Former Google Executive’s $92M Startup Secret: The Power of Stillness
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In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of startups, where billion-dollar dreams can crumble overnight, one former Google executive has unlocked a surprising key to success. Caesar Sengupta, co-founder and CEO of Arta Finance, a fintech startup backed by Google CEO Sundar Pichai, has raised over $92 million from marquee investors like Sequoia Capital India and Ribbit Capital. His secret weapon for navigating the chaotic entrepreneurial journey? A simple, yet profound strategy: daily meditation. Here’s how this former Google Pay leader’s approach can inspire entrepreneurs to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
From Google to Startup Chaos
Caesar Sengupta spent 15 years at Google, where he played a pivotal role in building ChromeOS and co-founding Google Pay, now serving over 150 million users across 30+ countries. Despite his impressive corporate track record, transitioning to the unpredictable world of startups was a “mentally jarring” experience. “There are days where you feel 100%, and there are days where you’re like, ‘Oh my God, what did I just do?’” Sengupta shared in an interview with CNBC Make It.
In 2021, Sengupta co-founded Arta Finance, a digital wealth platform designed to democratize access to sophisticated financial tools. With backing from Sundar Pichai and other prominent investors, the startup has raised $92 million, a testament to its potential in the competitive fintech space. Yet, Sengupta credits his ability to stay grounded amidst the rollercoaster of startup life to one practice: mindfulness through meditation.
The Superpower of Stillness
Sengupta’s advice to entrepreneurs is refreshingly simple: “Start meditating.” He describes daily meditation as his “superpower,” a tool that provides mental clarity, emotional resilience, and the ability to filter out the noise of the startup world. “There’s so much noise in the world,” he told CNBC. “Being able to ground yourself is key.”
Neuroscience backs Sengupta’s approach. Research shows that meditation enhances focus, improves cognitive function, and reduces stress, offering entrepreneurs a competitive edge in high-pressure environments. For Sengupta, just 5-10 minutes of daily meditation has been transformative, helping him navigate the emotional highs and lows of building a startup while maintaining balance in his personal life.
Why Meditation Matters for Entrepreneurs
The entrepreneurial journey is inherently volatile. Founders face constant challenges—fundraising, team-building, market competition, and the ever-present risk of failure. Sengupta notes that startups are “much more fragile” than large corporations, where risks are more contained. This fragility can take a toll on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
Meditation, Sengupta argues, helps entrepreneurs “tune out” distractions and focus on what truly matters. “I wish three years back, somebody had sat me down and said: ‘Dude, like everything else [will] be fine. Just sit yourself down and meditate,’” he said. This practice has allowed him to confront the ups and downs of startup life with greater clarity and composure.
A Broader Shift in Entrepreneurial Mindset
Sengupta’s emphasis on mindfulness reflects a broader shift in the entrepreneurial landscape in 2025. As competition intensifies and burnout becomes a growing concern, prioritizing mental health is no longer optional—it’s essential. Successful founders are increasingly recognizing that clarity, sleep, and emotional balance are as critical as strategy and execution.
Sengupta’s journey from Google to Arta Finance highlights the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship. His meditation practice, endorsed by neuroscience and embraced by high-profile leaders, offers a practical tool for aspiring entrepreneurs. In a world obsessed with hustle and speed, Sengupta’s message is clear: stillness is a strategic advantage.
How Entrepreneurs Can Start Meditating
For entrepreneurs looking to adopt Sengupta’s strategy, here are a few practical steps to incorporate meditation into your daily routine:
- Start Small: Begin with just 5 minutes a day. Use a guided meditation app like Headspace or Calm to ease into the practice.
- Create a Routine: Set aside a specific time, such as early morning or before bed, to build consistency.
- Focus on Breath: Simple breathing exercises can help calm the mind and improve focus. Try inhaling for 4 seconds, holding for 4, and exhaling for 4.
- Be Patient: Meditation is a skill that improves with practice. Don’t worry about “doing it right”—just show up.
- Integrate Mindfulness: Beyond formal meditation, practice mindfulness during daily tasks, like eating or walking, to stay present.
The Road Ahead for Entrepreneurs
As Arta Finance continues to grow, Sengupta’s story serves as a powerful reminder that success in entrepreneurship goes beyond funding or strategy. With Sundar Pichai’s backing and a $92 million war chest, Arta Finance is well-positioned to disrupt the fintech space. But it’s Sengupta’s commitment to mental clarity and resilience that sets him apart as a leader.
For aspiring entrepreneurs in 2025, the lesson is clear: in a world of chaos, cultivating stillness can be your sharpest edge. As Sengupta puts it, “It’s about how you confront the ups and downs of life.” By embracing meditation, entrepreneurs can build not just successful businesses, but sustainable, fulfilling careers.
Ready to start your entrepreneurial journey? Take a moment to pause, breathe, and find your focus—your future self will thank you.
