Darshan Natesh Kasaravalli

Innovation means different things to different people. For me, innovation is a way to usher in change. A change that brings about a positive impact on the lives of the people around me, be it customers, colleagues, friends, or family. To bring about any change, you need to first listen and understand before coming up with a solution. It is usually an iterative process with multiple paths that you can choose from. Having a thorough understanding of processes and methodologies from my corporate stint, and the agility and risk-taking ability from my startup experience puts me in a great place to co-create immense value for our customers. In the first 10 years of my experience working in a corporate setup, I learnt about technology, processes, people management among other key skills, which helped build a strong foundation. In the next 10 years, as an Entrepreneur, I have had the privilege to render services to over 50 product and service startups, like ours. Each of the startups that we worked with, came from different domain areas, and had a different value proposition. I was also exposed to Deep Tech such as Blockchain, AI/ML, Industrial IoT, RPA and AR/VR. For the last few years, Deep Tech and Open Innovation have been close to my heart. The core principle of Open Innovation is to collaborate and co-create value. I look forward to a discussion with YOU and explore the avenues of mutual growth. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshankasaravalli/

• Mentor / Member

Ms. Aswathi Dinil

Aswathi is a trainer by profession and a TEDx speaker. She has a rich training experience of over 4 years , a transformational coach and trainer who has helped over 10000 students and corporates embark on a journey of self-discovery and excellence. She is a founder of Samathva Center for excellence . We provide trainings for business organisations and educational institutions.

• Mentor / Member

Mr. Prince Philemon Raj

A technology and business leader, Mr. Prince Philemon Raj has expertise in technology-driven financial services, leadership, and entrepreneurship. As a Director at DTCC, he plays a key role in leveraging technology for global financial market infrastructure. His experience spans business strategy, agile methodologies, and innovative solutions in the financial technology space.

• Mentor / Member

Mr. Chandrashekar Kupperi

Mr. Chandrashekhar is an accomplished finance professional and entrepreneur, has extensive experience in leadership, financial management, fundraising, and M&A. With a background in multinational corporations like ExxonMobil and KPMG, he has led numerous acquisitions and divestments. As the Founder of ANOVA Corporate Services, he provides advisory services in M&A, business valuations, and strategic fundraising, while also being an active angel investor in startups.

• Mentor / Member

Delhi Chapter Chair

Saurabh Jain

Saurabh is the founder of Fun2Do Labs (EdTech Startup). Fun2Do Labs is pioneering a new space in EdTech called 'Transmedia Education'. He has also founded a social initiative called StartupLearn.org.

He was Vice President at Paytm till February 2021. He was also heading the ‘Paytm - Build for India’ program and also had an active role in startup products, developer relations, social impact / CSR within Paytm. He also managed the relationships with various industry bodies including NASSCOM, CII, FICCI, PHDCCI, ASSOCHAM, TiE, etc. He is a Chartered Accountant with a keen interest in technology. He has authored 2 books on mobile application technology. He is the inventor of the PERSONAL PERSISTENT MESSAGING SYSTEM (PPMS) and NEURO SYMBOLIC NETWORK GENERATION AND EXECUTION SYSTEM for which he had got provisional patents. He is a charter member of TiE. As a software developer he has been awarded the following titles in the past - 'BlackBerry Elite' and 'Nokia Developer Champion'. Saurabh is an avid reader and has read more than 200 books in the last 5 years.

He is also a member of the National Expert Advisory Committee (NEAC) on Innovation, Incubation, and Technology Entrepreneurship, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India and NASSCOM's Product Council.

• Mentor / Member

Mr. Arjun Patel

Arjun Patel is a Head of Business Development in Sona Extrusion Pvt. Ltd., a leading manufacturers of aluminum collapsible tubes and containers in Gujarat. He has five-year experience of working in this industry. He possesses a blend of product management, marketing that enables him to deliver on growth, revenue and expansion target.

