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Sunali Aggarwal

Serial Entrepreneur | Cross-Functional Leader 

My entrepreneurial journey began in the most unexpected place - the corporate corridors of Bharti Airtel in 2003. Starting my career there, I learned the importance of scale and systems in a fast-paced, tech-driven environment. Little did I know that this foundation would become the bedrock for a series of ventures that would define my entrepreneurial path over the next two decades.

The Design Awakening

In 2005, I took my first leap into entrepreneurship with East Village Interactives (later renamed Beon Systems), a design agency that opened my eyes to the world of creative problem-solving. This wasn't just about aesthetics - it was about understanding human behavior, designing experiences that matter, and solving real problems through thoughtful design. My formal training at the prestigious National Institute of Design (NID) and later at the New York Film Academy gave me the storytelling lens that I carry into every business venture today.

The Fintech Revolution

The real game-changer came in 2009 when I co-founded MobiKwik, diving headfirst into India's nascent fintech landscape. Building a digital wallet when most people were skeptical about digital payments was like trying to convince people to fly before airplanes were widely accepted. I experienced firsthand the challenges of scaling a fintech platform - regulatory hurdles, customer education, technology infrastructure, and the constant battle to build trust in a cash-dominant economy. Watching MobiKwik grow from a startup to recently going public has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my career.


Innovation Across Verticals

My entrepreneurial appetite didn't stop there. In 2016, I co-founded Trabug, a travel tech product designed to solve critical pain points for foreign travelers in India - think SIM card access, navigation, and local experiences. It was an exciting time, leveraging technology to simplify travel experiences and bridge cultural gaps. The intersection of technology and human experience has always fascinated me.

Building with Purpose

In 2019, the legalization of homosexuality in India inspired me to create As You Are, a dating app for the LGBTQ+ community. This wasn't just another dating app - it was about creating safe spaces, fostering authentic connections, and supporting a community that had been marginalized for too long. Despite raising $250K in funding, we faced the harsh reality of the funding winter that ultimately cut our momentum short. This experience taught me that passion and purpose, while essential, must be balanced with market timing and economic realities.


The Athletic Foundation

What many people don't know is that my entrepreneurial resilience was forged on sports fields long before I entered boardrooms. As a lifelong athlete excelling across multiple sports, I learned early that failure isn't the opposite of success - it's a stepping stone to it. Whether missing a crucial shot or watching a startup struggle, sports taught me that the game isn't over until you decide it's over. This athletic mindset is woven throughout everything I do - we train like athletes, strategize like coaches, and compete like champions.

Recognition & Teaching

Along the way, I've been honoured to receive recognition for my contributions to entrepreneurship and design. The Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2011-12 by STPI, India, was a milestone that validated not just my work, but the potential of women in technology and business. Speaking at World Usability Day in Gurgaon, organized by MakeMyTrip, reinforced my belief that design and entrepreneurship are inseparable.

My passion for nurturing the next generation led me to teaching roles at esteemed institutions like MICA, IILM School of Design, and JKLU Design School. There's something magical about sharing knowledge with young minds who see possibilities where others see obstacles. My experience as visiting faculty, combined with my General Management Program from IIM Ahmedabad, gives me both the practical experience and academic framework to guide emerging entrepreneurs.

The Philosophy Behind Start Strong Model

Each venture - from design agencies to fintech platforms, from travel tech to social impact apps - has taught me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and deep customer understanding. But more importantly, they've shown me that entrepreneurship isn't just about building businesses; it's about solving human problems with sustainable solutions.

Today, as a UX and Marketing consultant helping startups scale through better design, and as the creator of Start Strong Model, I bring all these lessons - the failures, the victories, the pivots, and the breakthroughs - into every interaction with aspiring entrepreneurs. I've learned that the best business advice comes not from theory, but from the trenches of real experience.
Start Strong Model

Start Strong helps industry experts launch tech ventures without giving up equity. We're your fractional co-founding team—CPO-level leadership, 90-day sprints, zero agency BS.


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