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:

https://www.necessary.vc/