Sachin Kumbhoje is not just a name he’s a symbol of resilience, innovation, and purposeful entrepreneurship in today’s dynamic startup ecosystem. Over the past nine years, Sachin Kumbhoje has founded or co-founded six different ventures, each driven not by the mere pursuit of profit, but by a deeper mission to serve, empower, and transform. From his humble beginnings with no formal business experience to now heading CiREE, a globally recognised initiative, his journey is a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs who seek to create meaningful impact.
Sachin Kumbhoje began his entrepreneurial journey in 2016 with OpEx. Without a business background, he took his first bold step into the startup world with nothing but passion and the drive to learn. Today, OpEx is actively helping colleges set up startup ecosystems and aiding universities in establishing incubators in alignment with government policies. This is not just a business success it’s a contribution to the educational and entrepreneurial infrastructure of the nation. It was here that Sachin Kumbhoje first tasted the unique blend of purpose and perseverance that would go on to define all his ventures.
In 2019, he launched Plan-B Digital StartUp Media with the goal of promoting untold stories of unsung startup heroes. Through this venture, Sachin Kumbhoje aimed to bring to light the inspiring journeys of founders who rarely make it to the limelight. While the COVID-19 lockdown disrupted the momentum and led to the venture’s eventual pause, he openly admits this as a “successful failure.” This rare maturity to embrace setbacks as part of the journey shows the clarity and authenticity with which Sachin Kumbhoje approaches entrepreneurship.
Perhaps the most transformative chapter in his journey began in 2020, with the birth of CiREE Center for Industry Required Education and Employment. This brainchild of Sachin Kumbhoje emerged during a time of global uncertainty but has grown to become his most impactful and recognised initiative. CiREE connects skilled talent with job opportunities in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, addressing one of the most critical gaps in today’s employment landscape. The mission is clear: to make skill-based hiring more efficient and accessible. Under the leadership of Sachin Kumbhoje, CiREE has positioned itself at the crossroads of education, employment, and industry needs.
As the lockdown continued, many retreated but Sachin Kumbhoje expanded. In 2021, he became a franchise partner with Siddhagiris Satvyk, a brand that promotes organic and pesticide-free food. In a time when health and sustainability took center stage, his choice to align with Satvyk wasn’t just strategic it was deeply aligned with his personal values. Today, this venture continues to touch thousands of lives by bringing safe, sustainable food choices to households.
That same year, Sachin Kumbhoje co-founded SIBIC an incubator supporting innovators and aspiring founders. Although he is no longer part of the venture, its ongoing success is a testament to the culture and structure he helped lay in its formative days. Creating value that outlives your involvement that’s the mark of true leadership, and Sachin Kumbhoje exemplifies this beautifully.
Another venture he helped form in 2021 is the Chamber for Advancement of Small & Medium Businesses. Built as a collaborative group to support MSMEs, this initiative brings together a network of experienced entrepreneurs dedicated to mentoring and growing small businesses. By offering incubation and guidance, it ensures that local enterprises are not left behind in the global race. It is yet another way Sachin Kumbhoje is helping democratise opportunity and scale across the Indian startup spectrum.
What stands out across all his ventures is not the sheer number, but the why behind them. Sachin Kumbhoje doesn’t build companies for the sake of scale or attention. He builds with intent. Whether it’s supporting student entrepreneurs, enabling employment in pharma, promoting sustainable food practices, or creating MSME ecosystems, each move is guided by a desire to uplift others.
Another striking quality about Sachin Kumbhoje is his humility. In his own words, he attributes his journey not solely to his own efforts, but to the community of “crazy, like-minded individuals” who believed in his vision. He acknowledges the importance of guidance, teamwork, and collective passion qualities often overlooked in the highlight reels of entrepreneurial success. Gratitude isn’t an afterthought for him; it’s at the core of his leadership style.
Through every success, pivot, and even failure, Sachin Kumbhoje reminds us that entrepreneurship is not a destination, but a continuous path of learning, evolving, and serving. His story is an open invitation to dream big but root those dreams in service, resilience, and real-world needs.
As the Co-founder and Managing Partner at CiREE, Sachin Kumbhoje continues to influence and inspire a generation of entrepreneurs, educators, and changemakers. With a heart anchored in purpose and a mind wired for innovation, he stands as a powerful example of what it means to build for impact, not just for income.
In a world filled with noise, Sachin Kumbhoje’s journey offers clarity. It teaches us that with courage, clarity, and community, it is possible not just to build companies but to build legacies that matter.
