Built on Bond: How Sibling Entrepreneurs Turned Rakhi Ties into Startups That Thrive

This Raksha Bandhan, Local Samosa celebrates siblings who didn’t just grow up together — they grew empires together. From playground dreams to pitch decks, these brother-sister duos and sibling sets are showing the world how trust, lifelong friendship, and a shared vision can translate into powerful business partnerships. But it’s not all smooth sailing — so how do they handle fights, failures, and family dinners after boardroom battles? Let’s find out.

We spoke with Navya Khanna, Co-Founder and Creative Director, and Nitya Khanna, Co-Founder and Marketing Director of Sadyaska, Ritu and Roohi Vijayvergiy, Co-Founders of 2.Oh!, Anuraag and Aakansha Gupta, Co-Founders of The Other Circle, Satyajit and Ajinkya Hange, Co-founders of Two Brothers Organic Farms, Arushi and Akshay Verma, Co-founders of FITPASS, Ankita and Nikita Poojari, Founders of The Bigg Small Cafe + Bar and Shreya and Shorya Nayyar, Co-Founders of The Bagh & Tepah by The Bagh.

Childhood Memories Influencing Working Styles

Whether it's hatching plans to escape homework or summer activities that lead to unforgettable memories, siblings can work together in harmony. 

Navya mentions, “As kids, we were always creating something — DIY crafts, decorating for festivals, even hosting mini 'fashion shows' at home. That playful creativity forms the core of how we work at Sadyaska today. We instinctively know how to bounce ideas off each other without ego.” While Nitya shares that being sisters made it easy to build a foundation of trust early on. “We’ve always been each other’s sounding boards — from school choices to personal style. Now, we just do that on a bigger scale with new collections and business decisions.”

Ritu and Roohi grew up with a five-year age gap, which pretty much set the tone early on. Ritu states, “I was the classic elder sibling, Roohi the younger one—and that dynamic hasn’t changed. We were always a team: we could fight like cats and dogs, but no one else could mess with us—not even our parents! That “us against the world” bond stayed intact. Even today, we can argue, disagree, even have full-blown fights—but at the end of the day, nobody can come between us.”

Aakansha states that the siblings are complete opposites who share the exact same core. Yin and yang with identical values: family, hard work, and unshakeable ethics. She says, “Growing up, I was definitely the messy, creative one -I was always jumping from idea to idea. Anuraag was my steady counterweight, the guy with natural rhythm who you just knew would have your back. He's the one people trust to solve problems methodically. I like to think I solve them too, just... differently. I thrive on trusting my gut to do something bold, to take those crazy risks that build something huge.” Anuraag puts forth, “Growing up with your sibling gives you first-hand experience of a build-up of the other’s personality and character. You get to know the trigger points, the non-verbal communication and response to stimuli. This helps you tackle  challenging work situations effectively.”

Even as kids, they had this unspoken rhythm. Today, that same rhythm anchors their brand. She led the creative and communication strategy, while he served as the backbone of operations, finance, and growth. That foundation was laid long before they even knew it.

Ajinkya and Satyajit are 3.5 to 4 years apart in age. Much of their childhood was spent together in boarding school. Ajinkya reminisces, “We spent nearly 9 to 10 months of the year on campus, which naturally brought us closer, from playing sports and travelling together to sharing books, pocket money and even roll numbers (192A and 192B). These years have instilled a strong sense of teamwork and trust, which continues to shape the way we work today. We’ve navigated school, family responsibilities, farming, and now business always as a team, with complete transparency and mutual understanding.” While Satyajit has his own reflections, “Our childhood was full of shared responsibilities, whether it was hostel life or helping out on the farm during holidays. There wasn’t really a ‘yours’ and ‘mine’; everything was shared, and that built a certain understanding between us early on. I think that laid the foundation for how we work today.”

