Aditya Arora, a proud alumnus of Apeejay School, Pitampura (Batch of 2015), is not just the dashing young CEO of FAAD Capital, a venture capital firm valued at $40M, but also an author passionate about telling stories that matter. His recently released book Startups of Bharat is a powerful reflection of India’s new-age entrepreneurial wave. Documenting real-life case studies of under-30 founders who built unicorns and multi-million-dollar startups, Aditya’s work is a guidebook for dreamers and doers alike. In this interview, he speaks about what inspired him to write a book that’s both instructional and inspirational.
Aditya, congratulations on the book. Tell us—what is Startups of Bharat all about?
Thank you so much! The book is a deep dive into the stories of 15 young entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who have built multi-million or even billion-dollar unicorn companies. But it’s not just a storybook—each chapter focuses on a particular startup challenge like pricing, distribution, or competition. It’s designed like a simulation, almost like a workbook for aspiring entrepreneurs who are either starting out or are stuck and looking for direction.
You call it a simulation rather than a traditional book. Why is that?
Because it’s hands-on. Each chapter takes a problem and shows how a young founder solved it in real life. It’s very practical and insightful. We wanted it to be actionable—so readers can learn from real challenges, not theory.
Who are some of the entrepreneurs featured in the book?
We’ve included founders like those of PhysicsWallah and BharatPe—people who’ve already built billion-dollar ventures. Their journeys are relatable, especially for young Indians who aspire to create impact through entrepreneurship.
What inspired you to write a book with this focus?
Having started my own entrepreneurial journey in school and college, I knew first-hand the lack of structured guidance. Most students have ambition, but they don’t know how to take the first step. This book is what I wish I had when I began—a practical, relatable guidebook for young founders.
That’s incredible. So how long did it take to write the book?
The entire process — from ideation and research to writing and editing — took close to a year. I was working full-time alongside, so I would write late at night or on weekends. It was demanding but also extremely rewarding.
How did the publishing process unfold? Did Penguin come on board early?
It was quite a journey. I first prepared a detailed proposal — not just what the book was about but also why it mattered. I was fortunate that Penguin Random House- one of the biggest publishing houses in the nation- believed in the concept and its relevance in today’s India. Their editorial team helped me shape the content further, and I’m truly grateful for their support in bringing this vision to life.
That is a big feat! So was writing always a passion, or did that emerge later?
I enjoyed writing essays in school, but in college, I really embraced it. I started blogging about startups and ended up writing over 100 blogs. Eventually, that evolved into the desire to create a comprehensive book.
A parting advice you would offer to young writers and aspiring authors?Write from a place of authenticity. Also, be patient with the process. Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. Choose a topic you’re deeply connected with for that’s the only way you’ll sustain the long hours and creativity the process demands.
Do you see yourself writing more books?
Yes, definitely. I believe in the power of storytelling to educate. I’m already thinking about a second edition or a companion guide for educators and startup mentors.