IIM grad reveals how Rs 500-crore guy shocked him: ‘He took me to a simple…’

What’s the difference between old and new money? It all boils down to attitude. Taking to X, Ankit Kedia, a San Francisco-based entrepreneur revealed the difference in the outlook and behaviour between a guy with generational wealth (net-worth of Rs 500 crore) and a startup founder.

The Rs 500-crore guy took him to a simple South Indian breakfast place, ordered tea and began the conversation.

“Plain clothes. Slippers. No show-off. No entourage. Just a very modest guy…” wrote Kedia.


A few days later, he met a startup founder. His company was far from profitable and was functioning on the investor’s funds. Yet he was extremely flashy and extravagant. He pulled up in a luxury BMW, and even during a simple virtual meeting, an assistant handled the screen sharing, coordinated the presentation, and took care of every minor detail on his behalf.

Kedia explained that at times, the contrast between inherited affluence and recently acquired prosperity becomes strikingly apparent.

One carries wealth with quiet ease and confidence, treating it as a natural part of life rather than a statement.

“One is comfortable being rich. The other wants everyone to know it…”

Reacting to the post, one X user wrote: “In this story , first guy don’t have a reason to show his wealth as u already went to him for what he is already and second guy has to project his riches to convince other guys to he is wealthy…”

Another commented: “It's very easy to flaunt on new money, especially when it belongs to others! Old money people are secured to the core and don't need a show off for validation.”

Both are right in their need for attention and state no Philosophies here

According to his LinkedIn profile, Kedia is a Vice President of Sales Strategy at a data consulting firm in San Francisco. He is an alumnus of IIM Calcutta and INSEAD.