In a bold and unexpected revelation that stunned attendees at the “Festival of Enterprise” held on April 28–29, 2025, at NEC Birmingham, renowned entrepreneur and former MNC founder Vishwadeep Kamble declared that if given another chance, he would never launch a startup again. The startling confession from the visionary behind Hackerhelps Global shook the startup community, as Kamble candidly exposed the harsh, emotionally draining realities behind the glamour of entrepreneurship—offering a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the toll of building a business from the ground up.
“A Million Times Harder Than I Ever Imagined”
When asked what kind of company he would start if he could turn back time, Vishwadeep’s response was chillingly simple: “I wouldn’t.”
“Founding Hackerhelps Global was a million times harder than I ever imagined,” confessed Vishwadeep Kamble, as he reflected on the brutal reality behind entrepreneurial glamor. “I had no idea it would cost me everything—sleepless nights, crushing pressure, and the painful descent from success to failure. I raised millions, carried immense responsibilities at a young age, only to watch things fall apart in every possible way. If I had known what lay ahead, I might’ve never taken the leap. No rational person would,” he said, pulling back the curtain on the harsh truth of startup life.
The Harsh Truth: Ignorance is the Only Reason Founders Succeed
Vishwadeep Kamble pulled no punches as he delivered a striking reality check for aspiring entrepreneurs. “Most founders succeed not because they’re fully prepared—but because they underestimate how brutally hard the journey will be,” he declared. In a moment of raw honesty, Kamble revealed the mental battle behind entrepreneurship: “You have to trick yourself into believing it’s not that hard—because the truth is, it’s far worse than anything you can imagine.” His words cut through the glamor and exposed the grit that true success demands.
Looking back, if I could fix one mistake, it would be not starting a company young. Instead, I’d tell my younger self: Work for a startup—don’t build one too soon. My experience with HackerHelps Global turned into a nightmare—millions generated but multi-millions lost, media storms, and sleepless nights from stakeholder fury. A brutal lesson learned
“Come back when you’re older” will haunt you, fueling self-doubt and isolation. Sacrifices? Non-negotiable. Say goodbye to your social life. I launched my first venture at 14, tasted fleeting success, then faced a lifetime-sized failure.
Yes, failure is far more likely than success—even after two years as a “successful founder,” I lost nearly everything. It took a year of grinding just to regain stability. But here’s the raw truth: Failing at 18 teaches harder, faster lessons than winning ever could at 30. If you’re not ready for the pain, don’t start.
In a powerful message to today’s youth, visionary entrepreneur Vishwadeep Kamble urged teenagers aged 15 to 18 to dive into the world of startups—not just with ambition, but with awareness. “Explore industries, intern, volunteer—gain real exposure,” he advised, emphasizing that each sector offers unique lessons. But he didn’t sugarcoat the journey. “Starting young isn’t just thrilling—it’s a battlefield,” he warned, highlighting that the startup world demands resilience and maturity, where every move can carry serious consequences. His words serve as both inspiration and caution for aspiring young innovators.
In a statement, Vishwadeep Kamble emphasized the critical role that genuine connections played in rebuilding his professional stability following the failure of his previous venture. Drawing from his extensive experience in networking, he shared that building a strong, cross-industry network of over 5,000 contacts across the globe helped him bounce back. Over the past three years, despite a packed schedule, he actively participated in 50–70 virtual conferences and 15–20 in-person corporate events to foster meaningful relationships with industry leaders. Vishwadeep highlighted the stark contrast between social media popularity and real-world influence, stressing that quality, not quantity, defines impactful networking. “It’s not about how many followers you have—it’s about how many real connections you maintain and engage with consistently,” he concluded.
Reporter’s Final and Provocative Question to Vishwadeep Kamble:
“You claim to have just 3 to 4 years of professional experience, yet your portfolio includes engagements with over 20 companies in the same industry. Doesn’t this raise concerns about moonlighting and violations of corporate conduct? Why should anyone place their trust in you?”
Vishwadeep Kamble’s Assertive Reply:
“When 20+ companies approach me within the same domain, it’s not a breach—it’s a testament to the strategic value I offer. Rather than question it, perhaps it should be recognized as a symbol of high-level expertise, adaptability, and trust earned. I don’t seek opportunities—they seek me. This isn’t about defiance; it’s about being indispensable in a rapidly evolving corporate landscape.”
About Vishwadeep Kamble:
Vishwadeep Kamble is a renowned entrepreneur and strategic growth consultant with over three years of dedicated corporate experience. Widely recognized as a corporate diplomat, he has played a key role in representing India and the Indian tech ecosystem on global platforms. His expertise lies in building international partnerships, driving business expansion, and advising startups and enterprises on sustainable growth strategies. With a reputation for bold decisions and visionary leadership, Vishwadeep continues to make significant contributions to the business and technology sectors, inspiring a new generation of corporate professionals and entrepreneurs in India and beyond.