T-Hub, India's premier startup incubator based in Hyderabad, has appointed Kavikrut as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 10, 2025. A seasoned business leader and former Chief Growth Officer at OYO, Kavikrut brings extensive experience in scaling businesses and driving innovation. His appointment signals a strategic move to strengthen T-Hub’s role in nurturing startups and fostering global entrepreneurship.
Professional Background
Kavikrut has a strong track record in business growth and startup development:
- Early Career: He began as a healthcare startup founder before taking on leadership roles at Amazon and the Piramal Group.
- OYO Experience: During his tenure at OYO, he was instrumental in expanding the company’s presence across over 100 cities in India, launching new ventures, and leading international expansion into Japan in partnership with Yahoo! Japan and SoftBank Japan.
- Education: Kavikrut holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MSc in Finance from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani.
Transition at T-Hub
Kavikrut succeeds Sujit Jagirdar, who served as interim CEO following the departure of Mahankali Srinivas Rao in October 2024. His leadership is expected to accelerate T-Hub’s mission of empowering entrepreneurs and helping startups scale globally.
Statements on the Appointment
Commenting on his new role, Kavikrut said, "I am excited by the potential of Hyderabad, the city I hail from, as it steadily grows into a hub for startups building products and services from India for the world."
Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary for Information Technology and Industries in the Government of Telangana, stated, "Kavikrut’s passion for startups, global experience, and hands-on operational skills make him the ideal leader for T-Hub. His leadership will play a crucial role in making India a powerhouse of entrepreneurship."
Our Opinion on the News
Kavikrut’s appointment marks a key moment for Hyderabad’s startup ecosystem. With his deep experience in scaling businesses and fostering innovation, he is well-positioned to elevate T-Hub’s role as a global startup enabler. His leadership could drive further investment, innovation, and international recognition for India’s entrepreneurial landscape.