Nitish is an experienced professional in finance, impact investment, and supply chain management, with a deep focus on food and agriculture sector. With a career spanning banking, microfinance, and impact investing, he has built expertise in risk assessment, business growth strategies, and fund mobilization.
Currently, he is serving as a VP- Strategy & Investments at Ayekart Fintech, the Organization dedicated to strengthening agriculture and food supply chain ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in sourcing agricultural commodities and distribution of food products to the end retailers, thus providing market linkages for every value chain player including Farmers, FPOs, Processors/ Millers, Manufacturers, Distributors and retailers.
Linkedin ; https://in.linkedin.com/in/nitish-bharadwaj21
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A. The Journey has been interesting but the road hasn’t always been easy. There were moments of uncertainty and challenges, but IIFM prepared me to face them with confidence. Looking back, I realize that those lessons were important and the lifetime connections that you make in the Campus & otherwise, is what drives your journey. The journey ahead will surprise you in ways you can’t even imagine—so stay curious, keep learning, and trust the process.
Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. My journey has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with invaluable experiences and lessons at every turn. I started my career working on the ground with a small NGO Centre for people’s Forestry as a program executive where I learned firsthand the grassroots operations – working with tribal farmers. While the work was meaningful, I quickly realized that my skill set might be better suited elsewhere. From there, I stepped into Microfinance operations having worked with Sahayog Microfinance (Thanks to Praveen sir, Priyam Khare and Ankit Pawar for introducing me to MFI) wherein I understood the terms like Portfolio, Delinquency, PAR, Asset Liability Management and managed MFI operations in Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra, however, the Organization struggled later and so I had to look for other options.
Thanks to Lalit Kumar & Shubham for guiding me towards opportunities at YES Bank & later Axis Bank, that helped me understand the core fundamentals of business— assessing risks, manage portfolios, working capital finance, & commodity finance. The hands-on experience of meeting business owners, gatecrashing factories to get the deals, scouting for business opportunities in Agri mandis (real essence of business development😊) taught me the art of relationship building & networking. It was in these bustling markets and factory floors that I learned how to negotiate effectively, and close the deals. These experiences played a crucial role in shaping my current perspective on financial sustainability and business growth. All this knowledge has been crucial in my current role.
Later, I moved into the world of impact investment, working with Caspian Impact Investments. This was a turning point in my career wherein I got a chance to interact with the thought leaders, CXOs of the start-ups/ early-stage companies, Investors and accelerators/ Incubators, understanding the business from an entrepreneurial mindset who wants to grow his/ her business at pace but sustainably. It was about getting aligned to their vision and presenting the proposal to the Investment committee if there is the conviction in the founder’s story/ numbers. This experience was not only intellectually stimulating but also strategically enriching, teaching me to think big while maintaining a pragmatic approach. Along the way, I formed lifelong friendships with remarkable individuals who continue to be my mentors and guides.
Now, as I raise funds (equity & debt) & strategies growth for my company – Ayekart Fintech, I find myself drawing from all these experiences—working in the field, learning how the businesses grow, and most importantly what not to do in the business, thereby contributing small part in making a successful Organization.
For me, the most fulfilling part of this journey has been the incredible network of people I’ve had the privilege to connect with—Founders, VCs, Lenders, Consultants, and most importantly the doers- executing things on the ground. Each conversation and relationship have been a learning experience. Sorry for the cliche’ that “your network is your net worth,” but I believe it’s more than that. It’s about how you nurture those relationships, share knowledge, and grow together. Every step in the way has been a learning curve, teaching me the importance of hard work, adaptability, and staying true to the purpose.
Q. How has been your experience in your current Organization? What all areas have you been working here?
A. The experience in my current organization has been both challenging and rewarding. Building something from ground up is never easy, and this journey has been no exception. When we started, one of the toughest hurdles was raising funds. I still vividly remember the initial phase—pitching our vision, refining our plans, and facing rejection after rejection. There were times when we heard “no” a hundred times before hearing a single “yes.” But those rejections taught us invaluable lessons—how to refine our approach, better articulate our value proposition, and, most importantly, stay resilient. It was a difficult terrain to navigate, but perseverance and humility kept us going.
