K

Kush Katara

CEO

Nagpur, Maharashtra, India8 yrs 4 mos experience
Most Likely To SwitchAI Enabled

Key Highlights

  • Assisted 100+ startups in fundraising
  • Recognized as LinkedIn Top Voice in Venture Capital
  • Spearheaded government grant programs for startups
Stackforce AI infers this person is a Startup Incubator Leader with expertise in Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

IncubationInvestmentsGrants ManagementNetworkingVenture CapitalMentoringOperations ManagementEntrepreneurshipGrowth HackingSalesMarketing

Other Skills

AIAngel InvestingB2BBTL MarketingBusiness Growth StrategiesCEOCampaign ManagementCreative Problem SolvingCustomer Relationship ManagementCustomer ServiceD2CDigital MarketingDue DiligenceEvent ManagementFunding Guidance

About

Hey there! I'm Khushal Katara (Kush for short). Leading a Technology Business Incubator, I've been hands-on in guiding start-ups through the maze of grants, funds, and mentoring. With a track record of assisting 100+ start-ups in their fundraising journeys, my mission is clear: help 1000+ Start-ups in the next 5 years. Why connect with me? Start-up Incubator CEO: Currently steering a Technology Business Incubator, helping start-ups find their footing with grants and funds. Venture Scout for Angel Investors: Always on the lookout for promising start-ups. If you've got an idea that can disrupt the market, let's chat. Start-up Expert: Been there, done that. From the highs of success to the lessons from setbacks, I've seen the start-up world inside out. Nagpur (Vidarbha) Start-up Scene: As a Nagpur Start-up Founder and Mentor, I'm deeply connected with the local ecosystem. If you're in or around Nagpur, let's catch up. Start-up Speaker: Regularly sharing insights about the start-up world at various events. If you're looking for someone to demystify the start-up journey, I'm your guy. Proud to be recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Venture Capital. It's not just a badge; it's a commitment to the start-up community. Let's Connect! If you're a founder, investor, or just someone curious about the start-up world, hit me up. But a small request: please refrain from sending me casual hellos, let's skip the formalities & keep our conversation meaningful. Drop me an email at Khushalkatara@gmail.com or send a direct message here.

Experience

8 yrs 4 mos
Total Experience
2 yrs 4 mos
Average Tenure
2 yrs 11 mos
Current Experience

G h raisoni technology business incubator foundation

Chief Executive Officer

Jun 2023Present · 2 yrs 11 mos · Nagpur, Maharashtra, India · On-site

  • Organization Overview:
  • G H Raisoni TBI is a DST-backed incubator under the NIDHI – Technology Business Incubator scheme.
  • We support AI, Health-Tech, Agri-Tech, and Design & Manufacturing startups at different growth stages.
  • My Role:
  • As the youngest CEO of a government-supported incubator in India, I:
  • Manage a portfolio of 70+ startups, providing end-to-end mentorship, funding guidance, and business modeling support.
  • Spearhead government grant programs, helping startups raise INR 2.5 Cr+ through channels like NIDHI Seed Support, SARTHI, and more.
  • Curate and host 4+ investor-founder events to bridge the gap between early-stage ventures and angel/VC networks.
  • Oversee a NIDHI EIR, SARTHI program, enabling 20+ entrepreneurs to receive a monthly stipend of INR 30,000 & INR 25,000 for sustained product development.
  • Create collaborative opportunities with Tier 2–3 ecosystem players, ensuring inclusive growth in underrepresented regions.
  • Key Achievements:
  • Strengthened ties with venture capital firms and angel investors to streamline deal flow for incubated startups.
  • Co-organized Nagpur’s biggest Startup festival, drawing attention from national-level VCs and early-stage funding platforms.
start-upGrants ManagementCEOIncubationInvestmentsAngel Investing+1

Startups

Startup Mentor

Nov 2021Present · 4 yrs 6 mos · India · Remote

  • Organization Overview: Mentoring on platforms like Wadhwani Foundation Startups, Neunetics, Mentorsity, G H Raisoni TBI, and Vidarbha Startup Ecosystem.
  • My Role:
  • Provide strategic guidance, from MVP development to product-market fit.
  • Assist startups in grant applications, investor pitches, and accelerator/incubator admissions.
  • Offer pro bono mentorship to ensure resource access for budding founders across India.
  • Impact: Mentored 100+ startups, many of which successfully raised seed rounds or government grants.
MentoringStartup DevelopmentGrant Applications

Freelance

Venture Scout

Aug 2021Present · 4 yrs 9 mos · India · Remote

  • Organization Overview: In partnership with multiple angel investors and micro-VC funds.
  • My Role:
  • Identify promising AI, SaaS, D2C, and deep-tech startups for investor portfolios.
  • Conduct preliminary due diligence, evaluate pitch decks, and refine founders’ fundraising narratives.
  • Work closely with Venture Capital firms, bridging the gap between innovative startups and potential funding.
Venture ScoutAISaaSD2CDue DiligenceVenture Capital

Get and give services [gags]

