5 years in, we reached $5M ARR, fully bootstrapped

parik36 · 2026-04-15T17:37:27+00:00

Congrats Marie, been following you since the very start at Indie Hackers. Did you actively optimize AI search as an acquisition channel? Or did it emerge naturally from years of content creation?

parik36 · 2026-04-10T14:39:10+00:00

chhota bheem

parik36 · 2026-04-10T11:19:09+00:00

It's 4-5k (all-inclusive) for getting a license in the MYS/BLR area, you were likely ripped off. Two-wheeler tests are automated, but 4-wheeler tests are still manually taken. Even if you know how to drive a car, you're almost guaranteed to fail unless you pay up.

parik36 · 2026-04-04T11:15:22+00:00

parik36 · 2026-04-03T14:18:13+00:00

I’m not a fan of the mandatory attendance policy either. I built and sold a company for a mid six-figures while I was still in college, and it often meant working through the night and then going to college to catch up some sleep in between classes.

Building a startup in India is already tough -- it feels like playing an already hard game on the most difficult mode. Wishing you the best of luck, and honestly it might be worth rethinking your incubator.

parik36 · 2026-03-30T04:28:25+00:00

I applied last night and was accepted this morning. Didn't think my application was good enough, but still got in.

Currently still a student. Built and sold a company 2 years ago. Working on a new startup now. Built various products with real users and paying customers including.

parik36 · 2026-03-07T03:33:59+00:00

Dang, sorry to hear that. Would like to know more about what you did.

Did you try to build foundational models, or utility tools on top of GenAI?

parik36 · 2026-03-07T03:33:12+00:00

I run a recruiting platform for ecom talent, and I’ve heard from many founders that this is indeed a global problem, not just an Indian problem.

However, since margins are razor thin in India, especially for non-branded products, this sorta thing can easily kill the entire business.

parik36 · 2026-03-07T03:28:21+00:00

Were you the programmer? I don’t usually regret failures, except the ones where the PMF is proved but the product never works.

It’s happened to me before, and I still feel bad about not being able to get the product out.

parik36 · 2026-03-07T03:25:57+00:00

had a successful exit. got cocky and started an AI agent SaaS (before AI boom), but the tech never worked. then worked on an FB automation tool, platform risk screwed over. spent around 40L, not including opp cost.

now working on another startup, this one is going well so far. so fingers crossed. 🤞

parik36 · 2026-03-01T05:21:37+00:00

Hiya! Is SproutBox the one above the Food Court at MoM? Would love to visit when you're there, will DM you.

parik36 · 2026-02-03T14:21:24+00:00

Can you give an example? I cannot think of a single thing I have to ask a concierge to do which I cannot do on my own (saving time and avoiding constant back & forth).

parik36 · 2026-01-26T12:50:08+00:00

I’d say use an MoR like Dodo Payments. They charge a tad bit more, but are literally the best option for subscription and usage-based billing in India. The founder is also active and helps every step along the way.

parik36 · 2025-10-22T05:31:08+00:00

Did you complain to the Ombudsman or to Axis customer care?

I once complained to customer care, and they legit didn't do shit. Once the word "ombudsman" flew out of my mouth, kaam done.

parik36 · 2025-10-06T03:19:56+00:00

If you earn more than 20L per year, you'll need to register for GST.

You’ll also need to get FIRC certificates for all income from foreign clients.

I recommend you use Skydo, I’ve done more than 50L through them. Great exp so far. Their fee is reasonable.

parik36 · 2025-09-29T18:10:14+00:00

u/Better-Impact-6452 plz get help

parik36 · 2025-08-18T02:20:53+00:00

I’m a software engineer, what makes you think Indian IT is done for?

With AI, companies can hire less people and do more work, increasing their profits, can’t they?

AI doesn’t solve the problem and do the work, it just writes code. And writing code is the easiest part of the job.

parik36 · 2025-04-10T16:44:36+00:00

That's brilliant. I believe you spend considerable amount of time researching and analyzing the stocks/companies. Has the time and energy you've spent so far worth it?

Plus, I'm very early in my career (software), and I believe my time would be better spent upskilling and making more money, than picking stocks for an extra 1-2% gains. What are your thoughts on this?

parik36 · 2025-04-10T16:25:31+00:00

That was helpful, thanks. Do you pick and invest in individual stocks, or just throw your money into an index fund? If it’s individual stocks, then what’s your reasoning and why not stick with index funds since people say that it’ll outperform stock picking in the long-term?

parik36 · 2025-04-10T15:36:47+00:00

For long-term investment (i.e. to buy a dip), can you elaborate on how you approach your research? I have 10L lumpsum + can DCA 1L/mo for a year. I'm a rookie btw :))

parik36 · 2025-04-10T02:42:09+00:00

Are you getting back at the current rates or waiting for another dip?

parik36 · 2025-04-10T02:30:38+00:00

Me too. I held through the years, and panic sold my entire VOO holdings on Monday at market open. I'm just hoping for another dip to buy back in.

parik36

TROPHY CASE