5 min read · Saturday 14, 2026

While there’s no way to clone yourself, there is always the possibility of finding someone who complements you in all the ways that matter.

In the world of startups, that person might just become your co-founder.

Building a company demands resilience, patience and a shared belief in something bigger than yourselves. It’s not easy to find someone who challenges you, balances you and still shares your long-term vision. Couples who choose to build together are rare. Those who make it work are even rarer.

This Valentine’s Day, we’re spotlighting Sudin and Rimmi, husband and wife and co-founders of ChemistWise, an AI co-pilot for pharmacists, supporting pharmacists and their teams. From a parent-arranged introduction to pitching on the UNSW Founders stage, their journey blends love, logic and a little bit of AI.

We sat down with them to talk about how it all began.

How did you two meet?

Our parents introduced us.

There’s a dating platform where parents create profiles for their kids, with consent of course, and they swipe on potential matches. In our case, the parents matched first.

I genuinely thought I was getting catfished… until I met her in person.

On our first date, there was a point where I realised I’d been explaining what a GPU, a Graphics Processing Unit, is for about 30 minutes straight. I remember thinking, this is it. I’ve lost my shot.

Then she messaged me first saying she had a great time. I thought the tech explanation had worked.

Years later, she told me it didn’t. She just thought I looked cute being passionate about it.

When did you realise this could be something serious?

It wasn’t one defining moment. It was a series of small ones.

A few weeks into dating, the lame jokes came out. Instead of judgement, there was laughter. We didn’t feel the need to filter ourselves.

As we got to know each other more, we realised we were wired similarly. We both care deeply about making a lasting impact. We spoke about the future not as a fairytale, but practically. What are we building? Why does it matter?

Five years later, that shared mindset turned into something tangible.

When did the idea of becoming co-founders first come up?

Sudin actually mentioned it when we first started dating. He said, “I want to build a business with you someday.” I remember thinking, let’s get through this date first.

The real turning point came during a hot, humid summer in India. We were in the back of a taxi talking about AI and healthcare. I said, “I wish I could use AI to improve my patients’ lives. I know there’s something there.”

Sudin looked at me and said, “Why don’t we?”

That was the beginning of ChemistWise, an AI co-pilot designed to support pharmacists and the teams around them.

What has been special about building together?

You see a version of your partner that few others see.

We’ve learned how each other responds under pressure, how we solve problems and how we support each other when things feel uncertain.

From pitching for the first time at UNSW Founders Pitch Night South West to winning both the People’s Choice Award and Second Place at Impact X Pitch Night in Liverpool, each milestone has felt different because we’ve experienced it side by side.

It’s not just about the wins. It’s about doing it together.

How do you navigate tough days?

We remind ourselves that we’re on the same team.

Respect is non-negotiable. If something gets heated, we step back and revisit it when we’re both calm.

We also have a slightly unconventional approach. We communicate through cat and dog memes when things feel tense. It sounds ridiculous, but it works.

What helps protect your relationship from startup chaos?

We’re life partners first.

If one of us needs time away from the startup, the other steps up. Sometimes we both show up fully. Sometimes only one of us can. That’s okay.

At the end of the day, the relationship must come before the rollercoaster of building something new.

And finally, what does a perfect date night look like now?

Somewhere overseas, with good food and a great view.

If we could bring our pets along too, that would make it perfect. Rimmi somehow doesn’t mind walking 20,000 steps in a new city, as long as there’s a holiday booked.

There’s no single formula for building a company with the person you love. But as Sudin and Rimmi show, shared values, mutual respect and a willingness to laugh at yourselves go a long way.

Sometimes, the best co-founder is the one who already knows your worst jokes.

Valentine’s Day Special: From first date to founders