Arushi shares that growing up, they’ve always had a relationship built on mutual respect and honest dialogue. Even as kids, with different personalities, their parents encouraged them to listen, debate, and find middle ground. That upbringing is reflecting on how they work together today, with two very different approaches, but one aligned mission. Akshay says that they didn’t grow up in a business household, but were raised with values that still guide how they work together - independence, discipline, and a healthy sense of collaborative competition. “Even as kids, Arushi and I would take on small projects, be it planning trips or organising family events - and without quite knowing it, we were learning how to complement one another. There’s always been heart in everything we do. We instinctively found ways to contribute, to step up, or step back and let the other lead when it made sense. That dynamic continues at their brand. We bring different strengths to the table, and it shows in how we make decisions. Whatever we build, we build with intent — and a lot of soul.”

Ankita remarks, “Nikita and I grew up immersed in the world of Shiv Sagar. From a young age, Sundays weren’t just about family time—they were about shadowing our father at the restaurant, soaking in the sights, sounds, and spirit of the business. We’d spend time in the kitchen, observe how he interacted with guests, and slowly started understanding the nuances that made the brand special. Our breakfast table was our first boardroom—conversations would often revolve around food, service, and what’s next for Shiv Sagar. These early memories weren’t just moments; they became the foundation of how we work together today with shared values, a deep-rooted passion for the business, and an unspoken understanding shaped by years of growing up in this ecosystem.”

Shreya exclaims, “I was always the one creating order in the chaos. I’d plan the day, organise our games, and make lists for birthdays. Shorya was a dreamer full of energy and ideas, often unpredictable. Today, our roles are surprisingly similar. I bring structure and grounding, and he brings scale and spontaneity.” “Even as kids, I knew she had me. If I got into trouble, she’d figure it out. That sense of reliability and balance still anchors how we work. We don’t have to explain much to each other; we just get it,” Shorya announces.

The “We could actually build something big together” Moment

Not unlike friends, siblings do, at some point in life, cook up entrepreneurial dreams. Some have a legacy, while others see the potential in each other. 

Nitya and Navya had always helped each other in school projects and building models. From there to now, building an actual brand has been a dream come true. “I always wanted to start something of my own, and then Navya told me one day how she wanted to build her own brand. After she graduated, seeing the gap in the market for affordable luxury bedding, Sadyaska was born. We both had this dream in the back of our heads, and it somehow aligned in ways we didn’t anticipate,” Nitya adds.

Ritu absolutely agrees that things change. “In 2020, during a casual chat about one day working together, the pieces just clicked. I’d spent 15+ years in our family’s defence aerospace business, while Roohi had been building e-commerce distribution for the beauty and personal care industry. Two very different but complementary worlds. That conversation turned into a light-bulb moment: why not create something we’re both passionate about?” That’s how their venture was born.

Aakanksha states that they never set out to be business partners. Anuraag and she spent years in separate professional spheres—one in PR, the other in finance—each navigating unique challenges. It took them nearly five years to truly understand how they could complement one another professionally. The turning point came during the pandemic, when a crisis pushed them to have a transformative conversation. Committing fully to mutual trust and guided by career counselling, they aligned their values and approach, reshaping both their partnership and business. “The breakthrough came when we adopted what became our operating principle: 'I do things for your benefit, and you do things for mine. That way, we both always benefit. This wasn't just a feel-good philosophy; it is a practical framework that has eliminated the competitive dynamics that often destroy partnerships within a family-run business.” 

For Anuraag, it happened once when they were tackling a crisis situation during which both of them, unknowingly and without a word being shared, took up their respective responsibilities, filled in for each other and more often than not were on the same page. In that moment of crisis, they discovered that their individual strengths weren’t just complementary—they were multiplicative. The pandemic, while testing their business, revealed that their greatest opportunities lay in working as a unified team. It marked the true beginning of what The Other Circle was meant to become.

Ajinkya mentions that it was very clear to him. They would often discuss doing something meaningful together, something rooted in purpose. There was one pivotal night that changed everything. From 11 pm to 5 am at a coffee shop near Pune railway station, they walked and talked—about fears, responsibilities, and the risks ahead. By morning, they had clarity. One resigned and returned to the farm; two years later, the other followed. That night marked the true beginning of their shared journey.

