Biography of Kishan Shah: Founder and CEO of ZenOnco.io- Entrepreneur
The Journey of Kishan Shah
Early Foundations
Kishan Shah's story begins in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, where he
spent his early years. However, his family's relocation to Indonesia when he
was just a month old marked the start of a new chapter in his life. Growing up
in Southeast Asia, Kishan completed his schooling and higher secondary
education there. Returning to India in 2002, he pursued a degree in Commerce at
Jai Narain Vyas University. This period was foundational, setting the stage for
his future academic and professional achievements.
A Passion for Finance
From a young age, Kishan had a deep-seated passion for
finance. He was intrigued by the intricacies of financial planning, portfolio
management, and problem-solving through numbers. His enthusiasm for finance led
him to further his education with a Master of Commerce degree. Determined to
excel in the field, Kishan also completed several professional courses,
including Chartered Accountancy, Financial Risk Management, and the Chartered
Financial Analyst Program. These qualifications demonstrated his commitment and
expertise in finance.
Climbing the Corporate Ladder
Kishan’s academic achievements opened doors to prestigious
roles in the finance industry. He began his professional journey at Ernst &
Young (EY) as an Industrial Trainee, where he gained valuable experience in tax
advisory and business structuring. His tenure at EY was marked by significant
contributions, including advising on mergers, acquisitions, and tax
optimization strategies. This experience laid a solid foundation for his future
roles in investment banking and private equity.
A Move to Investment Banking
After his stint at EY, Kishan transitioned to investment
banking with JP Morgan, a leading global financial services firm. As an
Investment Banking Associate, he was involved in high-stakes projects,
including valuing companies and preparing IPO pitches. His work was
instrumental in evaluating e-commerce giants, real estate portfolios, and
telecom companies. This role honed his analytical skills and provided him with
insights into complex financial structures.
A New Direction in Private Equity
Kishan’s career continued to evolve as he joined GIC,
Singapore’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, as an Associate. In this role, he focused on
private equity investments, further expanding his expertise in financial
analysis and investment strategy. His tenure at GIC was a testament to his
ability to navigate the complexities of large-scale investments and contribute
to strategic decision-making processes.
The Turning Point
Despite his success in the finance sector, Kishan’s life
took a dramatic turn when he experienced the pain of a close friend battling
cancer. Witnessing his friend’s struggle with colorectal cancer, from enduring
intense treatments to ultimately losing the battle, left a profound impact on
Kishan. This personal experience ignited a deep sense of purpose and led him to
reevaluate his career trajectory.
The Birth of Love Heals Cancer
Motivated by his friend’s ordeal, Kishan, along with his
college batchmate Dimple Parmar, co-founded Love Heals Cancer in December 2019.
This Mumbai-based non-profit organization was established to provide support,
counseling, and community assistance to cancer patients and their families. The
organization aimed to ease the cancer journey through holistic support and
practical guidance.
Gaining Expertise in Cancer Care
To effectively support cancer patients, Kishan invested time
in understanding cancer care comprehensively. He completed various training
programs on mind-body medicine, oncology, and supportive therapies. This
knowledge allowed him to offer informed and compassionate support to patients,
helping them navigate their treatment options and emotional challenges.
Launching ZenOnco.io
Building on the foundation of Love Heals Cancer, Kishan and
Dimple launched ZenOnco.io in December 2019. ZenOnco.io is an integrative
oncology platform that combines medical treatments with complementary therapies
to enhance patient outcomes. This approach aimed to improve the quality of life
for cancer patients while minimizing treatment side effects.
Integrative Oncology Explained
Integrative oncology, the core of ZenOnco.io’s approach,
involves combining conventional medical treatments with evidence-based
complementary therapies. This holistic approach considers factors such as
cancer type, stage, and patient well-being to tailor treatments that maximize
efficacy and improve overall quality of life. ZenOnco.io’s platform focuses on
personalized care, addressing the unique needs of each patient.
Biography of Kishan Shah: Founder & CEO of ZenOnco.io- Indian Entrepreneur /Investor/Age/Net worth/Kishan Shah story/ZenOnco.io story/medical therapies
A Comprehensive Patient Journey
ZenOnco.io offers a structured process to support cancer
patients. It begins with accurate diagnosis and connects patients with suitable
oncologists based on their specific cancer type and stage. The platform also
provides access to anti-cancer nutritionists, medical cannabis practitioners,
and other complementary care providers to manage treatment side effects
effectively.
