"WTF is" is a podcast series where Nikhil Kamath hosts friends and industry experts and holds casual yet intellectually stimulating conversations. The podcast covers a broad range of topics of particular current relevance, including technology, social media, renewable energy, electric vehicles, philosophy, gaming, psychology and more.
I sat down with His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s youngest minister and the world’s first AI Minister, to unpack how modern governments think about the future and the role younger leaders play in shaping it. A last-minute conversation in Dubai that opened up a thoughtful discussion on youth in politics, leadership, and how AI is beginning to influence the way nations are governed. Big thanks to @IndiaGlobalForum for creating the space for conversations like this, and Manoj Ladwa, a dear friend and a rare connector between India and the rest of the world. People like him, through IGF are helping frame the ideas that will define this decade, and bring them to life
00:00 – Introduction
01:24 – Why AI Changes the Power Balance Between Countries
05:05 – Jobs, Intelligence, & What AI Takes Away From Humans
13:20 – Why This Conversation Happened at IGF
15:42 – Making of a Minister
22:18 – Why does anything matter?
24:42 – Machiavelli
30:23 – Fear or love? How are Leaders Remembered?
33:26 – UAE's Legacy & It's Perpetual Importance
38:04 – How UAE goes about it's diasporic Governance
48:13 – Taxes, Value Exchange, and What Citizens Expect
55:09 – Education, Work, and the Path to Government
1:12:19 – The Phone Call That Made Him AI Minister at 27
1:14:22 – Corruption, Incentives, and Power Structures
1:24:46 – AI & Governance
1:27:55 – Global Neutrality, Building Bridges & Restraint
1:37:49 – Blockchain, Discourse, and Closing Reflections
#NikhilKamath Entrepreneur & Investor Host of 'WTF is' & 'People By WTF' Podcast
#omarsultanalolama : Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications at Government of the UAE
Watch 'WTF is' Podcast on Spotify https://tinyurl.com/4nsm4ezn
Watch 'People by WTF' Podcast on Spotify https://tinyurl.com/yme92c59
Watch 'WTF Online' on Spotify https://tinyurl.com/4tjua4th
#WTFiswithnikhilkamath #PeopleByWTF #WTFOnline
Came for a conversation, Left with a shift in perspective. A solid case to prove that age isn’t the barrier we think it is. A big thank you to @IndiaGlobalForum for hosting this dialogue. And to Manoj Ladwa, for being the bridge that makes conversations like this happen.
#NikhilKamath Entrepreneur & Investor Host of 'WTF is' & 'People By WTF' Podcast
#omarsultanalolama : Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications at Government of the UAE
#WTFiswithnikhilkamath #PeopleByWTF #WTFOnline
Three founders leading India’s skincare wave – Bhakti Modi (Tira), Shantanu Deshpande (Bombay Shaving Company), and Diipa Khosla (Inde Wild) join me to share the highs and lows of building beauty and skincare brands and the trends shaping this booming industry.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:39 - Bhakti’s journey & love story
05:14 - Diipa’s road to Inde Wild
10:34 - Persona’s role in brand building
15:07 - How Shantanu started
20:48 - Valuations & industry secrets
27:30 - Decoding the salon industry
34:58 - How Inde Wild made Champi cool again
38:01 - Market size & shifting narratives
45:14 - Marketing quality & building a community
52:41 - Why fragrance is exploding
1:00:42 - Community’s role in branding
1:08:04 - Cracking the BPC industry
1:22:26 - Omnichannel: A must-have?
1:27:15 - Tariffs, growth & social selling
1:31:00 - Can Indian brands go global?
1:34:51 - Cracking influencer marketing
1:42:15 - Sampling, distribution & minis
1:48:07 - Sustainability: Do founders still care?
1:52:54 - What’s the next wave?
2:04:39 - How the world perceives India
2:09:48 - Tech’s role in customising
2:16:10 - Nikhil’s & Diipa’s tattoos
2:18:14 - Why founders need grit
2:19:47 - Bhakti & Tira’s origin story
2:34:10 - Inside Tira: From concept to customer
2:38:34 - Do celebrity brands work?
