Nishant Sharma founder & CEO of Rutland Square Spirits on building a fast-growing premium spirits brand.

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 Scotland First impressions of Scotland: cold, rainy… but kind people Working as a waiter, dishwasher and cleaner in Glasgow The family whisky connection during the British Raj Why he chose spirits Spending 4 years perfecting the recipe Creating the world’s first oolong white tea infused chai-spice spirit Why 2021 failed… and why 2022 failed again building without industry experience Building a global premium brand in a crowded market Expanding into India — why it’s not for the faint-hearted The aspirational Indian consumer market Links Hosted And Produced by Neil Patel Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to

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Nishant Sharma founder & CEO of Rutland Square Spirits on building a fast-growing premium spirits brand. is an episode from The Indian Startup Show by Neil Patel.

This episode is 00:28:06 long.

This episode was published on Feb 14, 2026.

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