From Consulting to Startups: Lessons from the Founder of Magic Pin

What does it take to go from analysing startups to building one? In a candid conversation, the co-founder and COO of Magic Pin, Brij Bhushan, shared their journey—from consulting to venture capital to launching a high-growth startup. Their experience offers invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone navigating the fast-moving world of startups. Brij Bhushan also visited Masters' Union for a Series C session, where he shared his insights with the students.

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Startups: Challenging but impactful

Startups are not the best place to learn in a structured way—but they are the best place to make an impact. Unlike consulting, where the focus is on solving external problems, startup founders must make high-stakes decisions in real time, balancing risk and execution.

Market size matters

One of the biggest mistakes founders make? Underestimating market size. A great product isn’t enough—successful startups must operate in large markets with enough monetisation potential. Before launching a venture, founders need to ask: Who will pay for this? How big is the opportunity?

Consulting vs. startups: The key difference

Consulting teaches problem-solving, but building a business is about execution. The founder emphasised that while consulting provides a strong analytical foundation, nothing compares to the hands-on experience of running a company—where strategy meets reality.

Investment insights: The long game

Having spent time in venture capital, the founder highlighted that successful investments take years to mature. Startups often fail because they prioritise valuation over sustainability. Investors today are shifting their focus from unicorns to long-term, stable businesses.

Picking the right co-founder

Skills matter, but vision matters more. Instead of searching for the perfect skill match, founders should prioritise alignment in ambition and resilience. Surviving the startup rollercoaster requires a team that shares the same long-term commitment.

The changing startup ecosystem

The conversation also explored how venture capital has evolved. Investors are now favouring “camels” (startups that focus on sustainability) over unicorns that burn cash recklessly. The takeaway? Founders should focus on real business fundamentals, not just rapid scaling.

Surviving the startup rollercoaster

From layoffs during the pandemic to market fluctuations, the founder opened up about the toughest moments in their journey. The key to survival? A strong investor-founder relationship and a resilient team that can navigate uncertainty together.

This conversation was a reality check for anyone romanticising startup life. The founder’s journey underscores that building a startup isn’t about overnight success—it’s about long-term vision, adaptability, and relentless execution.