“I think the seed was always there. We kept tossing around the idea of doing something together that felt meaningful, not just another business. But that one night at the Pune station really sealed it. We spoke about everything, our fears, the what-ifs, the family side of things. It wasn’t some dramatic Eureka moment, but by the end of that conversation, we knew we were ready to take the leap, adds Satyajit.

For Arushi and Akshay, the real validation came when people from Tier 2 and 3 cities began actively engaging with FITPASS. It proved that fitness in India isn’t just a metro-centric luxury but a nationwide need. This early traction reinforced the team’s belief in building a movement to democratise access to wellness and empower a healthier, more productive India. Arushi clarifies, “We saw an opportunity to transform India's fitness landscape and redefine the country's approach to health and wellness, creating a ripple effect that would touch lives and empower communities nationwide.” 

Akshay voices that the turning point for the venture came from user feedback. While early interest was encouraging, it was hearing how the brand was transforming people’s approach to wellness that signalled a deeper impact. It became clear they weren’t just building a product, but driving a structural shift. This realisation gave them the confidence to scale and pursue lasting change in democratising fitness and wellness across India.

“It was something that was ingrained in us from the very beginning,” Nikita shares, reflecting on their drive to carry forward their father’s Shiv Sagar legacy. A key turning point came when Ankita completed her MBA, bringing corporate insights that perfectly complemented Nikita’s operational experience. Their clear division of roles—Ankita steering branding and marketing, Nikita handling operations—has become the foundation of their success.

The siblings, Shorya and Shreya, didn’t have a single dramatic moment of realisation, but rather a series of experiences that confirmed their potential as co-founders. “When we launched our first space and saw it come alive,” Shorya recalls, it began to feel real. Shreya adds, “We survived this and we’re still laughing”—a sign of the rare alignment that underpins their partnership.

Raksha Bandhan: Then & Now

The festival of Rakhi changes meaning throughout ages for siblings. But knowing you are business partners now, can certainly put Raksha Bandhan in a new light.

Navya expresses that the rakhi now holds deeper meaning, symbolising both their personal bond and professional partnership. It’s a celebration marked by gratitude — for shared memories and the business they’re building together. Nitya adds that the festival, traditionally about protection and love, now also reflects their journey with the brand — protecting each other’s dreams and nurturing a shared vision.

Ritu shares that the day feels even more special now, serving as a reminder that all they truly need from each other is love and respect. It’s a moment to pause and feel grateful — not just for their bond as sisters, but for being partners in building something meaningful, always supporting each other in life and business.

Aakansha reflected that Raksha Bandhan has become more layered, evolving from childhood memories and gifts to being accountability partners in their professional lives—with teams, clients, and a shared vision. Despite the intensity of their journey, the day grounds them, reminding them that before being co-founders, they are siblings navigating life together. Their bond and shared humour help them take life a little less seriously. Anuraag joked that the day feels like renewing an annual contract to not kill each other for another year. “PS: my sense of humour is way better than Anuraag’s. Ask anyone. Anyone at all,” jokes Aakanksha. 

Ajinkya reflects that over the past six to seven years, as the business has grown, their focus has become largely operational and task-driven, leaving fewer opportunities to express the bond they shared growing up. Raksha Bandhan now serves as a rare moment to pause and acknowledge those feelings beyond business, whether at home, on the move, or in the office.

Satyajit adds that Raksha Bandhan feels different now, as constant work calls, travel, and meetings often push personal moments aside. Yet, occasions like this encourage them to slow down and remember that before the business, they are brothers who have shared a deep bond. It’s a valuable reminder to step away from the daily grind and cherish that connection, even briefly.

Arushi explains that they celebrate the bond not only as siblings but also as co-founders who have supported each other through pressure, successes, setbacks, and difficult decisions. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the growing trust between them. Akshay adds that while the tradition remains, Raksha Bandhan now also represents the deep mutual respect developed through building the business together. Facing high-stakes decisions, stress, and rapid growth, they have relied on each other, making the day a moment to honour both their sibling bond and their partnership.

