Vinay Shukla
Founder of ExploreYou
Developing a gamified simulation engine for career discovery through his startup, ExploreYou, incubated at Harvard, Penn, and MIT.
Intro
I'm Vinay Shukla, the Founder of ExploreYou. My journey has been a non-linear path from practicing corporate law and venture capital in India to touring internationally as a DJ, and eventually pursuing a dual MPA/MBA at Harvard and Wharton. Currently, I'm building a gamified simulation engine to help the next generation find their 'calling' and navigate career discovery more effectively. I'm deeply passionate about education reform and human-centric leadership. I offer a unique blend of legal, financial, and creative perspectives, and I'm always looking to collaborate with fellow innovators in the AI and EdTech spaces who believe in making the world of work more accessible and human.
Networking
What I can offer
- ›Bridge between legal regulatory expertise and tech innovation
- ›Venture capital insights and AI industry reporting
- ›Mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs and artists
What I'm looking for
- ›Professional collaboration within the AI and EdTech ecosystems
- ›Engagement with graduate students and fellow innovators
Best fit for
Focus
Current interests
Core competencies
Background
Career
Transitioned from a Corporate Lawyer at Nishith Desai Associates to a performing artist and DJ, then into venture capital research and private equity consulting, before founding an EdTech startup.
Education
MPA from Harvard University; MBA from The Wharton School; Cross Registrant at MIT EdTech Studio; B.A. LLB (Hons.) from Hidayatullah National Law University.
Achievements
- ›First lawyer from India admitted to Harvard MPA/Wharton MBA dual-degree
- ›First Asian recipient of the Shields Scholarship at Wharton
- ›Finalist in the Harvard President’s Innovation Challenge
- ›Elected President of the Penn Blockchain Club
Opinions
- The true value of elite institutions lies in supportive community, not rankings.
- Effective leaders must maintain simple humanity and kindness under pressure.
- Education systems need reform to move away from hyper-competition toward better career discovery.
Personality
Communication style
Reflective, grateful, and authoritative yet humble.
Formality — 8/10
Vocabulary