Journey of Mahak Maheshwari: Founder of SoulUp- Entrepreneur
Biography of Mahak Maheshwari:
Mahak Maheshwari is an ambitious entrepreneur and co-founder
of SoulUp, a mental health tech startup based in Bengaluru. With a strong
educational background from IIT Bombay, where she earned a dual degree in
Metallurgical Engineering and Material Sciences, Mahak's journey reflects her
dedication to making a meaningful impact in the world of mental health.
Early Aspirations
Mahak's journey began at IIT Bombay, where she not only
excelled academically but also participated in various extracurricular
activities, including the Entrepreneurship Cell and the Speaker's Club. After
graduating in 2016, she embarked on a corporate career with Bain & Company,
where she honed her skills in consulting. However, the desire to start her own
venture always lingered in the back of her mind.
Exploring Opportunities
During her time at Bain, Mahak gained invaluable experience,
yet her entrepreneurial spirit urged her to seek something more fulfilling.
After nearly a year and a half in consulting, she decided to leave her stable
job to pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions, eager to create something
impactful that leveraged technology.
Previous Ventures
Before co-founding SoulUp, Mahak ventured into the food
industry with a startup focused on Indian snacks. She later co-founded another
startup aimed at women's healthcare. These experiences equipped her with the
knowledge and insights needed to navigate the challenges of building and
scaling a business.
A Turning Point
In July 2021, Mahak made the bold decision to leave her
second startup to explore new ideas. It was during this period of reflection
and ideation that she reconnected with Punita Mittal, an old friend with a
similar vision for addressing mental health challenges. Their conversations
ignited a shared passion for creating a supportive community for mental health.
The Birth of SoulUp
In November 2021, Mahak and Punita officially launched
SoulUp, a platform designed to offer mental health support through peer
conversations and group therapies. This innovative approach focused on
providing a space where individuals could share their experiences and receive
support from others who understood their challenges.
Concept and Vision
SoulUp aims to connect people dealing with mental health
issues through verified peer conversations. Users can choose peers based on
shared experiences, allowing for more relatable and meaningful interactions.
This model not only promotes healing but also fosters a sense of community
among users.
Journey of Mahak Maheshwari: Founder of SoulUp- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/mental health platform/SoulUp story/Mahak M story
Shark Tank Success
The breakthrough moment for SoulUp came when Mahak and
Punita pitched their idea on Shark Tank India. Their compelling presentation
won them a deal of ₹50 lakhs from investor Namita Thapar for a 5% stake in the
company. This investment was a significant boost, validating their concept and
providing the resources needed for growth.
Impactful Conversations
Since its launch, SoulUp has facilitated over 1,200 peer
conversations and 40 group therapy sessions. Each interaction is designed to be
supportive and empathetic, allowing individuals to share their challenges in a
safe environment. This model is crucial for reducing stigma around mental
health and encouraging open discussions.
Personalized Support
SoulUp offers two main services: one-on-one peer
conversations and group therapy sessions. Users can browse profiles of peers
who have faced similar challenges, such as grief or anxiety, and select someone
they feel comfortable talking to. This personalized approach enhances the
healing process by fostering relatable connections.
Rigorous Verification
To maintain the quality and safety of its services, SoulUp
has a rigorous verification process for its peers. Applicants must share their
experiences and undergo training to ensure they can provide effective support.
This commitment to quality helps build trust within the community.
A Vision for the Future
Mahak’s vision for SoulUp extends beyond individual support.
She aims to create a broader impact by making mental health resources more
accessible to a wider audience. The platform's tech-driven approach seeks to
innovate the way mental health care is perceived and delivered, promoting a
culture of openness.
Building a Community
At its core, SoulUp is about community building. Mahak and
Punita want to create a space where people feel safe discussing their mental
health challenges and seeking help. By fostering connections and encouraging
conversation, they aim to break down barriers and stigma associated with mental
health.
Conclusion: A Lifeline for Many
Through her work with SoulUp, Mahak Maheshwari is making
significant strides in the mental health sector. Her entrepreneurial journey,
driven by a desire to help others, exemplifies the transformative power of
technology and community in addressing mental health issues. As SoulUp
continues to grow, it remains dedicated to mending mental health one
conversation at a time.
A timeline based on Mahak Maheshwari's story:
2016 - Mahak graduates from IIT Bombay with a dual degree in
Metallurgical Engineering and Material Sciences.
2016-2018 - Begins a corporate career at Bain & Company,
gaining consulting experience.
2018-2021 - Ventures into the food industry and women’s
healthcare with startups, learning essential entrepreneurial skills.
July 2021 - Leaves her second startup to explore new ideas
and reconnects with Punita Mittal.
November 2021 - Co-founds SoulUp, a mental health platform
focused on peer support and group therapy.
2022 - Pitches SoulUp on Shark Tank India, securing ₹50
lakhs for a 5% stake, boosting the startup’s growth.
2023 - Facilitates over 1,200 peer conversations and 40
group therapy sessions, promoting mental health awareness.
2024 - Aims to expand access to mental health resources and
foster community support through technology.
