From Rejection to Leadership: Ragini Das’s Journey to Head Google for Startups India

Ragini Das’s career trajectory is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Once rejected by Google, she now leads its startup initiatives in India, embodying the unpredictable yet rewarding path of entrepreneurship.

Early Career and Zomato Experience

In 2013, Ragini Das interviewed at both Google and Zomato. While she didn’t make it through Google’s final round, she secured a position at Zomato, one of India’s leading food delivery platforms. Over six years, she played a pivotal role in Zomato’s global growth, particularly in expanding Zomato Gold, the company’s subscription-based service. Her tenure at Zomato was instrumental in shaping her understanding of the startup ecosystem.

Founding Leap.club

In 2019, Ragini co-founded Leap.club, a women-focused professional networking platform. The platform aimed to provide a space for women to connect, share experiences, and grow professionally. Under her leadership, Leap.club garnered attention for its innovative approach to networking and community building. However, due to financial challenges, the platform paused operations in June 2025.

A Full Circle Moment at Google

After the pause of Leap.club, Ragini took time to reflect and recharge. In August 2025, she discovered an opening at Google for a role that aligned perfectly with her journey. She applied and, after a thorough selection process, was appointed as the Head of Google for Startups India. In her announcement, she described the opportunity as a “full circle” moment, highlighting the unexpected yet fulfilling nature of her career path.

Impact on India’s Startup Ecosystem

In her new role, Ragini is focused on supporting early-stage founders in India. Google for Startups aims to connect entrepreneurs with the right resources, networks, and mentorship to help them scale their ventures. Given India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, especially in Tier 2 cities, Ragini’s leadership is poised to make a significant impact.

Conclusion

Ragini Das’s journey from a rejected Google applicant to leading its startup initiatives in India underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the entrepreneurial world. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that setbacks can be stepping stones to greater achievements.