Mental health is a topic that remains under-discussed in India, despite its increasing relevance in today’s fast-paced, highly connected world.
A 2019 estimate from WHO predicts that India will incur economic losses of $1.03 trillion due to mental health conditions between 2012 and 2030. A Deloitte India’s report titled ‘Mental Health and Well-being in the Workplace’ found that 80% of the Indian workforce reported mental health issues during the pandemic, and 47% admitted that work-related stress had impacted their performance. In such scenarios, an employee wellbeing program becomes a need of the hour.
However, a few Indian entrepreneurs have broken the silence around mental health, openly sharing their personal battles with anxiety, depression, work stress, and burnout.
These founders are not just talking the walk; they are also walking the walk by backing in mental health solutions that are creating safe spaces for mental wellness.
Here is a list of Indian founders who have taken a stand for mental health awareness and actively supported ventures to make a difference.
1. Deepinder Goyal
Deepinder Goyal, the co-founder and CEO of Zomato, has been an influential figure in India’s startup ecosystem, and in recent years, he has become more vocal about mental health and wellness. Goyal’s personal journey with mental health, marked by periodic bouts of depression, has shaped his perspective on the importance of maintaining mental well-being in high-pressure environments like startups.
To fuel his passion and purpose towards mental wellness, Goyal has embarked on a new personal venture called “Continue,” aimed at health tracking and mental wellness.
Branded as “The Ultimate Health Tracker,” Continue is currently operating in stealth mode, with limited information available. The platform is set to address various aspects of well-being, including mental wellness, nutrition, sleep tracking, and preventive health strategies. Goyal, who has expressed a personal passion for longevity and extending human lifespan, has aligned these interests with Continue’s mission.
This venture adds to Goyal’s growing involvement in the health and wellness space.
In the past as well, Goyal has long demonstrated a strong interest in the health and fitness sector. He is an investor in Ultrahuman, a startup known for developing wearables like the Ultrahuman Ring, which tracks various health metrics. Additionally, he had acquired the fitness brand Fitso, which was later sold to Curefit.
2. Nithin Kamath
Nithin Kamath, the CEO of Zerodha, became a strong advocate for health and mental well-being after his wife, Seema Patil, was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2021. Following her recovery, Kamath has shared their journey publicly, emphasizing the importance of regular health check-ups and mental health support.
Seema’s battle with cancer deeply impacted Kamath’s views on health, motivating him to invest in initiatives that promote well-being.
Through Zerodha’s initiative Rainmatter Foundation, Kamath has extended his support to multiple health and mental wellness ventures, although specific investments in mental health apps have not been explicitly confirmed.
3. Neerja Birla
Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), is a visionary leader with a strong commitment to service. Her dynamic approach and passion for societal impact have made her a globally recognized sociopreneur and advocate for mental health.
A personal connection to mental health drives Neerja’s advocacy for systemic change and innovation in this field. As the force behind Mpower, she has led the initiative to revolutionize India’s perspective on mental health, promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and offering comprehensive, high-quality care. Mpower has positively impacted more than 120 million lives across the country.
4. Ritesh Agarwal
Ritesh Agarwal, the founder of OYO Rooms, is another Indian entrepreneur who has spoken about the personal toll of running a global business. At the height of OYO’s expansion, Agarwal discussed his experiences with stress and mental exhaustion.
While he has not backed mental health ventures specifically, OYO has introduced several wellness programs to address the mental health needs of its employees, including counselling services and meditation workshops. Agarwal’s openness has helped normalize discussions on mental health in India’s high-growth startups.
5. Kunal Shah
Kunal Shah, the founder of CRED, has been vocal about mental health and wellness, particularly in the entrepreneurial space. He frequently discusses the pressures faced by founders and the importance of mental well-being in managing a startup. In various interviews and social media interactions, Shah has emphasized the need for entrepreneurs to prioritize their mental health, given the immense stress and unpredictability that comes with running a business.
Through his investment endeavours, Shah has shown a strong interest in health-tech startups, particularly those focused on wellness and mental health. Two notable companies he has backed are Mosaic Wellness and Mave Health, both of which align with his advocacy for improving access to healthcare and wellness solutions.
These founders are not just building companies—they are shaping conversations around mental health, one step at a time. By openly discussing their own challenges, they are helping to dismantle the stigma around mental health, while also supporting and investing in ventures that aim to improve the well-being of others. As more Indian entrepreneurs step forward, they pave the way for a culture where mental health discussions are not just acceptable but encouraged.
Mental health is no longer a silent crisis in the workplace—it’s an urgent issue affecting productivity, employee well-being, and overall business success. For entrepreneurs, addressing mental health is not just a compassionate move, but a strategic necessity.