2:44:51 - Why Diipa started Inde Wild
2:48:25 - Mass, premium, prestige: Which segment is winning?
3:05:45 - Quick commerce & Tier 2 markets
3:11:11 - Ayurveda: Still a novelty?
3:14:43 - The making of Bombay Shaving Company
3:21:39 - From idea to product: Manufacturing & patents
3:30:14 - Advice to aspiring skincare founders
#NikhilKamath - Investor & Entrepreneur
Twitter: [https://x.com/nikhilkamathcio] (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?even...)
Bhakti Modi - CEO, Tira
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhaktim679/...
LinkedIn: / bhakti-modi-98a32293
Diipa Khosla - Founder, Inde Wild
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diipakhosla...
LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/diipa-khos....
Website: https://india.indewild.com/?utm_campa...
Shantanu Deshpande - Founder, Bombay Shaving Company
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shantanudes...
LinkedIn: / shantanudeshpandebsc
Bhakti Modi (Tira), Shantanu Deshpande (Bombay Shaving Company), and Diipa Khosla (Inde Wild) joined forces to answer one question:
What should 25-year-old Dilip build next?
Bhakti Modi
CEO, Tira
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhaktim679/...
LinkedIn: / bhakti-modi-98a32293
Diipa Khosla
Founder, Inde Wild
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diipakhosla...
LinkedIn : https://in.linkedin.com/in/diipa-khos....
Shantanu Deshpande
Founder, Bombay Shaving Company
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/shantanudes...
LinkedIn : / shantanudeshpandebsc
In this unfiltered conversation, we discuss bad bets, overhyped markets, and where VCs should actually put their money. I sat down with Deedy Das (Principal, Menlo Ventures), Nikunj Kothari (Partner, FPV Ventures), and Niko Bonatsos (Early-Stage Venture Capitalist) to get their hot takes on industries.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:58 - Deedy’s journey & the Anthropic story
05:10 - Nikunj’s background
11:32 - Niko’s story
13:31 - Sectors to avoid as an investor
23:17 - Today’s hottest sectors
27:31 - Emerging AI trends
38:37 - Declining birth rates + AI’s role
48:19 - Abundance & capitalism
53:19 - Raising kids in an Instagram world
55:39 - No tech: the next big business?
1:00:55 - The future of dating apps
1:06:52 - Key predictions for the next frontier
1:10:14 - Will urbanisation continue?
1:13:51 - Longevity & wellness industry
1:16:01 - Which sector will boom by 2035?
1:25:59 - Rethinking senior living
1:32:52 - Content vs. product: what builds a brand?
1:43:50 - Individual vs. legacy brands
1:47:30 - EVs & mobility: the road ahead
1:58:03 - Opportunities in beauty & luxury
2:02:17 - Where live events are headed
2:06:14 - Climate tech & its impact
2:11:49 - Data centers: the best bet?
2:15:13 - Vices as an industry
2:24:18 - Wrapping it all together
2:29:02 - Legal AI: opportunities & challenges
2:32:29 - India in the global AI race
#NikhilKamath - Investor & Entrepreneur
Twitter: [https://x.com/nikhilkamathcio](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbm9WZVh3cHVTX3JEeGptVjlOZ1R3cW5rVkZJUXxBQ3Jtc0tuekFjWnRXME9XUUVLcDNCTk9YcHd5OU1MV1NMamE0cWE1T25meGJ4VWRMa21OY3VYLWM2T05iOUJtYTNWbWRSLW5YUXNzTTRHUUpjOGdZSGJzNEYxMkt2Y2hmWVNUeU51Nk5MRFVieVNtSTJwMkFXZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fnikhilkamathcio&v=wHQiewz8k9g)
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#DeedyDas - Principal, Menlo Ventures
Twitter: https://x.com/deedydas
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debarghyadas/
#NikunjKothari - Partner, FPV Ventures
Twitter: https://x.com/nikunj
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikunjk/
#NikoBonatsos - Early-Stage Venture Capitalist
Twitter: https://x.com/bonatsos
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonatsos/
What industries will die out in the next decade? I sat down with three venture capitalists from Silicon Valley to decode.
