Comm leaders Diksha Sethi and Vishal Sharma launch ‘Start Solo’

StartSolo.in is a new platform launched by former digital marketing and communications leaders Diksha Sethi and Vishal Sharma, designed to help Solopreneurs navigate those  early, often chaotic steps, not with hype or hustle, but with mentorship, structure, and real human support. The platform is anchored in a simple yet powerful roadmap: Learn,  Launch, and Lead—designed to help individuals build with clarity, grow with confidence,  and evolve as independent creators or service leaders.  

“Starting something on your own can be isolating,” says co-founder Diksha Sethi. “You wear every hat. You make every decision. It’s exciting—but it’s also exhausting. Start Solo  was created so that no one has to go through that journey alone.”  

Why Solopreneurs Need a Different Kind of Support  

India’s gig economy is projected to reach 23.5 million workers by 2030 (BCG, 2022).  Meanwhile, 83% of Indian workers say they’d prefer to be entrepreneurs, and 67% would  start something of their own if they lost their current job (Randstad Workmonitor, 2022). 

But the growing wave of Solopreneurs, i.e.; freelancers, consultants, creators, and career  re-launchers continue to face five major hurdles:  

• The fear of instability and failure  
• The overwhelm of doing everything alone without direction  
• Launching without testing the market  
• Isolation from lack of a sounding board or peer community  
• The cost or access barrier of traditional coaching and start-up programs  

“Most programs out there cater to VC-backed startups or assume full-time commitment,”  says Vishal Sharma, co-founder and digital strategist. “We built Start Solo for the rest of  us, people who want to build something meaningful, but need practical, personal  support.”  

Stage-Based, Mentorship-First Guidance  

Start Solo uses a stage-based framework that helps individuals identify exactly where  they are in their journey and gives them tailored next steps. Whether they’re just  exploring ideas or preparing to grow, the platform provides real-world support from  experienced mentors.  

The five stages include:  

• The Thinker – curious, but unsure where to begin  
• The Explorer – validating an idea or niche  
• The Builder – developing a brand, offering, or pricing  
• The Scaler – streamlining, automating, and expanding  
• The Re-launcher – returning to work after a break, especially women restarting  their careers  

Each stage is supported with live workshops, one-on-one mentor calls, curated  toolkits, and a growing peer-led community, focusing on action, not algorithms.  

“There’s a lot of information out there—but what Solopreneurs really need is structured  guidance they can trust, and someone to ask, ‘What do I do next?’” says Sethi. “We  answer that.” 

The Gen Z Shift  

Start Solo isn’t just for career switchers, it’s also speaking to a new generation. Research  shows Gen Z in India is actively rejecting traditional career paths. According to recent  studies (George, 2024), younger professionals are choosing entrepreneurship as a first  choice, not a backup plan. They want freedom, flexibility, and ownership, but still need  

mentorship, structure, and clarity to get started.  

“Gen Z has the ideas and digital instinct,” Vishal says, “but they’re often navigating their  first leap. Start Solo gives them the business mindset and a roadmap to launch their Solo  venture with more preparedness.”  

What’s Next: Supporting Time-Strapped Side-Hustlers with WhatsApp-First Learning  

While Start Solo already supports Solopreneurs at all stages - from ideation to growth,  the next phase will focus on expanding access for working professionals who are short  on time but high on ambition.  

The platform is currently developing WhatsApp-first micro-learning tracks designed for  side-hustlers and weekend builders, those who are juggling full-time jobs but eager to  take their ideas live. These bite-sized, daily action steps will be paired with affordable  mentorship to make consistent progress feel manageable, even on the busiest schedules.  

This rollout builds on the platform’s core roadmap—Learn, Launch, and Lead—a three part journey that helps participants gain clarity, build momentum, and eventually grow  into confident solo leaders within their own niches.  

“Not everyone can drop everything to start something new, but that doesn’t mean they  shouldn’t start,” says Sethi. “We want to meet people where they are in their journey and  walk with them, step by step.”  

Upcoming features include:  

• WhatsApp-first micro-learning for time-strapped learners  
• Flexible mentorship packages that fit diverse needs  
• Collaborative cohorts that foster learning and accountability