This week, Manan Shah and I had the privilege of sitting down with someone I’ve admired for over 15 years — Harshal Trivedi, the visionary founder of Tusker AI and the driving force behind Softvan Pvt. Ltd., now part of the Sahana System Group.
What began as a casual coffee conversation turned into a deep dive into tech, mindset, research, and leadership — essentially, a masterclass in fearless entrepreneurship.
About the Founder: A Rare Blend of Vision and Discipline
Harshal Sir is far from your typical tech founder.
While most struggle to balance one venture, he:
- Leads a 150+ member software agency, Softvan Pvt. Ltd.
- Built Tusker AI, a powerful no-code computer vision platform
- Is currently pursuing a PhD at Nirma University — yes, you read that right.
This mix of execution, education, and evolution is rare — and exactly what made this conversation unforgettable.
What We Discussed: Learnings from a Deep-Tech Trailblazer
1. Executing a Startup Idea the Right Way
Harshal emphasized that launching a tech product is not just about building, but about:
- Validating your idea through surveys and feedback
- Selecting the right tech stack with scalability in mind
- Always anchoring innovation in real-world problems
“Don’t start with code. Start with clarity.”
2. The Mindset of Rapid Tech Adoption
Tusker AI thrives in a fast-moving ecosystem — from computer vision to no-code innovation — but Harshal makes it clear:
“Speed isn’t about being first. It’s about learning faster than anyone else.”
He explained how his team constantly experiments, adapts, and delivers, helping global clients with cutting-edge yet stable solutions.
3. The Role of Networking in Mindset Shaping
What sets Harshal apart is not just what he builds, but how he connects:
- He actively mentors other founders
- He’s constantly attending academic and industry events
- And he believes networking is not for funding — it’s for learning
“Surround yourself with people who’ve already walked the path you’re starting on.”
4. Thinking Outside the Box
Harshal shared multiple examples of how unconventional thinking led to practical breakthroughs. One that stuck with us:
“The answers to tech problems are rarely in tech — they’re in how people use it.”
Whether it’s deploying AI in agriculture or healthcare, Tusker AI is built not just for accuracy, but accessibility.
5. Balancing Work & Quality of Life
Despite his jam-packed schedule, he’s intentional about downtime, family, and personal development. He believes:
“A clear mind builds better products.”
In today’s hustle culture, this was a refreshing — and much-needed — reminder.
What Stood Out the Most
I’ve known Harshal Sir for over 15 years. If there’s one consistent quality in him, it’s his ability to simplify complex problems using relatable, real-world analogies.
He doesn’t build for hype. He builds for impact.
His journey — from services to SaaS, from founder to PhD scholar — shows that learning never stops, and neither does purpose-driven innovation.
Why This Conversation Matters
This wasn’t just a podcast episode. It was a deep look at how:
- Ideas are born from observation
- Execution comes from discipline
- Growth comes from courage
And most importantly, how staying curious and humble can take you much further than just chasing trends.
Final Thoughts
Founder Stories isn’t just about documenting success — it’s about learning from journeys like Harshal Sir’s that break the mold.
If you’re building a startup, dreaming of your own SaaS product, or wondering how to lead with both brain and heart, this conversation is your playbook.
Stay tuned — more fearless founders coming soon.
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