Biography of Kunal Shah: Founder of Moi & The Lightship Initiative- Entrepreneur
Biography of Kunal Shah:
Kunal Shah's story is one of ambition and dedication, woven
through his experiences and education. Raised in India, he pursued his studies
with great enthusiasm. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical
Engineering from Nirma Institute of Technology in Ahmedabad, a foundation that
set him on a path of innovation and problem-solving. Driven by a thirst for
knowledge, he later traveled to the United States to obtain a Master’s degree
in Information Systems and Industrial Engineering from Stevens Institute of
Technology. This blend of technical education would prove essential in his
future ventures.
Building a Career
After completing his education, Kunal took his first steps
into the professional world as a summer intern at Bristol-Myers Squibb. This
initial experience was a glimpse into the corporate landscape. Soon after, he
joined Deloitte Consulting as a Business Analyst, where he honed his analytical
skills and developed a keen understanding of business dynamics. These roles
prepared him for his most significant challenge yet—leading a company to
success.
AIA Engineering: A Transformation Story
In 2002, Kunal joined AIA Engineering as an Executive
Director. At the time, the company had modest revenues of around $25 million,
primarily in India. Kunal’s vision and leadership transformed AIA into a global
powerhouse, with sales soaring to over $600 million. Under his guidance, AIA
expanded its reach to more than 120 countries, serving top clients in cement,
mining, and utilities. His journey at AIA not only showcased his ability to
scale a business but also solidified his reputation as a leader in engineering.
New Ventures in Fine Jewelry
In 2013, Kunal co-founded Aurus Fine Jewels with his wife,
Puja. This venture was born out of a shared passion for creating exquisite
jewelry that resonated with the Indian audience. Aurus focused on occasion
wear, combining tradition with modern design. This successful brand paved the
way for another exciting project that emerged from a chance conversation with a
professor at NYU about luxury marketing. This dialogue ignited the idea for
Moi, a brand aimed at taking Indian jewelry global.
The Birth of Moi
Founded in 2019, Moi was envisioned as a digital-first,
direct-to-consumer fine jewelry brand. Kunal and Puja aimed to disrupt the
traditional jewelry market by leveraging technology to reach a wider audience.
They believed that the jewelry industry could benefit immensely from digital
innovation, making luxury accessible to more people. With a unique blend of
craftsmanship and modern marketing, Moi quickly gained recognition, becoming
one of Vogue’s "most Instagram famous cult jewelry labels."
A Vision for Change
Despite his entrepreneurial successes, Kunal felt a deep
desire to give back to society. This passion led him to establish The Lightship
Initiative in 2021, a non-profit aimed at fighting educational inequity among
children. Kunal recognized that many brilliant minds were trapped in cycles of
poverty, lacking access to quality education and mentorship. The Lightship
Initiative was designed to identify such children and provide them with a
comprehensive, custom-tailored educational program.
Biography of Kunal Shah: Founder of Moi & The Lightship Initiative- Startup/Entrepreneur/Age/Net worth/Wife/Investor/fine jewelry brand/education
Empowering Future Generations
The Lightship Initiative focuses on children who demonstrate
exceptional potential but come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The program
offers scholarships that cover their educational needs from grade 9 through
graduation. By creating a nurturing environment, Kunal and his team strive to
ensure that these children receive not only academic support but also
mentorship and extracurricular opportunities. This holistic approach aims to
empower them to break free from the constraints of poverty.
A Model of Growth
Kunal’s initiative has shown promising results, with 22
bright minds currently benefiting from the program. Each child receives a
yearly scholarship of ₹85,000, along with an average of 960 tuition hours. The
initiative’s commitment to excellence is reflected in the median marks of its
students, who consistently achieve impressive results. Kunal’s vision is to
create a cycle of giving back, where each student has the potential to help
others in their community.
Balancing Business and Purpose
Throughout his career, Kunal has balanced his
entrepreneurial pursuits with his commitment to social causes. His ventures in
jewelry are not just about profit; they also reflect a desire to innovate
within traditional industries. Kunal believes in the interconnectedness of
business and social responsibility. This philosophy drives both Aurus and Moi,
as they aim to create a sustainable impact on society while offering exquisite
products.
Looking Ahead
As Kunal looks to the future, he remains focused on
expanding both his jewelry brands and The Lightship Initiative. With each new
student brought into the program and each piece of jewelry sold, he hopes to
inspire change and foster a new generation of leaders. Kunal’s journey is a
testament to the power of education, entrepreneurship, and a steadfast
commitment to making the world a better place, one child at a time.
A timeline for Kunal Shah's story:
1975: Born in India.
1997: Earns Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from Nirma
Institute of Technology.
2000: Completes Master’s in Information Systems and
Industrial Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.
2000: Starts as a summer intern at Bristol-Myers Squibb.
2001: Joins Deloitte Consulting as a Business Analyst.
2002: Becomes Executive Director at AIA Engineering, with $25
million in revenue.
2013: Co-founds Aurus Fine Jewels with his wife, Puja.
2019: Launches Moi, a digital-first fine jewelry brand.
2021: Establishes The Lightship Initiative to combat
educational inequity.
2023: 22 children benefiting from The Lightship Initiative’s
scholarships.
