In the dynamic startup ecosystem, the GC Powerlist showcases the top legal leaders powering India’s most innovative ventures. These trailblazing General Counsels go beyond compliance, driving growth, securing investments, and steering companies through regulatory challenges. With sharp legal foresight and startup-savvy strategy, they protect what founders build while fueling scale and innovation. From navigating funding rounds to safeguarding IP, these legal visionaries are the backbone of India’s startup success stories, turning challenges into competitive advantages.
Sumeet Singh (Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer, BharatPe): Sumeet Singh is a seasoned leader in legal and strategic affairs, with over 16 years of experience in fintech, banking, venture capital, and regulatory policy. He drives legal, compliance, and governance frameworks, serves on Unity Small Finance Bank’s Board, and is recognized by Forbes India and BW Legal as one of India’s top General Counsels.
Ridima Bhargava (General Counsel, Groww): Ridima Bhargava is a distinguished legal leader specializing in private equity investments, mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, fintech law, and data privacy law. With deep expertise in corporate law, regulatory advisory, restructuring, litigations, and public policy, she drives strategic legal solutions, enabling sustainable growth and governance in India’s fast-evolving fintech and investment ecosystem.
Rakesh Prusti (General Counsel, OYO): Rakesh Prusti is a seasoned legal leader driving governance, compliance, and regulatory strategy for the global hospitality technology platform. With expertise in corporate law, M&A, contracts, and dispute resolution, he enables sustainable growth, risk management, and innovation, strengthening OYO’s position as a trusted player in the global travel and hospitality ecosystem.
Damini Bhalla (General Counsel, Zomato): Damini, General Counsel at Zomato, is a distinguished legal leader with 20+ years in private equity, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate advisory. She steered Zomato’s ~$7.4B IPO, drives compliance, litigation strategy, public policy, and innovation. Recognized by ALB, BW Legal World, and Legal 500, she is a NALSAR alumna and solicitor of England and Wales.
Urvashi Sahai (General Counsel & SVP – Legal, PayTM): Urvashi Sahai is a seasoned legal and compliance leader with expertise in litigation, regulatory strategy, corporate governance, and commercial contracts. She drives Paytm’s compliance program, supports government relations, and advises on complex legal, policy, and regulatory matters, ensuring robust risk management in India’s dynamic fintech and digital payments ecosystem.
Suhani Singh (General Counsel, Delhivery): Suhani Singh is a legal expert in corporate law, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance. She drives legal strategy, manages complex contracts, and supports seamless operations across Delhivery’s logistics network. Formerly with AZB & Partners, she brings strong expertise in corporate transactions and dispute resolution to India’s leading logistics and supply chain ecosystem.
Lopamudra Rao (General Counsel & VP Legal, Meesho): Lopamudra Rao leads legal strategy for the fast-growing e-commerce and retail platform. A NALSAR University Hyderabad alumna, she brings expertise in corporate law, compliance, and governance. Based in Bengaluru, she plays a pivotal role in enabling business growth while ensuring robust legal frameworks in India’s dynamic online retail ecosystem.
Ajinkya Jain (Group General Counsel, PhysicsWallah): A seasoned legal and corporate law expert with 15 years of experience, He specializes in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, IPO management, M&A, and risk mitigation. He has led landmark IPOs for Unicommerce and PharmEasy, major acquisitions, and complex restructurings. Renowned for expertise in SEBI, RBI, FEMA, data privacy, and contract negotiation, He drives strategic growth in dynamic business ecosystems.
Keshav Dhakad (SVP & General Counsel, Flipkart): Keshav Dhakad is a veteran legal leader with 26 years’ experience in law firms and global corporations. A former General Counsel at Microsoft India, he excels in corporate law, governance, and compliance. Dual-qualified in India and New York, he is recognized for leadership in trust, diversity, ethics, and strategic legal counsel.