For Ankita, Raksha Bandhan now carries a deeper significance, symbolising not just sibling love but an enduring partnership. “Our bond goes far beyond just one day,” she says, highlighting how their shared journey in business has strengthened their connection. Despite disagreements, their roles as confidants, collaborators, and cheerleaders have only deepened their sisterhood.

For Shreya and Shorya, Raksha Bandhan has evolved into something far more profound. “The thread is a reminder not just of protection, but of partnership,” Shreya reflects, emphasising the shared vision and trust they live daily. Shorya adds, “It used to be about chocolates and gifts. Now it’s about pride”—a reverence born from witnessing each other grow as leaders and collaborators.

Dividing Roles, Disagreements and Decision-Making

When siblings start a business together, dividing roles and handling disagreements can feel like managing family dynamics at home. They lean on each other’s strengths and keep communication open—just like sharing responsibilities in a joint family—to navigate challenges and grow together.

Navya shares that they divide responsibilities based on their natural strengths, with her leading brand strategy and creative direction, while Nitya focuses on marketing and customer experience. When disagreements arise, they take a step back to consider what best aligns with the brand’s vision. Nitya adds that they’ve also learnt to bring in a third perspective—such as a mentor or team member—to stay objective and avoid slipping into sibling dynamics.

Ritu explains that their skill sets complement each other perfectly—Roohi manages operations, logistics, and finance, while she oversees product development, marketing, strategy, and sales. With no overlap, disagreements are rare, and when they do occur, the final decision lies with the person in charge of that area, keeping things straightforward.

Over time, Aakanksha and Anuraag found their own lanes and learnt to respect them. Aakanksha leads on brand voice, creative direction, and campaign strategy, while Anuraag focuses on scaling that vision through operations, finance, HR, and systems. When disagreements arise, they ask: “Is this a creative-led or structure-led decision?”—a quick check that brings clarity. If it’s unclear, they pause and talk it out—sometimes over chai, sometimes over spreadsheets.

For Anuraag, the division came naturally. As a reserved chartered accountant, he gravitated towards the back-end, while Aakanksha, a trained PR professional and the more expressive of the two, took to front-facing roles. They occasionally test each other’s domains, but when there’s a clash, one of them steps back. The focus is always on what’s best for the business—even if that means agreeing to disagree.

In the early days, Ajinkya and Satyajit shared everything, as most sibling-led startups do. As the business scaled, Ajinkya took charge of backend operations like manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain, while Satyajit led on farming, marketing, and investor relations. The lines aren’t rigid—when needed, they step in for each other seamlessly. For Ajinkya, when disagreements happen, they don’t rush. They talk it through and only move forward when both are on the same page.

Satyajit adds that they never sat down to formally divide responsibilities—it just evolved over time. He naturally leaned towards farming and external communication, while Ajinkya ensured everything on the ground ran smoothly. Disagreements do come up, and they welcome them—it keeps the decisions sharper and more considered.

For Arushi and Akshay, distinct career paths made dividing responsibilities intuitive. Arushi oversees customer experience, brand, marketing, and team culture, while Akshay leads on technology, partnerships, and their supply network. They work independently but align strategically, often acting as each other’s sounding board. Arushi says they make major decisions together, grounded in trust and mutual respect.

Akshay notes that while they’re both creative, they bring different strengths—he drives product innovation and creative expansion, while Arushi brings sharp storytelling and brand thinking. When disagreements arise, they take a step back, let logic and data lead, loop in their teams if needed, or revisit the issue with fresh eyes. Their shared long-term vision keeps them grounded and aligned.

Nikita and Ankita have naturally settled into roles that suit their strengths—Nikita manages Operations and Administration, while Ankita leads Marketing and Brand Building. “There’s a lot of trust and independence in our day-to-day decision-making,” Nikita explains. While disagreements do arise, especially on big decisions, they prioritise open dialogue and always find common ground through their shared passion for the business.

Shorya and Shreya divide their roles in a way that reflects their individual strengths—Shorya drives expansion and growth, while Shreya shapes the brand through food, design, and people. “When we disagree, we pause,” says Shorya, emphasising the importance of clarity and respect. Shreya adds, “It’s never about winning, it’s about what’s right for the brand,” highlighting their shared focus and a rule to avoid big decisions in emotional moments.

