India’s armed forces are known for producing disciplined leaders, but for some former military professionals, the journey does not end with the uniform. From startups and fintech to deep-tech and global technology leadership, several veterans are now using the skills they developed in service to build businesses and shape industries.

Their stories highlight how discipline, decision-making, teamwork and the ability to perform under pressure can translate into powerful entrepreneurial advantages.

Turning Military Experience Into Startup Expertise

For former Indian Air Force Wing Commander Anthony Anish, the transition from military service to entrepreneurship opened an entirely new chapter. After leaving the IAF, Anish became part of the founding team of MyGate, a technology platform focused on digitising security and residential management in housing societies.

His military experience proved particularly valuable while working on the platform’s security systems. His understanding of security operations helped the team develop solutions suited to real-world residential challenges.

Anish later served as Chief Operating Officer of T-Hub, Telangana’s startup incubator, before moving into startup and SME advisory through Factoryal and becoming an investment committee member at Jamwant Ventures, which focuses on deep-tech and defence startups.

A Fintech Built Exclusively for Armed Forces Families

Retired Colonel Sanjeev Govila took a different entrepreneurial route after 27 years in the Army. Having frequently helped fellow officers with financial decisions, he saw an opportunity to turn that experience into a business.

After taking voluntary retirement in 2010, Govila co-founded Hum Fauji Initiatives with his wife. The New Delhi-based financial advisory firm focuses exclusively on armed forces personnel and their families.

The company has onboarded around 3,500 families and provides services ranging from children’s financial planning to retirement and investment advice. Its specialised focus reflects Govila’s belief in serving a specific community deeply rather than expanding indiscriminately.

Building AI for Critical Infrastructure

Former IAF pilot Chandan Singh Rathore turned an operational challenge he witnessed during his military career into a deep-tech venture.

After noticing communication gaps between sensors, command centres and personnel during emergencies, Rathore co-founded Coreshield in 2023 with technology and defence professionals.

The IIT Delhi-based startup has developed an AI-powered security platform designed to make existing sensors, cameras, thermal systems and other security infrastructure more intelligent. Its Pulse platform analyses data from multiple sources and uses AI to identify unusual activity and potential threats in real time.

From IAF Officer to Technology Executive

Former IAF officer Teja Manakame took her military leadership experience into the technology sector. After serving in the Air Force for six years, she joined TCS as a developer during India’s growing IT boom.

She later joined Dell Technologies in 2005 and rose to become Vice President of IT after nearly two decades with the company. She has since taken on a technology leadership role at Curriculum Associates in India.

Manakame now focuses strongly on developing future technology leaders, particularly through mentorship and sessions on prioritisation, time management and career growth.

Military Skills Meet Entrepreneurial Ambition

These journeys demonstrate that the transition from military service to business is not simply a career change. For many veterans, the discipline, leadership, resilience and problem-solving skills developed in uniform become the foundation for building organisations, solving complex problems and creating lasting impact.

Featured by The Startup Caffe

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