Early Life and Education

Raghu’s academic journey commenced at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal, where he earned a degree in Computer Science. His passion for technology and business led him to pursue a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the esteemed Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA). This robust educational foundation equipped him with the analytical and strategic skills essential for navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.​

Entrepreneurial Ventures

TaxiForSure

In 2010, Raghu co-founded TaxiForSure, an online platform designed to streamline taxi bookings across India. Under his leadership, the company rapidly expanded its operations to multiple cities, becoming a formidable player in the ride-hailing industry. In 2015, Ola Cabs acquired TaxiForSure for $200 million, marking one of the most notable exits in the Indian startup ecosystem. This achievement not only underscored Raghu’s entrepreneurial acumen but also set the stage for his future endeavors.​

Zolve

Identifying the financial challenges faced by immigrants, Raghu founded Zolve in 2020. Zolve is a neobanking platform that provides immigrants with access to financial services in their new countries without requiring a local credit history or Social Security Number. The platform offers FDIC-insured bank accounts, high-limit credit cards, and debit cards, facilitating smoother financial transitions for newcomers. Raghu’s vision with Zolve is to create a borderless financial world where one’s creditworthiness is recognized globally.​

Since its launch in 2021, Zolve has amassed 750,000 customers and processed over $1.2 billion in transactions. The startup generated $25 million in net revenue in the previous year. In March 2025, Zolve secured $251 million in a Series B funding round, comprising $51 million in equity and $200 million in debt. The equity round was led by Creaegis, with participation from HSBC, SBI Investment, GMO Venture Partners, DG Daiwa Ventures, and existing investors such as Accel, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Sparta Group, and DST Global. The debt financing was secured from Community Investment Management (CIM), a U.S.-based impact investor specializing in credit solutions for fintech startups. ​FinTech Futures+4TechCrunch+4Thekarostartup+4LinkedIn+9Thekarostartup+9Business News Today+9Inc42 Media+8Entrepreneur+8Business News Today+8Thekarostartup+3Business News Today+3Entrackr+3

The fresh funding will enable Zolve to expand its credit offerings and scale operations beyond the U.S. market. The company plans to enter Canada by August 2025 and expand into the U.K. and Australia in 2026. Additionally, Zolve aims to introduce new financial products, including auto, personal, and education loans, to support global citizens at every step of their financial journey. ​Business News Today+1Thekarostartup+1FinTech Futures+5TechCrunch+5FinTech Global+5Inc42 Media+2LinkedIn+2Thekarostartup+2

Investment and Mentorship

Beyond his ventures, Raghu is an active angel investor and mentor, supporting startups across various sectors. His investments focus on content and publishing, design, commerce, and shopping industries. Notable startups that have benefited from his guidance include Bounce, Ninjacart, and Vedantu. Raghu’s mentorship is characterized by his emphasis on understanding customer needs and fostering innovation. ​Thekarostartup+2TechCrunch+2Business News Today+2

Personal Interests

An endurance athlete, Raghu has participated in multiple Ironman Triathlons, demonstrating his commitment to discipline and perseverance. He often draws parallels between the challenges faced in endurance sports and entrepreneurship, emphasizing resilience, strategic planning, and continuous improvement.​

Conclusion

Raghunandan G’s journey epitomizes the spirit of innovation and adaptability. From revolutionizing urban transportation with TaxiForSure to addressing financial inclusion for immigrants through Zolve, his endeavors have left an indelible mark on the global entrepreneurial landscape. As he continues to mentor emerging startups and participate in endurance sports, Raghu remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.