Kartik Desai, born in Delhi and raised in Geneva and New York, leads Asha Impact, an impact investing and policy advocacy platform for major Indian business leaders, UHNIs and philanthropists to invest in scalable, for-profit social enterprises. A Wharton and Columbia University graduate who started his career with Merrill Lynch, he is considered a pioneer of the impact financing ecosystem in India, having worked at the two largest impact funds (Lok Capital & Aavishkaar), leading India’s first virtual fund for social sector startups, judging a reality TV show on impact investing, launching a co-working and events space for underprivileged youth, representing 40+ major investors as board member of the industry association, writing several op-eds, advising the government on development policy issues, and being selected as a ‘Champions of Change’ by the PMO and Niti Aayog.

This talk gives us a detailed understanding of various financial aspects. He addresses topics related to the youth which make his talk more impactful. His ideas extend far ahead of the ordinary. Using his personal experiences and unique interactions with freedom, unity and inclusion, he beautifully explains the importance of the youth and how we should work to become responsible citizens and human beings.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED Conference format but independently organized by a local community. Kartik, born in Delhi and raised in Geneva and New York, leads Asha Impact, an impact investing and policy advocacy platform for major Indian business leaders, UHNIs and philanthropists to invest in scalable, for-profit social enterprises. A Wharton and Columbia University graduate who has worked with the UNDP and Merrill Lynch, he is considering one of the pioneers of the impact financing ecosystem in India, having worked at the three major impact funds, judging a reality TV show on impact investing, launching a social enterprise to help underprivileged youth, representing 40+ major investors as board member of the industry association, writing several op-eds and advising the government on development finance policy issues. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx