At just 26, Hinal Mehta is shaping the future of Indian start-ups with her brainchild, StartInc—a boutique brand solutions consultancy dedicated to helping direct-to-consumer (D2C) start-ups grow strategically and sustainably. In just over two years, StartInc has supported more than 50 start-ups, offering crucial guidance and actionable strategies for brands at the beginning of their journeys.
’StartInc, as the name suggests, is a start-up incubator. It’s been my vision since college when I learned that nine out of ten start-ups fail,’ Hinal explains. The revelation spurred her to dive deep into the reasons for these high failure rates, discovering that a strong brand strategy and effective execution could be the difference between success and obscurity. ’With just a little more strategy and execution, start-ups can create a better brand for tomorrow,’ she says.
StartInc operates on two models. In one, it works on a consulting basis, charging hourly or monthly fees to support start-ups that already have in-house teams. In the other model, StartInc partners more closely with solopreneurs who are managing multiple facets of their businesses—production, shipping, customer experience, and more. ’We take care of your sales, revenue, and communication, either with in-house resources or through external partners in our network,’ says Hinal. This approach allows founders to focus on product and growth while StartInc manages branding and strategic outreach.
Hinal’s ambition reaches beyond current successes. ’If I want to build a company of tomorrow, a Fortune 500, then I have to wait because that doesn’t happen overnight,’ she reflects. This patient, long-term perspective, coupled with a strong focus on strategic growth and empowerment, sets StartInc apart in the world of brand consultancies for D2C start-ups in India.
In an industry known for rapid change and tough competition, Hinal and StartInc are proving that with the right strategy, patience, and the power of a strong all-women team, it’s possible to build brands that stand the test of time.