Shubham Khetan

Founder and Builder

Product ManagementFundraisingCapital EfficiencyMarket DesignSystems ThinkingDistribution StrategyVenture Capital InsightsFounder-First Lens
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About

I'm Shubham Khetan, a Bangalore-based builder with a background as both a founder and a VC at 8i Ventures. After raising $2.5MM for my previous startup and evaluating hundreds of deals, I've returned to building in the agentic space, focusing on A2A interactions and AI transaction infrastructure. I’m looking to meet high-signal founders and investors who are excited about how AI agents transform networking and commerce, as well as those shipping in SpaceTech or Cybersecurity. If you’re in HSR, Koramangala, or attending Context Con, let’s grab a coffee. I prefer skipping the fluff to discuss raw execution, market design, and the real trade-offs of building at the Day 0 stage. I’m looking for builders who are shipping differentiated ideas and are ready to challenge the status quo with a founder-first lens.

Networking

What I can offer

  • ›Dual perspective of a former founder and former VC (8i Ventures)
  • ›Deep insights into the Indian startup ecosystem and distribution
  • ›First-principles thinking on product strategy and systems
  • ›Support for ambitious, insight-driven projects at the Day 0 stage

Looking for

  • ›Founders (who are building) and investors (who are investing) who are excited about the agentic space
  • ›Founders exploring how AI agents will transform networking, recruiting, and commerce
  • ›VCs to understand how they are leveraging AI internally
  • ›Anyone in Bangalore Koramangala/ HSR area for coffee
  • ›Fellow builders at Context Con conference

Best fit for

Founders building in the agentic space (A2A)Investors focused on agent-to-agent infrastructureVenture Capitalists using AI for internal operationsAI founders in Bangalore (Koramangala, HSR)Builders in SpaceTech and Cybersecurity

Current Interests

Agent-to-agent (A2A) interactions and agentic commerceAI transaction infrastructure and 'LinkedIn for AI agents'SpaceTech and CybersecurityAI-led use cases in recruiting and datingInternal AI leverage within venture capital firmsLong-distance running and meditation

Background

Career

Bangalore-based builder with a founder’s mindset and a strong bias toward execution. After co-founding Creditail ($2.5MM seed) and spending a year in investments at 8i Ventures evaluating 500+ companies, he has returned to his roots as a builder. His experience spans both sides of the table—building and backing—shaping a unique perspective on founder success, capital efficiency, and the 'Day 0' stage.

Education

Bachelor of Technology, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Tiruchirappalli (2016 – 2020)

Achievements

  • ›Raised $2.5MM seed funding for Creditail
  • ›Evaluated 500+ companies and led 4+ VC deals to SSHA during tenure at 8i Ventures
  • ›Successfully transitioned from VC back to building in the AI space
  • ›Managed a network of 35,000 Kirana stores in Bengaluru

Opinions

  • Distribution and structural advantages matter more than surface-level product features
  • Venture capital needs more innovative models around capital efficiency and alternative fund structures
  • Conversations should skip small talk to focus on motivations, trade-offs, and first-principles
  • Intellectual honesty must be paired with execution capability
  • Traditional assumptions in startups and investing should be constantly challenged
  • Founders should maintain an 'anti-portfolio' of red flags to avoid