YOU made this possible! A very special announcement for MUC readers

We are 1,000 Founders Strong 🎉! Big Milestone. Bigger Mission.

Hey founders,

Welcome to another edition of My Unicorn Club - The Startup Newsletter - It’s a biweekly FREE newsletter written by those on this side of the table (VCs & Investors) for those on that side (Founders & Startup Enthusiasts).

Today’s edition is a little different — and a very special one :)

We just crossed 🎊1,000 subscribers! and that’s HUGE (to me)

Here’s why,

I started this newsletter with 0 expectations — Honestly, I started this newsletter as a side project — a way to share lessons and frameworks with a few mentees and early-stage founders I work with. It was like an online directory of my knowledge. It was meant to be a quiet corner of the internet where we could talk about real startup stuff, without the fluff.

But here we are. 1,000 strong.
If you’re reading this, thank you. YOU made this possible. 🙏

A Bit About Me 👋

Bio: Startup Advisor. Ex-VC. Ex- Founding Team

I’ve spent the last few years navigating the highs and lows of the startup ecosystem—

From scaling a diet-based meal delivery startup to leading a robotics accelerator across India and Southeast Asia, I’ve seen startups in all shapes and stages — from wild ideas on napkins to boardroom funding battles.

I've sat in the founder’s seat also — and I know exactly how it feels to chase funding with a pitch deck, a dream, and an inbox full of rejections.

The highs are high, and the lows can feel personal.
And that’s exactly why I do this.

And now, with this milestone, comes a bit of reflection... and a fresh direction.

So…….

What’s Next?

If there’s one recurring theme in my chats with founders, it’s this:
Startup valuation feels like a black box.

Especially for those without a finance background, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by jargon, spreadsheets, and conflicting advice.

So starting next week, I’m launching a new series called:

📘 Startup Valuation 101 – The Playbook Series

This will be a structured (but easy-to-digest) journey into everything valuation, from the basics to more advanced concepts, tailored specifically for early-stage founders.

What to expect?

• Understand how investors think about valuation

• Learn how to calculate and justify your valuation

• Avoid common mistakes and traps

• Feel confident going into your next investor conversation

We’ll go from the basics to advanced — step by step.
No jargon, no filler — just what you need to know, backed by real experience.

If you have any other topics in mind, let me know in the comments

Why am I doing this?

Because I’ve been there.
And if I can make even a 1% difference in your journey — in your clarity, your confidence, your execution — then it’s worth it.

Thanks again for being here. This newsletter exists for you — and now, with you.

Here’s to the next 1,000.
Let’s build something meaningful, together.

💬 Join My Inner Circle

Over the past few months, I’ve noticed something about most of you.
You’re not just a passive reader — you’re consistent, curious, and committed to growth.

That’s why I’m inviting you to join a private WhatsApp community I’m building — a small, curated Inner Circle of founders and startup nerds like you.

It’s a place for behind-the-scenes insights, early access to tools I’m building, and honest conversations about building, failing, fundraising, and everything in between.

I’m keeping this group intentionally small — but if this feels like your vibe, I’d love to have you inside.

And one more thing…

Bonus: Fundraising Kit

If you're actively fundraising or planning to raise soon, I’ve put together a Fundraising Kit that’s helped dozens of early-stage founders get investor-ready:

Until Next Time,
Signing Off

Sayanee Bhowmik
Creator, My Unicorn Club - The Startup Newsletter