Why 90% Of Startups Fail & How VCs Judge Founders? | ft. Snehal B. Desai | EP30

Welcome to another deep-dive episode of Tea of Teller! ☕ In this conversation, we explore the unfiltered realities of career transitions, venture capital, and the psychology of success. We sit down to decode the journey from an engineering background to the high-stakes world of MBAs and VC boardrooms. This episode tackles the hard-hitting questions: Are traditional colleges losing their relevance? How do you overcome the "Tier-2/Tier-3 city" inferiority complex when entering top-tier corporate spaces? And in a hyper-distracted world, how does execution actually beat raw talent? Whether you are a student navigating the AI revolution in core engineering branches or an aspiring founder trying to understand what investors really look for beyond vanity metrics, this conversation offers a blueprint for building resilience and becoming irreplaceable. In this episode, we cover: •) The transition from Engineering to MBA and Venture Capital. •) IIMs vs. Private/Govt Colleges: The real difference in MBA value. •) How AI is reshaping core engineering fields like mining, civil, and mechanical. •) Breaking psychological barriers and inferiority complexes in corporate boardrooms. •) The "Paradox of Talent": Unlearning habits to reach your true potential. •) Vanity metrics vs. real business building in the startup ecosystem. •) Recovering from failure and what VCs look for in the first few minutes of a pitch. •) Information vs. Wisdom: Staying mentally strong in an over-informed generation. And many things are explored in this.... If you found value in this conversation, please hit that Like button and Share this episode with one navigating their career journey! Subscribe to Tea of Teller and turn on the bell notification so you never miss an interview. Let us know in the comments what was your biggest takeaway from Snehal Sir's insights today? Disclaimer: ⚠️ The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the host, Tea of Teller, or any affiliated institutions. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial, legal, or career advice. Viewers and listeners should consult with appropriate professionals before making any major career or financial decisions. 🎙️Host: Nikhil Tiwari 🎙️Guest: Snehal B. Desai TIMESTAMP 00:00 INTRO 03:46 Why Has He Accepted Our Invitation? 05:14 What Is His Perspective For Himself? 06:34 What Is The Difference Between Current Engineers And The Engineers Of His Time Of Graduation? 10:47 How To Overcome THE INFERIORITY COMPLEX!! 16:50 How To Build Hobbies And Ideology!! 20:49 How Can Colleges Help Build Characters? 23:52 What Is The Relevance Of MBA Now A Days? 27:26 Startup After MBA VS Startup Without MBA? 31:19 MBA From IIMs VS MBA From Normal Institute? 33:59 His Finacial Knowledge Journey 38:04 When Should One Start Investing? 39:04 SCHOOLS\COLLEGES ARE WASTE OF TIME?? 44:57 Reality Behind Being Founder In Young Age? 47:18 How To Overcome Failure Trauma? 49:54 Role Of Mentor!! 51:04 What Do VCs Check Before Investing Money? 53:26 How Will AI Affect Corporate Jobs? 58:25 What Kind Of Job Will Be There In Era Of AI? 01:02:26 BOOK TO BE READ BY EVERYONE!! 01:04:29 ADVICE FOR THE YOUTH!! 01:05:23 THANK YOU!! #podcast #education #india #business #startups #founder #guitarist #mba #iim #college #students #bloodbrothers #ceo #author #professor #schooling #ai #careeradvice #venturecapital #vcs #entrepreneurship #success #growth #futureofwork #nikhiltiwari #teaofteller #startupindia #engineeringlife #snehaldesai #paradox