: is the printing press as dramatic as it’s shown in the movies? The truth, as always, is far more layered. From how news is selected, printed, and distributed, to why newspaper stories cut off after 12 PM, we explored the real-time walkthrough of what really goes on behind those bold headlines.The episode then dives into one of the most defining moments of Indian media urgency—the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in Sriperumbudur. How that single moment changed reporting patterns and led to a media that thrives on speed rather than depth. But this conversation is not just about journalism. It’s about truth, control, perception, and the massive war of narratives we’re all part of, knowingly or not.We explored how India often wins on the battlefield but loses in the eyes of the world because of poor narrative management. In contrast, countries like Qatar have silently reshaped their global image—through airlines, global sports, news networks, and funding major universities. From Al-Jazeera to the FIFA World Cup, narrative power is everything. And while that happens globally, at home, politicians are allegedly buying YouTube channels for ₹8-9 crores to push their version of reality.We didn't just stop there. We delved into the dark alleyways of the Indian underworld—gold smuggling routes, Calicut’s Kondotty village, and how dons moved into real estate after using heroines and music labels as money fronts. He talked about bomb blasts, NSG failures, the Bhatkal brothers, and how stories were buried before ever being told. He opened up about the deaths of icons like Lal Bahadur Shastri and cases like Nagarwala, where ₹60 lakhs were withdrawn from SBI based on a phone call impersonating the Prime Minister.Even the names of Hyderabad’s localities—Tarnaka, Musarambagh, Bolaram—carry centuries of untold stories, which were brought to life with stunning clarity. We spoke about the TRP race, the death of press conferences, and how public discourse has shifted from dinner table conversations to manipulated debate shows. The impact of “WhatsApp journalism,” sensationalism, and psychological conditioning through repetitive negative news is unpacked with startling precision.As the media landscape tilts further into noise and chaos, This discussion calls for a revival of real, fearless journalism. He expresses his admiration for Karan Thapar, Ramnath Goenka, and Ramoji Rao—figures who once stood for truth despite the odds. He reflects on why journalists today are either demonized or silenced, and how stringers are forced into unethical shortcuts due to low wages and pressure.Ending on a powerful and emotional note, he shares life lessons from his father, a man of honesty and principle, and offers his heartfelt advice to the youth of India. In a world where everyone is fighting to be heard, this episode reminds us that sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply speak the truth.

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• EP - 96 |‼️Idi Miss aithe REGRET Avtharu..!! | Ft. Ajitesh Korupolu | Founder & CEO of ASBL | RawTalks Telugu Podcast |

  In this deep-dive episode, we sat down with Ajithesh Korupolu garu, CEO of Ashoka Builders India Private Limited (ASBL) to uncover the full story behind the evolving property market in Telangana, one of India's richest states in terms of per capita income. From global forces like the Russia-Ukraine war to the dependency of Indian real estate on U.S. financial systems, we explore how international events silently shape local outcomes.The conversation spans the remarkable shift from post-Telangana agitation stagnancy to the historic boom from 2016 to 2023, highlighting 2019 as a peak year. We examine how commercial space rentals subtly indicate job creation, discuss capital gains tax changes, and expose the digital echo chambers—where people often form market opinions through YouTube comments and Google search views rather than data.VK sir brings a powerful real-world lens with his recent ₹1000 Cr launch success, emphasizing the importance of Product-Market Fit and understanding shifting consumer preferences like smaller carpet areas. We also explore Hyderabad’s superior piped water system in contrast with Bangalore, planning foresight, and water conservation challenges. With reflections on future-forward infrastructure like water grids and ocean-filtered solar water systems, we compare global models like Barcelona and the U.S.’s $1.4 trillion infrastructure renovation.What sets Hyderabad apart? Its 6 consecutive affordability titles (Mercer data), tech ecosystem, over 64% of India's CCTVs, and SHE teams ensuring women’s safety make it a standout city. The episode also digs into the reality of corruption—both political and bureaucratic—highlighting the need for transparency in political expenditure and the role of digitization.We touch on growing trends like founder-led real estate brands, gated neighborhoods, the influence of DINK/DISK families, pets, and the evolving wedding ecosystem. You’ll hear about zoning’s role in reducing taxes, and how poor infrastructure robs people of opportunity.Plus, we discuss the challenges real estate developers face: dealing with ministers, OOH vs digital marketing, labor shortages, and the AI revolution in real estate. You'll also gain insights on how to properly research before buying property (RERA!), funny anecdotes on irrational purchase patterns, and meaningful advice for young parents on nurturing future citizens.And also we discussed the most awaited question in detail–“Is Hyderabad’s real estate market down, or are we misreading a complex economic transformation?”  This is more than a market talk—it’s a masterclass on city planning, investment strategies, and India’s urban future. Whether you’re an investor, student, policymaker, or curious citizen, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