Arjun has a passion for learning with a bachelor’s degree in electronics, a Master of Business Administration degree in marketing and finance from IBS Mumbai. He has more than seven years of experience in client management. Before joining Sona Extrusion Pvt Ltd he worked for TCS as pre-sales executive. What makes Arjun apart is his willingness to push the envelope in terms of what is possible for a business, as well as his courage defining and forging a new path forward and propels the business to a new height of growth and success.

Arjun brought positive changes in business. He leads with the confidence and approaches most difficult and complex challenges with perseverance and commitment to success. He streamlined all the operations in the business, introduced internal controls, and drove powerful marketing operations. He expanded the companies reach to international markets.

Arjun presently lives in Navsari, Gujarat

• Mentor / Member

Mohit Verma

In his professional capacity, Mohit Verma, a multifaceted individual, holds the esteemed position of Director at Gwalior Potteries Pvt Ltd and Mohit Verma Construction, recognized entities under Ministry of urban affairs and the Ministry of Defence. Demonstrating astute leadership and managerial acumen, Mohit is deeply committed to promoting sustainable practices and environmental conservation, leveraging his Post Graduate degree in Environmental Engineering from NIT Bhopal. His profound expertise in this domain reflects his unwavering dedication to nurturing a greener, more sustainable future. Apart from his corporate engagements, Mohit actively contributes to community welfare as the Joint Secretary of the Gwalior Management Association, facilitating professional growth and networking opportunities for members. His professional competence is further underscored by his recognition as a Chartered Engineer by the esteemed Institution of Engineers India, symbolizing his steadfast commitment to upholding ethical and quality standards in engineering practice. Beyond his corporate and community roles, Mohit is a published author of two anthologies, The Mist of Forbidden Forest and Kisse Yaari Ke, wherein he intricately explores human relationships and lifes complexities, showcasing his versatility as a storyteller. With a unique blend of engineering expertise, business acumen, community involvement, and literary talent, Mohit epitomizes the essence of a modern Renaissance individual, dedicated to excellence and positive impact across diverse domains.

• Mentor / Member

Mr Vivek Narsinghani

Vivek Narsinghani is a seasoned Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in business modeling, financial strategy, and fractional CFO services. As a Partner & Co-founder at Narsinghani & Associates, he plays a pivotal role in driving financial solutions for businesses across diverse industries.

With expertise in financial modeling, valuations, deal negotiations, and corporate restructuring, Vivek provides strategic guidance to startups, SMEs, and large enterprises. His proficiency extends to due diligence, statutory audits, and legal-financial advisory, assisting clients in drafting and executing Shareholders’ Agreements, Share Purchase Agreements, and other compliance frameworks.

Vivek is known for his ability to blend financial acumen with practical business insights, helping organizations optimize their financial structures, navigate complex transactions, and achieve long-term growth. His experience includes representing clients before appellate authorities and advising on regulatory compliance.

• Mentor / Member

Mr Prateek Maheshwari

I am a lawyer practising in MP High Court since 2006 and have my own law firm with around 20 lawyers working. Completed B.A.LL.B (Hons.) from DAVV, Indore & LL.M from Manchester University, U.K and presently also student of PhD. Chairman, IURT 268, Round Table India - Founder Member, Lions Club Indore Royals - Associate Cabinet Secretary, Lions International Dist. 3233G1 - Member, High Court Bar Association - Member, Friend of Indore Cancer Foundation

• Mentor / Member

Ms. Bhavna Khemka

Educational Qualifications :
BSc Management from The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom, 2007
Summer School at London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom, 2006
Summer School at London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom, 2007
MSc Management specializing in Entrepreneurship from Cass Business School, City University London, United Kingdom in 2009
DELF Certificate for French for Levels A1, A2, B1 and B2 from Alliance Francaise, Kolkata, 2010 - 2013
Certificate of Merit in Art from Impart Academy of Art, Kolkata, 2012
Short course on Contemporary Art from Sotheby’s London held in New Delhi, 2016

