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The Indian Startup ShowAuthor: Neil Patel
A weekly podcast show about Indian startups, entrepreneurs, and more! Hosted by Neil Patel & Friends Language: en Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Nishant Sharma founder & CEO of Rutland Square Spirits on building a fast-growing premium spirits brand.
Episode 217
Saturday, 14 February, 2026
The India–Scotland Entrepreneurial Journey! Today’s guest is Nishant Sharma. the Indian-born, Edinburgh-based entrepreneur whose company blends Indian heritage with Scottish craftsmanship. Nishant’s story is one of resilience, legacy and bold reinvention.After leaving a successful career in financial services, he set out to build a brand with long-term meaning. Inspired by his late grandmother — and a family history that traces back to his great-grandfather becoming a whisky distiller during the British Raj — he brought his Assam roots into the heart of Scotland’s spirits industry. The journey, however, was anything but smooth. At one point, the business had just £25 in the bank with major bills due. The stress led to a near-fatal heart attack at just 35. He survived. Rebuilt. And came back stronger. In this episode, we discuss building a global spirits brand against the odds. Operating in highly regulated markets; India's complicated relationship with alcohol, building a global brand. Great advice for first time founders. Why ignorance can be bliss; raising investment; and even how to drink it — ice or no ice? And finally… if India plays Scotland at cricket, who is he supporting?We also talk about:Growing up in India and moving to ScotlandFirst impressions of Scotland: cold, rainy… but kind peopleWorking as a waiter, dishwasher and cleaner in GlasgowThe family whisky connection during the British RajWhy he chose spiritsSpending 4 years perfecting the recipeCreating the world’s first oolong white tea infused chai-spice spiritWhy 2021 failed… and why 2022 failed againbuilding without industry experienceBuilding a global premium brand in a crowded marketExpanding into India — why it’s not for the faint-heartedThe aspirational Indian consumer marketLinkshttps://rutlandsquare.com/ Hosted And Produced by Neil Patel https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/neilpatel2 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! Share this episode with your friends. Listen and Subscribe to More Episodeshttps://www.indianstartupshow.com/ Music by Punch Deck.https://open.spotify.com/artist/7kdduxAVaFnbHJyNxl7FWV