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• EP - 95 | ⚠️‼️NO ONE WARNED US! | Ft. Srikanth Varma | Advisor at SST | Raw Talks Telugu Podcast

  In this Telugu Podcast episode, Srikanth Varma from Scaler sits down with us to confront the raw, uncomfortable realities students and parents are grappling with today. He doesn’t just describe the problem; he breaks it down, offers fresh perspectives, and shows us how to rebuild from the ground up. Why do students spend lakhs on a BTech or BCom degree, and only end up with jobs paying ₹10,000–₹20,000 a month? Is the fault in our education system, outdated curriculum, or something deeper? Srikanth begins by taking us through history, highlighting how every major revolution, from the Industrial Revolution to the rise of the internet, and now the evolution of AI, initially led to job fears, but eventually created far more opportunities than they destroyed. The fear of losing jobs to automation isn’t new, and neither is the solution: learning, adapting, and upgrading. He urges students to look at AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini not as threats, but as enablers, powerful extensions of human creativity and intelligence. Instead of fearing AI, he explains how we can learn to prompt better, think deeper, and build smarter.The conversation shifts to how the current education system is failing to teach the actual skills needed in the real world, things like communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and initiative. These are the very skills companies are hiring for, not just grades or college names. He shares real success stories of students who didn’t come from top-tier colleges but used projects, GitHub, self-learning, and internships to land amazing jobs. He reminds us that in 2025 and beyond, a degree might get your resume opened, but value creation is what gets you hired.Srikanth also discusses how parents play a crucial role. He says it’s time to stop pushing kids into “safe” careers and start encouraging them to explore what they love. The world is shifting too fast for forced paths to work anymore. If a child is interested in startups, robotics, or music, let them go deep into it. Watch good YouTube content, follow startup founders, and use social platforms to learn. Knowledge is everywhere now, and access is free. But only those who are curious, consistent, and intentional will benefit from it.He emphasizes the urgent need for reskilling and upskilling. Referring to McKinsey reports and post-COVID workplace shifts, he explains how millions of people across industries will need to learn entirely new skills, many of which aren’t taught in traditional classrooms.  The practical approach of not just teaching, but mentor, expose students to real-world problems, help them build portfolios, and guide them to think like creators, not just job seekers was discussed.  Another powerful segment is about how to find jobs even when there seem to be none. It’s not just about applying, it’s about positioning. Can you build in public? Can you network intelligently? Can you communicate what problems you solve? He encourages students to stop obsessing over what’s missing and start focusing on what they can build, learn, or contribute today.And finally, he beautifully ties it all back to mindset. Fear will always be there, fear of AI, fear of failure, fear of rejection. But the real winners are the ones who approach problems not with panic, but with process. Those who look at a challenge and say, “What can I do right now to grow through this?”If you’re a student confused about your future, a parent anxious about your child’s direction, or someone lost in today’s chaotic job market, this episode might be for you. It’s filled with truth, hope, practical advice, and a roadmap to reinvent yourself in the age of AI, startups, and exponential change.

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