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Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
IITian founder joined a dance class just to try. What he learnt there was much more than body moves
In a world driven by productivity and results, it's rare to see successful entrepreneurs pause their routines to explore something entirely unfamiliar. But that's exactly what Harsh Pokharna—an IIT Kanpur graduate and the co-founder and CEO of OkCredit—did when he signed up for a dance class during his stay in Mysore. What began as a spontaneous experiment became a deeply rewarding experience, offering him insights that went far beyond just learning a few moves. #Operation Sindoor The damage done at Pak bases as India strikes to avenge Pahalgam Why Pakistan pleaded to end hostilities Kashmir's Pahalgam sparks Karachi's nightmare Harsh took to social media to share his story, beginning with a simple question: 'When was the last time you did something for the first time?' That question framed his decision to walk into a dance studio without any prior experience. He described it as the best part of his time in Mysore, highlighting how the classes unexpectedly became a meaningful part of his everyday routine. Blending with Strangers, Finding a New Rhythm Rather than focusing solely on the technical side of dancing, Harsh spoke about the social aspect. He found himself surrounded by a mix of people—school students, dancers, actors—all of whom he would never have met in his usual work life. Over time, these diverse individuals formed connections, bonded over music, and created a light-hearted, welcoming space. The friendships that emerged in that dance studio made the experience even more memorable. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo View this post on Instagram A post shared by Harsh Pokharna (@harshxpokharna) Simultaneously attending gym sessions in the morning added to the physical demands on his body. Harsh joked that his legs were so tired, people wondered why he walked like a 90-year-old. Yet, the struggle didn't take away from the enjoyment—instead, it made the entire experience feel even more real. He shared that doing something he was initially bad at turned out to be liberating, reminding him of the value in starting from scratch. A Founder with Many Firsts Harsh is no stranger to stepping into the unknown. After completing his in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kanpur in 2014, he worked with Flipkart, JioMoney, and Intel before launching his own ventures. OkCredit, his most impactful startup, serves more than three million small businesses across India. It helps them manage finances digitally, streamlining tasks like credit tracking and loan access. Beyond OkCredit, Harsh previously co-founded startups such as ClanOut and Meishi, and has invested in over 30 early-stage companies. His work earned him a spot on Forbes India's 30 Under 30 list in 2020, and his journey reflects a continuous push for innovation.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
No formal trousers, borrowed shirts, student-era suits. 3 IITian startup founders still made into Forbes list
The photoshoot moment Internet reacts You Might Also Like: Bengaluru CEO who raised Rs 120 crore funding shares why investors love 'poor' founders who live like college kids Breaking the 'startup image' Who are the founders? In the glossy world of startup success stories, appearances often take centerstage. But for the co-founders of Bengaluru-based fintech startup OkCredit, their defining moment on Forbes ' prestigious 30 Under 30 list came dressed in borrowed shirts, baggy suits, and faded jeans. What should have been a typical photoshoot for the celebrated list turned into an endearing reminder of where they came from—and how far they've journeyed without the so-called "startup image" the world to Instagram, Harsh Pokharna shared that in 2020, OkCredit had just been featured in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, and co-founders Harsh Pokharna, Gaurav Kunwar , and Aditya Prasad were invited for the official photoshoot. Excited and proud, they showed up at the venue—but their outfits sparked laughter from the crew. They had no tailored formals or designer outfits, just whatever they could dig up from their college placement days. Harsh wore jeans because he didn't own formal pants. Aditya's shirt was oversized, resembling a hand-me-down, and Gaurav had to hide the condition of his own shirt. The photographers, ironically better dressed than them, opted to only shoot their upper the awkward moment, that photo remains close to Harsh's heart. For him, it symbolises the power of belief, friendship, and grit—more than any polished outfit ever could. His caption read, 'Founders by day. Fashion disasters… always!'The internet responded with a mix of inspiration and amusement. One user found the story both hilarious and motivating. Another joked about wanting to give the photographers a second chance to laugh. Many highlighted how success changes perception, while one user quipped that next time, the photoshoot team might just show up at their story shared by Harsh Pokharna is a gentle takedown of the superficial expectations around entrepreneurship. Their journey proves that startup success isn't about looking the part—it's about building something real, with people who believe in a shared vision, regardless of what they're Pokharna is the CEO of OkCredit. He is a 2014 IIT Kanpur graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Before founding OkCredit , he worked with companies like Intel, Flipkart, and Kunwar is the CPO of OkCredit. He too graduated from IIT Kanpur in 2014 with a degree in Mechanical Prasad, CTO of OkCredit, completed his in Material Science and Engineering from IIT Kanpur in 2014. He previously co-founded Pshi Pshi and Clan Out.