Built on Trust, Backed by Blood

For sibling co-founders, deep-rooted trust becomes a quiet superpower—decisions move faster, and instincts align. But that same closeness can blur objectivity, which is why many bring in outside perspectives to stay grounded.

Nitya and Navya believe that their sibling bond gives them a clear edge—there’s no filter in communication, allowing for fast, honest conversations rooted in mutual trust and the brand’s best interests. Navya adds that the emotional safety of knowing they’ll face wins or failures together gives them the freedom to take bold creative risks, which shines through in their brand voice and design.

They admit it can be tricky to stay objective when emotions are involved. Navya shares that they’ve learnt to pause and ask themselves, “Are we reacting as sisters or as co-founders?”—a simple check that brings clarity. Nitya adds that setting boundaries, like keeping family dinners free of business talk, helps them stay fair, balanced, and clear-headed.

Ritu shared that their biggest advantage is the blind trust between them. There's no room for ego, competition, or office politics—just a shared focus on building the brand. Having celebrated each other’s wins since childhood, their energy goes into the work, not into proving a point. That deep understanding, she says, actually sharpens their objectivity. Knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses helps them anticipate challenges, make quicker decisions, and cut losses early—without hesitation or awkwardness. It’s always about what’s best for the brand.

Aakansha says trust is fundamental to their work, creating a politics-free environment where shared ownership thrives. This strong bond lets them take risks, support each other, and align decisions with their values—giving their brand a unique energy. She admits separating emotion from business isn’t always easy, but they’ve learned that radical honesty—facing issues openly—is key to protecting both their relationship and the business.

Anuraag explains that trust is the foundation of both their personal and professional relationship. Their unique strength lies in the freedom to be honest with each other—‘calling a spade a spade’—while maintaining respect. This openness sets the tone for the entire team, fostering a culture of honesty, transparency, and commitment. When asked if their bond ever clouds judgment, Anuraag answers both yes and no. Their trust usually keeps them aligned, but they recognise that tough decisions sometimes require biting the bullet, no matter how hard.

Ajinkya and Satyajit say sibling trust gives their brand a unique edge—growing up facing the same challenges means they share an intuitive understanding that removes usual partnership friction. Ajinkya explains this deep-rooted trust is consistent and dependable, while Satyajit adds it saves time and energy by aligning them naturally, especially under pressure. When it comes to tough calls, Ajinkya admits their bond can cloud judgment at times, but they’ve developed a system: pausing, discussing, and giving decisions time before moving forward. Satyajit agrees emotions sometimes interfere, but they’ve learnt to recognise this and value disagreement as a way to see things from different perspectives.

Arushi explains that sibling trust allows them to move swiftly and confidently, fostering a culture where they can challenge each other, take risks, and support bold decisions—strengthening their team as a whole. When asked about objectivity, she says that despite different professional backgrounds, they consciously separate work from personal life. This clear boundary, combined with deep trust, helps them make tough decisions knowing each acts with the brand’s best interests at heart.

Akshay says sibling trust gives their brand a major operational edge—there’s no second-guessing intentions, enabling faster decisions, confident delegation, and resilience in setbacks. This trust also shapes their company culture, where loyalty, ownership, and long-term thinking are not just encouraged but lived values. While their bond can make tough conversations harder, Akshay explains they’ve learned to separate personal feelings from professional decisions. Objectivity is maintained through processes like 360-degree feedback, a strong leadership team, and a culture that encourages questioning, ensuring they stay focused on their larger mission of building a healthier India.

Ankita describes sibling trust as a “secret ingredient” that gives their brand authenticity, speed, and strength. “We don’t have to second-guess intentions or protect egos,” she says, which allows them to take bold decisions and build a culture of credibility and warmth. When asked if their bond ever clouds judgment, both Ankita and Nikita are clear: “Honestly, never!” Their ability to separate personal feelings from professional decisions—and their deep mutual respect—keeps them aligned, even in the toughest moments.