Parag Mathur (Group General Counsel, PhonePe): A seasoned corporate governance and compliance leader with 24+ years’ expertise, He specializes in secretarial, regulatory, and legal functions across telecom, fintech, insurance, IT, and digital payments. Skilled in IPOs, M&A, PE funding, and restructuring, He excels in policy advocacy, regulatory liaison (IRDAI, SEBI, RBI, PFRDAI), risk management, litigation, and driving robust compliance frameworks in dynamic industries.
Panduranga Acharya (General Counsel, Zepto): Panduranga Acharya is a seasoned legal leader with corporate experience since 2006 across MobileStore, Videocon, Vodafone, Flipkart, Swiggy, and CarDekho. Based in Mumbai, he oversees legal, ESG, fraud investigations, compliance, and policy advocacy. An Executive Committee Member at INBA and CII National Committee member, he is recognized for expertise in regulatory affairs and transactional law.
John Thaliath (General Counsel, Zetwerk): A global legal expert with experience across North America, the Middle East, and Africa, he brings a risk-based, business-oriented approach to legal strategy. Skilled in corporate law, M&A, governance, contract management, and IP, he has deep expertise in anti-corruption and FCPA compliance, regulatory liaison, audits, and investigations across automotive, telecom, high-tech, internet, and consumer product industries.
Richa Mohanty Rao (General Counsel, UrbanCompany): Richa Mohanty Rao, General Counsel at Urban Company and former Partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, is a distinguished legal leader recognized as “Up and Coming” by Chambers & Partners 2022 and IBLJ Future Legal Leader 2021. She specializes in corporate law, governance, compliance, and strategic legal advisory, driving growth and risk management in India’s leading home services and gig economy platform.
Mary Mayiladumpara (General Counsel, Zoho): As General Counsel at Zoho, she leads the legal team across employment law, data protection, contracts, and compliance. Joining in 2006 as Zoho’s only lawyer, she thrived due to its nurturing culture. Notably, she spearheaded the complete rewrite of Zoho’s GDPR-compliant privacy policy in just 72 hours, reinforcing the company’s strong commitment to privacy and principled governance.
Avantika Bajaj (General Counsel, Swiggy): Avantika Bajaj, With 20+ years of legal expertise, she heads legal at James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems in India, specializing in media, digital, gaming, edtech, M&A, IPR, and regulatory compliance. Formerly with Star TV and top law firms, she has led strategic acquisitions, OTT content deals, and complex commercial contracts, delivering practical legal solutions and mitigating risks in dynamic business environments.
Lavanya Chandan (General Counsel, Lenskart): She architects legal functions that fuel—not hinder—growth. With expertise in M&A, capital raising, IPO readiness, governance, and ESG, she steers operations across India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Far East. Her leadership enables multi-country expansions, tech acquisitions, and strategic compliance, ensuring Lenskart’s global retail and manufacturing ambitions are legally bulletproof and business-ready.
Jagriti Bhattacharyya (General Counsel, Pine Labs): Jagriti Bhattacharyya is a distinguished legal leader with expertise in corporate governance, fintech law, and regulatory compliance. In an exclusive ETLegalWorld interview, she shared insights on emerging trends in board governance and the proposed amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961, reflecting her thought leadership in shaping legal frameworks for India’s evolving digital payments ecosystem.
Swati Narnaulia (General Counsel, Mensa Brands): Swati Narnaulia, an India-qualified lawyer, brings extensive experience in corporate law, M&A, and dispute resolution across India and Japan. A UChicago public policy fellow skilled in project management, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement, she thrives in fast-paced multicultural environments. Passionate about the intersection of technology and law, she is actively upskilling to drive innovative legal solutions.
Rohit Kumar (General Counsel, Ola Electric): Rohit, General Counsel at Ola Group, leads legal strategy across its EV, ride-hailing, and generative AI verticals. With 24 years in corporate law, M&A, and compliance, he has previously served as Group General Counsel at UPL. A Symbiosis law graduate with Harvard certification, he excels in governance, regulatory compliance, and high-value global transactions, driving strategic growth and legal excellence.
