When I sat down with Mukul Shah, the Founder and CEO of Lifechart and Guttify, I didn’t expect our conversation to be so personal, so grounded—and yet, so visionary. In a world where health-tech often gets wrapped in buzzwords and market trends, Mukul’s journey stands out for being rooted in something deeply human: watching a loved one suffer and deciding to do something about it.
“It started with my mother,” he told me, candidly. “She was battling IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and no matter how many doctors we consulted, there were no real answers—just confusion and medications that didn’t help much.”
That experience stuck with him. What he saw wasn’t just a personal challenge; it revealed a systemic problem in how gut health is diagnosed and treated in India. And from that frustration came clarity. Mukul decided to build something that could change the gut health narrative for millions.
From Personal Struggle to National Solution
That clarity led to the creation of Guttify, a digital gut health platform focused on diagnosis-first care for urban India, and Lifechart, which brings affordable Ayurvedic healthcare to rural and semi-urban populations. These aren’t just wellness brands—they’re part of a larger mission to transform digestive health in India.
What makes his approach so unique is the diagnosis-first model. Before suggesting any supplements or treatments, Guttify encourages users to understand what’s actually going on inside their bodies.
“We developed our own home testing kits,” Mukul explained, holding up one of the sleek boxes during our chat. “They analyze your gut microbiome and generate personalized recommendations—whether it’s diet, lifestyle changes, or Ayurvedic support.”
This isn’t about guessing or going through a painful trial-and-error process. “Consumers deserve better than that,” he said firmly. “And that’s what we’re building.”
A Two-Pronged Strategy: Urban Tech + Rural Ayurveda
While Guttify focuses on tech-enabled solutions in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, Lifechart is on a different but equally important path—bringing Ayurvedic consultations and remedies to India’s hinterlands.
“People in Tier 3 to Tier 5 towns often don’t have access to doctors or proper diagnosis,” Mukul said. “Lifechart changes that through our telehealth model, working with a large network of certified Ayurvedic practitioners.”
The results have been remarkable. Thousands of patients now use Lifechart for affordable consultations and herbal therapies—something that was simply unavailable in their communities a few years ago.
And Mukul is quick to credit the success to one thing: listening to real people.
“Our model isn’t based on assumptions—it’s based on actual needs. We engage closely with our users, understand their pain points, and tailor our solutions around them.”
The Power of Data and AI in Preventive Healthcare
Beyond diagnosis and access, Mukul is looking to the future—and that future is powered by AI.
With over 200,000 patient records already collected, Guttify is building predictive models that can identify potential chronic gut conditions before they escalate. The goal? To make preventive healthcare truly proactive.
“AI won’t replace doctors,” he was quick to clarify. “But it will make them exponentially more effective. It’ll help spot risks early and guide people toward the right interventions.”
Imagine a future where your gut test warns you months—or even years—in advance of conditions like IBS, acidity disorders, or even metabolic diseases. That’s what Mukul and his team are building.
The Challenges of Building in Biotech—and Why Now is the Right Time
Of course, building in the healthcare space is never easy. Mukul openly talked about navigating India’s complex regulatory landscape, especially when it comes to diagnostic tools.
“There are bureaucratic hurdles, yes,” he said, “but we’re seeing real movement. The Ministry of Ayush has started supporting innovations in this space. It gives me hope.”
His team is currently in the process of obtaining certifications for their testing kits, with plans to ramp up manufacturing and bring costs down even further.
“This isn’t just about product—it’s about affordability, access, and trust,” Mukul emphasized.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Solve Real Problems, Not Trends
When I asked him what he’d tell younger entrepreneurs, his answer came without hesitation: “Don’t skip the homework.”
Mukul has seen too many startups try to replicate Western wellness products without understanding India’s unique needs.
“Our bodies, our diets, our stressors—they’re different,” he said. “If you want to build something meaningful here, go out, talk to people, understand what they really need. Then test, iterate, and test again.”
For Mukul, building a startup isn’t about flashy launches or influencer deals. It’s about substance. “Healthcare is too sensitive a sector for shortcuts,” he told me. “You have to take it seriously.”
A New Era of Health Awareness in India
Despite the challenges, Mukul is optimistic. He sees a cultural shift in how young Indians view health and wellness.
“Young people are asking questions. They’re reading labels. They’re talking about gut health on social media. It’s incredible to see.”
And it’s that awareness—and demand for personalized care—that gives him the confidence to keep building. His dream? That Guttify and Lifechart
Conclusion
As our conversation wrapped up, it was clear that Mukul Shah isn’t just building companies—he’s rewriting how an entire nation thinks about its digestive health. His work is a powerful reminder that personal pain can fuel purpose. That innovation, when rooted in empathy, can change lives.
In a country waking up to the importance of preventive care, Guttify and Lifechart
– By Priyanka Chatterjee | The Indian Startup Times