#NikhilKamath - Investor & Entrepreneur
Twitter: [https://x.com/nikhilkamathcio](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbm9WZVh3cHVTX3JEeGptVjlOZ1R3cW5rVkZJUXxBQ3Jtc0tuekFjWnRXME9XUUVLcDNCTk9YcHd5OU1MV1NMamE0cWE1T25meGJ4VWRMa21OY3VYLWM2T05iOUJtYTNWbWRSLW5YUXNzTTRHUUpjOGdZSGJzNEYxMkt2Y2hmWVNUeU51Nk5MRFVieVNtSTJwMkFXZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fnikhilkamathcio&v=wHQiewz8k9g)
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#DeedyDas - Principal, Menlo Ventures
Twitter: https://x.com/deedydas
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debarghyadas/
#NikunjKothari - Partner, FPV Ventures
Twitter: https://x.com/nikunj
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikunjk/
#NikoBonatsos - Early-Stage Venture Capitalist
Twitter: https://x.com/bonatsos
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonatsos/
As someone from Bangalore, I’ve been a bit bothered by how much flak we get, especially about traffic. So I set out to see if the criticism is fair, and what’s actually being done about it.In this episode, I spend the day with two of Bengaluru’s top police officers — B. Dayananda, IPS (Commissioner of Police) and M.N. Anucheth, IPS (Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic) — to understand what’s really happening in the city.We get to know how the police are using AI and other technology to manage traffic more effectively, and what’s the future of urban transport. But this episode isn’t just about traffic. We delve into the reality of being a police officer, how they’re portrayed in movies, and the push-pull between politics and policing. We also discuss the rise in cybercrime and how you can protect yourself online.If you’ve ever complained about traffic, considered joining the force, or just want a closer look at how the system works, this episode is for you.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro & visit to the Office of the Commissioner of Police2:31 - Tracking calls at the Integrated Command & Control Centre5:57 - What police medals & uniforms represent07:07 - Police hierarchy & recruitment exams12:36 - Why is Bengaluru criticised & what’s the future of transport?15:40 - Are traffic fines a deterrent or government revenue?17:41 - How does Bengaluru use AI & data to improve traffic flow?23:13 - How cameras catch traffic violations26:41 - Combating bribery29:35 - Exploring the traffic police museum31:26 - The push-pull between politicians & police33:00 - B. Dayananda’s journey to policing35:28 - Should VIPs be above traffic rules?38:47 - Challenges & rewards of becoming a policeman43:45 - How MN Anucheth decided to enter the force45:41 - The sacrifices of policing & balancing family48:32 - How policemen cope with retirement51:23 - Kannadiga representation in government53:48 - Can policemen transition to politics?55:39 - Skills & talents of a good policeman57:19 - So low budgets force police to accept bribes?58:31 - Is there a solution to Bengaluru’s traffic problem?1:02:22 - What needs to change in India?1:06:57 - Nikhil's focus on building an Indian-first brand ecosystem1:07:56 - How accurately do movies depict police realities?1:10:40 - B. Dayananda’s love for bike rides: redefining the policeman’s image1:14:05 - Bangalore police’s growing social media presence1:15:00 - Advice for youth considering a career in policing1:17:16 - The rise of cybercrimes1:21:35 - Final thoughts: A message to aspiring policemen#NikhilKamath - Investor & EntrepreneurTwitter: https://x.com/nikhilkamathcioLinkedIN: / nikhilkamathcio Instagram: / nikhilkamathcio Facebook: / nikhilkamathcio Bengaluru City PoliceTwitter: https://x.com/BlrCityPolice Facebook: / blrcitypolice Instagram: / blrcitypolice YouTube: / @bengalurucitypolice3253 LinkedIN: / blrcitypolice Bengaluru Traffic PoliceTwitter: https://x.com/blrcitytraffic Facebook: / bangaloretrafficpolice Instagram: / bengalurutrafficpolice YouTube: / @bengalurutrafficpolice LinkedIN: / bengalurutrafficpolice #wtfiswithnikhilkamath
This episode is a playbook for any curious 20-something in India dreaming of building the next big consumer electronics brand. Whether it’s smartphones, earbuds, AI-powered glasses or health wearables, we dig into what it really takes to break into, and survive, this highly competitive space.
