Entrepreneurship Speakers

Lakshmi Pratury

Lakshmi Pratury is a multi-faceted entrepreneur, public speaker, master interviewer, and writer. She is the founder and CEO of INKTalks, a transformative platform and community launched in 2010, where she curates stories and a community of global thought-leaders and game-changers.

Lakshmi is a sought-after public speaker and curator – addressing a wide range of leadership topics, including redefining success, future technologies and their role in shaping the workforce, women’s roles in the workplace, and the transformative power of storytelling in business. Alongside her speaking engagements, Lakshmi writes on a range of topics spanning business and life, and has contributed to several leading publications. She is on the board of several startups and initiatives, shaping and guiding teams on scaling globally and building communities. 

With over two decades of experience in the United States, Lakshmi held pivotal roles at Intel, where she helped shape the tech giant’s foray into end user marketing and business development. She worked in venture capital with Global Catalyst Partners and drove impactful projects in leadership roles for the non-profit American India Foundation.

Lakshmi is credited for co-hosting TED’s first and only conference in India in 2009 and bringing Singularity University’s international summit to India in 2015. Continuing her mission with INK and the non-profit INK Global Foundation (IGF), Lakshmi is committed to amplifying India’s narrative on the global stage, bringing the best of the world to India, and vice versa. She champions the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and storytelling to ignite innovation, foster resilience, and shape our collective destiny. Her journey from mathematics gold medalist to business and theater graduate underscores her multifaceted expertise and passion for driving change.

Archana Dutta

As CEO of INK Women, Archana Dutta leads a dynamic platform dedicated to empowering women leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. INK Women fosters mentorship, networking, and knowledge-sharing, creating a thriving ecosystem where women can connect, collaborate, and thrive. Under Archana’s leadership, the platform champions visibility, inclusion, and growth, ensuring more women have access to opportunities that help them excel.

Before INK Women, Archana spent 28 years in leadership roles at Hyatt Hotels and Lufthansa German Airlines. She then founded SecondAct, a platform for personal and professional transformation, and hosts the Discover Your SecondAct podcast, featuring over 150 inspiring stories. Her social impact initiative, Pedal On, focuses on skill-building and sustainable livelihoods for underprivileged women, creating over 10,000 eco-friendly products. Across all her ventures, Archana remains committed to driving meaningful change, empowering individuals to embrace reinvention and step into their next act with purpose.

Anshulika Dubey

Anshulika is a media & technology entrepreneur. After her stint at the management consulting firm McKinsey, she started Wishberry – India’s first crowdfunding platform for creative artists, backed by India’s top angel investors and Reliance Entertainment.

Wishberry helped over 600 creative artists fundraise ~$3 million (~Rs. 26 crore) from 1 lakh+ people across the world through philanthropy and equity capital. Wishberry also produced 6 regional feature films currently streaming on the top OTT platforms such as Netflix and Sony Liv. The films went on to garner several international awards and one of them called ‘Mandela’ also went on to be shortlisted in the Oscar list from India.

Anshulika has now launched The Writers INK Institute, India’s premier skillbuilding initiative for upcoming writers in India, incubated and supported by the INK Global Foundation and the Ford Foundation. Writers INK aims to become a premium institution that provides global writing education and a visible career pathway to budding writers in India.

Neha Kanitkar

Neha Kanitkar is the co-founder of The Wayfarers, an exclusive, off-radar slow travel community that is redefining travel in India by harnessing the power of behavioral sciences and generative AI. The mission is to enable a seamless journey from discovery to adventure, while promoting sustainable and mindful travel planning and fostering meaningful connections, both with destinations and fellow explorers.

In addition to her role at The Wayfarers, Neha is a partner at UXDesignlabs, a product design and venture studio. Previously, she led the implementation of an Indo-German bilateral project for GIZ, focused on improving framework conditions for women-led enterprises in India. Her professional experience also includes roles at the Consulate General of the United States of America in Hyderabad and at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise in Wellington.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Neha is passionate about food, travel, and community building.

Aparajita Jain

Aparajita Jain is a leading figure in the Indian contemporary art world, known for her efforts in promoting Indian art on the global stage. In 2005, she founded Seven Art Limited, a gallery dedicated to showcasing innovative Indian artists, such as Asim Waqif and Aakash Nihalani. The gallery played a pivotal role in placing Indian contemporary art in the international arena, notably hosting the first Indian contemporary art exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Shanghai and facilitating Indian participation in the Lisbon Biennale.

