The Rise of Business Mentorship in India: Who’s Leading the Change?

 In recent years, Business Mentorship in India has emerged as a vital force behind the country’s booming startup ecosystem and the evolution of new-age entrepreneurs. As India transforms into a global innovation hub, the guidance of seasoned business mentors is playing a pivotal role in ensuring startups don't just launch but also scale, sustain, and succeed.

Gone are the days when mentorship was limited to informal advice over coffee or inherited wisdom from family-run businesses. Today, structured mentorship programmes, one-on-one coaching, and digital platforms connecting mentors and mentees are redefining entrepreneurship in the country. From early-stage startups to scaling enterprises, business mentorship in India is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity.

Why Business Mentorship Matters More Than Ever

India is witnessing an entrepreneurial explosion, with over 100,000 startups officially recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of 2024. However, alongside this growth, the failure rate remains high — primarily due to gaps in strategic thinking, leadership development, and market navigation.

That’s where startup mentors India wide are stepping in. These experienced leaders help bridge the knowledge gap, offering young entrepreneurs not just advice, but structured roadmaps, operational frameworks, and access to influential networks.

Mentors are increasingly involved in:

• Business model validation
  
  

• Investment readiness
  
  

• Leadership and team building
  
  

• Product-market fit
  
  

• Scaling strategies
  
  

Mentorship Driving National Impact

With the Indian government actively promoting programs like Startup India, mentorship has gained official recognition as a catalyst for economic growth. Government-supported incubators and accelerators now include structured mentorship as part of their offerings, pairing budding entrepreneurs with India’s best business advisors.

Even private firms, venture capitalists, and academic institutions are prioritizing mentorship. From Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to corporate accelerators like Microsoft for Startups and Google Launchpad, mentorship is deeply embedded in startup success.

Who’s Leading the Change?

While many experienced leaders are lending their wisdom, some names stand out for their continued impact, relevance, and commitment to the startup ecosystem. Let’s look at a few individuals and organizations leading the change in business mentorship in India.

1. Simarpreet Singh – Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Simarpreet Singh, Director at Hartek Group, is a standout figure in India's mentorship landscape. Known for his relentless energy and vision-driven leadership, he brings a unique blend of real-world business acumen and a deep passion for youth empowerment. As a young entrepreneur himself, he understands the challenges of building sustainable ventures and often works closely with emerging founders across India.

Singh’s mentorship focuses on renewable energy innovation, sustainability-driven business models, and leadership development. Through keynote addresses, startup mentoring events, and personalized guidance, he is rapidly becoming one of India’s best business advisors, especially for purpose-driven enterprises.

His influence extends beyond one-on-one mentorship — through panel discussions, forums, and digital platforms, Simarpreet Singh is helping reshape the way young entrepreneurs think about long-term success.

2. Sanjay Mehta – Angel Investor Turned Mentor

An active angel investor and founder of 100X.VC, Sanjay Mehta has mentored hundreds of startups in India. His hands-on approach and strong emphasis on unit economics make him one of the most trusted names in the Indian startup community. Mehta is often seen guiding young founders during the most critical stages of their startup journeys.

3. Dr. Ritesh Malik – Founder, Innov8

Dr. Ritesh Malik is not only known for revolutionizing co-working in India but also for his mentorship contributions. He focuses on cultivating a growth mindset, fostering innovation, and helping startups raise early-stage capital. His vibrant presence in the entrepreneurial space makes him one of the most sought-after startup mentors India has to offer.

4. Naganand Doraswamy – Founder, Ideaspring Capital

Naganand has been instrumental in mentoring tech startups, especially in the B2B and SaaS space. With a deep understanding of enterprise sales and go-to-market strategy, he is often approached by founders looking to scale. His mentorship has helped build scalable business models and long-term investor relationships.

Organizations Championing Mentorship in India

In addition to individuals, several organizations are institutionalizing mentorship.

a) TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs)

TiE chapters across India actively connect budding entrepreneurs with seasoned mentors. Through bootcamps, TiECon events, and dedicated mentorship hours, they’re creating meaningful impact at scale.

b) NASSCOM 10,000 Startups

This initiative offers structured mentorship by pairing early-stage tech startups with industry veterans and investors, offering both domain-specific and general strategic advice.

c) Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

A government initiative fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among youth. AIM provides mentorship to student entrepreneurs and startups through its mentor network.

The Future of Business Mentorship in India

As India heads toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, mentorship will only grow in importance. There’s a clear trend toward:

• Sector-specific mentoring (e.g., healthtech, agritech, renewable energy)
  
  

• Mentorship marketplaces that match founders and mentors via AI
  
  

• Virtual mentorship models accessible to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
  
  

• Corporate mentorship as part of CSR and innovation initiatives
  
  

With experienced professionals like Simarpreet Singh continuing to lead from the front, business mentorship in India will become a driving force in producing globally competitive entrepreneurs.

In the coming years, we can expect to see greater collaboration between academia, corporates, and government programs to provide scalable mentorship solutions. Initiatives that offer both online and offline mentorship avenues will dominate, making quality guidance accessible even to remote entrepreneurs.

Final Thoughts

The era of isolated entrepreneurial struggle is fading. As the startup ecosystem matures, mentorship is proving to be its backbone. With the rise of digital platforms, ecosystem enablers, and visionaries like Simarpreet Singh, the future of business mentorship in India looks brighter than ever.

Whether you're an aspiring founder from a metro city or a student innovator from a small town, the message is clear: mentorship is not just helpful — it’s transformative.