Build like you're broke | Abhishek Soni | TEDxKharadi Salon

Core Idea - Constraints, such as limited money, time, or resources, can trigger creativity and innovation rather than hinder it [1][6] - Building a business with limited resources forces discipline, resilience, and faster learning [23] - A "build like you're broke" mindset is not about budget, but about how a company thinks, decides, and acts under pressure [24] Case Studies & Examples - Upwards, a lending business, achieved product-market fit and sustainable growth (20-30% MoM) after facing post-funding constraints and focusing on core offerings [3][9] - Spanx, started with $5,000 of savings, became a billion-dollar brand by compensating for lack of funds with obsession and ingenuity [13] - Zoho, a profitable SaaS giant, built a SAS empire from Tamil Nadu without external funding, focusing on product and profitability [15][16] - Chandrayaan-3, India's moon mission, was launched at a cost less than many Bollywood movies, demonstrating that focus beats funding [19] Key Principles - Scarcity sharpens focus, forcing companies to prioritize what truly moves the needle [23] - Creativity thrives on limitations, leading to innovative solutions like duct tape prototypes and hack-together MVPs [24] - Companies should test before betting big, staying close to the customer and earning the right to grow [25] - Focus almost always beats funding [21] Strategic Implications - Companies should think like they're broke, whether funded or not, to be more resilient and adaptable [23] - Smart tradeoffs and fast learning are essential when resources are limited [23] - Scaling should reward what's already working and companies should validate product-market fit before forcing growth [24][25]