From Big Tech to VC: Rahul Nath’s Journey Through Product Leadership

The Intentional Product Manager Podcast

In this episode of the Intentional Product Manager Podcast, host Shobhit talks with Rahul Nath, Chief Product Officer at Axel, about his unconventional path through the product world—from McKinsey to Google, scaling fintech at Drip Capital, and now driving innovation at the intersection of venture capital and technology.

Rahul shares candid reflections on what it takes to succeed across vastly different environments—consulting, Big Tech, startups, and now VC. You’ll hear how he adapted his product mindset at each stage, the challenges he didn’t expect when leaving Google, and how product leadership can be a force multiplier inside a VC firm.

Whether you're navigating a job transition, exploring startup roles, or thinking long-term about your impact as a product leader, this episode is packed with grounded insights and tactical advice.

Episode Highlights
00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast
00:28 – Meet Rahul Nath: Career Journey
02:13 – Transitioning from Google to Startups
06:53 – Product Leadership in Venture Capital
17:44 – Navigating Job Search in a Tough Market
21:48 – The Future of Product Management
25:32 – Rapid Fire Questions + Conclusion

Tune in for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about product strategy, career growth, and how technology is reshaping venture capital.

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Chapters

1. Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:00)

2. Meet Rahul Nath: Career Journey (00:00:28)

3. Transitioning from Google to Startups (00:02:13)

4. Product Leadership in Venture Capital (00:06:53)

5. Navigating Job Search in a Tough Market (00:17:44)

6. The Future of Product Management (00:21:48)

7. Rapid Fire Questions + Conclusion (00:25:32)