Early Life and Academic Excellence

Born with a strong academic inclination, Abhishek Poddar’s educational journey began at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, where he completed a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering in 2007. His years at IIT were marked by consistent achievements, including Academic Excellence Awards in 2005 and 2006, and the Excellence Award in Sports in 2006, signaling a balanced commitment to both intellectual and extracurricular pursuits.

Motivated to further his understanding of innovation and business, Poddar pursued an MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business, completing it in 2013. While at Stanford, he was part of the Stanford Ignite program, sharpening his entrepreneurial mindset and laying the groundwork for future ventures.

A Dynamic Career Across Domains

Abhishek’s professional experience spans consulting, media, and global technology:

• McKinsey & Company (2007–2009): He began his career as a Business Analyst, where he contributed to key strategic projects that honed his problem-solving skills and business insight.
• 9.9 Media (2009–2011): As the Product Head at Digit, one of India’s top tech publications, he led key digital product initiatives, deepening his understanding of media and content ecosystems.
• Google (Post-MBA): At Google, Abhishek played a critical role in the global launch of Google My Business and Android Pay, shaping product experiences for small merchants and bringing tech-driven solutions to grassroots levels.

These early roles were instrumental in cultivating the interdisciplinary knowledge that would later define his leadership at Plum.

Founding Plum: Innovating Employee Health Insurance

In 2019, driven by a mission to make health insurance more accessible, transparent, and employee-friendly, Abhishek co-founded Plum. The platform has quickly become one of India’s most trusted names in employee health benefits, currently serving over 5,000 companies and more than one million employees.

Plum’s innovation lies in its digital-first approach—offering customizable insurance solutions, real-time claim support, and intuitive interfaces for HR teams and employees alike. Poddar’s leadership has ensured that the platform isn’t just a policy provider but a partner in employee wellness, aligning closely with modern workplace needs.

Abhishek’s vision for Plum is not confined to corporate sectors. He sees it as a healthcare enabler for every Indian, especially as the country grapples with rising medical costs and inadequate coverage for the workforce.

Championing Indian Art: Museum of Art & Photography (MAP)

While building a tech venture, Abhishek Poddar has also been a steadfast patron of the arts. His passion culminated in the founding of the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru, one of India’s most ambitious cultural institutions.

MAP is not just a museum—it’s a movement to democratize art access. With collections spanning classical to contemporary, photography to folk art, the institution reflects India’s artistic plurality. Through educational programs, exhibitions, and digital engagement, Poddar’s MAP is helping foster a museum-going culture that has traditionally been underdeveloped in India.

His vision for MAP aligns with his core belief: culture and commerce must coexist, and both can be tools for inclusive development.

Leadership Ethos and Impact

Abhishek’s leadership style is rooted in transparency, diversity, and learning. He believes in hiring individuals who bring unique perspectives, encouraging an environment where teams outperform the sum of their parts.

Whether scaling a health-tech startup or building a museum, his approach emphasizes value creation across stakeholders—employees, partners, users, and the broader community.

Philanthropy and Public Engagement

Beyond his two flagship initiatives, Abhishek Poddar actively engages in philanthropy, public speaking, and mentorship. His work is guided by a deep commitment to social impact—an ethos that resonates across his business and cultural pursuits.

He often speaks at conferences and academic institutions, sharing insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the role of culture in nation-building.

Conclusion

Abhishek Poddar’s dual legacy in health-tech entrepreneurship and art philanthropy is rare and remarkable. Through Plum, he is ensuring that employee health coverage in India is no longer a luxury but a standard. Through MAP, he is bringing India’s rich artistic traditions into public consciousness.

In an era that demands cross-sectoral leadership, Poddar exemplifies how business innovation and cultural commitment can together shape a more inclusive, healthy, and expressive India. His journey continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and change-makers striving to blend purpose with profit.