Major Sunil Shetty, SM (Retd.)
Founder, My Startup TV
Major Sunil Shetty, SM (Retd.) is a decorated Indian Army veteran, conflict journalist, entrepreneur, and startup ecosystem advocate whose career spans military service, international media, and innovation. Awarded the Sena Medal (SM)for gallantry during counter-terrorism operations, he served with distinction in the Indian Army before spending nearly 12 years working in some of the world's most challenging conflict zones, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and South Sudan. During this period, he led high-risk operations, trained approximately 25,000 personnel of the Afghan National Army, and later worked as a senior military contractor on U.S. government-funded security and stabilization projects.
Following his military career, Major Shetty transitioned into international journalism, earning a Master's Degree in International Journalism from the United Kingdom. As a conflict correspondent, he reported from global hotspots for leading international media organizations, including Associated Press Television News (APTN), Kuwait News Agency, and Sunrise Radio. His unique ability to combine frontline military experience with journalism has established him as a respected voice on defense, geopolitics, security, and international affairs. In 2019, Major Shetty co-founded My Startup TV, India's leading digital media platform dedicated to startups, deep-tech innovation, manufacturing, defense technology, and entrepreneurship. As host of the popular Founder Talk podcast and Swaraksha Show, he has interviewed hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and defense innovators.
An angel investor and startup mentor, he has helped Indian startups raise over US$3 million in venture funding while actively supporting veterans transitioning into entrepreneurship. As a member of the Honorary Board of Advisors of the Pune Ideas Festival, Major Shetty brings invaluable expertise in leadership, innovation, national security, entrepreneurship, and the power of storytelling to inspire the next generation of changemakers.
