Dr. Parul Sharda is an Associate Professor at Medi-Caps University, Indore, with over 15 years of academic experience and corporate exposure at Reliance Industries, Navi Mumbai. She currently serves as the MP State Convener of the Research Foundation of India and the MP State President of WICCI’s Financial Literacy and Management Council. She is also a registered PhD guide and a passionate mentor to aspiring scholars and entrepreneurs.
Dr. Sharda specializes in International Business, Economics, and Entrepreneurship. She has authored notable books including “Macro Economics – An Indian Perspective”, “Minimalism – A New Lifestyle Statement”, and “अर्थशास्त्र -I”. With over 50 research papers published in UGC CARE, Scopus, and ABDC-indexed journals, her academic contributions are widely recognized. She has received prestigious awards such as the SDG Ambassador Award (2024), Best Researcher Award by RULA Foundation, and Global Empowerment Award (2021).
She is also a columnist with Free Press and News Track Live, a sought-after speaker at national and international platforms including IIT-Indore and AIDASCO (Serbia), and a dedicated trainer at MSME-DI and ATDC. Her commitment to academic excellence and startup ecosystem development makes her a valuable voice in the field of entrepreneurship and funding strategies.
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Ms. Sona Parani is an Academic Associate at the Indian Institute of Management Indore, where she has contributed to courses such as Marketplace Business Simulations, Introduction to Business and Strategy, Venture Strategy, E-Commerce and Business Strategy, Conscious Capitalism, Entrepreneurship Orientation, and many more. She is also a research fellow at DAVV Indore.
Leveraging a solid academic background and practical market experience, she brings a foundation in academic research and real-world entrepreneurial ecosystems, she brings a powerful combination of theory and practice to the world of startup funding. Her work bridges the gap between visionary founders and the capital that turns ideas into impact. Drawing from hands-on experience with both investors and early-stage ventures, she offers unique insights into the evolving dynamics of venture capital and startup strategy.
Through her contributions to this book, she aims to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to master the funding journey and grow their ventures with confidence.

Dr. Shinki K Pandey is a versatile academician and seasoned professional with a rich background in management, education, and research. She have made significant contributions to various domains including Business Accounting, Financial Management, and Indian Banking System. Her research prowess is evident through multiple publications in esteemed journals, covering topics such as Women Empowerment, Banking Sector Reforms, and the Impact of COVID-19 on vocational training.
As the Head of Department (HOD) of Management at Kalinga University, Raipur, she provides leadership in academia, overseeing program coordination, departmental activities, and institutional governance. In the corporate sphere, her experience as a Senior Business Analyst at Capitalstars Financial Research Pvt. Ltd. showcased their managerial acumen and problem-solving abilities. She actively engages in professional development through participation in numerous faculty development programs, workshops, and conferences, ensuring they remain abreast of the latest trends in their field. Beyond academia and corporate life, Dr. Shinki K Pandey is passionate about community engagement, evidenced through their involvement in organizing national conferences and seminars.