Biography of Ashish Bhatia: Founder & CEO of Malaki & India Accelerator- Entrepreneur
Biography of Ashish Bhatia:
Ashish Bhatia is a prominent entrepreneur and the founder of
India Accelerator, a leading seed-stage accelerator program in India.
Established in 2017, India Accelerator has rapidly become a key player in
supporting early-stage startups. It is part of the Global Accelerator Network,
which connects accelerators worldwide to foster innovation and
entrepreneurship.
Educational Background
Ashish's journey began at the National Institute of
Technology, Kurukshetra, where he earned a Bachelor of Technology in
Electronics and Communication. His education laid a solid foundation in
technology and engineering, equipping him with the skills necessary to navigate
the startup landscape. Later, he enhanced his management acumen through an
Executive Management Program at the Management Development Institute in
Gurgaon.
Launching India Accelerator
In April 2017, Ashish founded India Accelerator with a
mission to nurture startups across various sectors. The program offers
short-term accelerators and funding focused on high-growth areas such as
robotics, electric mobility, health tech, and artificial intelligence. Under
his leadership, India Accelerator has become one of the fastest-growing
accelerators in Asia, aiming to establish itself as India’s most powerful
startup support system.
Building a Strong Network
One of the standout features of India Accelerator is its
extensive network of over 1,800 mentors and investors. This robust community
provides startups with valuable insights, guidance, and funding opportunities.
Ashish understands the importance of mentorship in entrepreneurship and has
made it a cornerstone of the India Accelerator experience.
Expanding Reach and Impact
With a portfolio that includes over 200 companies across
multiple sectors, India Accelerator has a national reach that encompasses 14
hubs across India. This expansion enables the program to foster innovation in
various regions, making it a vital contributor to the Indian startup ecosystem.
Ashish’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs has created opportunities for
countless startups to thrive.
Collaborations for Success
Ashish has established partnerships with prestigious
educational institutions and industry leaders, creating an environment that
bridges academia and entrepreneurship. These collaborations not only enhance
the learning experience for startups but also facilitate access to resources
and expertise that can accelerate growth.
Co-Founding Finvolve
In addition to India Accelerator, Ashish co-founded
Finvolve, a micro-VC initiative aimed at early and growth-stage startups.
Finvolve represents one of the largest B2B networks in India, working with
various stakeholders including institutions, distributors, and family offices.
This venture strengthens the investment landscape for startups, providing them
with crucial funding and resources.
Biography of Ashish Bhatia: Founder & CEO of Malaki & India Accelerator/ Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/beverage brand/Ashish Bhatia
Recognition and Achievements
India Accelerator’s achievements have not gone unnoticed; it
has earned accolades including a spot among the Top 100 Accelerators globally
and recognition as the Best Accelerator in India by Startup India Mission.
These honors reflect Ashish’s dedication to building a robust ecosystem for
innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
A Holistic Ecosystem
India Accelerator is known for its Multiverse ecosystem,
which includes venture funds to support innovative startups, syndicates, and
incubation programs. This comprehensive approach ensures that startups receive
the necessary support at various stages of their journey, from ideation to
scaling.
The Malaki Beverage Brand
Ashish is also a co-founder of Malaki, a beverage brand that
aims to redefine India’s functional beverage landscape. The brand was launched
by Ashish and his brother, Mohit Bhatia, who both bring extensive experience in
the food and beverage industry. Malaki focuses on producing premium and
innovative beverages made in India.
Unique Product Offerings
Malaki’s product range is diverse, featuring 24-karat
gold-flavored water, alkaline nutrient-rich drinks, and spiced ginger ale,
among others. The brand prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, such
as natural ginger for its ginger ale and premium quinine for its tonic waters.
These unique offerings cater to health-conscious consumers looking for quality
beverages.
Direct-to-Consumer Strategy
Since its inception, Malaki has utilized direct-to-consumer
platforms, including hyperlocal aggregators, to reach consumers effectively.
This strategy not only strengthens the brand’s presence but also enhances
customer engagement, ensuring that Malaki remains accessible to a wide audience
across India.
Achieving Investment Success
During his pitch on Shark Tank India, Malaki sought an
investment of ₹50 lakhs for 1% equity, valuing the company at ₹50 crore. The
brand successfully raised ₹50 lakhs for 3% equity, with investors Aman Gupta
and Peyush Bansal backing the venture. This investment signifies strong
confidence in Malaki’s potential in the beverage market.
Future Aspirations
As Ashish continues to lead both India Accelerator and
Malaki, he remains committed to fostering innovation and supporting
entrepreneurs. His dual focus on startup acceleration and beverage innovation
positions him as a key player in India’s entrepreneurial landscape, driving
economic growth and creating new opportunities for success.
A timeline for Ashish Bhatia’s journey with India
Accelerator and Malaki:
2006 - Graduates from NIT Kurukshetra with a Bachelor of
Technology in Electronics and Communication.
2012 - Completes an Executive Management Program at MDI
Gurgaon.
April 2017 - Founds India Accelerator, focusing on nurturing
early-stage startups.
2017-2023 - Grows India Accelerator’s portfolio to over 200
companies across 14 hubs in India.
2018 - Co-founds Finvolve, a micro-VC initiative for early
and growth-stage startups.
2021 - India Accelerator recognized as one of the Top 100
Accelerators globally and Best Accelerator in India.
2022 - Co-founds Malaki, a functional beverage brand with
innovative products.
2024 - Secures ₹50 lakhs investment on Shark Tank India for
Malaki, increasing market confidence in the brand.
