Industry Insider Tushar Kansal on Shaping Finance, Venture Capital, and Digital Innovation

New Delhi, February 28, 2025 — In an exclusive conversation with India Prime Times, industry veteran Tushar Kansal shared his journey across the dynamic realms of corporate finance, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. With a career that spans roles at global financial giants and entrepreneurial ventures, Kansal’s insights offer a rare glimpse into how India’s evolving business ecosystem is adapting to rapid technological and economic changes.

Kansal’s professional path is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Originally trained as a Textile Engineer, he soon realized that his passion for knowledge and high-impact industries would lead him to finance and technology. After earning an MBA in Finance from the University of Delhi, Kansal embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, eventually making a successful exit in 2006. However, with the booming financial markets capturing his attention, he chose to deepen his expertise through a corporate stint at Deloitte—one of the world’s “Big 4” firms. “At Deloitte, I learned the importance of being meticulous and delivering unmatched value to clients,” Kansal recalled, emphasizing that rigorous analysis and standardized processes were key lessons from his early career.

His subsequent move to Brand Capital, the venture arm of The Times of India Group, further broadened his horizon. Here, he contributed to an investment portfolio that spanned Rs 100 crores across six companies, a period that honed his acumen in strategic investing. An opportunity at Aircel’s Central Treasury Operations followed, though Kansal quickly realized that his true interests lay elsewhere. A subsequent role as Head of Treasury at the Russian telecom giant MTS marked a significant turning point. In that position, he played a pivotal role in raising $2.5 billion in debt funding over three years, mastering the complexities of international high-ticket debt markets.

Bridging Corporate Expertise with Entrepreneurial Spirit

Kansal’s transition from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship is marked by the founding of two companies: Indus B2C Global and Kansaltancy Ventures. While Indus B2C Global made a name in the hair extensions market, Kansaltancy Ventures emerged as one of the region’s largest networks in venture capital and family office investments. Today, Kansaltancy Ventures boasts an impressive track record, having helped over 5,000 startups and growth-stage companies secure significant funding, and delivering more than 500 talks, podcasts, and events on platforms ranging from Ivy League institutions to major corporate forums.

“Our goal at Kansaltancy Ventures is to simplify the complex world of startup finance and investment for both founders and investors,” Kansal noted during our conversation. His work in democratizing access to venture capital has not gone unnoticed; the firm has partnered with major players in the SME IPO space and fintech, offering innovative solutions like unsecured debt for companies lacking traditional collateral.

A Vision Shaped by National Leadership

When asked about the influences that have shaped his perspective, Kansal was unequivocal in his admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He credited Modi’s leadership with transforming India’s economic trajectory, highlighting how policies implemented since 2014 have doubled the nation’s economy and significantly improved infrastructure and public welfare. “Modi’s approach is a lesson in being a Karma Yogi—dedicating oneself selflessly to the greater good of the nation,” Kansal remarked. He contrasted this transformative leadership with past administrations, critiquing historical decisions that have, in his view, hindered India’s progress.

Kansal’s reflections on governance underscore a broader belief: that effective leadership and robust economic policies are vital to overcoming the challenges of a globalized world. His commentary offers a reminder that, for industry leaders and policymakers alike, learning from past missteps is as important as innovating for the future.

Navigating the Digital Landscape

In today’s digital age, brands face a host of challenges—from platform dependency to algorithm changes and the phenomenon of ad-blindness. Kansal pointed out that maintaining a robust digital presence requires a delicate balance of creativity, strategic use of content marketing, and continuous adaptation to shifting consumer behaviors. “Major platforms like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and LinkedIn hold significant pricing power due to their vast reach and technological infrastructure,” he explained. He noted that startups often find themselves spending heavily on content creation just to stay competitive in an increasingly crowded digital space.

Kansal’s advice for brands, particularly in the startup sector, is to innovate relentlessly and remain agile. By understanding platform algorithms and customer behavior, businesses can better tailor their digital campaigns to engage audiences without overspending. His insights resonate with the broader industry trend where data-driven marketing and content innovation have become indispensable tools for survival and growth.

Lessons from a Multifaceted Career

Reflecting on the various stages of his career, Kansal identified several key lessons that continue to inform his approach today. His early days at Deloitte instilled the importance of detail-oriented service and standardized processes—a foundation that proved invaluable as he navigated the complex worlds of corporate finance and venture capital. At Brand Capital, he learned that nurturing customer relationships is essential for sustainable growth, a principle that remains central to his work with startups.

At MTS, the emphasis on employee welfare and professional rigor taught him the value of a committed, well-supported workforce. His subsequent experience as CFO at Distribution Logistics reinforced the critical nature of accurate financial modeling and cash flow management—a lesson that is particularly relevant in the private equity arena. “Understanding cash flows is the backbone of any sound financial strategy,” Kansal emphasized, drawing on his extensive experience managing large-scale treasury operations.

Words of Wisdom for Future Leaders

Kansal’s final advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and C-suite executives centers on resilience, focus, and the importance of balancing innovation with operational discipline. For entrepreneurs, he stressed the need to remain vigilant and not be swayed solely by the allure of startup success stories. “Studying the mistakes and risks that have led many startups to fail is just as important as celebrating the successes,” he advised. He also urged founders to delegate effectively, prioritize both mental and physical well-being, and harness the vast reservoir of business knowledge available online.

For C-suite executives, Kansal highlighted the critical importance of staying connected with customers and investing in talent. Drawing a contrast with companies that become disconnected from their end users, he advocated for a customer-centric approach, one that prioritizes transparent communication and robust talent management practices. His remarks serve as a clarion call for leaders to adopt technology and innovation proactively—often ahead of their competitors—to secure long-term success.

A Lifelong Commitment to Learning

Beyond his professional achievements, Kansal remains an avid reader and lifelong learner—a habit that has enriched his perspective across diverse fields such as international affairs, geopolitics, technology, and spirituality. His personal library, comprising over 1,000 books, reflects his eclectic interests and his belief that continuous learning is essential to personal and professional growth.

During our interaction, the India Prime Times team was struck by his genuine enthusiasm for knowledge and his commitment to leveraging that wisdom for broader societal benefit. “Reading isn’t just a pastime—it’s a way of staying informed and prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow,” Kansal remarked.

Conclusion

Tushar Kansal’s journey from a Textile Engineer to a stalwart in the venture capital and corporate finance sectors encapsulates the evolving narrative of India’s business landscape. His ability to blend deep financial expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset offers valuable lessons for startups, established companies, and policymakers alike. As India continues to navigate the complexities of a digital and globalized economy, leaders like Kansal remind us that innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence remain the cornerstones of progress.

India Prime Times will continue to follow such transformative journeys, providing readers with insights into the trends and personalities shaping the future of business in India.