Prajakt Raut is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and mentor with an extensive background in the startup ecosystem. He is the founder of Applyifi, a company that helps corporates manage their innovation and startup engagement programs. Prajakt has held several leadership positions throughout his career, including Director at Excelerate and Vice-President at Indian Angel Network. He is also the author of Starting Up and Fundraising and a founding team member and Ed of The Hatch Incubators and Resources for Start-Ups. Additionally, Prajakt has international experience working in client services at Capital Advertising and as an account director at Grey Germany.

Prajakt's educational background includes attending St. Sebastian's Goan High School and attaining a Bachelor of Commerce from Gondwana University in Gadchiroli. He has held various roles in India, where he has been a speaker and contributor to numerous startup events, providing insights and strategies to help new founders succeed.