Mukesh Bansal’s journey from IIT Kanpur to becoming a trailblazer in India’s e-commerce and health-tech sectors showcases the power of innovation, resilience, and vision. As the co-founder of Myntra and Cult.fit, Bansal has redefined how Indians approach fashion and fitness, cementing his place as a pioneering entrepreneur in the digital age. His story of building successful startups, navigating challenges, and continuously evolving reflects his relentless spirit and ability to adapt in a rapidly changing business landscape.
Mukesh Bansal: The eternal entrepreneur
Early life and education
Born in Haridwar, Mukesh had a passion for learning from a young age. His academic prowess led him to crack the competitive entrance exam for IIT Kanpur, where he pursued a degree in Computer Science and Engineering in 1997.
The rigorous environment at IIT honed his technical skills and ignited his entrepreneurial spirit. It was here that he began to envision a future beyond traditional career paths, ready to explore the vast potential of technology and business.
Silicon Valley and the e-commerce revolution
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After finishing his studies, Mukesh went to the United States and worked at several top Silicon Valley startups. This experience immersed him in the fast-paced world of innovation and entrepreneurship. However, his desire to make a significant impact back home in India made him return
In 2007, Mukesh co-founded Myntra as a platform for customised t-shirts. He led the company’s evolution into one of India’s leading fashion e-commerce platforms by using advanced technology and innovative marketing strategies. His leadership helped the company grow quickly and capture a significant market share.
Later on, Myntra was sold to Flipkart for Rs 2,000 crore in 2014, showcasing its success and Mukesh’s entrepreneurial skills. After the acquisition, he took over the head of commerce and advertising vertical at Flipkart.
A new chapter in health and fitness
Despite his success at Flipkart, Mukesh recognised a growing need in the health and wellness sector. In 2016, he along with colleague Ankit Nagori co-founded Cure.fit (now Cult.fit) a pioneering gym chain that commits to fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.
Under Mukesh’s leadership, Cult.fit grew into a health-tech unicorn valued at $1.5 billion in 2021, making significant strides in reshaping how Indians approach fitness and wellness.
Mukesh’s commitment to health extends beyond business. He also runs a health podcast called “SparX,” where he discusses various aspects of well-being to promote health awareness. Apart from that, he serves as a board member at the Olympics Gold Quest, showcasing his passion for fostering sporting excellence in India.
Navigating challenges and launching new ventures
Like any entrepreneurial journey, Mukesh faced challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many businesses to adapt quickly, and Cult.fit was no exception. However, Mukesh’s resilience and adaptability allowed the company to pivot effectively, expanding its digital offerings.
In 2020, Mukesh started Meraki Labs, the first startup studio in India to support new businesses and innovations. He has also actively invested in successful startups like Groww, CRED, and Skyroot. In June 2021, Mukesh became the president of Tata Digital, where he worked on important projects like Tata Neu. He stepped down from his daily operations there in early 2023.
A true eternal entrepreneur
Today, Mukesh Bansal is not just an entrepreneur but a thought leader in health technology. Presently, he is focused on Nurix AI, a venture that recently raised $27.5 million.
Nurix AI is Mukesh Bansal’s latest venture focused on integrating artificial intelligence with healthcare solutions. The company aims to revolutionize personalised health management by leveraging AI-driven insights, positioning itself as a key player in the growing health-tech industry.
Bansal’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of vision, resilience, and innovation. From founding Myntra to becoming a pioneer in health tech, he exemplifies what it means to be an eternal entrepreneur. His story encourages aspiring business leaders to embrace change, learn from failures, and strive for excellence.