For Shreya and Shorya, sibling trust is a powerful asset. “There’s no posturing. I can be vulnerable, I can be direct,” says Shreya, noting how trust fuels bold risks. Shorya adds that it creates “a calm centre for the team,” with leadership grounded in loyalty and history, which sets the tone for a strong internal culture. But trust hasn’t always made tough decisions easy. “There have been moments where love overpowered logic,” Shreya admits. Shorya reflects on times he overprotected her, but both acknowledge they've grown to give honest feedback—an essential shift for maintaining clarity and objectivity.

Keeping Personal Emotions Out of Business Conflicts

When personal emotions inevitably arise in business conflicts, the challenge lies in managing them without letting them cloud judgement. Much like iconic sibling partnerships in Bollywood or successful family-run businesses worldwide, these co-founders adopt strategies such as taking breaks during heated debates to ensure decisions are made with a clear mind and shared purpose.

Navya and Nitya acknowledge that emotions sometimes affect their business decisions, but they prioritise resolving conflicts by “cooling off” and focusing on the issue rather than the person. They’ve developed a rhythm where “if one of us feels strongly about a decision, the other listens,” relying on mutual trust and respect for each other’s expertise rather than competition.

Ritu explains that rather than excluding emotions, they “bring the right ones in,” with joy and trust at the forefront. She adds, “We’re too busy building to hold grudges,” emphasising that after years of working together, they understand each other’s boundaries and have no time for drama.

Aakanksha acknowledges that emotions are present but insists they don’t drive decisions. “If something personal is bleeding into work, we name it and take a pause,” she explains. This emotional awareness has strengthened their partnership, shifting the mindset from “me vs. him” to “both of us against the problem.” Anuraag admits that personal emotions do play a role, but stresses the importance of maintaining a clear boundary between personal and professional life. As long as that line is respected, emotions do not become a hindrance to their business decisions.

Ajinkya and Satyajit have cultivated a collaborative dynamic built on respect and understanding. While emotions naturally arise, they allow space for disagreement without letting feelings override reason, often pausing and revisiting tough conversations. “At the end of the day, we know we’re on the same side,” Satyajit notes, highlighting how their shared bond helps them move forward together.

Arushi believes emotions are an inevitable part of building something meaningful and shouldn’t be suppressed. She emphasises navigating disagreements by pausing and reassessing with clarity, while setting boundaries to protect family time and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Akshay adds that at their company, strong feelings about their mission are seen as an advantage, not a weakness. Rather than suppressing emotion, they acknowledge it, step back to review the data, and focus on what’s best for the business. Defined roles and mutual respect help them reset quickly during intense moments and stay focused on the bigger picture.

Ankita explains that they consciously keep personal emotions at home, prioritising professionalism and the business’s best interests at work. While disagreements do occur, they’ve learned to separate emotion from intent and address conflicts with open, transparent communication. This clarity helps them understand each other’s perspectives, find common ground, and prevent differences from becoming personal.

Shreya shares that while emotions run deep, especially during disagreements, they’ve learned to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. “We don’t try to keep emotions out, we just try to not let them drive the final decision.” Shorya adds that when tensions rise, they “let it breathe” by taking time to pause, trusting their strong bond to withstand the break.

Navigating Major Disagreements as Siblings and Co-Founders

Like the sibling dynamics portrayed in Dil Dhadakne Do, Kapoor & Sons, and Hum Saath Saath Hain, these co-founders navigate conflicts with a mix of love, honesty, and mutual respect—showing that even when disagreements arise, the bond remains unbreakable.

Nikita shares that no single major disagreement stands out because they discuss everything openly. If something doesn’t align with their shared vision or business goals, they course correct together. Their approach is collaborative rather than confrontational, focusing on what’s right for the brand rather than proving who’s right.

Ajinkya admits that while no specific major disagreement stands out, differences do arise, especially when one is firmly convinced of an approach. They prioritise giving time and trusting that alignment will come. Satyajit adds that as brothers and co-founders, disagreements can sometimes feel personal, but they’ve learned to focus on what’s best for the farm and the mission, reminding themselves it’s “not about winning, it’s about clarity.” Often, one steps back to listen, shifting the conversation toward understanding.

