Money Moves with Neil Devani
Money Moves is the podcast about fundraising, investing, and building in the world of venture capital and startups. Hosted by Neil Devani, it's perfect for pre-seed founders, venture capitalists, and anyone interested in raising capital, making smart investments in new technologies, and building great businesses.
Each week, Neil and his guests share stories and practical advice from people who’ve successfully pitched ideas, closed investors, and navigated the acquisition process. From raising hundreds of millions of dollars to delivering 10x+ returns to investors, the achievements of our guests speak for themselves.
Join us on Money Moves to hear about their successes and failures in the world of venture capital investing and startups.
Money Moves with Neil Devani
024 Ashwin Pushpala on building/exiting a company before becoming a VC at Eclipse
In this episode of Money Moves, host Neil Devani talks with Ashwin Pushpala about his entrepreneurial journey from founding a medtech startup to his current role as an investor at Eclipse Ventures. Ashwin shares how early entrepreneurial experiences, like stringing tennis rackets in high school, evolved into a career focused on solving real-world medical challenges. He discusses building his company around non-invasive glucose monitoring technology, raising nearly $40 million despite significant hurdles, and eventually exiting through an acquisition by One Drop.
Ashwin reflects on lessons from pitching investors, handling rejection, and trusting his instincts. Finally, he dives into his work at Eclipse, explaining how the firm incubates and invests in companies that innovate across the physical industries, emphasizing how experience, networks, and structured early validation can accelerate founder success.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Ashwin’s early entrepreneurial experiences and his fascination with medical devices
- Founding and scaling a company focused on non-invasive glucose monitoring technology
- The challenges and strategies of raising venture capital without traditional revenue milestones
- Lessons learned from pitching investors — including best and worst pitch moments
- Transition to investing with Eclipse Ventures and their thesis-driven, industry-focused approach
- How Eclipse's incubation process helps founders build faster with stronger validation and networks
Connect with Ashwin Pushpala: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwinpushpala/
Connect with host Neil Devani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildevani/
For more information on Necessary Ventures, visit the website at: