40 Under 40 2025
In a world where the pace of change is exponential, there’s a new breed of leaders who are keeping up and driving the future. They are the young visionaries, the innovators, and the disruptors who are reshaping their respective fields, challenging norms, and rewriting the rules of success. These individuals, all under the age of 40, embody the resilience and creativity that define the new era of leadership. In the 40 Under 40, 2025 edition of TradeFlock, we showcase 40 of these extraordinary minds, each with their own unique story to tell. From groundbreaking entrepreneurs to trailblazing professionals, these leaders have faced challenges, seized opportunities, and emerged stronger with each step. Their journeys are filled with triumphs and setbacks, but above all, they are stories of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Within these pages, you’ll discover the milestones of their careers and the essence of their leadership. What does success truly mean to them? How do they navigate the complexities of an ever-changing world? What can we learn from their experiences? These questions and more are explored in candid, inspiring interviews that offer invaluable insights into the minds of those shaping tomorrow. So, dive in. These aren’t just the success stories of today—they are the blueprints for the future.
Pratap set out to redefine warehousing and logistics, moving beyond traditional square footage. With a deep understanding of industry gaps from his senior roles in multinational 3PLs, Pratap founded Beyond Sqfeet to offer agile, customer-focused solutions. Specialising in sectors like fashion, FMCG, and e-commerce, the company combines local expertise with global insights. Pratap’s leadership aims to transform India’s logistics landscape, creating seamless, scalable supply chain solutions for businesses to thrive.
Punit transformed Jagannath Industries by embracing technology, innovation, and sustainability. Under his leadership, the company became a global leader, exporting 35% of its products while securing patents and sustainability certifications. Punit’s focus on advanced technology, personalised service, and eco-friendly solutions helped Jagannath stay ahead of the competition. His visionary leadership continues to set new industry benchmarks for sustainable and innovative packaging solutions.
From Stanford dropout to India’s youngest unicorn CEO, Aadit Palicha has redefined quick commerce with Zepto’s 10-minute grocery delivery revolution. In just two years, his bold vision transformed a startup into a billion-dollar powerhouse, proving that speed, strategy, and execution drive success. His journey is a testament to youthful ambition, resilience, and the power of seizing the right opportunity at the right time.
Turning waste into wonder, Aasawari Kane is redefining sustainability by transforming menstrual waste into valuable resources at PadCare Labs. A scientist with an entrepreneurial edge, she merges microbiology with innovation to tackle one of India’s most overlooked environmental challenges. Her mission? To revolutionise waste management and shape a future where science powers sustainability.
From aspiring soldier to legendary cricketer, Ajay Kumar Reddy turned adversity into triumph, leading India’s blind cricket team to global glory. With a fearless spirit and unmatched leadership, he steered India to multiple World Cup victories, proving that vision is not just about sight—it’s about belief. His journey redefines resilience, inspiring generations to chase their dreams beyond limitations.
Akshay Chaturvedi is the visionary Founder & CEO of Leverage Edu, revolutionizing how students access global opportunities and education. With a blend of tech-driven solutions and a deep commitment to equity, he is reshaping the future of learning and empowering millions worldwide. Akshay’s entrepreneurial journey transcends business success, driving social change and global connectivity in education.
Amit transformed a simple observation of dissatisfied clients into a thriving entrepreneurial venture. With a focus on top-tier service and innovative solutions, he has led multiple businesses to success across industries, including ERP implementation and Oracle database management. Amit’s strategic leadership and commitment to client satisfaction have made him a trailblazer, driving growth and fostering long-term impact from his base in Nagpur.
Anan is not just shaping brands—he’s revolutionising industries. From catapulting customer engagement with India’s first Digital Yellow Pages to steering the future of e-mobility with the launch of India’s first electric double-decker bus, he’s a master of transformation. As the Head of Brand, Marketing, Digital & Communications at Switch Mobility, Anand isn’t just leading campaigns; he’s driving change, inspiring innovation, and winning trust, one trailblazing initiative at a time.
Beyond just shaping jewellery, Aneesh is redefining its very essence. As Head of New Product Development at Novel Jewels (Aditya Birla Group), he’s blending age-old craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation, creating pieces that speak to both tradition and modernity. With 18 years of expertise, 16,000 prototypes, and three patents under his belt, Aneesh is driving a revolution in India’s jewellery industry, turning timeless elegance into a personalized, sustainable future.