In my role, I’ve had the opportunity to work across multiple areas—building partnerships, raising funds, managing cashflows and brainstorming strategies. I know the road ahead will be even steeper, but I welcome the challenges. This journey has taught me that success is not a destination; it’s a process of continuous learning, adapting, and growing.
Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A. Deeply rewarding aspect is building and leading a team that shares the same passion and vision. It’s incredible to see ideas take shape, challenges get solved, and goals being achieved when everyone works together with purpose.
On a personal level, I also find immense satisfaction in problem-solving—every challenge we overcome, every innovative solution we implement, brings a sense of achievement. And knowing that these efforts not only strengthen our company’s balance sheet but also contribute to the success and sustainability of our customers’ businesses makes it all the more meaningful.
Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A. Absolutely. It has helped me in many ways. IIFM wasn’t just an academic journey; it was a life lesson that continues to shape who I am, both personally and professionally. One of the most impactful aspects of IIFM has been the opportunity to see and learn from alumni who have made significant strides in their respective fields. The kind of work and accolades our alumni have achieved speak volumes about the role IIFM plays in shaping professionals who go on to make a meaningful impact in their careers and the world. The success stories of our alumni have always sparked a sense of inspiration in me.
Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your careers? What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles.
A. The biggest influencers in my career after IIFM have been many people I’ve encountered along the way—especially the leaders within Caspian Impact Investments and Ayekart Fintech, the founding members and CXOs of some of the Organizations in my portfolio and my wife Manika Bharadwaj (who started her career as a UI/ UX professional after our daughter turned 3, and watching her excel in her field while balancing multiple roles has been incredibly motivating). And, most importantly, my father’s unwavering support has been the backbone of my journey. His values and wisdom have been my guiding light through every challenge and success.
For freshers and IIFM graduates looking to enter similar sectors or roles, here’s what I would suggest:
- Embrace learning from everyone – whether it’s mentors, peers and those you look up to. Don’t just focus on their success but also understand their challenges and how they overcame them.
- Stay authentic – It’s easy to get caught up in the external noise—what others are doing, what’s trending—but the key is to focus on what feels right for you.
- Build relationships – that go beyond transactional. The people you meet and collaborate with will define the direction of your career.
- Lastly, be adaptable – trust in God and keep doing your work.
Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?
A. Sunday Biryani was an event in itself—something we all looked forward to 🙂 Those random jokes while sitting in someone’s room in the hostel until 2 or 3 AM and the Late-night strolls in the campus, legendary Birthday celebrations at Neem tree, Fierce Cricket matches are some unforgettable moments 😊!
And how can I forget the lectures by Dharni Sir and Yogesh Dubey Sir? They didn’t just teach; they had a style—a swag—that made even the most complex topics engaging. Their energy, humor, and unconventional way of explaining things made their classes something to look forward to.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. The friendships I made at IIFM were truly special. A few of us weren’t just classmates; we were a family, pushing each other to grow, sharing sleepless nights before deadlines, and having deep conversations about careers and life. Those bonds still hold strong today, and my friends from IIFM continue to be my biggest support system, both personally and professionally.
But if I had to highlight one major contributor, it would be the alumni association. IIFM has a deeply connected and supportive alumni network, and I was fortunate to experience it firsthand. Though I mentioned a few of our alumnus above, but one person who played a defining role in my journey is Siddharth Mani Iyer (PFM 09). In 2018, when I was exploring the job opportunities, Sid was graceful enough to drop his number on LinkedIn chat after which I called him up and started with my endless questions. He not only listened patiently but also offered guidance and support that helped me land an interview at Caspian, which became a turning point in my career. I still remember how meticulously he used to review my investment notes 😊, challenging my ideas and pushing me to think more critically. Those interactions weren’t just about feedback; they were lessons in strategic thinking and attention to detail. Even today, I can’t thank him enough for that conversation. Thank you, Sid! 😊
Looking back, I realize that IIFM didn’t just provide education—it provided a lifelong community. The support, mentorship, and opportunities that came from being part of this network have been invaluable in shaping my professional journey.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. Ohh there are many tidbits but would refrain opening them up in a public forum 😊.The best buddies include Parag Bhide (The most Honest person I have ever met), Deepak Goyal (Razor-sharp mind, someone who could crack any problem effortlessly), Amit Agarwal (A classic Baniya mind, but also one of the most intelligent and deep thinkers), Rajat Pratap Singh (My childhood friend and the most hardworking and committed among us.), Anuj Bansal (A heart of gold; and who will have everything in his Almirah from snacks to sewing machine) and Nupur Maroti (A great Professional with Shashi Tharoor English). All 6 of us were famous with the name of Guddu gang with one guddi (Nupur Maroti), who ended up marrying a guddu (Rajat Pratap Singh) later.