Jain is currently the co-founder of Nature Morte, one of Delhi’s most avant-garde art spaces, which has become renowned for showcasing leading contemporary Indian artists like Subodh Gupta, Jitish Kallat, and Anita Dube. Her influence extends beyond the commercial art scene into philanthropy. She established the Saat Saath Arts Foundation (SSAF), a nonprofit aimed at fostering international art exchanges. One of SSAF’s landmark projects is the creation of India’s first permanent international art space at Nahargarh Fort in collaboration with the Rajasthan government.

Aparajita Jain’s contributions have earned her recognition as one of the 50 icons of Indian art by *Platform* magazine. She is also actively involved in global business leadership circles as a board member of the Delhi Chapter of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) and is a founding member of the Harvard South Asia Institute Arts Program. Her vision continues to shape the future of contemporary art in India and abroad.

Tinky Matthew

Tinky Mathew is the co-founder of Pepper House, a 400-year-old spice warehouse in Fort Cochin that she transformed into a vibrant café, design shop, and open gallery spaces. Although a Biomedical Engineer by education, Tinky’s true passion lies in design and fashion.

In 2012, along with her partner, she restored the historic warehouse to host the first edition of the Kochi Muziris Biennale and seized the opportunity to curate a design-focused retail shop for the event. This serendipitous experience led her to open the Pepper House Design Shop in January 2015. With this venture, Tinky realized her vision of discovering, curating, and showcasing the incredible talent of independent creators and designers from across the country, presenting them to a discerning audience.

Shweta George Muthoot

Shweta George Muthoot is a dynamic and innovative leader in digital marketing, currently serving as the Associate Vice President of Digital Marketing at Muthoot FinCorp, the flagship business of the Muthoot Pappachan Group. A graduate of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia, Shweta brings a global perspective to her work, driving strategic initiatives that enhance the brand’s presence in the financial services industry.

At Muthoot FinCorp, Shweta has spearheaded collaborative projects with renowned celebrities such as Shah Rukh Khan, Vidya Balan, and Virat Kohli, as well as with entities like Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Her partnerships with major entertainment platforms such as Netflix and the popular YouTube channel Karikku have significantly amplified Muthoot FinCorp’s reach and engagement.

Shweta’s leadership has been instrumental in transforming Muthoot Pappachan Group’s marketing landscape, leveraging digital platforms to connect more effectively with customers. Her innovative mindset and dedication to excellence have not only elevated the company’s brand presence but also contributed to its mission of transforming lives and promoting sustainable growth. Shweta’s strategic acumen, collaborative spirit, and commitment to innovation continue to propel Muthoot FinCorp towards new horizons, solidifying its position as a leader in the financial sector.

Dao Jensen

Dao Jensen has carved out a prominent space in the technology industry as a trailblazer and visionary leader. Graduating from the Harvard Business School’s OPM Executive program, she founded Oak Rocket, Inc. in 2013. Oak Rocket stands as the first 100% female minority-owned company on the West Coast born in the cloud, which has positioned itself among the fastest-growing women-owned companies in the United States. The company’s mission is to lead in cloud enablement, offering strategic and optimized solutions for public cloud platforms.

Throughout her career, Dao has faced profound personal and professional challenges, including being a refugee and enduring the loss of close family members. These experiences have shaped her resilience and commitment to transformation, both personally and within her enterprise. She is also a dedicated board member of the YPO Pacific West Integrated Chapter and actively engages in global discussions on leadership and technology at platforms like AWS, GEN AI Days, and WBENC.

Jensen’s work extends beyond business; she is passionate about empowering others, evident in her talks at prestigious venues including the INK Talks and the Harvard Club. Her journey and insights have inspired many, proving that adversity can be a powerful catalyst for innovation and leadership.

Vita Dani

Vita Dani is a prominent entrepreneurial philanthropist and sports enthusiast, known for her significant contributions to the Indian sports landscape. She is the co-owner of the Indian Super League football team Chennaiyin FC and a league co-owner in Indian table tennis. Her passion for sports extends into her philanthropic efforts through the Dani Foundation, which she founded to empower communities via grassroots programs. These programs reflect her firm belief in the transformative power of sport and community engagement.

In addition to her roles in sports, Vita serves as the Director of ELMS Sports Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating sports development in India. Through her leadership, the foundation supports impactful projects like Annamrita, Project Mumbai, and Kapadwanj Kelavni Mandal, all aimed at empowering individuals and fostering transformative change within communities.

