Akash Devaraju

@lightroastguy True that

I’m about to complete 5 years of building or trying to build a coffee business in India. This has been the most gruelling thing I’ve done, both mentally and financially. Building a business changes you year after year. You develop a thick skin for bullshit, let go of your ego, learn to accept rejection (and people tearing your product apart), and eventually become emotionally detached, treating it as what it is: a business. I wouldn’t advise anyone to start a business unless you have strong financial backing, aren’t overly attached to your product, and can let go of your biases. It’s a long, lonely journey, think deeply before you sign up.

@flenthomes It me. I is merch thief.

merch thief @SkyKOG secured the bags 💰💰 #comespendourvcmoney

@paulfinneyx @spacekayak Absolutely insane Paul! So so proud 🥳

Four years ago, @spacekayak was just an idea. Small. Scrappy. Fueled by belief. Every project taught us something. Every person shaped us. Every setback built our strength. And somewhere along the way, we realised we weren’t building for ourselves anymore. We were building because we’d found something worth protecting, a space for ideas to breathe, for makers to build freely, for creativity to move without compromise. That’s Sanctuary. It’s more than a space, it’s a foundation for what’s next. And a home for everyone chasing it. Come through. Collaborate. Create. Build. Find your people. This is just the beginning.

@lightroastguy Bhai bola hai

Not shitting on white label folks, but man the amount of effort it takes at the factory level to perfect the product with consistency and cost control is insane. Your life is basically doing trials and experiments till you fix the damn product.

@speakingofarpit Bahut funny

need a woman in my company so that she can say this in our VC meetings

@painkillerpanda @jiteshluthra @localfermentco @avneer_bh Jitesh! message me on WA, we'll make it happen. ✌🏻

@jiteshluthra @localfermentco @SkyKOG @avneer_bh

A friend is looking for food sponsors for an all women led hackathon next month in Bangalore for about 450+ people. Any leads please DM!

@abdulpoonawala @Anushka257 @lightroastguy @mehulved Thanks Abdul :) Have faced all of this and then some 😅 completely hear you @Anushka257 You have my number, ping anytime, happy to chat in detail. Cheers!

@Anushka257 Anushka, please chat with @lightroastguy, I think he'll have insights / actionable feedback on this Q-com situation. Also, @mehulved and @SkyKOG.

Everyone says get listed on Q-com apps like Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart, and others. But is it that easy? Here’s what I’ve learned so far after talking to so many folks. 1. High Commissions + Thin Margins Q-com platforms often charge 25–35% commissions, plus 40% GST for beverages. This can crush contribution margins unless you have significant scale or adjust pricing aggressively. 2. You often need to keep dedicated stock in their warehouses, which ties up working capital. 3. Slow fulfillment or stockouts can damage your rating or even lead to penalties. 4. Many platforms ask for onboarding fees, marketing commitments, or listing charges. For early-stage founders, this can be a big cash burn with no immediate returns. 5. If your product requires chilling, logistics become far more challenging. 6. Being listed doesn’t guarantee discovery; often, you’ll need to pay for in-app ads, discounts, or banners. 7. You get the sales, but the platform owns the data. No loyalty loop, no remarketing. 8. If your product doesn’t move quickly, it risks being deprioritized or delisted. We have still not been able to list @drinkquenzy on Quick Commerce. but would love to chat with anyone who’s figured it out and can help. Cheers!

@josephradhik Would love to make @localfermentco a part of your daily habit!

Indian brands I use almost daily: - Andamen; super comfy and clean design menswear - Atomberg; simple tech, done right - Urban Platter; sooo many Asian spices, sauces and more. - Meatigo; a cut above Licious in terms of variety and quality - Bare Anatomy; high quality hair care - Praan Hive - Fast n Up! - Pilgrim Moisturizer - Dapr, Beardo, Urbanmooch for beard care Whew. The rise in Indian brands is so good to see. Especially the quality ones.

@lightroastguy badiya bhai

@lightroastguy Vardhman sir ke pyare pyare but BANG ON insights 🫡

Looks like entire beverage community is following the Olipop design. Spotted three Indian brands already.

@lightroastguy Bhai kuch zyada hi relatable tweets post kar Raha hai aajkal

There’s a wrong notion that founders are rich. Most early-stage founders live paycheck to paycheck. Some even get questioned by investors for raising their own salaries. If we can't manage our expenses, how do you expect us to stay focused on building?

@SumedhaUppal So lucky to have you

happy birthday to the best half of dastarkhwan. his friendship, those who have experienced it will testify, is the most selflessly joyous things. he has your back. shows up. over and over again. grateful to be a small part in his largely tasteful world. cheers.

@JassilJamal I still remember Ambareesh literally forcing that broccoli to me at gunpoint. BEST DECISION EVER. That and the roast chicken are literally my absolute favourite

Nenapu is one of the best eateries in town, hands down Never a broccoli man, but this grilled miso broccoli blew my mind And oh god, the roast chicken😭 Best plate of food I’ve had in town in ages

@holasaranyahere Please don't miss going to 4 seasons for the best mandi Biryani. I had literal tears

about to eat my first hyderabadi biryani in hyderabad ever gah

@holasaranyahere @tarinilyy are we invited to the bday party? 🤔

friends, should I do a fun video where I talk about 25 things I’ve learnt in the last 25 years (as I’m turning 25 next week!) or should I do a blog post instead or is it all too preachy thing is, I’ve always wanted to do one ever since I saw Alexa losey do it

@holasaranyahere Beautiful, absolutely beautiful Keep shining Saranyaa!

Some 3 a.m thoughts coming at you 1) 2 years ago, I was seeing this guy who told me that I hadn’t been through “enough” in life to know what it’s like and he said this because I romanticise things and have a naive, sunshiny personality. I still carry this narrative within me :(

@SumedhaUppal Pinning tabs is just breadcrumbing

in an anxiously attached relationship with my browser. can't let go of open tabs.

So this happened!

@ewyuckugh eating ghobi with @theborklar

what is the male equivalent of getting your nails done

What a super fun gig last night @anmolm_ @ishaanpreet ! had a ball of a time, reconnected with a dozen old friends and synergised a bunch of collabs with new ones. Most importantly played Asphalt, Halo and Ice hokey like a kid 🥳🥳🥳