In a remarkable career trajectory, Ragini Das has been appointed as the Head of Google for Startups in India. This appointment marks a significant milestone in her professional journey, coming full circle after her initial interaction with Google over a decade ago.
Ragini’s path to this role began in 2013 when she interviewed with Google but was not selected. Undeterred, she joined Zomato, where she spent six years honing her skills in various functions, including sales, growth, and international expansion. Her tenure at Zomato provided her with invaluable experience and insights into the startup ecosystem.
In 2020, Ragini co-founded Leap.club, a professional networking platform aimed at empowering women in the workplace. Under her leadership, Leap.club grew to over 25,000 paid members, offering a space for women to connect, share experiences, and support each other’s professional journeys. Despite its success, the platform faced challenges related to customer acquisition costs and retention, leading to its eventual shutdown earlier this year.
Reflecting on her journey, Ragini shared her thoughts on LinkedIn, expressing that joining Google feels like destiny. She described it as a “full circle” moment, highlighting how her experiences at Zomato and Leap.club have prepared her for this new role. At Google, she aims to support early-stage founders by connecting them with the right resources, networks, and best practices to help them scale their ventures.
Ragini’s appointment is seen as a testament to the evolving landscape of India’s startup ecosystem, where experienced entrepreneurs are stepping into roles that bridge the gap between innovation and institutional support. Her unique perspective, combining firsthand entrepreneurial experience with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by startups, positions her to make a significant impact in fostering a thriving startup community in India.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Ragini remains committed to empowering founders and contributing to the growth of India’s dynamic startup ecosystem. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating the power of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of learning from every experience.
