Tania Malhotra

What does success look like for you as a startup founder?

I want to do something useful. I see other founders, and after they build the product, they try to convince users that they have something of value. For me, success is building a product that solves a real problem. The feeling of fulfillment I get from that—you don’t get that level of fulfillment from a job. It’s about having control over what you’re building and having more flexibility over your day."

What was going on in your life that made you first consider joining the residency? And what did that situation feel like for you, personally?

I had never thought of starting a startup. My mom and dad worked the same 9-to-5 job for 30 years. Nobody in the family thought of doing this. When I watched the recordings of Athena, I was excited. It didn’t seem very complicated to do a startup—if I follow the steps, talk to users, and do research, I’m sure I can do this one day. This gave me confidence that I could build something.

Also, Siren was conducting interviews and then went on leave, so I took over doing the research. I liked talking to the nerdy scientists. The thought of building something for scientists was very cool. But when I was working a job, I didn’t have the same feeling of fulfillment. Now I can structure my day as I want to. You have to try to be disciplined for yourself and stay consistent and motivated. I tried a couple of ideas before the travel space. I worked on the science space and that didn’t work, then EdTech. You need to keep getting up and falling.

How did you first hear about Athena VC? And what made you think it might be the right fit for you?

I had never thought about starting a startup before. Watching the recordings from Athena got me excited. When I looked at Rob, I saw someone who was just like me—he started in college, trying to figure out what to do. That gave me confidence that I could build something too. I was also drawn to the idea of building something for scientists—it sounded so cool and aligned with my passion for research. The first interactions with the Athena team made me feel like this was a safe space to learn and grow.

Can you walk me through your daily life as part of the Athena residency?

My days vary intentionally to keep things fun. Some days are filled with research and outreach—messaging people on LinkedIn, brainstorming, or even flying to Singapore to get 20 minutes with a professor. I keep a diary where I note down my thoughts to avoid getting lost in my head. Other days are about learning new skills, like running Google Ads or building quick websites with no-code tools. The diversity keeps me engaged and excited while staying disciplined."

Can you give me a specific example of a time working with the Athena team proved valuable to you? And what do you like best about being part of the Athena residency?

The motivation aspect was the biggest value for me. My ideas kept changing, and I often felt discouraged in between pivots. Rob’s approach was so encouraging—he didn’t put a lot of strict expectations on me, which helped me feel okay with not knowing what to work on. The weekly meetings and the accountability with Rob and the other residents gave me the discipline I needed to keep going."

What sort of tangible impact has being in the Athena residency had on your life?

It opened a new dimension in my brain, that ‘it’s not that difficult to start a startup, even if you’re a newbie.’ If you just keep staying consistent and follow the steps in Athena’s curriculum, you don’t have the ambiguity anymore… I feel very good working on something of my own, working on being financially independent.

What has been the biggest benefit you’ve realized in your involvement with Athena?

It opened a new dimension in my brain, that 'it’s not that difficult to start a startup.' Even if you’re a newbie, if you just keep staying consistent and follow the steps in Athena’s curriculum, it’s very good. That provided me with a lot of clarity… Rob’s feedback in the weekly sessions has been so valuable.

What does that mean for you? The people in your life who matter to you?

My parents were initially scared and apprehensive about me quitting a stable job. But now, seeing how much work I’m putting into this and the progress I’ve made, they believe I can actually do it. My friends are inspired, too—they hear me talk about things they’ve never even considered before. It feels like I’m showing them what’s possible.

If a peer asked you why they should choose Athena, what might you tell them?

I would tell them about the mentorship—you get to learn from the best. The advisors are amazing; they don’t just give generic advice—they answer with specific, actionable steps. The financial security of matching your pay for six months takes away the biggest risks, and the peers and structured program make it easy to find your way, even if you’re feeling lost.