Think independently.
Make space for original ideas and the people willing to pursue them.
About Startup Sprinters
We’re building an ecosystem where ambitious founders find the guidance, resources, and relationships to do their best work.
Our belief
An innovative idea can come from anyone. Turning it into a successful business takes access to the right people and the right support.
Startup Sprinters brings together founders, experienced mentors, investors, and specialist partners to make that journey more connected. From our base in Pune, we help entrepreneurs build with clarity and grow with purpose.
How we work
Make space for original ideas and the people willing to pursue them.
Share knowledge, open doors, and create partnerships that help everyone move forward.
Turn insight into action. Learn from what happens, and make the next decision better.
Our leadership
A team bringing together perspectives from healthcare, finance, technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

Founder & Managing Director
Dr. Manoj Deshpande is a dynamic serial entrepreneur and seasoned professional with over 35 years of distinguished experience in the medical field as a Consulting Pathologist. He is the visionary founder of New Life Medical Centre, a trusted name in healthcare services in Pune. With a passion for innovation and digital transformation, he also founded Cloud IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a forward-looking software development company, and The Cloud Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to public service and community upliftment.
Dr. Manoj Deshpande is a dynamic serial entrepreneur and seasoned professional with over 35 years of distinguished experience in the medical field as a Consulting Pathologist. He is the visionary founder of New Life Medical Centre, a trusted name in healthcare services in Pune. With a passion for innovation and digital transformation, he also founded Cloud IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a forward-looking software development company, and The Cloud Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to public service and community upliftment. He has been an active contributor to the medical community as a member of prestigious associations such as IMA (Indian Medical Association) and NIMA (National Integrated Medical Association). In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Deshpande has served as a professor in medical colleges, mentoring future generations of medical professionals with his deep knowledge and real-world experience. A respected leader and social contributor, he is a past president and esteemed member of the Rotary Club of Pune, and serves as the Chief Coordinator of The Aarogya Sanmaan Awards, a prominent state-level initiative that honors outstanding contributions in the healthcare sector. Dr. Deshpande's vast experience across healthcare, technology, education, and social service has enabled him to build a powerful global network of influential individuals and thought leaders. This unparalleled connectivity will be instrumental in propelling Startup Sprinters Pvt. Ltd. to new heights. Under his visionary leadership and strong mentorship, Startup Sprinters is poised to make a transformative impact on the startup ecosystem in India and beyond.

Director
With over 18 years of experience in the financial arena, CA Umesh V. Badgujar is a distinguished Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. An alumnus of Savitribai Phule University with an M.Com and additional esteemed qualifications, he has developed deep expertise in corporate audits, SME listing, and financial analysis.
With over 18 years of experience in the financial arena, CA Umesh V. Badgujar is a distinguished Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. An alumnus of Savitribai Phule University with an M.Com and additional esteemed qualifications, he has developed deep expertise in corporate audits, SME listing, and financial analysis. His work is marked by a steadfast commitment to integrity, excellence, and a client-centric approach, enabling him to deliver innovative and sustainable financial solutions to a diverse clientele. As a Director at Startup Sprinters, CA Umesh V. Badgujar plays a pivotal role in driving the success of emerging ventures. He is instrumental in guiding startups through the complex landscape of regulatory compliance, risk management, and capital structuring. Leveraging his extensive experience, Umesh mentors entrepreneurs and optimizes resource allocation while designing strategic financial plans that incorporate strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, exit strategies, and debt financing. His expertise in coordinating venture capital funding and providing specialized taxation and legal advisory services ensures that startups secure the critical financial backing and sound governance necessary for rapid and sustainable growth. Driven by a passion for innovation and a focus on actionable solutions, CA Umesh V. Badgujar propels Startup Sprinters forward, enabling startups to flourish in today's fast-paced and dynamic business landscape.

Director & CEO
Dr. Prasad Kulkarni is a distinguished environmental science expert with over 17 years of professional experience in sustainability, teaching, green infrastructure, and research. He currently serves as a Professor and HOD at the Faculty of Sustainability Studies, MIT-World Peace University, Pune.
Dr. Prasad Kulkarni is a distinguished environmental science expert with over 17 years of professional experience in sustainability, teaching, green infrastructure, and research. He currently serves as a Professor & HOD at the Faculty of Sustainability Studies, MIT-World Peace University, Pune. He holds a Doctorate in Environmental Science from College of Engineering Pune (COEP), where he led in-depth research on the restoration of mangroves in Raigad district, Maharashtra. Dr. Kulkarni has extensive experience working with the Science and Technology Park (STP), Pune, a prominent Startup Incubator promoted by the Ministry of Science and Technology (DST-NSTEDB) and the University of Pune. From 2005 to 2011, he served as a Project Associate, Coordinator, and Training Executive, followed by his role as Project Manager for the EU-DST NET Skills Program (2011–2014). These roles helped him build deep expertise in technology-based entrepreneurship, renewable energy, and international capacity-building programs. He has also contributed to grassroots innovation and environmental consultancy through his work with organizations like Swayam Shikshan Prayog and Darode Jog Properties. His key areas of expertise include green building projects, environmental impact assessments (EIA/EMP), biodiversity conservation, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), CSR impact evaluation, and the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Kulkarni has collaborated on international projects with bodies like the European Commission, UNEP, and GIZ. A member of esteemed institutions such as the IUCN-CEC, ISRS, and a Mentor of Change under the Atal Innovation Mission by NITI Aayog, Dr. Kulkarni brings global insight, academic depth, and a passion for sustainability to Startup Sprinters. His experience in startup incubation, combined with his vast professional network, will be instrumental in embedding environmental responsibility and global perspectives into the innovation ecosystem at Startup Sprinters.

Director
CA Amar M. Itangi is a seasoned finance and business strategist with over 15 years of experience in taxation, financial consulting, regulatory compliance, and business advisory. A Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and an alumnus of Symbiosis International University, he has established himself as an expert in direct and indirect taxation.
CA Amar M. Itangi is a seasoned finance and business strategist with over 15 years of experience in taxation, financial consulting, regulatory compliance, and business advisory. A Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and an alumnus of Symbiosis International University, he has established himself as an expert in direct and indirect taxation, international financial reporting (IFRS), statutory audits, corporate laws, and business process outsourcing (BPO). His deep understanding of financial structures, regulatory frameworks, and global accounting standards allows him to provide tailored solutions to businesses across various industries. As the Director of Startup Sprinters, Amar plays a key role in helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful ventures. His expertise spans business kick-starting, seed funding, and debt financing, ensuring startups have the right financial foundation to scale efficiently. He provides strategic guidance on taxation and legal advisory, helping businesses navigate complex regulatory landscapes while ensuring compliance and tax efficiency. His financial planning acumen aids startups in budget allocation, resource optimization, and long-term financial sustainability. Additionally, Amar actively mentors entrepreneurs, offering insights into investment structuring, funding strategies, and risk management to support business growth. With a commitment to fostering innovation and a disciplined, solution-driven approach, CA Amar M. Itangi is a driving force behind Startup Sprinters, empowering startups to thrive in today's dynamic business environment.
Let’s build what’s next