From IIT Patna to Fortune 40 Under 40 | An Alumni Podcast with Mr. Chelle

From leading campus activities at IIT Patna to building AI ventures with a global reach, Mr. Haren Chelle’s journey offers valuable insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and the future of AI. In the first episode of the AIR Alumni Podcast, host Omkar sits down with Mr. Haren Chelle, an IIT Patna alumnus from the Batch of 2016, Co-founder of Pulse, and a featured leader in Fortune India's 40 Under 40 list. From scaling yellow.ai across 17 countries to launching Pulse, he shares his experiences of building AI products for global markets, leading international teams, navigating early-stage startups, and turning ideas into real-world impact. In this episode, we discuss: Building Global AI Startups: Taking AI products from India to international markets and navigating enterprise adoption. Lessons from IIT Patna: How campus festivals, student leadership, and sports shaped his approach to management and problem-solving. Angel Investing and Entrepreneurship: What investors look for in early-stage startups and founders. Leading International Teams: Managing diverse teams and building products for global customers. Career Choices and Growth: Startups versus conventional career paths, practical experience, and the importance of communication and soft skills. Advice for Students: Skills, habits, and perspectives that can help students build careers in the evolving AI landscape. Timestamps 00:00 - Teaser & Highlights 00:26 - Guest Introduction 01:17 - Building AI Startups: India vs. Silicon Valley 05:05 - Creating Real Value for Enterprise Clients 07:53 - Lessons from IIT Patna: Fests, Sports & Campus Life 12:43 - Angel Investing and Advising Early-Stage Startups 15:02 - Leading International Teams Across Nationalities 18:30 - Choosing Early-Stage Startups for Career Growth 21:23 - Advice for Students Choosing Between Stability and Startups 24:07 - Building a Global Career in AI 26:53 - Launching Pulse with an IIT Patna Alumnus 29:20 - From Engineering to Business Leadership 31:07 - Soft Skills and Practical Exposure 34:35 - Rapid Fire Round 37:45 - Closing Remarks Through the Alumni & International Relations (AIR) Cell, IIT Patna, we aim to bring the experiences, journeys, and insights of our alumni closer to the student community. Subscribe for more alumni conversations, career insights, and stories from the IIT Patna community. #IITPatna #AIRCell #AlumniPodcast #ArtificialIntelligence #Entrepreneurship #StartupIndia