Priyoma Majumder (General Counsel, Pharmeasy): Priyoma Majumder, Head of Legal at PharmEasy, brings over a decade of expertise in general corporate law, M&A, and private equity, with a strong focus on healthcare and e-commerce. With a career spanning top legal roles across leading companies, she has spent over five years driving strategic legal solutions, compliance, and governance in India’s rapidly evolving digital healthcare ecosystem.
Anurag Sharma (General Counsel, MakeMyTrip): Anurag Sharma is a seasoned legal leader with extensive experience across Indian, US, and Dutch MNCs, law firms, and independent practice. Specializing in corporate governance, M&A, competition law, joint ventures, and regulatory compliance, he excels in strategic advisory, risk management, arbitration, and anti-corruption laws, delivering robust legal solutions and driving business growth in diverse corporate landscapes.
Sharayu Jadhav (General Counsel, Acko): Sharayu Jadhav, General Counsel at Acko, is an accomplished legal leader with expertise in e-commerce and IT services. A University of Pennsylvania graduate, she is known for simplifying complex business challenges and delivering strategic legal solutions. She specializes in corporate law, compliance, and risk management, driving growth and governance in India’s fast-evolving insurtech and digital ecosystem.
Pradyumna Vengurlekar (General Counsel, TresVista): Pradyumna Vengurlekar is a strategic legal leader with a proven track record of aligning legal functions seamlessly with business goals. Renowned for delivering effective and creative solutions to complex legal, commercial, and business challenges, he specializes in corporate law, compliance, and risk management, driving sustainable growth in dynamic financial services and consulting environments.
Vikash Jain (Global General Counsel, ReNew Power): Vikash Jain is a seasoned business leader with 29 years of international expertise in corporate law, compliance, governance, M&A, litigation, and dispute resolution. An Executive MBA Scholar of Excellence from ISB with immersions at Wharton and CEIBS, he excels in public issues, foreign collaborations, taxation, and strategic legal advisory across global renewable energy markets.
Rashmi Chendvankar (Group General Counsel & Company Secretary, CitiusTech): Rashmi Chendvankar brings 20 years of expertise in healthcare technology law, corporate governance, and compliance. She leads contract negotiations, M&A, private equity, and IP strategy, advising the board and senior management. Rashmi has driven major PE diligences, acquisitions, and complex deal closures, building robust legal and secretarial functions for global operations.
Mukesh Kumar (General Counsel & Company Secretary, RateGain): Mukesh Kumar, a seasoned expert in secretarial, legal, and compliance functions, brings 22+ years of experience in listed company governance, IPO/FPO, mergers, demergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures. Skilled in investor relations, litigation, and compliance management, he has led corporate legal strategies that strengthen governance frameworks, ensure regulatory adherence, and drive sustainable growth in dynamic business environments.
Zameer Nathani (Global General Counsel, CarDekho Group): Zameer Nathani, a Harvard Business School alumnus, brings 29 years of senior executive and board-level experience, specializing in business strategy, M&A, contract negotiation, and government relations. A global changemaker and transformational leader, he drives innovation, digital transformation, and cultural growth, enabling organizations to build sustainable competitive advantage, ensure long-term relevance, and achieve purpose-driven success in dynamic global markets.
Amit Singh Chauhan (Chief Legal Officer, InMobi): Amit Singh Chauhan, Chief Legal Officer, Senior Vice-President & General Counsel at InMobi, and Co-Founder of LexConnect Consulting, is a seasoned legal leader with expertise in corporate law, compliance, governance, and strategic advisory. He excels in navigating complex global regulations, driving business growth, and delivering innovative legal solutions in the technology, digital advertising, and mobile-first ecosystem.
Ramesh Kannah (Chief Legal Officer, Five Star Business Finance): Ramesh Kannah brings 22+ years of corporate legal expertise in the banking industry, with leadership roles at ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and PCHFL (formerly DHFL). Specialising in banking legal functions, collections, and recovery, he excels in process improvement, change management, technology integration, and leading high-performing legal teams of 150+ members.