Vita Dani’s work not only promotes sports but also encompasses broader social impact initiatives, making her a pivotal figure in both the entrepreneurial and philanthropic spheres in India.

Hannah Muthoot

Hannah Muthoot is a dedicated social entrepreneur and a fourth-generation torchbearer of the Muthoot Pappachan Group. Based in Kochi, Kerala, she focuses on business development, operations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Hannah combines her business acumen with a passion for social empowerment. An alumna of the University of Southern California, she holds a degree in social entrepreneurship. Since 2016, she has also been consulting for the Jeevan Jyothi Non-Profit Organization in Pune, India, addressing various social issues.

Currently, Hannah is spearheading the Group’s efforts in sports development for Indian youth, aiming to create a comprehensive sports ecosystem in India. This initiative seeks to inspire, uplift, and transform the next generation through the power of sports.

In March 2021, Hannah co-founded Aurah Social, a health and wellness initiative that promotes healthy living as a social movement through monthly events. These events combine physical activities with nourishing food and music, fostering a community-focused atmosphere in various picturesque locations across India.

Vani Kola

Vani Kola is the Founder and Managing Director of Kalaari Capital, a prominent early-stage venture capital firm in India. With a background as a 2x entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, Vani brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience to her investment philosophy, which focuses on supporting young, first-time entrepreneurs with passion and perseverance. 

At Kalaari, Vani has led over 30 successful investments across various sectors, including e-commerce, gaming, digital content, and healthcare. Some notable successes include Dream11, Myntra, Cure.fit, and Snapdeal. Vani is actively involved in guiding these companies as a board member, contributing to their growth and success.

Vani has become an influential figure in India’s startup ecosystem over the past decade. She has been featured in numerous publications and recognized as one of Fortune India‘s ‘Most Powerful Women in Business.’ Vani is also dedicated to supporting organizations that promote entrepreneurship and women leadership.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Vani prioritizes personal well-being and sustainability. She practices heartfulness meditation and Ashtanga yoga, enjoys reading and writing, and is passionate about sustainable living. Vani cultivates organic produce in her garden to meet her family’s needs, embodying her commitment to a balanced and environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Priyanka Kohli

Priyanka Kohli is a dedicated advocate for public health and technology innovation, currently pursuing a full-time Masters in Public Health with a focus on Program Management, Child & Adolescent Wellness, and Health Education to address health inequities among communities. With a wealth of experience gathered from internships at prestigious organizations like the Robin Hood Foundation and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Priyanka played a pivotal role as a Founding team member at GreyOrange, contributing to the organization’s growth to a 450+ global team. Priyanka was responsible for People Operations and Partner Success at GreyOrange.

Before her tenure at GreyOrange, Priyanka excelled in Business Development and Key Account Management roles at Gallup in India and Sri Lanka, showcasing her expertise in solution implementation and client engagement. Passionate about driving positive change, Priyanka’s diverse background and unwavering commitment make her a valuable asset in the fields of public health and technology innovation.

Alayna Van Dervort

Alayna Van Dervort, the visionary founder of The Big Wild, is at the forefront of merging technology and environmental stewardship to drive sustainability within global climate initiatives. Armed with a Harvard education and a background as a Marine Mammal Medic, Alayna brings a unique blend of expertise to her role as an Amazon AWS professional, where she pioneers collaborative technological solutions aimed at addressing critical issues in climate, environment, and society.

With a deep commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Alayna empowers individuals and organizations on the front lines of environmental advocacy and Indigenous community support. Through her innovative approach, she facilitates access to cutting-edge technologies such as AI, Machine Learning, and GIS tools, enabling stakeholders to tackle global challenges effectively.

Alayna’s transformative work extends beyond mere advocacy; she actively propels the missions of organizations dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet. Her holistic approach underscores her dedication to fostering meaningful change and driving progress towards a more sustainable future.

Sukhi Singh

Sukhi Singh is the visionary founder behind Sukhi’s Gourmet Indian Foods, a distinguished brand celebrated for its authentic Indian cuisine meticulously crafted with premium ingredients and time-honored recipes. What began as a solo venture has evolved into a globally recognized enterprise, setting the standard as one of the few USDA-certified, third-party audited Indian food providers. 

Sukhi’s remarkable journey includes groundbreaking achievements, notably becoming the inaugural Indian food company to secure placement in major American retailers like Costco and Whole Foods, marking a significant milestone in introducing Indian flavors to mainstream audiences. Today, Sukhi’s legacy thrives with active involvement from her three children, who play integral roles in steering the company toward continued prosperity and innovation.