Adgcraft and HIVE8 Launch Startups Uncensored in Mumbai

Adgcraft Communications, one of India’s most trusted PR agencies, and HIVE8, the country’s tallest co-working space, are set to launch the inaugural edition of ‘Startups Uncensored’—a raw, honest conversation around the realities of entrepreneurship. Scheduled for Saturday, May 17 at HIVE8, Mumbai, the event will spotlight the silent struggles behind startup success stories, often overshadowed by funding milestones.

The panel will include Ajinkya Bhasme, Founder of Zealopia; Arjun Vaidya, Investor at V3 Ventures; and Rahul Adap, Founder of Brovibe—moderated by Yash Gadhade from Break Into VC and Volt VC. Together, they will unpack overlooked challenges like team dynamics, mental health, and the role of storytelling in startup longevity.

While funding remains a critical pillar, internal hurdles often determine whether a startup survives or collapses. Industry studies show that 23% of Indian startups fail due to weak founding teams, while 31% of founders suffer from impostor syndrome, leading to burnout and indecision. Alarmingly, 68% of Indian entrepreneurs report severe stress, with burnout contributing to nearly one-third of venture failures.

“In the global startup narrative, storytelling and effective communication are paramount. At Adgcraft, we've seen that startups with compelling stories not only attract investors but also build meaningful relationships with their audience. This session is about underlining that narrative,” said Abhinay Kumar Singh, Founder & MD, Adgcraft Communications.

“Beyond capital, startups need resilience, clarity, and a cohesive team. This session brings those unspoken truths to the surface, helping founders learn from each other’s lived experiences,” added Rahul Adap, Founder, Brovibe.

“After working with countless founders, one truth stands out—startups don’t fail because of bad ideas alone. They fail in the silence between co-founders, in unspoken stress, and in the pressure to appear successful. ‘Startups Uncensored’ is a space for honesty, vulnerability, and growth,” said Himanshu Jain, Founder, Break Into VC.

With candid conversations at its core, ‘Startups Uncensored’ aims to create a safe and collaborative space for founders, investors, and ecosystem enablers to exchange insights and address the real, raw experiences of building a venture.