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How a Former Google Executive Turned Startup Founder Found His Edge in Meditation

Building a startup is rarely a smooth ride—and Caesar Sengupta knows that better than most. The 49-year-old co-founder and CEO of fintech firm Arta Finance has raised over $92 million to date, with high-profile backing from Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Sequoia Capital India, and Ribbit Capital.

But despite the financial momentum and industry support, Sengupta says his real edge—the “superpower” that has helped him survive and thrive through the chaos of entrepreneurship—is far more personal: meditation.

Why Meditation is His No. 1 Strategy

“There’s so much noise in the world,” Sengupta said in an interview with CNBC Make It. “As an entrepreneur, you’re pulled in a hundred different directions—everyone wants your time, your attention, your energy. It’s easy to lose yourself.”

His advice to entrepreneurs facing this storm: “Just sit down and meditate.”

Sengupta says he wishes someone had emphasized the power of mindfulness earlier in his journey. “I wish three years back, somebody had sat me down and said: ‘Dude, everything else will be fine. Just learn to quiet your mind.’”

For him, this isn’t just theory. Meditation is now part of his nightly routine, even if it's just five to ten minutes. “Those moments are non-negotiable,” he explains. “They’re what help me stay grounded and focused, even in the middle of absolute chaos.”

From Google Giant to Startup Fragility

Before launching Arta Finance in 2021, Sengupta spent 15 years at Google, where he led major initiatives including Google Pay and the “Next Billion Users” project. It was during this time he formed deep relationships with his future co-founders and initial investors.

But leaving the stability of a global tech behemoth for the uncertainty of a startup was no small leap. “At Google, risk is buffered by layers of support. At a startup, you’re exposed—completely,” Sengupta explained.

He described the shift as emotionally jarring. “There are days when you feel unstoppable. But then there are nights where you lie awake thinking, ‘What did I just do?’ That’s the emotional rollercoaster every founder signs up for.”

Mental Health in the Startup Grind

The challenge, Sengupta says, is not just professional—it's deeply personal. “Startups can consume you. Your identity, your health, your relationships—all of it gets pulled in.”

Which is why, beyond meditation, he’s learned to use exercise as a form of mindfulness. His go-to method: cycling. “When I’m out on my bike, no one can reach me. It’s not just about physical fitness—it's the only time I can completely disconnect.”

He adds, “Whether it's through movement or stillness, finding that meditative space is critical. Otherwise, the startup can swallow you whole.”

What Arta Finance Is Building

Arta Finance is a fintech platform aimed at democratizing wealth management, using technology to offer investment tools previously reserved for the ultra-wealthy. The company is creating AI-driven solutions for personal finance, helping users make smarter investment decisions and grow long-term wealth.

With $92 million already raised and support from some of Silicon Valley’s most influential leaders, Arta is rapidly scaling—but Sengupta remains grounded in his philosophy.

Final Thoughts: Success Starts From Within

As the startup ecosystem continues to grow increasingly competitive and stressful, Sengupta’s message stands out: Mental clarity is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

For aspiring founders, he offers a simple yet powerful takeaway: “The biggest superpower you can have isn’t coding or pitching or networking. It’s the ability to sit quietly, clear your mind, and know what really matters.”