Mekin Maheshwari

Founder & CEO

Mekin Maheshwari is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and social impact leader based in Bengaluru, India. With a versatile background spanning the technology, education, and social sectors, he is renowned for his strategic vision, operational expertise, and commitment to driving positive change.

Professional Overview

As the Founder and CEO of Udhyam Learning Foundation, Mekin spearheads the organization's mission to foster mass entrepreneurship and unlock economic opportunities for underserved communities across India. He also co-founded Social Change at ACT Grants, a collaborative platform empowering social enterprises, and the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship, a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Mekin serves as a Board Member and Independent Director for esteemed organizations such as TeamLease, Sikshana, Busy, and Khan Academy India. He is also an active angel investor, supporting the growth of startups, nonprofits, and social enterprises that align with his passion for innovation and social impact.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Founder & CEO, Udhyam Learning Foundation (2017-Present)

Leads the strategic vision and operational execution of Udhyam, a social enterprise dedicated to promoting mass entrepreneurship and creating economic opportunities for underserved communities

Drives the development and implementation of scalable, technology-enabled programs that empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, resources, and support

Oversees the organization's growth and impact, with a focus on expanding its reach and demonstrating measurable social and economic outcomes

Co-Founder, Social Change at ACT Grants (2020-Present)

Co-founded this collaborative platform to empower social enterprises by providing them with funding, mentorship, and access to a robust network of stakeholders

Actively participates in the curation, selection, and support of high-potential social impact initiatives across India

Co-Founder, Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (2018-Present)

Co-founded this multi-stakeholder initiative to build a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in India

Shapes the alliance's strategic direction and leads the implementation of programs that foster mass entrepreneurship

Career Progression

Prior to his entrepreneurial ventures, Mekin held senior leadership roles at leading technology companies, including Flipkart, where he served as the Chief People Officer and Head of Engineering, and Ola, where he was the Chief People Officer.

Mekin's early career was marked by his contributions as a software engineer and engineering manager at Tata Consultancy Services and Microsoft India, respectively.

Academic Background

Mekin holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, where he graduated with honors.

Areas of Expertise

Entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem development

Social impact and mass entrepreneurship programs

Technology-driven innovation and digital transformation

Organizational leadership and people management

Strategic planning and execution

Venture capital and angel investing

Professional Impact

Scaled Udhyam Learning Foundation to reach over 500,000 aspiring entrepreneurs across India, with a focus on underserved communities

Co-founded Social Change at ACT Grants, a collaborative platform that has supported over 100 social enterprises to date

Played a pivotal role in shaping the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship, a multi-stakeholder initiative that has mobilized resources and expertise to foster entrepreneurship at scale

Served as a strategic advisor and board member for leading organizations in the technology, education, and social sectors, contributing to their growth and impact

Conclusion

Mekin Maheshwari is a visionary leader dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, driving social impact, and fostering inclusive economic development. Through his diverse roles and strategic initiatives, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to translate innovative ideas into tangible, scalable solutions that create meaningful change across India.