Mayur Valkunde: From Engineer to Entrepreneur and Influencer

In today’s digital era, where careers often take unexpected turns, Mayur Valkunde’s journey stands out as an inspiring blend of persistence, adaptability, and vision. Starting with a technical background and moving into the creative and entrepreneurial space, he has carved a niche for himself as both a business leader and a lifestyle influencer.

Early Education and Career Foundation

Mayur completed his engineering degree in 2018, a path that gave him technical discipline and problem-solving skills. Eager to broaden his expertise beyond engineering, he pursued an MBA in Marketing and Human Resources. This dual foundation of technical and managerial knowledge set the stage for his diverse professional journey.

Post-MBA, he stepped into the corporate world, where he worked for nearly three years. While managing his job responsibilities, he simultaneously explored opportunities in content creation and brand collaborations. These early experiences with brands not only sharpened his creative instincts but also helped him understand how digital platforms were transforming modern marketing.

Transition into Entrepreneurship

Balancing a demanding job and side projects was not easy, yet Mayur continued building his personal brand and expanding his professional network. Eventually, he decided to take the entrepreneurial leap. This decision led to the founding of Glow and Rise Media Pvt. Ltd., a Pune-based media and advertising company established in May 2023.

The company reflects his belief in the power of digital storytelling and influencer-driven marketing. Registered as a private limited firm, Glow and Rise Media is actively involved in advertising and content creation, helping brands connect with audiences in meaningful ways. Mayur leads the company as its Founder and CEO, supported by co-directors who share his vision of growth and innovation in the digital space.

Rise as an Influencer

Alongside his entrepreneurial venture, Mayur has steadily built a presence as a lifestyle influencer. His Instagram showcases collaborations with well-known lifestyle and grooming brands, including campaigns promoting products like men’s fragrances. His content style blends relatability with aspirational value, striking a balance that resonates with a young and engaged audience.

Mayur’s influence extends beyond Instagram. He has cultivated a strong community on YouTube, crossing the milestone of 100,000 subscribers. His video content adds depth to his influencer profile, enabling him to diversify his reach and create long-form connections with his audience.

Recognition and Reach

His growing influence has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, he was featured in FeedSpot’s “Top 80 Men’s Lifestyle Influencers” list, an acknowledgment of his impact in the men’s lifestyle category. Independent influencer directories also estimate his reach at around 130,000 with an engagement rate of nearly 3%, placing him in a competitive tier among Indian creators.

Balancing Business and Influence

What sets Mayur apart is his ability to balance the worlds of business and influence. Many influencers focus solely on content creation, while entrepreneurs often stay behind the scenes. Mayur has merged both roles—building his own company while also being the face of lifestyle campaigns. This dual approach allows him to understand brand needs from both perspectives: as a marketer who runs an agency and as an influencer who engages directly with consumers.

Looking Ahead

With Glow and Rise Media Pvt. Ltd. steadily expanding and his personal influence continuing to grow, Mayur Valkunde represents a new generation of professionals who redefine traditional career paths. His story highlights how skills gained in engineering and management can evolve into a career at the intersection of entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and content creation.

From corporate offices to influencer campaigns, from engineering classrooms to the boardroom of his own company, Mayur’s journey reflects adaptability and forward-thinking. For young professionals exploring unconventional career choices, his path is a reminder that combining passion with business sense can open doors to both creative fulfillment and professional success.