From Tradition to Transformation: The Role of Mentorship in Nepal’s Startup Ecosystem

Blog by Niraj Khanal

Over the last 15 years, Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has been thriving, with a surge of innovative businesses entering the market. As someone who has observed, supported, and invested in numerous entrepreneurs, I have witnessed both successes and failures. While some startups have survived, others have struggled despite their potential. Unfortunately, Nepal’s startups have yet to achieve the level of success we once envisioned. One crucial factor that could transform this landscape is mentorship—a guiding force that can bridge the gap between potential and progress.
 
Mentorship is not a new concept in Nepal; it has been an integral part of our tradition since ancient times. However, its application in the business sector emerged relatively late. Now is the time to reconnect with our cultural roots and integrate mentorship into modern businesses and innovation.
 
The Shift Toward Structured Mentorship
 
Nepal’s entrepreneurial landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, with a renewed emphasis on structured mentorship. Organizations like Knowledge Growth and Sustainability (KGS Inc.) and Byapar Briddhi Bikalpa Pvt. Ltd. (Briddhi) are leading initiatives to bridge the gap between industry leaders and emerging entrepreneurs.
 
Under the ethos of “Giving Back to Society,” experienced business leaders and senior management experts are stepping forward to mentor early-stage startups. This embodies the Sanskrit principle of विद्या दान (Vidya Daan – Knowledge Sharing)—the selfless act of imparting wisdom without expecting material rewards. The core value of both KGS Inc. and Briddhi is growth, and their vision is to reshape Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by integrating mentorship with deeply rooted traditions.
 
This movement has also expanded beyond Nepal’s borders, with experienced mentors from We Are Change Makers the Netherlands actively engaging with Nepali entrepreneurs. This global mentorship network fosters समन्वयः (Samanvaya – Harmony)—ensuring that entrepreneurial vision aligns with both national and international business realities, creating a well-rounded support system.
 
A Milestone for Nepal’s Mentorship Culture
 
A significant step in this mentorship evolution is the Nature-Based Solutions Incubation Program, a collaboration between the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute (IEDI), ICIMOD, and KGS Inc. With support from Briddhi, this program has successfully connected prominent business leaders with aspiring entrepreneurs. It reinforces सत्य (Satya – Truthfulness) by fostering open, honest, and transparent communication between mentors and mentees.
 
Integrating Sanskrit Wisdom into Modern Mentorship
 
The values of Sanskrit tradition align perfectly with Nepal’s evolving mentorship culture. The principles of:

धर्म पालन (Dharma Palan – Upholding Righteousness) ensure that businesses operate with ethical integrity and sustainability.

आत्मज्ञानम् (Atma Jnanam – Self-Awareness) helps both mentors and entrepreneurs cultivate resilience and self-understanding.

करुणा (Karuna – Compassion) and अहिंसा (Ahimsa – Non-Harming) emphasize a supportive and constructive mentorship approach.

धैर्य (Dhairya – Patience) allows mentors to guide entrepreneurs at their own pace while balancing संचारः (Samacharah – Balanced Behavior)—the fine line between independence and structured guidance.
 
The Future of Mentorship in Nepal
 
By integrating Sanskrit-based mentorship values with modern business principles, Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is being strengthened through:

Vidya Daan (Knowledge Sharing): Connecting entrepreneurs with industry veterans to bridge skill gaps.

Dharma Palan (Ethical Guidance): Encouraging startups to build businesses with long-term sustainability and societal impact.

Prerana (Inspiration): Setting examples of perseverance, discipline, and integrity for first-generation entrepreneurs.

Samatva (Equality): Ensuring mentorship is inclusive and accessible to all entrepreneurs, regardless of background.
 
This fusion of traditional wisdom and modern entrepreneurship is shaping a resilient and innovative startup ecosystem in Nepal. Mentorship is not a new concept—what we need is to revive our ancestral path of selfless guidance and support. When we truly “Give Back” from the heart, we cultivate a culture where mentorship becomes the foundation of sustainable and impactful entrepreneurship.

About the Writer: Niraj is a Co-Founder at KGS Inc. He has over 15 years of experience in the Nepalese Startup and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem as a mentor and investor.