New Delhi: Tanul Mishra began her career in media, telecom, and payments, which led her to create Eatelish, a platform for artisanal food products. After Eatelish, she saw a big gap in support for startups in India’s fintech sector. This insight drove her to start Afthonia Lab, aiming to fill that gap and support fintech ventures.
One major challenge was changing the perception of incubators. Many people thought they were just co-working spaces with little real value. To address this, Mishra and her team focused on showing how Afthonia Lab provides essential support, helping startups grow and achieve their goals.
Afthonia Lab has helped several promising startups. For instance, Funngro created Teen Lancers, which connects teenagers with projects to boost their skills and financial knowledge. Another success is Subsidy X from Ahmedabad, which helps businesses access government subsidies, improving their cash flow.
Smart Use of Funds
Afthonia Lab teaches startups how to use their funds wisely. With advice from mentors like CFOs and investment bankers, startups get tailored plans to make the most of their money, whether for expanding their customer base or investing in technology.
The lab helps startups stay current with global trends by providing access to international mentors. This keeps startups informed about new developments and helps them adapt quickly.
Mishra emphasizes the importance of delegation. By hiring skilled people and letting them manage specific tasks, she can focus on both the details and the broader vision of Afthonia Lab.
In fintech, resilience and adaptability are crucial. The industry’s slow pace and heavy regulations require entrepreneurs to be flexible and persistent.
Mentoring and Community
Mishra enjoys mentoring because it allows for the exchange of ideas and continuous learning. Engaging with other entrepreneurs and mentors keeps her motivated and passionate about the field.
Community support and networking are vital for startup growth. Afthonia Lab provides a supportive network, including funding, partners, and coaching, creating an environment where startups can thrive.
Mishra’s hobbies—Krav Maga, trekking, and classical dance—help her stay physically and mentally fit. These activities improve her resilience and adaptability, which are important for her leadership style.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those entering fintech, Mishra advises understanding regulations, staying motivated despite slow progress, and focusing on solving real problems with innovative ideas.
Looking to the Future
Afthonia Lab plans to support more entrepreneurs from smaller cities and focus on sectors like insurance and cybersecurity. They also aim to increase support for women founders, showing a commitment to diversity and growth in the fintech ecosystem.
Tanul Mishra’s transition from the food service industry to fintech is a story of vision and adaptation. Through Afthonia Lab, she continues to shape the future of fintech startups and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
