Proudest Mentor Moment
"A couple of years ago, one of the founders I was mentoring went through a terrible cycle of setbacks after raising his seed round. He went through a co-founder divorce, investors reneging on capital commitments, and friendships fading. 18 months later, he surfaced from the belly of the whale with incredible optimism, revenue growth, a fresh fundraising round, and a healthy team. Most importantly, during the difficult phase of a startup's growth, he emerged as an even more thoughtful, conscientious leader. I was there as a sounding board to help him take his product to market, raise capital, and manage board conflicts. Often in venture, we are too quick to bail on companies in times of crisis. When you choose to accompany a founder, it is most important to be there in times of difficulty, not in times of abundance."
About
Mehul Bhagat founded Elea Collective and works across purpose-driven entrepreneurship, impact investing and institutional philanthropy.
Founder, Elea Collective
Mehul Bhagat founded Elea Collective, a global community for post-exit founders, serial entrepreneurs and investors interested in purpose-driven ventures. Earlier, he co-founded World Within, a holding company involved in technology businesses across healthcare, agriculture and logistics, before its exit.
Bhagat is a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center and a board member of Generation Pledge. He previously chaired the Emory Global Health Institute’s board. His work connects entrepreneurship, capital and public purpose, including how founders and investors structure ventures and direct resources toward social impact. That perspective draws on both company-building and nonprofit governance rather than a single industry.
Experience Mehul brings to founders
- Purpose-driven entrepreneurship
- Impact investing
- Venture formation
- Board governance
- Philanthropy
Operating and investing experience
A selection of companies and roles connected to Mehul Bhagat.
Ventures
Elea Collective
Founder
World Within
Former co-founder
Atlantic Council
Nonresident Fellow, South Asia Center
Generation Pledge
Board member
Highlights
- Founded Elea Collective.
- Co-founded World Within before its exit.
- Previously chaired the Emory Global Health Institute’s board.
Questionsfounders ask aboutMehul Bhagat
Who is Mehul Bhagat?
Mehul Bhagat founded Elea Collective and works across purpose-driven entrepreneurship, impact investing and institutional philanthropy.
What experience does Mehul Bhagat bring to mentoring?
Their experience spans purpose-driven entrepreneurship, impact investing, venture formation, board governance and philanthropy.
The best founder mentors
are founders themselves.
Know someone who belongs in the EWOR Fellowship?
Nominate a founder