Google has hired entrepreneur Ragini Das as Head of Google for Startups, India. The appointment follows her public note that Google passed on her in 2013. Her new brief is to help early-stage founders access people, products, and practices that speed up growth.
This move matters for India’s startup pipeline. GfS runs equity-free accelerators, mentorship, and cloud perks that many first-time founders overlook. With an operator who has built a women-focused network and scaled at Zomato, founders may see more hands-on programs, clearer selection pathways, and better access to AI resources.
Who is Ragini Das?
Das spent six years at Zomato across sales, growth, and international expansion. In 2020 she co-founded Leap.club, a community-driven professional network for women that scaled to tens of thousands of members. In mid-2025, Leap.club paused operations and later shut down. The new Google role is her return to a company that once said no.
The 2013 rejection and the “full circle” moment
As she has said publicly, she reached the final rounds at Google in 2013 but didn’t make it. She joined Zomato instead, which shaped her operating toolkit and network. The message to founders is simple: careers zigzag; the compounding happens over time.
What Google for Startups India actually does
GfS India runs three-month, equity-free accelerators for Seed to Series A startups, including AI First cohorts. Founders get expert mentorship on product design, technical challenges, distribution, and leadership. There are also Google Cloud credits for eligible startups, plus alumni networks, technical clinics, and showcase moments.
Accelerator programs in India
Expect recurring “AI First” and India accelerator cohorts. These mix workshops, deep dives, and weekly mentor blocks. Selection favors teams with traction, a clear problem statement, and a technical path where Google’s tools can help.
Cloud credits and support
Early-stage startups can qualify for significant Google Cloud credits along with go-to-market guidance. For AI teams, the lift is not only infra cost relief but also access to product and security reviews.
Where to apply
Applications run through Google’s accelerator portals. Candidates outline their product, traction, key technical blockers, and the kind of help they need.
Why this hire matters for founders
A Head who has shipped inside a fast-growing consumer company and then built a networked community may push for practical clinics, more time with specialists, and clearer post-program follow-through. Women-led and underrepresented founders could see better outreach. The bigger shift to watch is how AI tooling and Cloud incentives weave into selection and mentoring.
Leap.club: what we know
Leap.club paused operations in mid-2025 and later shut down. The platform built community, events, and jobs for professional women. The arc shows how hard network effects are in career platforms, and why monetization and retention must be designed from month one. Founders can take two notes: keep your core use case crisp, and instrument retention beyond vanity metrics.
Quick start for applicants
Eligibility snapshot: Seed to Series A. Clear problem, live product, early users.
Docs to have: 1-pager, product demo, metrics deck, tech stack, top 3 blockers.
Timelines: Cohorts cycle through the year; shortlists often move fast.
Tips to strengthen an application:
- State the one sentence problem and who feels it most.
- Show weekly active users and retention in plain numbers.
- List top 3 technical challenges where mentors can unblock you.
- Bring a short demo that loads quickly on mobile.
- Add a security and privacy note if you use customer data or AI.
What this hire signals for founders
| Potential Upside | Possible Trade-off / Watch-out |
|---|---|
| More practical, operator-led mentoring blocks | Application volume may rise; selection could get tighter |
| Clearer pathways for AI-first teams | Heavier emphasis on technical readiness |
| Stronger outreach to women-led startups | Ecosystem efforts take time to show results |
| Better alumni follow-through | Cohort sizes may stay small to preserve quality |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the role limited to accelerators?
No. Expect ecosystem work with incubators, universities, investors, and alumni networks.
Who gets selected into cohorts?
Seed to Series A startups with clear problem statements, early traction, and solvable technical challenges.
Are programs equity-free?
Yes. Accelerators are equity-free; benefits vary by program.
Do non-AI startups qualify?
Yes, but AI-first cohorts are common. Show why Google’s tech stack can materially help you.
What do Cloud credits cover?
Eligible startups can receive credits toward Google Cloud infrastructure that offset compute and storage as they scale.
When do applications open?
Cohorts recur across the year. Subscribe for updates and track deadlines on the accelerator pages.
What should a founder prepare before applying?
A concise deck, a working demo, honest retention numbers, and three specific asks for mentors.
Will women-led teams be prioritized?
There’s no published quota. Outreach and community building for women founders are likely to stay in focus.
Featured Snippet Boxes
What is Ragini Das’s new role at Google?
Ragini Das is the new Head of Google for Startups, India. She will work with founders and ecosystems to connect them with mentors, programs, and Google products. The focus includes equity-free accelerators, AI support, and access to resources that help early-stage teams grow.
What is Google for Startups India?
Google for Startups India runs equity-free accelerators and founder programs. Teams get mentorship, technical deep dives, and access to credits and tools. Cohorts often focus on AI-driven products with Seed to Series A traction, plus alumni networks that continue after the program.
Did Leap.club shut down?
Leap.club, the women-focused professional network co-founded by Das, paused operations in mid-2025 and later shut down. The platform built a strong community but faced the usual challenges of scaling social-professional networks and monetization.
How can I apply to a Google for Startups cohort?
Apply through Google’s accelerator portals. You’ll share your product, traction, and the top technical blocks you want help with. Keep your pitch brief, metrics clear, and ask precise. A quick mobile demo and retention proof are strong plus points.
