OkCredit CEO’s Shocking Truth About Startup Finances and VC Influence

In 2019, Harsh Pokharna, the CEO and co-founder of OkCredit, revealed that he was “broke” even after his startup raised ₹120 crore (about $16 million). He shared his story on social media, saying he struggled with money, paying rent, and living paycheck to paycheck in Bengaluru, known as the Silicon Valley of India.

Pokharna explained that many startup founders often find themselves in similar situations, looking successful on the outside but facing financial struggles. He believes that venture capitalists, the people who invest in startups, want founders to stay poor because when founders have money, they can make their own decisions about their businesses.

He talked about how some investors tell founders that asking for a little money for personal needs could make them less ambitious. However, Pokharna pointed out that investors often give large amounts of money to experienced founders without worrying about their personal financial situations. He encouraged all founders not to feel ashamed of wanting financial stability so they can focus on building their dreams without stress.

OkCredit, founded in 2017, helps small businesses manage their accounting and finances. The startup has raised around $84.9 million from well-known investors like Lightspeed India, Tiger Global Management, and Y Combinator.