Ankit’s entrepreneurial spirit isn’t just about creating companies—it’s about reshaping entire industries. From co-founding Cure.fit and revolutionizing health and wellness to co-launching Curefoods, his vision in the cloud kitchen space is transforming how food reaches millions. With over 150 kitchens spanning 15 cities, Curefoods stands as a testament to Ankit’s mastery of innovation, scalability, and tech-powered growth, culminating in a $1.1 billion unicorn valuation.
Anshul Mimani’s journey from IIT Kharagpur to serial entrepreneurship paints a remarkable picture of how innovation can reshape industries. Recognizing the inefficiencies of India’s road freight sector, he co-founded WheelsEye in 2017, bringing technology to a space long underserved. The company has since become a game-changer, offering cutting-edge GPS tracking, FASTag solutions, and data analytics to empower truck owners and optimize fleet management.
Aravind Sanka transformed urban mobility by launching India’s largest bike taxi platform in 2015. With a vision to make commuting faster and more affordable, Rapido grew into a $1.1 billion unicorn, empowering over 500,000 Captains. Aravind’s strategic innovations continue to shape the future of urban transportation, combining technology with job creation.
Balaji Subudhi redefined the tea industry by connecting over 600 farmers in Assam, Nagaland, and Himachal Pradesh with global markets, ensuring fair trade and sustainability. From his transformative lockdown experience to disrupting consumer models with The Daily Brew, Balaji seamlessly blends social impact with innovation. With a tech-driven foundation, he drives growth at Mojro and mentors the next wave of startups, making his mark across industries from AI to agriculture.
Baranidharan blends human-centric leadership with cutting-edge technology to drive successful digital transformations. With over 12 years in IT, he navigates cultural resistance and fosters innovation by empowering teams and aligning digital solutions with business goals. His strategic focus on data-driven growth, market intelligence, and generative AI has not only expanded Dexian’s global presence but also delivered sustainable, impactful solutions across industries.
Dilsher Singh Malhi didn’t just create a gaming platform—he crafted a revolution. The founder and CEO of Zupee, India’s largest skill-based casual gaming platform, Dilsher transformed his curiosity into a vision that would forever change the way we engage with games. Starting from the corridors of IIT Kanpur to the research labs of EPFL in Switzerland, his journey was never about following trends, but about creating them.
Dipanjan Sarkar isn’t just a name in the AI industry; he’s a pioneer crafting the blueprint for the future of GenAI. With over a decade of immersion in artificial intelligence, Dipanjan has witnessed the rise of machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision firsthand—long before ChatGPT became a household name. Beyond code and algorithms, Dipanjan’s mentorship turns vision into reality, guiding innovators from startups to Fortune 100s.
Josiflal’s journey from Samsung’s smartphone industry to revolutionising marketing at SIP Academy India is a story of bold innovation. As Marketing Head, he blends creativity with technology, driving customer-centric strategies that spark growth. With a rich background in launching high-impact products and optimising user experiences at Byju’s, Josiflal’s data-driven approach propels SIP Academy’s brand to new heights.
Mayank Jain is reshaping the ultra-luxury real estate landscape, blending cutting-edge innovation with unmatched precision. His vision extends beyond property transactions to crafting unique, experiential lifestyles that push boundaries. With a background in real estate investment banking, Mayank makes data-driven decisions while fostering global collaborations. His employee-first leadership model empowers teams, creating a culture of excellence that drives KREEVA’s mission to redefine luxury living for the modern world.
Neetish is not just redefining workspaces; he’s shaping the future of how businesses thrive. As the visionary behind Smartworks, he has turned the traditional office model upside down, creating a network of flexible, tech-powered environments that fuel productivity and innovation. With over 8 million square feet of office space across 13 cities, Neetish’s strategic genius has set Smartworks apart in the ultra-competitive coworking landscape. His approach is making Smartworks the go-to platform for businesses to not just work, but flourish.
