Over 100 Early-Stage Startups Join Startups Uncensored

HIVE8, India’s tallest co-working space in collab with Adgcraft Communications, one of India’s most trusted PR agencies, successfully hosted the first edition of ‘Startups Uncensored’, a one-of-a-kind initiative that puts the spotlight on the untold stories of startup founders. Powered by Break Into VC, the event saw participation from over 100 early-stage startups representing sectors such as Tech, AI, D2C, Lifestyle, and B2B. The speaker list included Ajinkya Bhasme (Author & Founder, Zealopia) and Rahul Adap (Founder, BROVIBE).

A first-of-its-kind initiative, Startups Uncensored aims to uncover the real stories behind the startup world stories of failed pivots, co-founder fights, sleepless nights, and self-doubt. At a time when headlines focus only on fundraising and exits, this series gives founders space to talk about what happens in between.

During the event, speakers shared stories of perseverance, lessons learned from early missteps, and the importance of emotional resilience in building successful ventures. The discussion highlighted how strong team dynamics, open communication, and mindful leadership can make or break a startup. Founders reflected on their journeys, emphasizing that challenges such as burnout, hiring dilemmas, and impostor syndrome are not setbacks but opportunities for growth and transformation. The session also celebrated the role of storytelling, not just in marketing to consumers and investors, but in building culture and inspiring teams from within.

Abhinay Kumar Singh, Founder and MD, Adgcraft Communications, stated, “Startups Uncensored is about bringing founders into a space where they can talk candidly. At Adgcraft, we’ve always believed that storytelling is not a luxury but a necessity. It is what turns an idea into a movement. This event reaffirms the power of honest storytelling and connection in building lasting brands and relationships.”

Rahul Adap, Founder of Brovibe, added, "I started Startups Uncensored because I was tired of the startup ecosystem only celebrating funding rounds and exits. No one talks about the sleepless nights, burnout, or breakdowns, and I’ve lived those battles. When I shared the idea with Abhinay from Adgcraft and Yash from Volt VC, they said yes instantly. The response proved it - founders showed up in large numbers, shared openly, and left feeling seen. The energy was real. This is more than an event - it's the start of a movement to normalize vulnerability in the ecosystem. Ajinkya Bhasme, in particular, moved the room with his raw, vulnerable story. That’s what this is about, founders removing the mask and finding strength in shared truth."

Yash Gadhade, Member, Volt VC, remarked, “When founders open up about failure, burnout, or even just confusion, it creates a ripple effect. These are the real conversations that drive collective growth. This session wasn’t just a panel; it was a mirror for many in the room, offering clarity, courage, and connection. I believe that when we talk about the difficult parts openly, we’re not just venting, we’re empowering a generation of entrepreneurs to build smarter, healthier, and more sustainable startups."

Following its successful launch in Mumbai, Startups Uncensored will now travel across the country, one city at a time, creating intimate, founder-first spaces where stories take centre stage, not slides. The goal: to humanise entrepreneurship and build a culture of community, honesty, and resilience in the Indian startup ecosystem.