Chief Executive Officer

Sep 2020Apr 2023 · 2 yrs 7 mos · Nagpur, Maharashtra, India · On-site

  • Organization Overview: A hyperlocal delivery startup that specializes in 1-hour delivery solutions for B2B clients in Tier 2–3 cities.
  • Key Responsibilities:
  • Drove a 400% revenue growth within a year by refining logistics, forging strategic B2B partnerships, and introducing on-demand services.
  • Handled end-to-end operations: supply chain management, fleet optimization, last-mile delivery, and customer relationship management.
  • Ensured positive cash flow by implementing rigorous financial planning and performance monitoring.
  • Major Wins:
  • Recognized as one of Nagpur’s fastest-growing hyperlocal startups.
  • Created specialized solutions for local businesses to expand their market reach, bridging the supply-demand gap.
LogisticsB2BCustomer Relationship ManagementOperations Management

Motivatedsteps

Founder

Nov 2019Oct 2021 · 1 yr 11 mos · Bengaluru, Karnataka, India · Remote

  • Organization Overview: An online counseling platform offering mental health services through audio/video calls. Launched pre-COVID when online counseling was still nascent in India.
  • Key Responsibilities:
  • Built a team of 20+ psychologists and 50+ interns to ensure holistic coverage of mental health services.
  • Introduced free 15-minute counseling calls, leading to 1,500+ free sessions during COVID-19 lockdowns and 2,500+ overall sessions.
  • Streamlined the user flow from 10 steps to 5, increasing customer satisfaction and user retention.
  • Noteworthy Achievements:
  • Provided Free Counselling to 2000+ during Covid 1st Phase.
  • Got Featured in in YourStory, TOI and Many other blogs
  • Helped destigmatize mental health in remote communities by offering easy-to-access counseling.
  • Garnered positive feedback from leading mental health professionals for pioneering online therapy in tier-2/3 markets.
Mental Health ServicesTeam BuildingUser Flow OptimizationEntrepreneurship

Tail it easy

Growth Hacker

Jun 2019Jul 2020 · 1 yr 1 mo · Bengaluru Area, India

  • Worked towards generating revenue through various mediums by launching dog boarding and grooming services, enabled hyperlocal business for better reach and supply, thus contributed towards growth.
  • Conducted extensive market research, revamped the supply, operations and delivery structure and profited the business by 32%.
  • Managed & executed both Atl & Btl campaigns like co-working, dog events, billboards, Ad words, social media marketing, Influencer marketing and vivid other campaigns.
  • Lead and closely worked on the consumer end, customer retention and a call away from support to the customers and managed to build patrons.
  • Liaising & networking with a range of stakeholders & partnering with brands including swiggy stores, Dunzo & Doodhwala.
  • About Petsearch:
  • Petsearch started as Dog adoption platform and now it's an app-based dog food startup which delivers freshly cooked dog meals and treats all over the Bangalore.
  • Petsearch also acts as an aggregator for various dog services like boarding, grooming, kennels and much more.
Market ResearchCampaign ManagementGrowth Hacking

Carx.io

Fleet Solution Specialist

Jan 2019May 2019 · 4 mos · Bengaluru Area, India

  • CarX.io is a SaaS startup providing advanced fleet tracking solutions, offering high-accuracy insights for transport and travel companies.
  • Lead Generation & Sales: Utilized LinkedIn, cold calling, and email outreach to source leads, conduct demos, and secure long-term contracts.
  • Market Research & Consultative Approach: Analyzed market gaps, crafted need-based solutions, and converted promising prospects into clients.
  • Stakeholder Management: Fostered relationships with global transport/travel clients, ensuring timely payments and continuous service improvements.
Lead GenerationSalesStakeholder Management

Jio

Assistant Manager

Nov 2017Dec 2018 · 1 yr 1 mo · Godhani, nagpur

  • Reliance Jio is India’s leading telecom and digital services provider, revolutionizing connectivity in urban and rural markets.
  • BTL Marketing & Launches: Led multiple Below-the-Line (BTL) campaigns for Jio Phone and Postpaid launches, boosting brand visibility across diverse regions.
  • Sales & Team Leadership: Managed 1,800+ stores, tracked daily sales, and directed a team of Assistant Managers to roll out Jio Wi-Fi services in colleges.
  • Operational Coordination: Served as SPOC with the national HQ, ensuring store compliance, onboarding 50+ new partners, and driving revenue growth worth crores.
BTL MarketingSales ManagementMarketing

Urban company

Intern

Aug 2017Oct 2017 · 2 mos · Pune, Maharashtra, India

  • Urban Company is a home-services marketplace connecting customers with trained professionals (plumbers, electricians, carpenters, stylists, etc.).
  • Operations & Quality Control: Balanced demand and supply for multiple service categories, monitored partner ratings, and improved customer retention.
  • Brand Promotion: Participated in email marketing and local influencer partnerships, enhancing brand recognition and fueling user acquisition.
  • Growth & Management Experience: Gained hands-on skills in growth marketing, strategic partnerships, and operational management within a fast-paced startup.
OperationsQuality ControlOperations Management

Education

Yeshwantrao Chavan Engineering College, Wanadongri, Hingna road

B.E — Information Technology

Jan 2013Jan 2017

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