by Saurav Shekhar

I work at the intersection of strategy, operations, and capital in emerging markets. My career has been deliberately focused on India and Southeast Asia — regions where execution is complex, institutions are evolving, and practical judgment matters as much as frameworks.

This background has shaped how I approach challenges. I’ve contributed to large-scale transactions, including a $20B demerger and $500M+ in infrastructure asset divestments. I’ve supported operational turnarounds across Southeast Asia, including the recovery of Indonesia’s first privatized airport. Earlier, I worked with YCP Holdings APAC and Aurum Equity Partners.

In parallel, I’ve spent significant time on the ground in India. I co-founded an e-pharmacy startup that reached the Y Combinator finals. During COVID-19, I also volunteered for the relief & community development programs & helped SMEs to sell online.

Currently, I serve at Adara Partners, where I work with growth-stage SMEs in India. I focus on strategy execution, building operating systems, implementing OKR frameworks, governance structures, and performance management processes to help these companies scale effectively.

Why This Matters to Me

India’s 63 million SMEs form the backbone of our economy, yet they often lack access to the structured strategy and operating support that larger enterprises take for granted. Having seen these challenges from multiple angles — as an operator, advisor, and volunteer — I am deeply committed to contributing to solutions that strengthen India’s SME ecosystem.

My long-term goal is to help build stronger, more resilient businesses and communities in the country I call home.