From Zomato to Google: Ragini Das Leads Google for Startups – India
Ragini Das has embarked on a remarkable new chapter, returning to Google as the Head of Google for Startups – India. This appointment represents a full-circle moment for Das, a seasoned entrepreneur and startup advocate.She announced the exciting news on LinkedIn, expressing her enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to empower India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.
Who is ragini Das? A Journey of Growth and Innovation
Das’s career trajectory is a testament to her adaptability and drive. It began in 2013 with interviews at both Google and Zomato. While Google didn’t result in an immediate offer, Zomato provided a crucial launching pad.
She spent six formative years at Zomato,mastering diverse functions like sales,growth,and international expansion. “zomato helped me identify my career moat, gave me lifelong friends, an incredibly steep learning curve and the resilience to eventually take the leap and co-found Leap.club,” she shared.
Leap.club: Empowering Women in Tech
In 2020, Das channeled her experience into launching Leap.club. This platform quickly became a vibrant community dedicated to supporting women in their professional journeys. She proudly stated it “gave me purpose,an identity and…changed lives for thousands of women.”
Though Leap.club paused operations earlier this year, Das used the time for personal growth, travel, and quality time with her dog, Jimmy. This period of reflection ultimately led her to the perfect opportunity at Google.
A Destined Return to Google
The Head of Google for Startups – India role felt like “destiny,” according to Das. It perfectly aligned with her experience building and scaling ventures from the ground up.She recognized the position sat at the intersection of early-stage growth, founder support, and everything she’d cultivated throughout her career.
Now, as the leader of Google for Startups India, Das will focus on accelerating the growth of early-stage founders. Her mission is to connect them with vital resources, networks, and mentorship opportunities. “We’re on a mission to support thriving startups around the world by connecting them to the right people, products and best practices to help them grow,” she explained.
A Diverse Background Built for Leadership
Das’s professional journey extends beyond Zomato and Leap.club. Her LinkedIn profile reveals prior experience with Trident Group India, alongside internships at Standard chartered Bank and Aludecor. Throughout her career, she’s successfully navigated roles as a sales leader, marketer, product manager, and, crucially, a startup founder.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (BBA) with First Class Honours from lancaster university. Her educational foundation began at Chettinad Vidyashram in Chennai,where she also served as the Cultural Secretary.
Beyond the Office: Championing Women in Startups
Das’s commitment to the startup community extends beyond her professional role.She currently serves as Chair of the Women in Startups Committee at FICCI. This position allows her to advocate for increased visibility and access to capital for women-led ventures.
Key Takeaways for Founders:
* Access to Google’s Ecosystem: Das’s leadership will enhance access to Google’s vast resources, including technology, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
* Focus on Early-Stage Growth: The initiative will prioritize supporting startups in their critical early stages, helping them navigate challenges and scale effectively.
* Championing Diversity: Das’s commitment to women in startups signals a focus on inclusivity and equitable access to resources.
this appointment signals a promising future for the Indian startup landscape. Ragini Das’s unique blend of experience, passion, and dedication positions her as a powerful advocate for innovation and growth.
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