Mukesh Bansal, born in September 1975, is a prominent Indian entrepreneur recognized for his impact on e-commerce, health-tech, and startups. He co-founded Myntra, Cult.Fit, and Meraki Labs, significantly influencing India’s tech landscape. Bansal was honored as one of Fortune Magazine’s Best 40 under 40 Entrepreneurs, highlighting his achievements.

Early life and Education

Mukesh Bansal was born in Haridwar, India, where he completed his early education. He then pursued a degree in Computer Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). His passion for technology and entrepreneurship from an early age set the foundation for his career in the tech industry.

After graduating from IIT Kanpur, Bansal began his professional journey as a systems analyst at Deloitte in Chicago. He subsequently gained valuable experience working with several startups in Silicon Valley, including NexTag, Centrata, and NewScale. These roles equipped him with critical insights and skills that he later leveraged in his entrepreneurial ventures back in India.

Mukesh Bansal: Basic Information

Full Name: Mukesh Bansal
Date of Birth: September 1975
Place of Birth: Haridwar, India
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Notable Ventures: Co-founder of Myntra, Cure.Fit, and Meraki Labs
Education: B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Kanpur
Awards: Featured in Fortune India 40 Under 40, Business Today’s Coolest Start-ups, IIT Kanpur Distinguished Alumnus Award (2021)
Philanthropy: Board member of Olympics Gold Quest, supporting Indian athletes.

Mukesh Bansal:Key Ventures and Contributions

Myntra
In 2007, Mukesh Bansal co-founded Myntra with Ashutosh Lawania and Vineet Saxena. Initially focusing on personalized gift items, Myntra shifted its focus to fashion and lifestyle products. Under Bansal’s leadership, it evolved into a leading fashion e-commerce platform in India. In 2014, Myntra was acquired by Flipkart in a transaction valued at approximately $330 million, after which Bansal took on the role of Head of Commerce and Advertising Business at Flipkart.

Cure.Fit
Founded in 2016 by Mukesh Bansal and Ankit Nagori, Cure.Fit aims to provide a comprehensive approach to health and fitness. The company offers services across multiple areas, including fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. Cure.Fit has developed several distinct services:

Cult.fit: A chain of fitness centers offering various workout programs.
Eat.fit: A service focused on delivering healthy meals.
Mind.fit: Provides yoga and meditation sessions.
Care.fit: Offers primary healthcare services.
The company has attracted significant investment and expanded its operations across India, integrating different aspects of health and wellness.

Meraki Labs
Co-founded by Mukesh Bansal in 2020, Meraki Labs is touted as India’s first startup studio. The organization supports the development of new companies by providing initial funding and a founding team. It collaborates with founders to build startups from the ground up, offering funding ranging from $250K to $5M.

Operating as a venture studio, Meraki Labs works closely with founders to identify market needs and develop new products. The studio has supported startups including Skyroot, Groww, Nextleap, Nushala, and Gigforce. In addition to financial backing, Meraki Labs provides access to experienced entrepreneurs, leadership coaches, and a structured curriculum on product development, branding, and fundraising. It fosters a community of over 100 founders who share insights and support each other. Meraki Labs has received backing from investors such as Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia India) and Accel, positioning itself as a platform for developing innovative ideas in the Indian startup ecosystem.

Podcast
Bansal hosts the podcast “SparX,” which explores “Big Ideas” across various fields, including economics, politics, science, and entrepreneurship. The podcast features episodes where Bansal shares insights from his career, as well as guest appearances from influential figures such as Ajeet Singh, Sudha Murty, and Rahul Dravid.

Olympics Gold Quest
Mukesh Bansal serves on the board of Olympics Gold Quest, a non-profit foundation dedicated to supporting Indian athletes in their quest for Olympic gold medals.

Mukesh Bansal : Publications

Hacking Health: The Only Book You’ll Ever Need to Live a Healthier Life (2023)

• Navigates the complexities of the health and wellness industry.
• Offers straightforward guidance amidst fad diets and fitness trends.
• Combines personal experience with scientific research to demystify health.
• Covers holistic health aspects: nutrition, fitness, sleep, immunity, mental health, aging, and longevity.
• Merges ancient wisdom with modern science to empower informed choices.
• Aims to determine if scientific knowledge can optimize human performance.

No Limits: The Art and Science of High Performance (2020)

• Explores the science and strategies for optimizing human performance.
• Highlights the power of brain plasticity and its adaptability.
• Asserts that high performance relies on deliberate practice, mindset, habit formation, willpower, and ongoing learning.
• Integrates ancient wisdom with modern scientific principles for actionable strategies.
• Serves as a comprehensive resource for enhancing capabilities and excelling in pursuits.
• Illustrates continuous improvement to achieve higher performance levels.

Achievements and Recognition

Fortune India 40 Under 40: Mukesh Bansal was featured in Fortune India’s prestigious list of 40 Under 40, acknowledging his impact on the industry.

Business Today’s Coolest Start-ups: Under Bansal’s leadership, Myntra was recognized as one of Business Today’s Coolest Start-ups, highlighting its innovative approach and market success.

IIT Kanpur Distinguished Alumnus Award (2021): He received this accolade from IIT Kanpur, celebrating his significant contributions to the tech and entrepreneurial landscape.

Conclusion

Mukesh Bansal has significantly impacted India’s e-commerce and health-tech landscapes through his innovative ventures such as Myntra and Cure.Fit. His commitment to entrepreneurship, coupled with a focus on integrating technology with health and wellness, has positioned him as a key figure in the startup ecosystem. Recognized for his achievements, Bansal continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by advocating for a holistic approach to health and high performance. With initiatives like Meraki Labs and his influential podcast, he remains dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of startups in India.