Upasana Taku: Building MobiKwik and Driving Women-Led Fintech Innovation
In India’s fast-growing digital economy, few names stand out like Upasana Taku, the co-founder and Chairperson of MobiKwik. As one of the few women leading a major fintech company in India, she has not only helped shape the country’s digital payments ecosystem but also paved the way for more women to step into leadership roles in technology and finance.
From Engineer to Entrepreneur
Upasana Taku’s journey began with a strong foundation in engineering. She holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from NIT Jalandhar and a Master’s in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University. Before returning to India, she worked with global financial companies like HSBC and PayPal, where she gained deep insights into payments and risk management systems.
In 2009, she and Bipin Preet Singh co-founded MobiKwik with a vision to simplify digital payments for millions of Indians. What started as a mobile recharge platform has evolved into a full-fledged fintech company offering digital wallets, UPI payments, loans, insurance, and investment services.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
When Upasana started out, the fintech industry in India was largely male-dominated. Yet, her determination and focus on innovation helped MobiKwik stand tall among the country’s top digital finance companies. She is a strong advocate for women in technology and entrepreneurship, often emphasizing the need for equal opportunities and representation.
Her leadership style is hands-on and purpose-driven — focusing not only on business growth but also on building trust and inclusivity in financial services. Under her guidance, MobiKwik has reached millions of users and partnered with thousands of merchants across India.
Championing Financial Inclusion
Upasana believes that technology should bridge gaps, not widen them. Her work at MobiKwik reflects this belief — by offering simple, accessible financial tools to users across India, especially those outside metro cities. The company’s digital lending and credit solutions have empowered many small businesses and first-time borrowers to manage their finances with confidence.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond her professional success, Upasana Taku serves as an inspiration to aspiring women entrepreneurs. She encourages women to take bold steps, trust their instincts, and not be afraid of failure. Her journey is a testament to resilience, clarity of purpose, and the power of hard work.
A Leader Redefining Fintech
Upasana’s vision continues to drive MobiKwik toward becoming a household name in digital finance. Her story is more than just about business success — it’s about breaking stereotypes, creating impact, and redefining what leadership looks like in the fintech world.