Sujeet Jain (Chief Legal & Regulatory & Officer, Nykaa): Sujeet Jain is a seasoned leader with extensive expertise in legal, regulatory, corporate, and industry affairs. With a proven track record in senior management, he drives strategic legal compliance, governance, and policy advocacy. Sujeet’s leadership ensures Nykaa’s regulatory excellence while supporting business growth through robust legal strategies and corporate governance frameworks.
Bhawna Sangwan (Chief Legal and Strategy Officer, Slice): Bhawna Sangwan, Chief Legal Officer at Slice, brings 19 years of expertise in corporate law, fintech regulations, and payments. She has led major M&A deals, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and product launches at Amazon, Bharti Airtel, and GE. Her leadership strengthens legal, compliance, and responsible lending strategies, driving innovation, privacy, and cross-border data governance in a rapidly evolving fintech landscape.
Sameer Chugh (Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel, Games24x7): Sameer Chugh, Chief Legal Officer at Games24x7, brings 27+ years of expertise in legal compliance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and regulatory strategy. A seasoned legal leader, he has a proven track record in navigating complex legal landscapes, driving business growth, and mitigating risks. His strategic counsel strengthens organizational compliance, M&A execution, and competitive advantage in dynamic industries.
Devesh Bhardwaj (Head Legal, VerSE Innovation (Daily Hunt)): Devesh Bhardwaj brings 23 years of PQE in IT, financial services, and the service industry. He leads legal strategy for Airtel’s Digital and DTH business, with expertise in corporate law, M&A, privacy, IP, and litigation. His experience spans global brands like BMW, HSBC, and American Express, driving cross-border legal compliance and innovation.
Hraday Pratap Singh (Head of Legal, Rivigo): Hraday Pratap Singh brings nearly a decade of expertise in litigation, corporate law, and compliance. A BHU law graduate, he has led legal functions at Mahindra Group and BIBA, specializing in dispute resolution, commercial contracts, IP, and nationwide litigation, with proven skills in aligning legal strategy with business objectives.
Ankit Agarwal (Head of Legal, ShareChat): Ankit Agarwal, An experienced Corporate Counsel, specializes in technology law, internet regulations, data protection, and privacy. He has extensive expertise in negotiating global commercial contracts, including SaaS, software, and IP licensing, payment systems, digital marketing, and technology-driven agreements. Ankit’s strong legal acumen ensures compliance and risk mitigation while supporting business growth in fast-evolving digital and technology sectors.
Prathyusha Kotamraju (Head of Legal, Moneyview): Prathyusha Kotamraju, Head of Legal at MoneyView, is a seasoned lawyer with 17 years of experience. Having previously worked with Navi and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM), she brings deep expertise in corporate law, fintech regulations, compliance, and strategic legal advisory. Prathyusha excels in managing complex legal matters, driving governance frameworks, and enabling business growth through innovative legal solutions.
Bharat Kumar. G (Head of Legal, Darwinbox): Bharat Kumar brings a rich and diverse legal background. With over a decade at imimobile, rising from Executive to Corporate Counsel, he has deep expertise in corporate law, compliance, and litigation. His early career included roles in civil, criminal, consumer, and labour law, showcasing his versatile legal acumen.
Mrudul Dadhich (Head of Legal, Perfios): Mrudul Dadhich is a seasoned corporate and transaction lawyer with expertise in M&A, PE/VC, and general corporate advisory. With prior experience at Khaitan & Co, JSA, and Enel, he brings in-depth knowledge of anti-trust laws across Indian, German, and EU regimes, delivering strategic legal solutions for complex business transactions and investments.
Shyaam Jaya Nagarajan (Head of Legal, Glance): Shyaam Jaya Nagarajan, Vice President – Legal at Glance, is a seasoned lawyer with 20 years of expertise spanning energy, infrastructure, corporate law, M&A, and private equity. With prior roles in top law firms and leading corporates, he has advised on non-conventional energy projects, real estate, regulatory matters, and high-value transactions, bringing strategic legal insight to emerging startups.
