Building a startup may appear glamorous from the outside, but the reality can be far more challenging, according to Drickle co-founder Vardhman Jain, who recently reflected on his nearly five-year entrepreneurial journey.
In a candid post on social media platform X, Jain described entrepreneurship as “the most gruelling thing” he has experienced both mentally and financially.
“I’m about to complete five years of building or trying to build a coffee business in India,” Jain wrote, sharing his reflections on the ups and downs of startup life.
‘Entrepreneurship changes you year after year’
Jain said that the journey of building a company gradually transforms founders, forcing them to develop resilience and emotional maturity.
According to him, entrepreneurs must learn to accept criticism and rejection while constantly refining their products and strategies.
“You develop a thick skin for criticism, let go of your ego, learn to accept rejection and people tearing your product apart,” he noted.
He added that founders eventually learn to treat their product objectively as a business rather than an emotional attachment.
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Jain also offered a cautionary note to people considering launching their own ventures.
He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to carefully evaluate their financial preparedness and mindset before starting a business.
“I wouldn’t advise anyone to start a business unless you have strong financial backing, aren’t overly attached to your product, and can let go of your biases,” he wrote.
Describing the journey as demanding and often isolating, he emphasised that entrepreneurship requires long-term commitment and mental resilience.
“It’s a long, lonely journey. Think deeply before you sign up,” Jain added.
About the coffee startup Drickle
Drickle, formerly known as BONOMI, was launched in 2020 by Rahul Nijhawann and Vardhman Jain in Bengaluru.
The coffee brand currently operates seven compact outlets across the city, typically located in busy micromarkets and spanning about 150–200 square feet each.
The company follows a coffee-first retail model, offering flavoured coffees along with beverages such as matcha, boba drinks and Thai tea.
Drickle also runs its own manufacturing facility to manage supply chains and control operational costs.
Funding and expansion plans
The startup has raised nearly ₹6 crore in seed funding from angel investors and operators.
In April 2025, Drickle secured an additional ₹5.3 crore, followed by another ₹50 lakh investment through Ideabaaz.
The new funding is being used to expand retail outlets in Bengaluru, strengthen backend manufacturing, build leadership teams, and invest in marketing and brand development.
Jain’s remarks have sparked conversations online about the realities of entrepreneurship, highlighting that building a successful startup often requires persistence, financial stability and emotional resilience