India Today
02-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
Bengaluru CEO says he raised Rs 120 crore but was still 'broke, worried about rent'
A Bengaluru-based entrepreneur has revealed that he was living paycheck to paycheck even after raising Rs 120 crore in funding for his startup in Pokharna, co-founder and CEO of digital ledger app OkCredit, shared a post on LinkedIn in which he wrote about the personal struggles faced by startup founders.'In 2019, even after raising Rs 120 crore Series A for OkCredit, I was broke. I was living paycheck to paycheck. Had no savings and was still worrying about rent in Bangalore,' Pokharna His admission is more than just a personal anecdote - it's a critique of the venture capital culture that, he argues, keeps early-stage founders financially insecure. Pokharna also claimed that several venture capitalists resist offering founders any personal liquidity, fearing it will dull their drive.'Because VCs want founders to stay poor. A founder with money becomes dangerous. Dangerous enough to say no. Dangerous enough to walk away. Dangerous enough to build on their own terms,' he also wrote about the contradiction in how investors often pour millions into serial entrepreneurs with financial cushions, while expecting first-time founders to endure financial stress in the name of ambition.'Apparently, money only kills ambition when it's in your hands. Not theirs,' he a look at the post here:Several users found Pokharna's post 'really insightful' and said that it 'hits hard'.advertisement'The illusion of startup success often hides the personal struggles of founders. Financial freedom isn't a luxury. It's a necessity for fearless innovation,' a user comment read: 'A slow path towards financial security doesn't kill ambition, it kills fear. And that's the part no one talks about.'Harsh Pokharna concluded his post with valuable advice for entrepreneurs: 'So, if you're a founder, don't let anyone shame you into staying poor. Build your dream. But build your freedom too.'Tune InMust Watch
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
IITian couldn't afford Bengaluru rent even after raising Rs 120 crore. Reason: Not rent price or landlord
What netizens said In 2019, despite securing ₹120 crore in Series A funding for OkCredit , Harsh Pokharna—founder and CEO, and an IIT Kanpur graduate—was still broke. He had no savings, lived paycheck to paycheck, and worried about rent in Bangalore. His story isn't unique. Many startup founders raise crores but continue to live like struggling students, constantly anxious about basic survival, the IITian said in a LinkedIn reason behind this paradox is systemic, he said. Venture capitalists often prefer founders to remain financially strained as a founder with no money is easier to control—more likely to comply, stay hungry, and stick to the investor's script, Harsh Pokharna contrast, financial stability gives a founder the confidence to say no, the freedom to walk away, and the power to build on their own terms, he said, adding that independence can feel threatening to those who want influence over every a founder dares to ask for modest personal liquidity—perhaps to pay off debt or gain breathing space—they're met with resistance, he said. The narrative is that personal wealth might dull their drive. Ironically, the same investors willingly fund serial entrepreneurs who are already financially comfortable, owning beach houses and retirement portfolios, Harsh Pokharna contradiction, he said, highlights a deeper truth: ambition isn't killed by money—it's often strengthened by stability. Founders who aren't consumed by survival can think more clearly, take bolder risks, and build startup world romanticizes sacrifice, but it shouldn't glorify financial insecurity, he said. Founders deserve the right to chase their vision and secure their well-being. Money doesn't make them weak—it makes them unafraid, he strongly resonated with Harsh Pokharna's candid post about the harsh realities founders face despite raising large amounts of funding. Many acknowledged how startup success often masks the personal financial struggles entrepreneurs users emphasized that financial freedom is essential—not a luxury—for fearless innovation and sustainable growth. One comment highlighted the stigma around founders taking a fair salary, criticizing the pressure VCs place on how much they should praised Harsh for shedding light on a rarely discussed issue and thanked him for being a source of inspiration during tough entrepreneurial journeys. Some users shared their own struggles as founders, relating deeply to the emotional and financial toll of building a startup while barely making ends conversation also sparked questions about when to approach VCs and how early-stage investments are shaping founder expectations. Overall, the post opened up an important dialogue around founder well-being and financial autonomy.
Hindustan Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
IITian struggled to afford Bengaluru rent despite raising ₹120 crore for startup
Harsh Pokharna, CEO and co-founder of OkCredit, says he was 'broke' and living paycheck to paycheck in 2019 despite raising ₹120 crore for his startup. In social media posts shared earlier this week, the IIT Kanpur graduate blamed venture capitalists for keeping founders in dire financial straits. He also offered a piece of advice to all founders and entrepreneurs - 'VCs want founders to stay poor… So if you're a founder, don't let anyone shame you into staying poor,' the co-founder of bookkeeping app OkCredit wrote. Bengaluru-based Harsh Pokharna launched OkCredit in 2017 along with co-founders Gaurav Kunwar and Aditya Prasad. He says that in 2019, his startup raised ₹120 crore. Despite this, Pokharna was basically broke, had no savings, struggled with skyrocketing rents in the Silicon Valley of India, and lived 'paycheck to paycheck'. He claims that he is not alone in this situation and that many other entrepreneurs 'live like college kids' despite raising millions. 'In 2019, even after raising ₹120 crore Series A for OkCredit, I was broke. I was living paycheck to paycheck. Had no savings and was still worrying about rent in Bangalore,' Pokharna wrote on LinkedIn. The IITian CEO claims he has seen this same scenario play out again and again with different founders, who don't get to enjoy personal benefits of the millions they have raised for their startups. 'I've seen it happen again and again. Founders raising millions, and still living like college kids. Stressed about survival,' he claimed. And why does this happen? According to Pokharna, it's because of venture capitalists who like to keep founders in poverty. 'VCs WANT FOUNDERS TO STAY POOR. A founder with money becomes dangerous,' he explained, adding that founders with money also get the confidence to 'build on their own terms' and disagree with investors. 'If a founder dares to ask for a little personal liquidity to clear their loans, to finally stop living on the edge they're told they might 'lose their hunger,'' claimed Pokharna on LinkedIn. 'Meanwhile, the same VCs have no problem throwing millions at serial founders who have beach houses and retirement funds,' he added. In his rant against VCs, the CEO of OkCredit said: 'Apparently, money only kills ambition when it's in your hands. Not theirs.' He then advised all founders to stand up for their rights - 'don't let anyone shame you into staying poor. Build your dream. But build your freedom too,' he advised. According to Tracxn, OkCredit has raised $84.9M in funding from investors like Lightspeed India, Tiger Global Management and Y Combinator. The startup helps small businesses with daily bookkeeping and accounting, allowing them to collect their receivables faster.