• Mentor / Member

Narayan Govindram Jaesingh

Seasoned management professional with 18+ years of experience in designing & executing profit centric business strategy. Currently Chief Business Officer – VSERV, a leading mobile AdTech solution provider in India (Mumbai). Product & Partnership Evangelist across domains with proven expertise in cross pollinating industry domain knowledge to drive innovation:
AdTech (2021+) <-- BFSI (2018-2021) < -- Telecom (2004-2018)

Passionate about Direct to Consumer (D2C) ecosystem and SaaS propositions while actively expanding Vserv globally. To further amplify the passion, is part of the selection committee of a leading Venture Capital team for selecting the next Unicorn and funding ‘Series A’ startups. At Vserv, is currently exporting a complete Ad-monetization solution comprising of (i) Complete tech stack, (ii) SaaS deployment model & (iii) Data Analytics across MENA & South East Asian Markets

Thought Leader operating at intersection of business partnerships, consumer value propositions and revenue growth adding value to 3 key stakeholders: (i) Customers, (ii) Employees & (iii) Shareholders. Result oriented multi-tasker with natural ability of handling full time business roles along with leadership honorary positions viz. Leaders Fellow from Ananta Aspen Centre, Advisory Board Member - Billennium Divas, Managing Partner – Mobile Ecosystem Forum, Start up Selection Committee – Inflection Point Ventures, Mentor - AIMA YLC, and Chairperson (Past) - CII Yi Mumbai.

Narayan was part of the Indian Delegation to G20 Young Entrepreneur Alliance Summit (YEA) in 2011 and was instrumental in preparing the ‘Indian Recommendations’ for the Communique paper tabled to Head of States of all countries. He was also the Co-Lead for Commonwealth-Asia Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs (CAAYE) summit in India in 2012.

Links for reference:
1) ITU FIGI Symposium 2021: https://bit.ly/3hIKKFJ
2) Ananta Leaders Fellow: https://bit.ly/3xpaxcz
3) CII Yi Annual Report: https://bit.ly/3hiPPWc
4) UKIBC Strategic Alliance Meeting: https://bit.ly/3Ax4951
5) CAAYE Launch: (i) https://bit.ly/3xl8bLD & (ii) https://bit.ly/2TEDkeA

• Mentor / Member

Anup Agrawal

Anup Agarwal is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 16 years of experience as Director of Access Nepal Trade Link, a leading importer of FMCG and automotive products in Nepal. He also heads Johnson International, producing high-quality bathroom fittings, and oversees construction solutions through Isha Build Mart. Beyond business, Anup actively serves his community; he has held leadership roles in Lions Club International, coordinated crucial oxygen supply efforts during COVID-19, and spearheaded initiatives as President of the Nepalese Young Entrepreneur Forum (NYEF) in Birgunj. Anup is deeply involved with FNCCI and BiCCi, where he champions youth and SME empowerment. As Founder Secretary of Birgunj Cycling Club, he promotes wellness and tourism through unique community events. Passionate about social impact, he volunteers with Manav Seva Ashram and is a mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs across Nepal..

• Mentor / Member

Dr Sachin Khullar

Dr. Sachin Khullar is an accomplished educationist with over 18 years of experience and currently serves as the co-founder and director of two companies. He has made significant contributions to youth empowerment and leadership development throughout his career. As Zone Director (Trainings) at JCI, he honed his expertise in fostering leadership skills, and as an active member of the Jalandhar Management Association, a regional body of AIMA, he has consistently participated in AIMA conventions to stay at the forefront of management practices. With extensive experience in organizing and facilitating programs that inspire and uplift young minds, Dr. Khullar is passionate about nurturing leadership potential. He is ready to serve as the Chair for Punjab Chapter under the Young Leaders Council (YLC), leveraging his expertise and network to contribute effectively to YLC's mission of fostering growth and leadership in these regions.

• Mentor / Member