Building a Supportive Community
A key aspect of ZenOnco.io’s mission is creating a
supportive community for cancer patients. The platform facilitates connections
among survivors, caregivers, and patients to provide emotional support and
encouragement. This community aspect helps patients feel less isolated and more
empowered in their fight against cancer.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the impact ZenOnco.io has had, challenges persist in
the cancer care space. Kishan acknowledges the difficulties in finding
like-minded individuals to join the team and the ongoing need for dedicated
professionals committed to making a difference. Building a team that shares the
same passion for improving cancer care remains a crucial aspect of the
organization’s success.
The Impact of ZIOPAR
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted gaps in cancer care
accessibility, leading to the development of ZIOPAR, an AI-based tool by
ZenOnco.io. ZIOPAR provides cancer patients with personalized treatment
recommendations and empowers them to ask the right questions to their
oncologists. This tool, recognized at the ESMO annual congress 2020, represents
a significant advancement in utilizing technology to support cancer patients.
Vision for the Future
ZenOnco.io’s vision extends beyond its current achievements.
With approximately 3 million registered cancer patients in India, the
organization aims to expand its reach and make integrative oncology more
accessible and affordable. Recent fundraising efforts, including raising $1.4
million, will support these goals and help address the needs of economically
disadvantaged patients.
Embracing a New Purpose
Kishan Shah’s journey from a finance professional to a
healthcare advocate reflects a profound shift in his career aspirations. The
transition from investment banking to cancer care was driven by a personal
tragedy and a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of cancer
patients. Kishan’s new purpose has brought him fulfillment and a sense of
contentment.
Lessons Learned
Kishan’s story teaches valuable lessons about pursuing one’s
true calling and embracing new possibilities. His transition from a successful
finance career to a life dedicated to cancer care demonstrates the power of
following one’s passion and making a difference. Kishan’s experience highlights
the importance of being open to change and finding purpose beyond traditional
career paths.
A Legacy of Impact
Kishan Shah’s legacy is one of resilience and dedication to
improving cancer care. Through Love Heals Cancer and ZenOnco.io, he has touched
the lives of many patients and their families. His work continues to inspire
others and contribute to the ongoing fight against cancer, reflecting his
commitment to creating a positive change in the healthcare sector.
Personal Fulfillment
Kishan’s journey is not just about professional success but
also about personal fulfillment. The satisfaction of knowing that his efforts
are helping cancer patients and making a difference in their lives brings him
immense joy. His story is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions
and finding fulfillment in serving others.
Embracing New Challenges
As Kishan looks to the future, he remains committed to
addressing the challenges in cancer care and expanding the reach of ZenOnco.io.
His dedication to overcoming obstacles and striving for excellence continues to
drive the organization’s mission. Kishan’s journey serves as a reminder that
meaningful change often requires courage and perseverance.
Making a Difference
Kishan Shah’s transition from finance to cancer care
illustrates the impact one individual can make by following their passion and
dedicating themselves to a cause. His work with ZenOnco.io and Love Heals
Cancer has transformed the lives of many and continues to inspire others.
Kishan’s story is a powerful example of how personal experiences can lead to
profound changes and contribute to the greater good.
Timeline of Kishan Shah’s Journey
Early 2000s: Grew up in Southeast Asia and completed
schooling and higher secondary education there.
2002: Returned to India and pursued a degree in Commerce at
Jai Narain Vyas University.
2004: Completed Master of Commerce and began professional
finance courses.
2005: Started at Ernst & Young (EY) as an Industrial
Trainee, focusing on tax advisory and business structuring.
2014-2018: Worked at George Weston Foods as Export Manager,
managing sales and distribution across Asia-Pacific.
2018: Joined JP Morgan as an Investment Banking Associate,
working on high-stakes projects and IPO pitches.
2019: Co-founded Love Heals Cancer with Dimple Parmar,
offering support and counseling to cancer patients.
December 2019: Launched ZenOnco.io, an integrative oncology
platform combining medical and complementary therapies.
2020: Developed ZIOPAR, an AI-based tool for personalized
cancer treatment recommendations, recognized at ESMO annual congress.
2023: Raised $1.4 million to expand ZenOnco.io's reach and
make integrative oncology more accessible.