Apart from them, Amit Naskar, Anoop TP, Rana Pujari and Achin Phulre are also amazing friends.
Among the faculties, the best faculty I found was CSR Sir whose GIS lectures and Microsoft suite classes were amazing, and Ashutosh Verma Sir, from whom I first learned about all the debits & credits & the core concepts of financial accounting & Management & AK Dharni Sir who I think has the capacity to teach anything and everything from Forestry to AI with the same level of ease.
Q. As an alumni, what’s your advice to freshers or those are joining IIFM to get best out of the 2 years there?
A. To all the freshers joining IIFM—enjoy the journey and keep learning. Don’t get too caught up in worrying about outcomes or where you’ll end up. Trust me, you’ll reach exactly where you’re meant to be. The two years at IIFM will pass faster than you expect, so make the most of it. Be curious, step out of your comfort zone, and embrace every new learning opportunity—whether it’s through courses, field visits, internships, or even those late-night discussions with friends.
Don’t take academics lightly. Strong fundamentals in finance, economics, sustainability, and analytics will give you a solid foundation for any career path. Learning additional skills like financial modelling, advanced Excel, Power BI, and data analysis will make you more employable and open doors to better opportunities. Many recruiters look for these skills, and having them on your resume can set you apart.
Also, build genuine connections. The friendships and network form here will stay with you for life. Seniors, batchmates, faculty, and alumni—they all have experiences to share that can shape your career in ways you may not even realize now. Above all, enjoy the ride – Have fun, explore, fail, learn, and grow.
Q. Also, what would be your advise for recent graduates who look for changing their sector after working for couple of years?
A. For those looking to switch sectors after a few years of work—Be bold, keep learning, and stay connected with alumni and your professional network.
Your first or even second job after IIFM does not define your entire career. Many of us start in one domain and eventually find our way into something completely different. Mistakes will happen, failures will come your way, but what matters is how you learn from them and keep pushing forward. Don’t lock yourself into one fixed thought process—keep exploring!
If you ever feel that your current sector or organization isn’t aligning with your goals, remember, nothing is permanent. There’s no rule that says you must stay in one field forever.
The mantra is simple—keep learning, be bold, and actively build your network. Reach out to alumni, mentors, and professionals from different industries. Conversations and connections often open doors you never expected.
Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?
A. Whenever I get time, I love to travel—exploring new places, meeting people, and understanding different cultures. Family, of course, is my biggest support system.
One of the most cherished parts of my weekend is spending time with my 5-year-old daughter- Mishika. I make it a point to find time for her, watching her grow, learn, and explore the world (this is also to compensate for the time that I couldn’t give during weekdays and to feel that I am not a bad father).
My wife Manika plays a big role in our weekends as well. By Thursday/Friday, she prepares a list of new cuisines/ new Bookstore that she wants us to try, and we make sure to tick them off during the weekend. And lastly, networking isn’t just a professional habit; it’s something I truly enjoy. Whether it’s catching up with old friends, connecting with like-minded professionals, I make sure that I call them and have a chat.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A. Siddharth Mani Iyer, Parag Bhide, Deepak Goyal, Amit Agarwal, Nupur Maroti, Rana Pujari, Anoop TP, Pavan BK, Jaser Ali, Shreyas Joshi, Shubham Neekhra