Swaminathan S (Head of Legal & Immigration, Mu Sigma): Swaminathan S is a dynamic professional skilled in strategic planning, business development, leadership, and operational management. With expertise in market analysis, team building, client relations, and performance optimization, they deliver impactful results. Committed to continuous learning and industry engagement, Swaminathan inspires peers with vision, excellence, and a focus on organizational success.
Arpita Majumdar (Head of Legal & Compliance, Livspace): Arpita Majumdar is a seasoned corporate law and compliance expert with 9 years’ experience in transaction advisory, regulatory compliance, and venture capital financing. Skilled in managing multi-country legal operations, she has built robust processes, advised startups, and championed initiatives empowering underprivileged women in corporate careers.
Roshni Venkatesh (Head – Legal and Compliance, Pratilipi): Roshni Venkatesh, a dual-qualified lawyer in New York and India, brings 16+ years of in-house legal expertise. As Head of Legal at Pratilipi, she drives commercial transactions, compliance, fundraising, and licensing deals. Skilled in FDI/FEMA, debt funding, and scaling startups, she excels in building robust legal processes from scratch.
Jai Abhilash (Head of Legal & Compliance, Cars24): Jai Abhilash, a seasoned in-house legal counsel with 27 years of expertise, specializes in building and managing legal departments across BFSI, manufacturing, telecom, retail, EPC, and startups. Renowned for delivering strategic legal solutions, he excels in corporate law, compliance, and risk management, ensuring businesses navigate complex legal landscapes effectively.
Harsh Bajpai (Head – Legal & Company Secretary, BillDesk): Harsh Bajpai, a seasoned General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, and Company Secretary with 17+ years of expertise, excels in corporate law, governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) across BFSI, FinTech, insurance, and IT sectors. Renowned for strategic legal leadership, he drives regulatory excellence, policy management, and innovation while safeguarding corporate integrity in dynamic markets.
Kapil Gaur (VP & Head Legal & Compliance, Infra.Market): Kapil Gaur is a corporate lawyer with over 18 years of expertise in contracts, litigation, arbitration, mergers and acquisitions, and compliance. He specializes in providing strategic legal advice, managing complex disputes, and ensuring regulatory adherence, helping businesses navigate legal challenges effectively and supporting corporate growth and governance.
Gajendra Thakur (Head – Legal, Compliance and Secretarial, InCred): Gajendra Thakur, with 25+ years in financial services, specializes in compliance, secretarial, and legal roles. Formerly Head of Secretarial and Compliance at IIFL Finance, he brings extensive expertise in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and legal advisory. He holds qualifications as a Company Secretary and an LLB from Mumbai University.
Somya Agarwal (Head Legal & Company Secretary, Fractal Analytics): Somya Agarwal, Group General Counsel and Board Advisor, specializes in AI, IP, corporate governance, and strategic legal leadership. With expertise in private equity fundraising, M&A, AI regulation, data privacy, and risk management, she drives innovation and legal foresight for high-growth companies while actively contributing to industry thought leadership and global compliance frameworks.
Robin Vijan (Head Legal and CS, GlobalBees): Robin Vijan specializes in corporate law, regulatory compliance, contract management, and risk assessment. With strong expertise in governance and strategic legal counsel, Robin ensures adherence to industry standards, mitigates legal risks, and supports business objectives in venture capital and private equity sectors.
Vishesh Thakur (Vice President – Legal & Compliance, Jumbotail): Vishesh Thakur specializes in FDI structuring, regulatory compliance (APMC, FSSAI), and anti-bribery policies. With expertise in e-commerce, SaaS, and fintech, he drives legal strategy and risk management, having previously led M&A, litigation, and corporate fraud resolution at CarDekho Group across India and Southeast Asia.
Deepti Rustagi (Group Legal Head and Regulatory Compliance, Policybazaar): Deepti Rustagi is a seasoned General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer with 23+ years’ expertise in corporate law, regulatory compliance, insurance, contract negotiation, and M&A. Recognized for leadership in legal risk management, she excels in foreign investments, JV structuring, AML/KYC, regulatory audits, and stakeholder relations across diverse industries.