Arushi and Akshay recall differing views on expansion—Arushi favouring a cautious approach into smaller towns, while Akshay pushed for rapid scaling across cities. Rather than debating endlessly, they chose to run pilot projects and let the data guide them. This approach led to a hybrid model, demonstrating that the solution wasn’t about choosing sides but validating both perspectives through results.

Navya shares that they’ve never faced a major disagreement, as their focus has always been on making Sadyaska better. When differences arise, they prefer to test ideas on a smaller scale, allowing results to guide decisions rather than getting caught in endless debates.

Ritu recalls a disagreement over a product launch where they loved the product but doubted its market fit. They resolved it by trusting the expertise of the person responsible for that function, with “no egos, no sulking,” just mutual respect for each other’s roles and the bigger picture.

Shorya describes a tense debate over investing in a second property, with him eager to proceed and Shreya hesitant, resulting in their longest standoff. Shreya explains she needed proof rather than passion, and after a week of gathering data together, they found a middle ground. Their combined approach of instinct and logic made the project a success.

Aakanksha describes a heated clash over expanding their services—while she pushed for experimenting with new formats, her co-founder preferred stabilising existing processes first. Recognising they were advocating for the future of TOC from different perspectives, they agreed on a test-and-learn approach to pilot new ideas without disrupting core operations. This experience strengthened their collaborative problem-solving. While Anuraag shares that a major disagreement arose over introducing technology into their work environment, leading to debates with valid points on both sides. They resolved it by implementing the technology as a pilot project for a limited time, allowing them to decide later whether to continue or discontinue based on the results.

Unique Challenges and Rewards of Being Sibling Entrepreneurs in India

In India, where family bonds run deep, sibling entrepreneurs often find themselves navigating both personal and professional dynamics. The blend of shared history and trust can be an advantage, but it also presents challenges, especially when family ties complicate tough business decisions.

Ankita describes the experience of running a business with her sibling as "the most fun and fulfilling thing." She says, "There’s never a dull moment—we brainstorm together, create together, and end up doing some truly exciting, sometimes crazy, but always meaningful work."

Growing up in a family business environment, she’s seen both sides—working with the older generation and now taking the lead in building the next chapter. She notes, "As second-generation entrepreneurs, one of the unique challenges is balancing legacy with innovation. Working with family members from a different era means navigating different styles of decision-making, risk tolerance, and even communication."

What sets their partnership apart is the sibling bond: "We think alike, have a shared foundation, and relate to each other easily. There’s no ego, no posturing—just a deep sense of trust and a common goal." This makes decision-making more agile and aligned.

In the Indian context, she adds, "Business is deeply personal. You’re not just building for profit—you’re carrying forward emotion, history, relationships, and reputation." Doing so with a sibling makes the journey all the more meaningful. "Of course, we fight like all siblings do—but the best part? We can argue over a decision in the morning and still be laughing over dinner."

Ajinkya highlights the challenge of balancing personal emotions with professional decisions in a family business, but notes that their deep bond gives them an edge in navigating complex choices. "We understand each other’s thought processes and work styles intuitively," he says. Satyajit adds that their intertwined family values and business ethos create a strong foundation, where trust and complementary skills—his focus on marketing and Ajinkya's operational expertise—have been key to their success.

Aakanksha appreciates the emotional support that comes with building a business alongside family in India, but acknowledges the challenge of drawing clear boundaries to protect both personal bonds and professional goals. "The reward is that we’ve created a company culture that feels deeply human, not just hierarchical," she shares. Anuraag points out the difficulty of constant exposure to each other in both personal and professional spaces but highlights the reassurance of knowing someone always has your back, making the process of reinvention a constant and rewarding journey.

Ritu, coming from a Marwari family where business is ingrained, emphasises that while family dynamics are strong, they entered their venture as equals. "We came in as true co-founders—no boss, no hierarchy, just shared goals and unconditional trust," she says. The balance of family bonds with professional partnership makes the journey both rewarding and grounded in mutual respect.

