Our Speaker

Ananya Birla

Ananya Birla

Founder, Chairperson & Director, Svatantra Microfinance
Ananya Birla

As Founder & CEO of three entrepreneurial ventures, Ananya Birla strives to bring a positive change in the world. Starting at an early age 17, her hardwork, vision and dedication have been the key to the success of her many endeavours. Svatantra Microfinance is an organization that supports women entrepreneurs in the Indian rural countryside to grow their own businesses; CuroCarte enables premium global handicraft products made available to an extensive audience via e-commerce platform; and Mpower is a mental health initiative that works towards eliminating the stigma associated with mental health illnesses.

Honoured as being the recipient of laurels like Hello! Hall of Fame's 'Corporate Debutante Award', the Skoch Award for the 'Best Startup (2014)', the 'Leading Woman in Microfinance Award', and the CNBC Young Business Woman Award, Ananya has also been featured in Miss Vogue's list of '28 Geniuses Under 28', Forbes Asia's list of 'Women to Watch Out For in 2016', in the 'Top 50 Power Women of 2016' by Verve Magazine.