Koell Hemdev (President – Legal & Secretarial, UpGrad): Koell Hemdev is the President of Legal & Secretarial at UpGrad, Mumbai, with extensive experience in corporate law and compliance. Previously, Koell served as Vice President, Legal & Secretarial at UpGrad and held key roles at UpGrad Online Scholarship, Mehta & Padamsey, and GSK, driving legal strategy and governance in education and corporate sectors.
Shahin Umani (Director – Legal and Compliance, Purplle): Shahin Umani is Director of Legal & Compliance at Purplle, Mumbai, with expertise in corporate law and regulatory compliance. Previously, Shahin served as Principal Associate at DSK Legal and held roles at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas and Khaitan & Co. He holds a BMS from Mithibai College and an LL.B. from the University of Mumbai.
Neha Shankar (Director- Legal (Deputy General Counsel), Innovaccer): Neha Shankar is a seasoned legal professional with over a decade of experience in contract drafting, negotiation, legal risk management, and transaction advisory. Skilled in mergers, acquisitions, funding, and stakeholder management across global jurisdictions, she delivers strategic legal counsel, driving business growth and compliance in complex commercial environments.
Shuchi Singh (Director – Legal & Policy, Hike): Shuchi Singh is an in-house lawyer at Hike, specializing in tech, privacy, AI/ML, and policy matters within gaming and Web3 sectors. With prior experience in project finance and renewable energy projects, including wind and solar, she brings expertise in legal compliance, regulatory frameworks, and technology-driven business solutions.
Marisha Shukla (Director Legal, Ola Electric): Marisha Shukla, Director-Legal at Ola Electric, brings 15+ years of expertise in contract management, litigation, compliance, and policy advocacy across e-commerce, telecom, and technology sectors. Skilled in legal strategy, employment law, intellectual property, and risk mitigation, she partners with senior management to drive robust legal frameworks and business advisory.
Denise Gardner (Senior Director & Head of Legal, Secretarial, and Compliance, Licious): Denise Gardner is a legal professional with 16 years PQE, specializing in compliance, risk mitigation, and strategic legal initiatives. Expert in drafting and negotiating complex contracts across finance, engineering, marketing, and IT sectors. She excels in aligning legal frameworks with business goals and promoting ethical corporate governance.
Deepa Kapoor (Senior Director – Legal & Compliance, ShipRocket): Deepa Kapoor is a Company Secretary and legal professional with 16 years’ experience in corporate secretarial, regulatory compliance, M&A, due diligence, fundraising, IPR, labor law, and shareholder agreements. She specializes in corporate laws, SEBI, RBI regulations, intellectual property rights, and regulatory advisory, with strong liaison skills across regulatory authorities.
Aditya Shamlal (Senior Director & Head of Legal, Zeta): Aditya Shamlal is Senior Director and Head of Legal at Zeta Suite, with extensive expertise in corporate law, M&A, joint ventures, and litigation. Former Partner at Gamechanger Law Advisors, he began his career focusing on environmental and public interest litigation, and honed his skills at Amarchand Mangaldas in high-value transactions.
Nahida Shaikh (Senior Director, Legal & Finance, Gupshup): Nahida Shaikh is a dynamic legal leader specializing in cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, and global business expansion. With expertise in structured debt, RBI compounding, and international acquisitions, she drives exponential growth and strategic governance. An Independent Director and PhD scholar, Nahida excels in navigating complex legal frameworks for emerging markets and securities platforms.
Shivli Katyayan (Senior Director Legal, RazorPay): Shivli Katyayan is an experienced legal professional specializing in trademarks, copyright, insurance regulatory, and corporate commercial law. With a strong background in drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, insurance policies, NDAs, and employment contracts, she has advised insurers, reinsurers, and corporate clients on regulatory compliance, brand protection, and due diligence.