Nikhil is redefining India’s beverage landscape with Lahori Zeera, fusing traditional Indian spices with modern convenience to create a premium, nostalgic drink. Expanding rapidly, the brand now touches 18 states and sells 5 million bottles daily. With a vision to become India’s largest non-cola brand, Nikhil is driving innovation in ethnic flavours while nurturing young FMCG entrepreneurs. Lahori Zeera’s success is a testament to Nikhil’s belief that “desi is mainstream.”
Prashant blends expertise in procurement, product development, and supply chain management to drive strategic growth. His data-driven approach optimizes procurement, institutional sales, and brand development, ensuring seamless operations across departments. With 14 years of experience, Prashant fosters collaboration, adaptability, and a cohesive work environment. His leadership supports Fertis India’s growth while staying aligned with broader company goals and sustainability.
Priyanka embarked on a mission to transform sleep and seating comfort through innovation. After a successful career at P&G, where she led billion-dollar brands and revolutionary campaigns like Ariel’s “Share the Load,” Priyanka co-founded The Sleep Company in 2019. With the introduction of SmartGRID Technology, she redefined comfort by addressing the flaws of traditional sleep products. Her leadership in creating a direct-to-consumer model, combined with a focus on empathy and inclusivity, has propelled the company’s rapid growth.
Puneet Gupta, initially a skeptic of astrology, founded Astrotalk in 2017 after experiencing a life-changing prediction. His vision was to combine ancient wisdom with modern technology, creating a platform for real-time consultations with top astrologers. Astrotalk quickly grew into a market leader by offering authentic, accessible astrology services. Puneet’s journey reflects how embracing unexpected opportunities can lead to transformative success.
Rachana, a trained singer turned finance educator, transformed India’s approach to financial literacy through engaging and simplified lessons. Despite initial plans for a music career, she became a Chartered Accountant, inspired by her husband Akshay, and soon fell in love with the stock market. Rachana’s YouTube channel, launched in 2019, quickly gained millions of subscribers, making her a leading figure in finance education. Through initiatives like “Har Ghar Investor,” she continues empowering individuals and households to make informed financial decisions.
Rajan transformed the financial landscape for millennials and Gen Z in India by providing them with accessible and user-friendly credit services. A graduate of IIT Kharagpur, Rajan leveraged his experience at Flipkart and lessons from his first startup, Mesh Internet, to create Slice in 2016. Initially a Buy-Now-Pay-Later service, Slice evolved into a comprehensive fintech platform, offering prepaid accounts, UPI payments, and the innovative Slice Super Card. Rajan’s leadership, centered on transparency and customer-centricity, has propelled Slice into one of India’s most trusted fintech companies.
Rajib Banerjee, Founder and MD of Delostyle Studio, founded the company in 2016 with a vision to blend creativity and cutting-edge technology. Under his leadership, Delostyle has expanded into cloud platforms like AWS and GCP, serving clients across the USA, Europe, and Australia. Rajib’s focus on team development and strategic partnerships, including in the medical industry, has strengthened the company’s position, with plans for further expansion into Dubai.
Rakesh was inspired by his childhood experiences with pets and his dog Choco to address the gaps in India’s veterinary care. He co-founded Dr. Paws, a chain of modern pet hospitals offering comprehensive services like diagnostics, surgeries, grooming, and pain management. The clinics stand out with their pet-centric design, including separate waiting areas for cats and dogs and a focus on hygiene. Rakesh’s background as a former BCG consultant, where he earned the “Key to Purpose” award, helped him combine strategic insight with a passion for improving pet care.
Richa Mohanty Rao, General Counsel at Urban Company, has been instrumental in addressing the complex legal challenges faced by the tech-enabled platform. Her leadership ensures compliance with labour laws, data privacy regulations, and intellectual property concerns across multiple jurisdictions. With a background in employment and labour law from Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Richa’s expertise has helped shape Urban Company’s legal framework, particularly in the gig economy.
Sachin has redefined the pool and spa industry with innovation and sustainability. With over 15 years of leadership, he’s elevated his brands through strategic moves like securing exclusive distributorship of Platinum Spas (UK), reshaping India’s luxury spa market. FluidX, his sustainability-focused brand, addresses environmental challenges while delivering high-performance solutions. Sachin’s vision goes beyond profits—he’s driving eco-conscious change and setting new industry standards.