I sat down with three brilliant minds in the game who’ve actually done it: Carl Pei (Co-Founder, Nothing), Rahul Sharma (Co-Founder, Micromax), and Amit Khatri (Co-Founder, Noise). We tried to decode the what, how, and WTF of this industry—from regulations and the fairness of trade tariffs, to startup realities and what disruption might look like next.
You might just spot the next big idea as they share some untapped opportunities waiting to be built in this sector.
Resource Document: https://iridescent-party-a15.notion.site/Consumer-Electronics-Resource-Document-1e1aef3ec3e980f29b86dd9bae34410d
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:12 - How Apple sparked Carl’s love for tech
05:05 - The reason for Y Combinator’s success
07:28 - Carl’s ‘lazy genius’ approach towards his career
15:05 - How Nothing differentiated itself
16:36 - US tariff’s impact on China, India & the industry (Note: Since this episode was recorded before recent changes to global trade & tariff policies, some views may not reflect current regulations.)
22:10 - Carl’s philosophical views on life
24:23 - Rahul’s journey & the roots of his entrepreneurial spirit
29:30 - Micromax’s early days: From payphones to GSM innovation
38:23 - How traveling to villages led to Micromax’s success
50:47 - Competing with China & Micomax’s manufacturing pivot
1:00:00 - Apple’s vertical integration strategy: Lessons for companies & governments
1:05:00 - Learnings from Rahul’s risk-taking & resilience
1:09:00 - Amit’s journey from education to building Noise
1:23:34 - Roadmap for 20-somethings entering the electronics industry
01:41:47 - Identifying gaps in the commodity market
1:48:02 - Disruption in smartphones through design and AI opportunities
1:57:40 - Today’s youth vs. yesterday’s corporations
2:01:13 - Building India’s supply chain & unlocking its market opportunity
2:07:21 - An electronics launchpad for young entrepreneurs
2:16:45 - India’s semiconductor push & restarting efforts
2:22:26 - Future of TV: One UI for all streaming apps?
2:25:41 - Can India build a global ecosystem in electronics?
2:35:58 - Health wearables & EdTech opportunities
2:42:44 - Advice for 20-somethings who want to break into this industry
#NikhilKamath - Investor & Entrepreneur
Twitter: https://x.com/nikhilkamathcio
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilkamathcio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikhilkamathcio/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikhilkamathcio/
#CarlPei - CEO & Co-Founder, Nothing
Twitter: https://x.com/getpeid
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/getpeid/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getpeid/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getpeid/
#RahulSharma - Co-Founder, Micromax
Twitter: https://x.com/rahulsharma
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-sharma-83038634a/
#AmitKhatri - Co-Founder, Noise
Twitter: https://x.com/iamamitkhatri
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamamitkhatri/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsamitkhatri/
India’s craft beverage industry is on the rise, with brands redefining the way the country drinks. Specialty coffee, kombucha, and premium mixers are no longer just niche products—they’re part of a larger shift toward quality and innovation. As global trends in artisanal drinks take hold, Indian consumers are becoming more curious and willing to experiment. But building a brand in this space comes with unique challenges. In this episode, Nikhil Kamath sits down with Rahul Reddy (Subko), Matt Chitharanjan (Blue Tokai), Aneesh Bhasin (Svami), and Adithya Kidambi (Mossant) to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s evolving beverage space.From sourcing the best beans to disrupting the beverage industry, they break down the art of brand-building, competition in this industry, and what lies next for craft beverages in India. #NikhilKamath Co-founder of Zerodha, True Beacon and GruhasTwitter: https://x.com/nikhilkamathcio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilkamathcioInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/nikhilkamathcioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikhilkamathcio#MattChitharanjan Co-founder of Blue Tokai LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/mchitharanjan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt_chit #AdithyaKidambi Co-founder of Mossant Fermentary LinkedIN - https://in.linkedin.com/in/adithya-kidambi-8866b1269 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kidambiadithya/ #AneeshBhasin Co-founder of Svami Twitter: https://x.com/aneeshb LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneesh-bhasin-252b661/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aneeshb/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gentlemenlisten/ #RahulReddy Co-founder of Subko Coffee Twitter - https://x.com/rahulreddysc LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahulgreddy/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raah_hool Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rahul.gurram.reddy/
In this conversation, we seem to be headed towards more questions than answers.. but perhaps questions that need to be asked. Most importantly... Where is Health headed?