Palak Patel (Legal Head, FirstCry): Palak Patel, Legal Head at FirstCry, is a result-driven legal professional with 10+ years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in risk mitigation, strategic legal advisory, contract management, and litigation oversight. Palak is skilled in intellectual property rights (IPR) and compliance with corporate, labor, and consumer laws.
Pranav Mehra (Senior Director – Legal, Freshworks): Pranav is Senior Director – Legal at Freshworks, a SaaS leader serving 60,000+ businesses globally. With 16+ years in IT and corporate law, he specializes in negotiation, legal advisory, compliance, and complex transactions. Pranav leads legal strategy and teams, delivering innovative solutions aligned with business growth and compliance.
Barun Pandey (Company Secretary & Head Legal, BlackBuck): Barun Pandey is a corporate professional with 10 years of expertise in legal, secretarial, corporate governance, and corporate affairs within listed Indian companies. Reporting to the MD and CEO, he is a key Executive Leadership Team member known for strategic leadership and resolving complex legal and governance challenges effectively.
Darshan Karekar (Company Secretary & Compliance Officer, Molbio Diagnostics): Darshan Karekar is the Company Secretary and Compliance Officer at Molbio Diagnostics, overseeing corporate governance and regulatory compliance. With expertise in secretarial practices and legal adherence, Darshan ensures the company meets statutory requirements while supporting strategic business objectives in the diagnostics and healthcare industry.
Sundara Rajan (Head of Compliance, CoinSwitch Kuber): Sundara Rajan is a seasoned compliance and regulatory expert with over 28 years of experience. Currently Head of Compliance at CoinSwitch Kuber, he has held leadership roles at ETMONEY, Julius Baer India, and major financial firms. Rajan’s expertise spans fintech, securities regulation, and corporate governance.
Lalbahadur Pal (Company Secretary & Compliance Officer, CarTrade): Lalbahadur Pal is a skilled legal professional with 11 years of experience in secretarial compliance, fundraising, contract drafting, litigation management, mergers & acquisitions, and corporate governance. He gained IPO exposure in 2021 and excels in compliance, regulatory frameworks, and developing innovative legal solutions under various laws and regulations.
Rasika Joshi Kuber (Corporate Legal & Compliance, Digit Insurance): Rasika Joshi Kuber is a Corporate Legal & Compliance professional at Digit Insurance, specializing in regulatory adherence, contract management, and corporate governance. With expertise in insurance law and compliance frameworks, she ensures seamless legal operations, risk mitigation, and supports business growth while maintaining strict adherence to industry regulations and corporate policies.
Saurabh Taneja (Senior Director- Legal, Secretarial and Compliance, MobiKwik): Saurabh Taneja is Senior Director of Legal, Secretarial, and Compliance at MobiKwik. He specializes in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, contract management, and legal risk mitigation. With extensive experience in fintech and digital payments, Saurabh ensures robust legal frameworks supporting business growth and adherence to evolving industry regulations.
Sanchith Shivakumar (Director – Legal, Pocket FM ): Sanchith Shivajumar is a skilled corporate and intellectual property lawyer with expertise in venture capital, private equity, and acquisitions. Proficient in patent, trademark, and copyright law, he also advises on e-commerce, IT law, data protection, privacy, and intermediary liability, delivering strategic legal solutions to support business innovation and compliance.
These legal leaders don’t just play a supporting role; they are true partners in every startup’s journey, turning complex legal hurdles into stepping stones for success. Their expertise empowers founders to dream bigger, move faster, and build stronger. As India’s startup landscape continues to evolve, the impact of these General Counsels will only grow, shaping the future of innovation with confidence and clarity.
–by Bhumika Rawat
Disclaimer
The selection process involves rigorous evaluation but is based on subjective criteria, which may lead to variations. Parameters include industry influence, reputation, experience, contributions, education, accolades, and followership. While comprehensive assessments may not capture every aspect of a candidate’s profile. Selection does not imply endorsement or guarantee future performance. Feedback is welcome for improvement.
