Megha Singh Nandiwal on the Future of Indian Startups, Her Journey, and What’s Next for 2025

New Delhi, India — Megha Singh Nandiwal, Vice President of Strategic Operations at Foundation AI, has rapidly emerged as one of the most influential figures in India’s startup ecosystem. Her innovative approach to leadership, alongside her dedication to impactful ventures, has earned her widespread recognition in 2024, including the prestigious Bharat Gaurav Ratna and a prominent role in the World Human Rights Protection Commission. Megha’s journey is a blend of excellence and commitment to societal change, making her a role model for both business leaders and changemakers alike. In an exclusive interview with Daily Hunt, Megha reflects on the transformative year of 2024 for Indian startups, shares the remarkable achievements that have shaped her path, and offers her vision for the future.

2024: A Year of Transformation for Indian Startups

Reflecting on 2024, Megha believes the year has been a turning point for the Indian startup ecosystem. “Innovation has soared, funding is more strategic, and there’s a clear focus on sustainability. Indian startups are no longer just scaling—they’re making a real impact globally,” she says with enthusiasm. Megha’s insights into the current climate reveal the impressive growth India has seen, particularly in emerging sectors like AI, sustainability, and space tech. “2024 has been a year where Indian startups have proven that we can compete, not only in terms of scale but also in terms of global influence,” she adds.

Recognition for Leadership and Impact

In recognition of her tireless efforts, Megha was awarded the Bharat Gaurav Ratna this year—an honor bestowed on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to societal work. Further solidifying her leadership, Megha was appointed to the World Human Rights Protection Commission. “Being part of the Commission is both an honor and a responsibility,” Megha reflects.

The Power of Collaboration and Teamwork

While Megha’s individual achievements are more than impressive, she is quick to highlight the importance of collaboration and teamwork. As Vice President of Strategic Operations at Foundation AI, she said she works closely with her team to steer the company’s direction, with a focus on operational efficiency and growth. “Our Co-founder and Chief AI Officer, Venkatesh Pagidimarri, and Rohit Armugham, our Executive Vice President, are central to everything I do,” Megha shares. “Venki’s technical leadership in AI and Rohit’s operational expertise are indispensable. Together, we strive every day to build a  culture of constant collaboration, where each of us brings something unique to the table.” Megha emphasizes the dynamic synergy between Rohit and Venki with a smile. “Every day, we’re solving problems together, brainstorming new ideas, and iterating on our strategies. It’s this teamwork that enables us to push boundaries and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing landscape.” 3 of us are the flag bearers of one of our company’s core values #WinTogether.

The Power of Authentic Leadership

In the midst of her many accomplishments, Megha attributes much of her success to a key leadership philosophy she holds dear: authentic leadership. “I’ve always believed that the power of authentic leadership is truly transformative,” Megha shares. “When you are authentic and true to yourself, you naturally attract other A-players. The most effective teams are made up of individuals who bring their whole selves to the table—people who are aligned with your values and vision.” Megha credits this belief to her CEO, Vivek Rao, whose leadership has profoundly shaped her own. “I’ve learned so much from Vivek’s simplicity and directness. His feedback is always clear and constructive, and he leads by example. His authenticity and ability to be straightforward have taught me that great leadership is about being real with your team and creating an environment where people can thrive.” Her leadership philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Being authentic allows you to quickly identify who is aligned with your mission and who isn’t. You don’t have to waste time figuring out who’s truly committed. A great team attracts other great people. Be authentic, be simple, and be progressive—that’s my mantra.” Megha’s approach is rooted in a belief in openness, transparency, and integrity. By staying true to her values and vision, she has built not just a successful business, but a thriving community of like-minded individuals. This is a philosophy that is deeply shared by her COO, Victor Gebhardt. “Victor embodies this mindset fully,” she says. “He believes in creating a culture of trust and collaboration, where people feel empowered to be themselves and contribute their best. Together, we’ve built a team that thrives on mutual respect, shared purpose, and continuous growth.”

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

As Megha looks toward 2025, she is filled with optimism about the future of Foundation AI and the broader Indian startup ecosystem. “We’re on the cusp of something even bigger,” she says with excitement. “2025 will be a year where we continue to scale responsibly, focusing on long-term growth and sustainable innovation.” Megha is confident that Indian startups are poised to lead the global charge in sectors like AI, biotech, and clean energy. “Startups that can balance growth with responsibility will be the ones that thrive. India has the potential to lead not just in terms of market size, but in shaping the future of technology and sustainability.”

A New Era of Investor Confidence

2024 also witnessed a shift in investor sentiment, moving away from a focus on growth at any cost toward a more sustainable, long-term approach. Megha sees this as a positive development for the ecosystem. “Globally, investors are now looking for businesses that are financially sound, have clear revenue models, and can scale sustainably. This forces us to think about building something that can stand the test of time, not just chasing quick wins.”

The Final Word: Embracing Persistence and Growth

As the interview concludes, Megha reflects on the importance of perseverance and passion in her journey. “In the startup world, it’s not about avoiding failure—it’s about how many times you can get up after you fall. The most successful entrepreneurs are those who never give up, no matter the challenges they face.” Her advice to fellow entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: “Stay hungry, stay humble, and keep pushing forward. If you fail, try harder. But always do it with integrity and honesty. Success will come at the right time, as long as you stay true to your mission.” With a clear vision for 2025 and beyond, Megha Singh Nandiwal is set to continue her ascent as a leading figure in India’s startup ecosystem. Her leadership, commitment to impact and dedication to innovation will undoubtedly shape the future of the industry for years to come.