Niraj Khanal is an entrepreneurship ecosystem enabler, startup mentor and investor committed to strengthening Nepal’s innovation and startup landscape. With more than a decade of experience, he has worked with founders, investors, government agencies and academic institutions to build vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems. As Founding Executive Chairperson of Antarprerana and Co-Founder and Director of Byapar Briddhi Bikalpa and KGS Inc., he leads initiatives in incubation, acceleration, investment readiness and strategic growth. He also contributes to entrepreneurship policy, facilitates access to domestic and international investment and teaches Entrepreneurship and Innovation at leading universities, helping shape Nepal’s next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Deepti Khakurel is a development and entrepreneurship professional with more than 18 years of experience advancing local economic development, governance and inclusive private sector growth across Nepal and internationally. As Director at Antarprerana and Co-Founder and Director of KGS Inc., she leads startup incubation, investment readiness and strategic advisory for MSMEs, business associations and ecosystem partners. An active angel investor, she supports purpose-driven startups with growth and investment. Her experience spans leadership roles within the private sector, international development organizations and institutional capacity building. She is committed to fostering inclusive growth, gender equity and entrepreneurship as a driver of lasting economic transformation.

Dilip Gurung is a strategic planning and organizational development specialist with extensive experience strengthening business membership organizations and supporting the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises. As Director at Antarprerana and Founding Partner at KGS Inc., he designs and facilitates strategic planning processes, leadership development programs and organizational transformation initiatives tailored to local contexts. His work focuses on building resilient institutions, strengthening governance and enabling sustainable growth through practical and participatory approaches. By combining strategic execution with capacity building, he helps organizations enhance their long-term impact while contributing to a stronger and more collaborative entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Diwash Khakurel is an operations and business development professional with more than a decade of experience in program management, procurement and organizational leadership. As Director of Operations at Antarprerana, he oversees day-to-day operations, business development and the delivery of business incubation and entrepreneurship programs while coordinating with partners and stakeholders. His background spans consultancy, construction administration and youth development, giving him broad expertise in operational management and strategic execution. He is committed to building efficient systems, strengthening organizational performance and creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs and enterprises to grow and succeed.

Ishara Aryal is a marketing and branding professional with expertise in brand strategy, design and marketing. As Marketing and Branding Manager at Antarprerana, she leads initiatives that help startups and growing businesses build strong brand identities and connect with their target audiences. Her experience includes developing content strategies and marketing campaigns for leading Nepali and international brands by combining creativity with data-driven insights. Passionate about storytelling and strategic communication, she helps entrepreneurs strengthen their market presence through compelling branding, effective packaging and customer-focused marketing solutions.

Arnesh Shrestha is a graphic designer and digital creative with a background in visual communication, frontend development and multimedia production. As Graphic Designer at Antarprerana, he creates compelling brand assets, marketing materials and digital content that support entrepreneurship programs and startup engagement. With experience in graphic design, video editing and web development, he combines technical expertise with creative thinking to deliver impactful visual solutions across print and digital platforms. His multidisciplinary approach helps startups and organizations communicate their ideas effectively while strengthening brand identity and enhancing user engagement through thoughtful and engaging design.

Saujanya Timilsina is a finance and investment professional with expertise in investment readiness, financial analysis and startup advisory. As an Investment Manager at Antarprerana, he works closely with startups and SMEs to develop business plans, build financial models and prepare compelling investment materials that connect founders with the right investors. His experience spans auditing, due diligence, valuation and risk assessment, enabling him to support both entrepreneurs and investors throughout the investment process.

Netra Bahadur Khadka is an emerging development finance professional with interests in entrepreneurship, business development and financial management. As an Investment Assistant at Antarprerana, he supports administrative operations, financial processes and program coordination that strengthen the organization's entrepreneurship initiatives. His experience includes startup support, business consulting and youth engagement through internships and fellowship programs with entrepreneurship-focused organizations. With a strong foundation in finance, project management and problem solving, he is committed to supporting entrepreneurs, improving organizational efficiency and contributing to the growth of Nepal's startup ecosystem.

Amina Manandhar is a business and project coordination professional with a strong interest in entrepreneurship, people, and creating meaningful impact. She brings strengths in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, communication, and turning ideas into action, with a practical and detail-oriented approach to her work. Her experience involves coordinating teams and stakeholders, managing activities from the ground up, and navigating fast-paced environments with adaptability and ownership. Curious by nature and always eager to learn, Amina values genuine connections, continuous growth, and creating work that makes a meaningful difference.

Aaditya Singh Thapa is an investment professional with a strong interest in startups, business development, and investment analysis. As an Investment Analyst at Antarprerana, he works on identifying and evaluating potential investment opportunities, conducting market and industry research, and supporting the investment team throughout the investment process. His work includes assessing startups, analyzing market trends and competitive landscapes, conducting preliminary due diligence, and preparing research briefs and investment materials to support informed decision-making. He also works closely with startups, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders while supporting Antarprerana’s entrepreneurship and investment programs. With a practical and research-oriented approach, Aaditya is focused on identifying promising businesses and contributing to the growth of Nepal’s startup and investment ecosystem.