Ajeet Khurana: Blockchain Pioneer & Startup Mentor

Ajeet Khurana is a prominent Indian entrepreneur, angel investor, and mentor known for his significant contributions to the startup ecosystem and the cryptocurrency industry. Born on March 19, 1970, in Thane, Maharashtra, into a Hindu family, he developed an entrepreneurial mindset from a young age, shaped by a childhood marked by curiosity and problem-solving. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from the University of Mumbai (1991) and an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Finance from the University of Texas at Austin (1993), where he also taught e-commerce—a term not yet widely recognized at the time.

Khurana’s career spans over two decades, beginning with entrepreneurial ventures in education technology. He founded KITS (Khurana Information and Training Systems Pvt Ltd) and Corpus Collosum Learning Pvt Ltd, with the latter sold to Intel in 2001, marking India’s first acquisition in the education sector. This milestone highlighted his ability to identify and seize "tipping points"—transformative moments that shaped his trajectory. He later authored several books, including a 2009 textbook, *Information Technology for Retailing*, published by McGraw Hill Education, with translations into 17 languages.

His leadership roles include serving as CEO of the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE) at IIT Bombay from September 2014 until 2015, where he nurtured early-stage ventures and helped commercialize research into startups. He then became CEO of Zebpay, India’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, from 2018, expanding it into a global platform operating in over 130 countries. During this period, he also headed the Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Committee of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), advocating for the industry’s legitimacy amid regulatory challenges.

Currently, Khurana is the founder of Reflexical Pte Ltd, an advisory firm in Dubai that empowers Web3 startups with strategic guidance through a six-pillar process. He is an active angel investor, supporting startups like Zorro, Leaf Studios, Sportzchain, and Faaya across sectors such as technology, consumer electronics, blockchain sports management, and fashion-tech. His investment philosophy emphasizes customer focus, cultural fit, and empowering talent, informed by his experience with Mumbai Angels and other networks.

Khurana’s influence extends to mentoring, speaking at events like TEDx, and contributing over 50 articles to *The Balance*. Based in Dubai as of 2025, he remains a thought leader in blockchain and Web3, balancing innovation with a critical eye on regulatory and market dynamics. His journey reflects a blend of academic rigor, entrepreneurial grit, and a commitment to shaping India’s digital economy.