Mukesh Bansal, born in September 1975 in Haridwar, India, is a renowned entrepreneur whose impactful contributions have reshaped the e-commerce, health-tech, and startup ecosystems in India. He is best known as the co-founder of Myntra, Cult.Fit, and Meraki Labs, and has earned recognition as one of the top 40 entrepreneurs under 40 by Fortune Magazine.

Early Life and Education

Bansal completed his early education in Haridwar before pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). His early fascination with technology and entrepreneurship laid the groundwork for his future ventures in the tech industry.

Career Journey

Early Career
After graduating from IIT Kanpur, Mukesh began his professional journey as a systems analyst with Deloitte in Chicago. His career further evolved in Silicon Valley, where he gained invaluable experience working with several startups, including NexTag, Centrata, and NewScale. These formative years equipped him with the insights and skills that would later propel his entrepreneurial success in India.

Myntra
In 2007, Mukesh co-founded Myntra with Ashutosh Lawania and Vineet Saxena. Initially focused on personalized gifts, Myntra swiftly pivoted to fashion and lifestyle products, becoming a leading e-commerce platform in India. Under Bansal’s strategic leadership, Myntra captured significant market share, culminating in its acquisition by Flipkart in 2014 for approximately $330 million. Following the acquisition, he served as the Head of Commerce and Advertising Business at Flipkart.

Cure.Fit
In 2016, Mukesh co-founded Cure.Fit alongside Ankit Nagori, aiming to revolutionize health and fitness in India. The company provides a holistic approach to wellness, integrating fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being through services like Cult.fit (fitness centers), Eat.fit (healthy meal delivery), Mind.fit (yoga and meditation), and Care.fit (primary healthcare). Cure.Fit has garnered significant investment and expanded its footprint across India, solidifying its status in the health-tech sector.

Meraki Labs
In 2020, Mukesh launched Meraki Labs, described as India’s first startup studio. The organization focuses on nurturing new companies by offering initial funding and a dedicated founding team. By collaborating closely with entrepreneurs, Meraki Labs identifies market needs and develops innovative products, providing financial backing and access to a robust network of experienced professionals.

Podcast and Advocacy

Mukesh hosts the podcast “SparX,” which delves into “Big Ideas” across diverse fields such as economics, politics, and science. He engages with influential guests, sharing insights and fostering discussions that inspire entrepreneurial thought.

Additionally, Mukesh is on the board of Olympics Gold Quest, a non-profit foundation dedicated to supporting Indian athletes in their pursuit of Olympic success.

Publications

Mukesh Bansal has authored two notable books:

• Hacking Health: The Only Book You’ll Ever Need To Live a Healthier Life (2023): In this book, he navigates the complexities of the health and wellness industry, blending personal experiences with scientific research to guide readers in making informed choices about their health.
• No Limits: The Art and Science of High Performance (2020): This work explores the science behind human performance optimization, offering actionable strategies for achieving excellence in various fields by leveraging brain plasticity and continuous learning.

Achievements and Recognition

Mukesh Bansal’s entrepreneurial journey has garnered him numerous accolades, including:

• Fortune India 40 Under 40: Recognized as one of the top entrepreneurs under 40.
• Business Today’s Coolest Start-ups: Myntra was named one of the coolest start-ups under his leadership.
• IIT Kanpur Distinguished Alumnus Award (2021): Honored for his outstanding contributions to the industry.

Today, Mukesh Bansal serves as the CEO and Co-founder of Cure.Fit and the President of Tata Digital. His unwavering commitment to innovation and growth continues to influence the digital commerce landscape in India, making him a pivotal figure in the country’s entrepreneurial narrative. As a first-generation tech entrepreneur, he has successfully built sector-leading companies and remains an active investor in the tech startup ecosystem, nurturing the next wave of innovation in India.