From the beginning
Every startup begins with a spark—an idea, a need, a frustration. But what transforms that idea into something impactful isn’t just code or capital—it’s community.
In my journey, I’ve seen again and again how startups that put community first tend to outlast and outperform those that don’t. Whether it’s your earliest users, your feedback loop, or your loudest champions, community is what gives a startup its pulse.
I didn’t always understand this. Early on, like many founders, I focused on product and traction. But over time, I realized that the most successful companies weren’t just building tools—they were building movements. They weren’t just launching features—they were nurturing ecosystems.
That’s when the vision for both Clavikl and Zenethe came into sharper focus.
One idea, two platforms
Startups and communities have a natural overlap. Founders want to solve problems, and communities help define those problems in real time. But different sectors need different kinds of support. A founder building a SaaS product doesn’t need the same environment as a med student handling clinical stress.
That realization led us to build two very different platforms, each designed around the specific needs of its community.
Zenethe is built for visibility. It’s a clean, accessible startup directory designed to make early-stage innovation easier to discover. If you're a founder, Zenethe is where you plant your flag and get found. If you're an investor or partner, Zenethe is where you scout the next big thing.
On the other hand, Clavikl is built for depth. It’s a private, verified network for doctors, medical students, and healthcare professionals to connect, vent, share insights, and support each other. There’s no spam. No noise. Just community, knowledge, and trust.
Two platforms. One shared principle: community builds resilience.
Community is the new MVP
In today’s world, shipping a product isn’t enough. You need early believers. People who’ll try the messy beta versions. People who’ll give you feedback you didn’t ask for, and then stick around to see how you respond.
When we launched Clavikl, it was with just a handful of students and interns from across India. But even with that small group, something clicked. They weren’t just using it—they were shaping it. One student suggested adding channels for every medical college. Another requested a space for “Speak Up” posts—raw, unfiltered reflections from med life.
We listened. We built. And in doing so, Clavikl became more than a product—it became a place.
Similarly, Zenethe began with the question: “Why is it still so hard to discover good startups without digging through pitch decks or private lists?” By working closely with founders and early users, we crafted a platform that not only lists startups—but celebrates them.
The hidden value of small communities
There’s a misconception in tech: that bigger is always better. More users, more followers, more data. But what we’ve learned with both Zenethe and Clavikl is that depth matters more than size—especially at the beginning.
Ten engaged users will give you more insight than a thousand passive ones. A founder who cares about their listing on Zenethe will share it. A doctor who finds a trusted peer on Clavikl will come back.
Communities don’t have to be huge to be meaningful. They just have to feel real.
Why we’ll keep investing in community
Both Clavikl and Zenethe are still growing. There’s a long road ahead, and we’re far from perfect. But what keeps us grounded is this shared commitment: to listen, to evolve, and to never forget that the people we build for are the reason we started in the first place.
Clavikl isn’t just a social network for medicine—it’s a safe place for those who’ve chosen one of the hardest professions in the world. And Zenethe isn’t just a startup directory—it’s a signal boost for people chasing big ideas.
Because in the end, tools don’t build companies. People do. And people thrive in communities.
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