Shri Khalid Wani is a name that increasingly finds mention across India’s boardrooms, investor circles, and academic stages. A 40under40 honoree, he is widely recognised as a strategic mind who understands both the numbers and the narrative, blending financial foresight with brand thinking in a way few others can.
With experience across industries such as mobility, food innovation, entertainment, public policy, and consulting, Khalid has been part of India’s entrepreneurial story long before it became mainstream. Today, his journey continues to inspire thousands while quietly shaping business conversations across Asia.
Entrepreneurship Before It Was Mainstream
Khalid’s entrepreneurial instincts showed up early. He launched Music Matters India at a time when India’s independent music scene was still in its infancy. The company managed artists, produced large-format college and club shows, and booked international acts across India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Back then, very few platforms existed to support non-film musicians and Khalid was among the early voices who created one.
He also became one of the earliest contributors to India’s EV revolution by founding JanVaahan, an electric vehicle mobility solution aimed at improving public transportation in semi-urban and rural India. This venture helped lay the groundwork for what is today a national mission.
Since then, he has built and led ventures across food manufacturing, mobility, retail, design, and branding. Each of these startups offered lessons in scale, people management, and market dynamics, creating a strong foundation for what would come next.
Consulting Meets Capital
As the Founder & CEO of KWCG (Khalid Wani Consulting Group), Khalid works with a diverse set of clients ranging from early-stage ventures and large family offices to global companies looking to enter or expand in India. His consulting focus spans brand building, growth strategy, business intelligence, and investor readiness. While he rarely advertises his client list, those who’ve worked with him know they’re in expert hands.
Simultaneously, he serves as the Investment Director at One Capitall Limited, a registered NBFC where he leads private debt and equity funding solutions for startups. His understanding of private equity, capital structures, and investor behaviour is often described as “street-smart with substance.” Founders value his input not just for fundraising, but for the financial clarity and resilience that comes after.
Over the years, Khalid has also made strategic investments in ventures spanning tech, design, FMCG, food, and sustainable living, carefully choosing ideas that solve real-world problems and have potential for long-term social and economic value.
A Voice That Resonates Across Audiences
Khalid has delivered over 250 keynote sessions and masterclasses across India’s top-tier institutions including IITs, IIMs, IISERs, as well as ICSE/CBSE schools. A TEDx speaker and frequent guest on national radio and television, he’s been invited to speak on topics like how startups can attract funding, what investors really look for, and how branding is more than just logos and taglines.
His sessions are known for being engaging, grounded, and practical, often leaving audiences with tools they can apply immediately. Whether he’s speaking to first-year students or seasoned executives, Khalid’s ability to break down complex ideas into actionable insights makes him a sought-after mentor across Asia. While you’re reading this, there’s a strong chance he’s in a packed auditorium delivering one of his trademark power-packed talks.
Building for Impact
What sets Khalid apart isn’t just his portfolio, it’s his purpose. He is currently working on a startup that aims to create employment opportunities for the educated unemployed, blue-collar workers, and persons with disabilities. The platform will leverage technology and partnerships to connect underserved communities with real, sustainable income sources. Khalid is personally funding this mission, committing his life savings to create impact at scale.
In parallel, he champions environmental sustainability through his event initiative, planting a tree for every Rs.100 donated during public sessions. It’s a small gesture, but a powerful statement on responsibility and legacy.
The Digital Footprint of a Leader
With a cumulative social media following of over 500,000, Khalid Wani is not only a thought leader in conference rooms, but also on screens across India. His content reflects a unique blend of personal experience, strategic insight, and future-facing optimism. His online voice mirrors who he is offline, sharp, relatable, and purpose-driven.
In a country rapidly evolving with ideas and ambition, Khalid Wani stands out as someone who doesn’t just follow trends, he often sets them.
