Standing Invitation

I would like to offer a standing invitation for anybody who stumbles across this page -

If you want to talk about startups, technology, philosophy, books, or anything else you think I might be interested in, I would love to talk to you!

Quite a lot of people feel shy or hesitant to reach out without context and while I understand the cause for your hesitation, I really love being hit up randomly. I've met almost all of my best friends and business partners from random online interactions and looking back, I'm really happy I took a shot and reached out! I love having these people in my life and I would've met them if I hadn't sent them an extremely goofy Twitter message and a random cold email...

I have never, ever felt frustrated because I've gotten a personalised email from anyone and as long as you're maintaining the basic level of curtsey (which I'm sure you will be), there's nothing you can do which can make me think poorly of you. I estimate I respond to ~90% of the personalised cold email directed towards me usually within 12 hours (however, it may take up to 48 hours if I'm busy with certain work, out of the office or have other commitments).

I'm usually pretty good with my email and don't need to be followed up with, however, if it's been >1 week and you're still waiting for a response, there's a slight chance your email somehow slipped through my workflow so a polite nudge would be greatly appreciated.

Things I LOVE to be reached out for -

1. Informational Interviews: While I'm still extremely early in my journey of life, if there's a domain/role or something into which you believe I may have a unique insight, I'd be more than happy to give my two cents on it. I've been blessed to have some extremely amazing people give me unconditional time, support, resources, advice and introductions throughout my journey, and I owe it to them, as well as everyone else who's played a role in helping me get to where I am today to pay it forward however much I can. The only thing I'd request from you in return is that when the time comes, pass on the love to whoever you think you can help out. Even the smallest pieces of advice and resources can make the world of a difference. Happy to chat about venture capital, startup advisory or anything you think I might have an interesting take on.
2. Reviewing Products: I'm a hardcore product geek - I love nothing more than finding niched software and playing around with them. Over the past few years, I've tested thousands of pieces of productivity tools and I'm VERY VERY excited to get my hands on whichever new app is in the market. If you're building something cool and want feedback or just get my two cents on something, please reach out - my downloads folder can always do with more.DMGs ;)
3. Reading/ Reviewing/ Collaborating On Media Pieces: Creating media online is a beautiful way of sharing your knowledge with a large number of people easily and while I wish I write more, I do often review/collaborate on blogs, videos, talks and other pieces of media with fellow tech-nerds. In case you have something you'd like my take on, feel free to send it my way - I'd be more than happy to run an eye through it and give my two cents. I would however like to warn you that this is something which usually takes a good amount of time and while I'll try my very best to get back to you on time, it might be a while before I get down to penning my thoughts. In case you're working with a deadline, please let me know beforehand so I can either plan out when to do it in advance or let you know in case I wouldn't be able to make the deadline so you can plan accordingly.
4. Reviewing Pitchdeck/Startup-Related Documentation: Since a good chunk of my advisory work involves dealing with documentation including balance sheets, pitch decks, and term sheets, I'd be more than happy to have a quick chat with you and give my two cents. While doing advisory is my bread-and-butter, I often spend up to 15 hours with startups pro-bono - after that, if you think you'll benefit from a more hands-on approach from me, we can explore options. However, if you'd like to just have an initial chat and get my thoughts on a deck or do a mock VC interview, hit me up and we'll figure out a time.
5. Meeting Cool People: If you're someone who just stumbled across my profile randomly but thinks that we may vibe then definitely reach out. The number of friends I've made through random Twitter DMs is absolutely crazy and I'm totally down to meet cool new people any time! I love meeting people at conferences - there have been times when I look back and say "urgh, why didn't I speak to xx people when we were at the same event?" - if we're ever at the same event and you want to say hi, please don't be hesitant at all. I promise that I'm a pretty goofy (and maybe a wee bit cool) person in real life. Also, I'll most likely put all my travel plans up either on Twitter or LinkedIn so in case I'm hitting a city you'll be in, let me know as soon as possible so that we can fix up a slot on the calendar (otherwise I get really bogged down with other things at the last minute - the sooner we coordinate something, the more likely it is that we get to meet). Also, while I love sitting and chatting in a coffeehouse, I'm a huge fan of any adventurous and goofy meetings - the best first meeting I've had so far is while helping someone move houses. I've also taken a VC meeting at a rock-climbing gym and in the swimming pool.
6. Reading New Books/ Blog Posts: While I wish I got the time to read more, I love reading books (of all genres!) so if you come across something and the thought of "Hmm, Jai might like this" pops into your head, send it across! I'm part of a couple of pretty amazing book clubs but I'm still very excited to jump on calls with new people and discuss what we're reading!
7. Giving Honest Feedback: If you've come across something I've said or done either in real life or online which you disagree with, I'd be open to hearing you out. As long as both of us speak in a civil tone to each other, I'd love to hear any and all feedback you have for me. Like all humans, I do make mistakes so I wouldn't get angry or annoyed if you give me honest (and blunt) feedback. I want to learn from my mistakes and your help in doing that would be greatly appreciated
8. Or Just Anything Else!

If you're reaching out for a specific purpose (for example, asking me for advice on a startup or requesting an introduction, it might be useful to go through the FAQs first) but I'd still totally be down for talking once you've gotten through those. The FAQ guide is not to discourage people from reaching out or to come across as pompous, it's simply a mechanism of ensuring that both of us are able to utilise each other's time to the fullest extent.

I also love supporting underdogs. Having been one my entire life, I'll do everything in my power to help you out and when you reach out to me, I'm guaranteeing you that I wouldn't be judging you for things like bad English, poor spelling or anything.

Don't apologise for contacting me or "wasting my time" or repeatedly thanking me for helping you out - I'm doing this because I want to help and as much as I appreciate your acknowledgement, I'd much rather you pass it on to someone else when you get the chance.

I just have two conditions if you're reaching out to me - firstly, I'm hoping we can treat each other with dignity and respect, regardless of how different our thought processes may be. Secondly, I'm hoping you can pass on the love by paying it forward. No matter how small of a thing you do, someday, sometime, there'll be someone who'll benefit from your help. Every time I help someone, I think of the dozens of people who went out of their way to give me advice, tell me when I was going wrong, and give me introductions to people - it's because of those people I am here today and in their honour, I help you out. All I request is that when you get the chance, you do the same for someone else. Maybe you'll change their life the same way my mentors changed mine?

Finally, I'd like to give credit to Patrick McKenzie's version for inspiring my personal Standing Offer.