Nitya acknowledges the challenge of being seen as "just sisters" rather than serious founders, but they’ve turned this perception into a strength by leveraging their authentic bond. "Our brand story resonates in the Indian context where relationships matter," she explains. Navya finds it rewarding to work with someone who knows her so well, noting that Sadyaska’s values of heritage, warmth, and trust reflect the deep family ties at the core of their business, which resonates with their customers.

Arushi finds the reward in having a co-founder who shares the same values and long-term vision, while the challenge lies in maintaining accountability despite their close bond. "We’ve worked hard to build a structure where respect, ownership, and feedback flow both ways," she says. Akshay reflects on the added complexity of running a start-up in India, where businesses are expected to not only perform commercially but also reflect cultural and emotional depth. The key advantage, he believes, is unwavering trust between co-founders, which makes decision-making more cohesive and purpose-driven. The challenge remains in setting clear boundaries as family and business roles often overlap, but they’ve found structure to be a crucial part of their success.

Shreya reflects on the experience as "intense," where "family meals blur into boardroom discussions" and "even on holidays, ideas sneak in." However, she finds comfort in knowing that "you never feel alone in this. It's a legacy in motion." Shorya adds that their partnership is "not a nine-to-five" affair, but a "lifelong equation." He says, "You build with more emotion, but also more conviction," acknowledging that while it can be exhausting, "it’s never hollow."

Advice for Sibling Entrepreneurs: Building a Business Together

Starting a business with a sibling can be a rewarding yet challenging journey. The key lies in balancing personal dynamics with professional goals, fostering trust, and ensuring clear communication.

Anuraag and Aakanksha highlight the complexities of starting a business with family. Anuraag likens it to "walking on thin ice," stressing the importance of maintaining balance and leaving personal baggage aside. Aakanksha advises siblings to focus on complementary strengths, mutual respect, and clear role definitions. "Invest in your relationship and learn to fight well," she adds, emphasising that success comes not just from being co-founders, but from staying connected as family.

Satyajit and Ajinkya share valuable advice for siblings considering a business venture. Satyajit stresses the importance of recognising each other’s strengths and weaknesses, advocating for clear communication and addressing disagreements promptly. Ajinkya adds, “Leverage your lifelong trust and understanding,” but also emphasises the need for clear role definitions and professional objectivity. For them, patience and balance between personal connection and business acumen have been key to their success.

Akshay and Arushi’s advice highlights the importance of structure and clear communication in sibling-run businesses. Akshay advises, “Treat the business as its own entity,” with defined roles and accountability to avoid relying solely on the sibling bond. Arushi adds the importance of aligning on purpose first and investing in communication systems, noting that while agreement on every detail isn’t required, mutual trust throughout the process is essential.

Shorya and Shreya stress the importance of clear boundaries and mutual respect in sibling partnerships. Shorya recommends having a "clear conversation about boundaries, responsibilities, and finances," suggesting a shift from sibling dynamics to business partners. Shreya emphasises, “Respect is the foundation,” advising to divide strengths, give each other space, and always protect the sibling bond, which she considers the real equity in the business.

Nikita’s advice to siblings thinking about starting a business together is clear: "Take the leap," because there’s a rare kind of partnership when you have someone who knows you inside and out. She emphasises the importance of separating personal from professional life, leaving ego at the door, and maintaining a shared vision. "Building a business is tough, but building it with your sibling? That’s a privilege," she says, underscoring how the shared bond can make both the successes sweeter and the challenges easier to face.

Ritu advises sibling-turned-entrepreneurs to start a business only if they share complementary skills, risk appetites, goals, and timelines. "Most importantly, there should be blind faith in each other," she emphasises. Without that unwavering trust, she believes, the foundation won’t be strong enough to support a business venture.

Navya and Nitya both highlight the importance of starting with a strong foundation before diving into business. Navya suggests, "Start with a conversation, not a business plan," emphasising the need to align on values, roles, vision, and boundaries before building a business together. Nitya adds, "Be ready to grow — together and individually," acknowledging that while the journey will test patience and resilience, it can be one of the most rewarding partnerships when nurtured correctly.