Ragini Das: New Head of Google for Startups, India
Ragini Das, an accomplished entrepreneur from India, has recently been appointed as the Head of Google for Startups, India. This significant career milestone comes after her journey as the co-founder of Leap.club, a professional network focused on empowering women. She shared the news on LinkedIn, expressing her excitement about this new chapter in her life.
Das began her career in 2013, where she interviewed for positions at both Google and Zomato. Although she didn't succeed in securing a role at Google, she joined Zomato and spent six fruitful years there. Her experience at Zomato was instrumental in shaping her career, as she explored various functions, including sales, growth, and international expansion. Reflecting on her time at Zomato, she stated, "It provided me with lifelong friends, a steep learning curve, and the resilience to eventually co-found Leap.club."
In 2020, Das launched Leap.club, which she describes as a platform that gave her purpose and identity while positively impacting thousands of women. However, earlier this year, the platform paused operations, prompting her to take a break and focus on personal projects, travel, and her pet dog, Jimmy. It was during this time that she discovered the opportunity at Google, which she felt aligned perfectly with her experiences and aspirations.
Now, as Head of Google for Startups India, Das aims to support early-stage founders in building and scaling their ventures. She plans to connect them with essential resources, networks, and mentors to facilitate their growth. "We’re on a mission to support thriving startups around the world by connecting them to the right people, products, and best practices," she mentioned.
Das's impressive background also includes roles with the Trident Group in India, as well as internships at Standard Chartered Bank and Aludecor. She has donned multiple hats throughout her career—from sales leader and marketer to product manager and startup founder. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (BBA) with First Class Honours from Lancaster University, alongside a strong foundation from Chettinad Vidyashram in Chennai, where she served as Cultural Secretary.
Beyond her professional achievements, Das is actively involved in advocating for women in startups. She serves as the Chair of the Women in Startups Committee at FICCI, striving to enhance visibility and access to capital for women-led ventures. Her journey reflects resilience, dedication, and the importance of pursuing one's passions.
