In this very special episode, we have a recording of our first live event in the series: South Asian Entrepreneur Stories. 

We hosted a panel of three fantastic guests who share their experience of launching their business and the challenges that come along with scaling their business.  

In this episode we talk through: 

1. How they got their business started 
2. The challenges they faced in the business validation stage 
3. How they went about growing and scaling their business 
4. And finally discussing where the business is today and what plans they have for the future  

The conversation becomes particularly interesting as we learn about the different approaches they had to use depending on whether they had a services business or a product business.  

The speaker panel included:  

Dhruvin Patel - Ocushield and Dragons' Den winner 

Whilst studying Optometry at university, Dhruvin developed the initial product offering of Ocushield - blue light filtering technology that makes eyes healthier, improves sleep and makes people happier. Ocushield was featured on Dragons' Den (and winning over Peter Jones & Tej Lalvani in the process) and went on to raise £1m privately as well as being featured on Forbes, The Guardian & USA Today. 

Ocushield has helped over 300,000 eyes in over 70 countries with a mission to let eyes thrive. Their products can be found in John Lewis and Selfridge's stores.   

Sonya Barlow - BBC Radio Presenter, Author & Founder of the LMF Network 

Sonya is an award-winning entrepreneur, founder of the LMF Network, diversity and inclusion coach, TEDx Speaker, LinkedIn Changemaker 2021, Radio Host of the BBC Asian Network’s "The Every Day Hustle" and author of "Unprepared to Entrepreneur".   

Varun Bhanot - MAGIC and Unhoused.org 

Varun is the co-founder and CEO of MAGIC, the world’s most intelligent AI-enabled personal trainer, democratizing access to personal training at scale - saving people time & £100s a week in fees. 

Described by Tech Nation as ‘One of the most innovative Artificial Intelligence companies in the UK,’ Magic has partnered with a number of athletes including England cricketer, Sir Alistair Cook, and English sprinter and gymnast, Asha Philip.   

He is also the co-founder of UNHOUSED.ORG, a non-profit startup that uses innovative technology to help the homeless and those who are unhoused. Their first project is the UK's first online shop for the homeless - the "Amazon.com for homeless supplies".   

Episode recorded in November 2022 at the Leadenhall Building, London  

Ocushield: https://www.ocushield.com/

LMF Network: https://www.lmfnetwork.com/

Magic: https://magic.fit/ 

Business Over Chai Resources 

Our mission is to share startup stories that will inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs across the South Asian community. #businessoverchai 

Co-hosts: Andy Paul & Sunny Nagi

Website: https://www.businessoverchai.com/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/businessoverchai 

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Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are of the guest and/or co-hosts and are not representative views held by employers or other related parties.