Interview with Dr. Rishabh Malhotra
Dr. Rishabh Malhotra is a renowned philanthropist and first-generation entrepreneur from India with over 25 years of experience in business and social impact. He is the founder of the Inventivepreneur Chamber of Commerce and Industries, a platform dedicated to fostering global business collaborations and supporting startups. Known for his initiatives like the Innovation Marathon and Investors Pitch Day, Dr. Malhotra has played a pivotal role in bridging industries with government policies and promoting entrepreneurship. His contributions extend beyond business, as he actively supports women empowerment, education, and social welfare programs across India.
Interviewer: Hello, Dr. Malhotra. To begin, can you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey so far?
Dr. Rishabh Malhotra: Hello. I am Dr. Rishabh Malhotra, a philanthropist and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in business and social impact. My journey started with a passion for innovation and a vision to bridge businesses with investors, policymakers, and global markets. Through various initiatives, I have impacted thousands of businesses and contributed to the socio-economic development of India.
Interviewer: You have been actively involved in both business and philanthropy. How do you balance these two aspects of your life?
Dr. Rishabh Malhotra: Business and philanthropy are interconnected for me. My business success provides the resources to fund social initiatives, while my philanthropic work strengthens my network and understanding of real-world challenges. I prioritize strategic planning, delegation, and collaboration with experts to ensure both areas get the attention they deserve.
Interviewer: What inspired you to start the Inventivepreneur Chamber of Commerce and Industries, and what impact has it created?
Dr. Rishabh Malhotra: I noticed a gap in how businesses, investors, and policymakers interacted. There was no structured platform that could facilitate seamless collaborations. I founded ICCI to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and investors under one roof. Over the years, this platform has enabled countless businesses to scale, secure investments, and expand globally.
Interviewer: You initiated the Innovation Marathon across India. How did this program help in identifying and supporting innovations?
Dr. Rishabh Malhotra: The Innovation Marathon was designed to reach even the remotest corners of India, recognizing and supporting groundbreaking ideas. With my team of investors, mentors, and government agencies, we traveled across 29 states and union territories, identifying innovations from tribal communities, rural women, and students. These innovators were provided funding, mentorship, and exposure to global markets, ensuring their ideas translated into real-world solutions.
Interviewer: How do you see the role of angel investors in shaping India’s business ecosystem?
Dr. Rishabh Malhotra: Angel investors play a critical role in fueling early-stage businesses. With the rise of mid-sized firms in India, competition for funding has increased. Through initiatives like Investors Pitch Day, I have worked towards creating a structured platform where startups can present their ideas, secure investments, and receive the right valuation. This not only benefits businesses but also strengthens India’s position as a global hub for entrepreneurship.
Interviewer: You have worked closely with government agencies. Can you elaborate on your efforts in bridging industries with government policies?
Dr. Rishabh Malhotra: Government policies play a significant role in business growth, but many businesses struggle to understand and adapt to them. I have taken the initiative to educate entrepreneurs about policies like GST and various business incentives. At the same time, I act as a voice for businesses, conveying their concerns and feedback to the government. This two-way communication ensures a comprehensive approach to policymaking.
Interviewer: During the COVID-19 pandemic, you led various social initiatives. Can you share some of the key efforts you made?
Dr. Rishabh Malhotra: The pandemic was a challenging time, and I felt a strong responsibility to step in. I organized relief efforts in Delhi, distributing ration kits, hygiene supplies, and educational materials to children. Recognizing the surge in domestic violence, I launched a 24/7 helpline for women and children, providing legal and psychological support. Additionally, I facilitated business collaborations between Indian entrepreneurs and global leaders, ensuring businesses could survive and adapt to the crisis.
Interviewer: Women empowerment is an important issue. What steps have you taken to support women entrepreneurs and professionals?
Dr. Rishabh Malhotra: I firmly believe that empowering women strengthens society as a whole. I have adopted five women’s skill centers, where women receive training in sewing, beauty treatment, and computer literacy. These initiatives help women gain financial independence. Moreover, through my business platforms, I actively promote women-led startups, ensuring they receive the mentorship and funding needed for growth.
Interviewer: You have traveled internationally for business delegations. How do you see India’s position in the global economy?
Dr. Rishabh Malhotra: India is emerging as a global powerhouse. Our talent pool, innovative mindset, and government initiatives make us attractive to international investors. Through business delegations to Europe and Asia, I have worked on strengthening India’s trade relationships, attracting foreign investments, and showcasing Indian innovations to the world.
Interviewer: What do you think is lacking in India’s startup ecosystem, and how can it be improved?
Dr. Rishabh Malhotra: While India has a vibrant startup ecosystem, there are gaps in funding access, mentorship, and scalability. Many startups struggle beyond the initial funding stage. We need more structured mentorship programs, government-backed funding mechanisms, and global networking opportunities. Strengthening these aspects will make Indian startups more competitive on a global scale.
Interviewer: You have received numerous awards and recognitions. Which ones are most significant to you?
Dr. Rishabh Malhotra: Every recognition is special because it signifies the impact of my work. Some of the most notable include appreciation from the Government of Belarus for fostering business ties, recognition from Shri Suresh Prabhu for the Innovation Marathon, and being awarded Social Business Dean of the Year by Shri Vijay Sampla. The support and appreciation I receive motivate me to keep pushing forward.
Interviewer: Looking at the future, what are your long-term goals?
Dr. Rishabh Malhotra: My vision is to build a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable business ecosystem. I want to see Indian entrepreneurs leading global markets, social initiatives reaching every corner of the country, and a stronger collaboration between industries and government. I will continue working on bridging gaps, supporting startups, and expanding global business opportunities for Indian enterprises.
Interviewer: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and philanthropists?
Dr. Rishabh Malhotra: My advice would be to stay persistent, embrace learning, and never hesitate to take risks. Success isn’t just about making money; it’s about making a difference. If you align your business goals with societal impact, you’ll create something that lasts beyond your lifetime.
Interviewer: Thank you for this insightful conversation, Dr. Malhotra. Your journey is truly inspiring.
Dr. Rishabh Malhotra: Thank you. It was a pleasure sharing my experiences. I hope my journey inspires many to work towards innovation and positive change.