Shinas blends his passions for space and spirituality to create a unique ice cream brand. Inspired by the boundless possibilities of space and guided by spiritual values, he leads with visionary ideas and purpose-driven decisions. This fusion of limitless ambition and grounded focus drives Cream Story to deliver not only exceptional products but also unforgettable customer experiences, positioning the brand at the intersection of creativity, purpose, and impact.
Shlok transformed tech content into a blend of humour, creativity, and expertise. Starting as a college student with a passion for gadgets, Shlok turned his YouTube channel into one of India’s top tech platforms, amassing over 8.3 million subscribers. By simplifying complex tech concepts with quirky analogies and engaging visuals, he made technology accessible and fun for all. His entrepreneurial ventures, like Overlays and Layers Shop, reflect his ability to connect with his audience beyond YouTube.
Sidakpreet is revolutionising industries like logistics and mining through the power of AI and automation. With over 10 years of diverse experience, Sidakpreet has turned complex operational challenges into opportunities for innovation. He’s been at the forefront of integrating smart solutions that redefine industry standards. Driven by a vision where technology meets sustainability, Sidakpreet is building a future where businesses not only thrive today but stay resilient for tomorrow.
Supriya embarked on an unexpected journey that transformed her family’s 36-year-old business. At just 25, she had plans to launch her own packaging company in London, but life called her back to Kolhapur, Maharashtra, to lead her father’s legacy. Armed with an IT degree and a master’s from London, Supriya blended innovation with tradition, bringing advanced machinery and sustainable solutions to the forefront. Her fresh perspective and dedication have redefined the future of packaging, positioning the company for success in the global market.
Suyash is a driving force behind the transformation of India’s beauty e-commerce landscape. With his bold technological vision and strategic leadership, Purplle achieved unicorn status in 2022, valued at $1.25 billion. Suyash’s innovations, such as an advanced business intelligence suite and augmented reality tools, have revolutionised the online shopping experience, offering personalized product recommendations and virtual try-ons. His strategic expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and focus on affordable private-label products have further strengthened Purplle’s market position.
Tanya is a leader driving India’s transition to Net Zero with innovative renewable energy solutions. She has raised significant capital, developed over 500 MW of solar projects, and influenced policy for sustainable growth. Through Mynzo Carbon, Tanya combines AI with sustainability to help businesses reduce emissions and achieve Net Zero goals. Her leadership has earned her recognition, including Fortune’s 40 Under 40 and Business World’s Sustainability Business Person of the Year 2023.
Trishneet turned his passion for technology into a Rs 1,100 crore cybersecurity empire without completing his formal education. Despite early academic struggles, he self-taught ethical hacking and built TAC Security, now a global leader serving over 150 clients. Trishneet is committed to empowering youth, especially through initiatives like hiring Agniveers, and has received numerous accolades, including recognition from GQ Magazine and the Punjabi Icon Award.
Uddhav is transforming logistics by marrying cutting-edge technology with real-world supply chain challenges. With AI, IoT, and machine learning at the heart of his solutions, he’s turning inefficiencies into opportunities, enhancing truck productivity and revolutionising last-mile delivery. His entrepreneurial journey, from launching Humara Truck to leading Lynkit, demonstrates his relentless drive to eliminate complexity and promote smarter, more sustainable logistics.
Vibha embodies the essence of leadership and adaptability in the world of finance. Early in her career, when unforeseen challenges arose, she seized the opportunity to lead across various finance functions, from taxation to treasury and investor relations. With 16+ years of cross-industry experience, she has honed her skills in financial reporting, risk management, and digital transformation, all while fostering high-performance teams.
Viraj is a pioneer in India’s booming creator economy. What started as a small initiative to manage brand collaborations for YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, evolved into one of the nation’s leading creator management agencies. Monk Entertainment bridges the gap between influencers and brands by providing end-to-end solutions—from talent management to video production. Viraj’s innovative approach has helped scale the success of digital stars like Yashraj Mukhate and BeYouNick while securing high-profile brand partnerships.
Yash Shah is a visionary leader driving AI innovation with real-world impact. With a decade of experience, Yash blends cutting-edge AI with practical solutions, making technology accessible and transformative across diverse regions. Passionate about using AI to improve lives, he leads initiatives that redefine creativity and productivity, ensuring AI remains both advanced and human-centric. Yash’s work continues to shape the future of AI, empowering individuals and businesses globally.