In this episode of WTF is Podcast, we have Nithin, Prashanth, Jitendra, Seema and Bryan uncover many such questions/concerns, trying to determine what is next in this space of Heath & Longevity.
As AI progresses, I wonder if tomorrow, an algorithm is built to tell us how to live our life the best... would we accept that integration? How far are we willing to go to live longer or perhaps "forever"?
#NikhilKamath Co-founder of Zerodha and Gruhas Host of 'WTF is' & 'People By WTF' Podcast Twitter: https://x.com/nikhilkamathcio/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikhilkamathcio/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilkamathcio?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikhilkamathcio/
#NithinKamath - Founder, CEO Zerodha, RainmatterInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/nithinkamath/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nithin.kamath/Twitter - https://x.com/Nithin0dhaLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nithin-kamath
#BryanJohnson - Founder & CEO of BlueprintInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/bryanjohnson_/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089952947799Twitter - https://x.com/bryan_johnsonLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanrjohnson/
#PrashanthPrakash - Founding Partner of Accel India, Founder BioPeak & Longevity India Twitter - https://x.com/prashanthpLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakashprashanth
#JitendraChouksey - Founder, FITTR
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fittrwithjc/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jitendra.chouksey.7/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jitendrachouksey/
Special Appearance - #SeemaKamath, Director at Zerodha
00:00 - Introduction 00:56 - Air Quality & Blue Zones 5:39 - Bryan’s Lifestyle 09:20 - Roundtable Introductions 12:14 - Future of Medical Innovations 16:25 - Understanding Bio Transformations, Enzymatic Reactions 19:03 - Bryan’s Early Days 27:20 - Bryan’s journey into understanding Longevity 32:18 - Understanding Health Supplements 43:10 - Thought experiment 1: the algorithm 46:13 - Thought experiment 2: the 25th century 54:30 - Thought experiment 3: enabling an intelligence 1:03:00 - WTF is ‘Don’t Die’? 1:20:28 - Testing & Supplementation 1:26:50 - Business Opps in Testing & Supplementation 1:35:17 - 10 years from now, what’s Bryan's goal? 1:38:37 - Food Break! 1:39:35 - Air Quality Index (AQI) - Massive Opportunities 1:46:05 - Lifestyle Management Opps | Fittr 1:50:00 - Consumer Diagnostics Opps | BioPeak 1:59:16 - Building India Focused Datasets 2:13:33 - Influencers in the Longevity space 2:20:53 - Cancer Recurrence Detection 2:34:12 - Health Gadgets 2:39:40 - Longevity Supplements Opps & Growth Hormones 3:06:55 - Regenerative Medicine 3:10:30 - Where’s the next big opportunity? 3:15:13 - Bonus Round: Women’s Reproductive Health 3:21:28 - If men live forever and women can't give birth beyond 35 - Where's the future? #WTFiswithnikhilkamath #PeopleByWTF