Intro:
Founder of Mumbai-based Navayuvak Entrepreneurs Pvt. Ltd., Gaurav Mishra started his first venture at the age of only 16 years. Since then, he has been passionately working towards the development of the startup ecosystem by helping fellow entrepreneurs and creating an impact by his talks. He has been awarded the Karmaveer Chakra, instituted by UN and iCongo for his tremendous passion and work towards entrepreneurship from the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. In a freewheeling chat with P. K. Chatterjee (PK), he is revealing his deep passion to encourage youth entrepreneurship. Excerpts…
What was the source of inspiration that made you start your first business venture at the age of 16?
The inspiration to start my first business venture at the age of 16 came from my deep passion for entrepreneurship and the desire to create a real impact. Growing up, I recognized the power of innovation and the opportunity to make a difference by solving real-world problems. This motivation led myself to take the leap into entrepreneurship at a young age, laying the foundation for the future endeavours and the establishment of Navayuvak, which now works to inspire and empower young entrepreneurs.
What are the qualities essential for a successful entrepreneur?
To be a successful entrepreneur, one must possess a strong understanding of all business functions, including finance, operations, and marketing. Additionally, qualities like vision, resilience, adaptability, and strong leadership are essential. A customer-focused approach and the ability to innovate are equally critical. While professional education can provide valuable insights and foundational knowledge, practical experience and a willingness to learn continuously are indispensable.
How does Navayuvak Entrepreneurs function and what are its achievements so far?
Navayuvak Entrepreneurs is committed to fostering entrepreneurial talent at the grassroot level, working with students from higher secondary schools, undergraduate institutions, and postgraduate centers. Through initiatives such as specialized courses, hands-on training workshops, meet-ups, festivals, competitions, and awareness campaigns, the organization develops innovative thinking and supports the launch of startup ideas.
With achievements that include empowering over 15,000 students globally, hosting and participating in 300+ events worldwide, and facilitating over 15 crores in working capital for budding businesses, Navayuvak has established itself as a significant player in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
I, representing Navayuvak, have judged 150+ global events, mentored multiple startup teams, and built strategic partnerships with prominent institutions like Mumbai University, Pune University, and Parul University. These efforts highlight Navayuvak’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and building a thriving startup culture.
How do you encourage students to be entrepreneurs?
We encourage students to become entrepreneurs through two key initiatives that combine knowledge, mentorship, and resources. The ABCDE Program (Anybody Can Do Entrepreneurship) is a tailored course designed for institutions, offering long-term support through master classes, pre-incubation resources, and access to incubation spaces for eligible ideas.
Students also benefit from funding opportunities, mentorship by global domain experts, and practical entrepreneurial training.
Additionally, the SED Platform (Student Entrepreneurship Development) fosters a vibrant entrepreneurial community, connecting students, faculty, institutions, entrepreneurs, investors, and startups. This platform provides short-term programs, weekly mentorship sessions, access to on-demand working capital, and a strong network of peers and industry experts. Together, these initiatives inspire and equip students with the skills and confidence needed to succeed as entrepreneurs.
How did you feel when you received Karmaveer Chakra, instituted by UN and iCongo?
Receiving the Karmaveer Chakra, instituted by the UN and iCongo, was an incredibly humbling and emotional moment. This recognition, awarded for my passion and dedication to entrepreneurship, reinforced my belief in the power of innovation and mentorship.
To have inspired over 8,000 students and aspiring entrepreneurs has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. This award serves as a reminder that hard work, perseverance, and a focus on empowering others can make a real difference. It encourages me to continue pushing boundaries, not just for my own success, but to help others turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
Looking ahead, our vision at Navayuvak is to empower 1,000 startups by 2025. We aim to achieve this by launching an upcoming platform that will unite a community of entrepreneurs, investors, students, and faculty. This platform will serve as a hub for collaboration and growth, fostering innovation through Startup Clubs, Incubation Centres, Research and Development Labs, and Skill Development Centres. By providing targeted support, mentorship, and access to funding, we aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that will nurture the next generation of unicorns in India. Through these efforts, we’re committed to making a tangible impact on the entrepreneurial landscape and driving India’s startup ecosystem forward.
What do you feel when you look back to your one and a half decades’ journey?
As I reflect on my journey and the impact we’ve made through Navayuvak, it’s humbling to see how far we’ve come. But honestly, it’s not just about the numbers or milestones; it’s about the stories of individuals we’ve impacted. Every entrepreneur we’ve supported, every student we’ve mentored, and every partnership we’ve formed has a deeper meaning to me than anything else.
What are your future plans?
I started my entrepreneurial journey at 16 with a vision to create something meaningful, and now, more than 15 years later, I feel incredibly fortunate to be in a position where I can help others do the same. The road has been challenging, but the greatest joy has been watching aspiring entrepreneurs break barriers, unlock their potential, and succeed beyond their dreams. The future is bright for India’s young innovators, and I’m excited to continue building, mentoring, and supporting them as they redefine the future of entrepreneurship.
What would you like to communicate to the young Indian students?
To the young Indian students, I emphasize the importance of embracing the entrepreneurial mindset – and pursuing their passion relentlessly. I believe that entrepreneurship is not just about starting businesses but about solving problems, creating value, and bringing innovative ideas to life.
I encourage students to believe in their abilities and take bold steps towards achieving their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face. My journey shows that success comes from consistent effort, learning from failure, and having the courage to innovate. My message is clear: anyone can be an entrepreneur if he or she is committed to making an impact.
