In recent times, many have come across the YouTuber Ungal Meenavan, a fisherman who gained popularity by showcasing his daily life at sea. His knowledge of fish, combined with his ability to explain things clearly, made his content highly engaging. However, his journey took an unfortunate turn when business and friendship became entangled. This blog explores his story and highlights key lessons to learn when starting a business with a friend.
The Rise of Ungal Meenavan
Ungal Meenavan was just a regular fisherman until, one day, a friend suggested turning his routine into a vlog. The idea was simple: capture and share his fishing adventures on YouTube. The friend took charge of filming, editing, and managing the channel, while Ungal Meenavan focused on his expertise: fishing and storytelling.
The channel quickly gained popularity, with high views, likes, and engagement. Encouraged by the success, the friend expanded their reach by sharing the videos on Instagram and Facebook, attracting an even wider audience. The revenue from YouTube started increasing, but Ungal Meenavan, who had little knowledge of technology and online earnings, remained unaware of how much the channel was making.
Betrayal and Business Expansion
Seeing the success, the friend suggested starting a seafood business. Trusting him completely, Ungal Meenavan agreed and even secured an investor to expand the business. Over time, they opened more than 20 small seafood shops in the area.
However, as time passed, the friend stopped providing updates neither about the business nor about the YouTube channel’s earnings. Despite being the face of the channel and the business, Ungal Meenavan had no legal ownership over anything, as he had not signed any agreements. When he finally confronted his friend, he was met with silence.
To make matters worse, Ungal Meenavan had taken a loan for the seafood business, and now, with no access to the earnings, he was left struggling under financial pressure. Ultimately, his friend claimed ownership of everything, leaving Ungal Meenavan empty-handed.
The Harsh Reality: Friendship and Business Are Different
Ungal Meenavan’s story is a harsh lesson on the risks of mixing friendship and business without proper documentation. While friendships may seem strong, money and power can change people. It is rare to find someone who values friendship over financial gain.
Here’s what you should take away from this story:
1. Always Have a Written Agreement
No matter how close you are to someone, business must be formalized. Whether it’s a YouTube channel, a startup, or a partnership, ensure that roles, responsibilities, and profit-sharing are documented. Verbal agreements hold no legal value.
2. Money Can Change People
Many betrayals happen due to emotional trust and financial greed. Even if someone is your closest friend, money can influence their decisions. It’s important to stay cautious and never rely entirely on trust when it comes to business.
3. Legal Protection is Essential
To avoid being exploited, register your business, create contracts, and keep track of finances. A government-registered agreement ensures legal protection in case of disputes.
4. Be Financially Aware
Ungal Meenavan trusted his friend blindly, unaware of his earnings. Whether it’s a YouTube channel, a shop, or any business, always educate yourself about the financial aspects to prevent being misled.
5. Only a Friend Can Betray You, Not an Enemy
Enemies are openly against you, but betrayal comes from those you trust. The closer a person is, the more damage they can cause if they break your trust. This is why one must always have safeguards in place.
Final Thoughts
Ungal Meenavan’s journey serves as a warning for aspiring entrepreneurs. Friendship and business should always be handled separately. While trust is important, written agreements, legal documentation, and financial awareness are equally crucial.
If you ever start a business with a friend, ensure that everything is legally documented to protect your interests. Emotions should never replace wisdom in the world of business.