Biography of Punita Mittal: Founder and CEO of SoulUp- Indian Entrepreneur
The Journey of Punita Mittal
A Professional Path
Paved with Excellence
Punita Mittal’s journey began at the Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT) Delhi, where she pursued a dual degree in Biochemical
Engineering and Biotechnology. Her academic prowess was evident when she
received the Dean’s Merit Award, distinguishing her as one of the top students.
She also spent a year in France through a prestigious exchange program with
INSA Lyon, which broadened her global perspective and academic horizon.
Early Career Milestones and Achievements
Upon completing her education, Punita transitioned into the
professional world, starting with roles at ZS Associates as an Associate
Consultant and then at Novo Nordisk as a Business Analyst. Her early career was
marked by significant contributions to incentive compensation design and market
analytics, laying a solid foundation for her future ventures.
Diving into Health Tech
Punita’s career took a pivotal turn when she joined
HealthifyMe in 2016. As Head of Data Science and Innovation, she spearheaded
the development of Ria, the world’s first virtual health coach. This role
allowed her to merge her analytical skills with her interest in health, leading
to impactful innovations in emotional wellness and data science.
A Break for Reflection and Volunteering
In late 2020, Punita took a career break and immersed
herself in voluntary work at Auroville, a community focused on holistic living
and communication. This experience became a turning point, inspiring her to
blend her passion for mental health with her expertise in technology.
The Birth of SoulUp
Motivated by her experiences and insights gained during her
break, Punita co-founded SoulUp with Mahak Maheshwari in November 2021. SoulUp
is a platform designed to offer mental health support through peer
conversations and group therapy sessions, aiming to make emotional wellness
more accessible and relatable.
From Idea to Reality: The SoulUp Vision
Punita and Mahak envisioned SoulUp as a space where
individuals facing emotional challenges could connect with peers who have
undergone similar experiences. This concept was designed to foster genuine
connections and offer support through one-on-one and group sessions facilitated
by trained professionals.
Gaining Recognition and Support
The innovative approach of SoulUp garnered significant
attention when it appeared on the second season of Shark Tank India. The
startup’s pitch impressed the investors, leading to a deal where Namita Thapar
invested Rs 50 lakh for a 5% stake in the company. This endorsement helped
validate SoulUp’s mission and broaden its reach.
The Impact of Shark Tank
Appearing on Shark Tank India not only provided financial
backing but also boosted SoulUp’s visibility. The exposure led to increased
interest from various sectors, including medical institutions and pharma
companies, eager to collaborate and provide peer support services.
The Structure of SoulUp’s Services
SoulUp offers two primary services: one-on-one peer
conversations and group therapy sessions. In the one-on-one model, individuals
can choose peers who have faced similar issues, ensuring a more empathetic and
personalized support experience. Group sessions are led by certified therapists
and focus on collective healing.
The Role of Peers in the Support System
Initially, SoulUp’s peers were volunteers motivated by a genuine desire to help others. Over time, the platform started compensating them to build a more sustainable community. Peers are trained to provide effective support based on their own experiences and are verified for their backgrounds.
Biography of Punita Mittal: Founder and CEO of SoulUp- Indian Entrepreneur /Investor/Age/Net worth/Wife/Punita Mittal story/mental health support stor
Expanding the Conversation Topics
SoulUp covers a wide range of topics, including grief,
medical anxiety, and relationship issues, often addressing subjects that are
less commonly discussed. This approach ensures that individuals dealing with
niche or sensitive issues find relevant support.
Addressing Unique Challenges
The platform addresses unique challenges such as medical
anxiety and the dilemmas of modern life, including decisions about having
children or moving countries. By focusing on these often overlooked areas,
SoulUp aims to provide valuable support where traditional mental health
services might fall short.
The Growth of SoulUp
Since its inception, SoulUp has conducted over 1,200 peer
conversations and 40 group sessions. The platform’s success is attributed to
its innovative approach and the dedication of its team and peers, who are
committed to making a difference in people’s lives.
Future Plans and Expansion
Looking ahead, Punita and Mahak plan to expand SoulUp’s peer
base significantly, aiming to add 10,000 new peers within the next year. They
also intend to enhance their focus on medical anxiety and explore international
expansion to connect with a broader audience.
Connecting with Global Audiences
One of SoulUp’s future goals is to bridge the gap between
NRIs and individuals in India. By creating a platform that understands cultural
nuances and provides relevant support, they hope to address the unique needs of
this demographic.
The Journey from Corporate to Start-Up
Punita’s transition from a successful corporate career to
launching a mental health startup highlights her commitment to making a
meaningful impact. Her background in health tech and her experiences with peer
support shaped her approach to addressing emotional well-being.
The Role of Technology in Emotional Health
Punita believes that technology should serve as a vehicle
for access and efficiency in mental health. SoulUp’s model exemplifies this by
using digital platforms to facilitate meaningful human connections and provide
scalable support.
Reflections and Future Directions
Punita’s journey reflects a deep passion for improving
mental health care and an innovative approach to leveraging technology for
emotional support. As SoulUp continues to grow and evolve, its founders remain
focused on their mission to make mental health support more accessible and
effective for everyone.
Timeline for Punita’s journey
IIT Delhi (2000s): Punita Mittal pursues a dual degree in
Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology; receives Dean’s Merit Award.
2016: Joins HealthifyMe as Head of Data Science and
Innovation, developing Ria, a virtual health coach.
Late 2020: Takes a career break, volunteers at Auroville,
focusing on holistic living and mental health.
November 2021: Co-founds SoulUp with Mahak Maheshwari, a
platform for mental health support through peer conversations and group
therapy.
February 2023: Appears on Shark Tank India, secures Rs 50
lakh investment from Namita Thapar.
Post-February 2023: SoulUp conducts over 1,200 peer
conversations and 40 group sessions, and plans to expand its peer base by
10,000.
Future Plans: Aims for international expansion and to bridge
cultural gaps between NRIs and individuals in India.
