Vivekanand PGDM Alumni Review – Mr. Nikhil Lilani, Founder at Monkey Ninja

Starting a business is never simple, and for Mr. Nikhil Lilani (PGDM Batch 2016–18), it was a decision that came with both excitement and uncertainty. He always had a deep interest in technology and creativity, and he knew early on that he wanted to create something of his own. The turning point came during his years at Vivekanand where the exposure he received from faculty, peers, and hands-on learning made him confident enough to turn his ideas into action.

Here, Nikhil walks us through his journey, how his career took shape, the influence of his PGDM program, and the lessons he believes every aspiring entrepreneur can learn.

How did your career path lead you to starting your own venture Monkey Ninja?

From the very beginning, I felt drawn to entrepreneurship. I wanted to create something innovative particularly in the field of technology, which I believe holds the key to the future. I didn’t want to just watch it happen; I wanted to be part of it. My drive to express creativity and my dissatisfaction with settling for “just enough” motivated me to establish my own venture. This pursuit of innovation and impact led to the creation of Monkey Ninja.

When I entered the corporate world, I realized quickly that doing routine work or simply completing tasks wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to challenge myself more. The idea for Monkey Ninja came from that restlessness the urge to build something original that could make an impact. It wasn’t just about owning a business; it was about creating something meaningful where my ideas could actually take shape.

What were some of the important learnings or experiences from your time at Vivekanand that helped you as an entrepreneur?

The guidance I received from my teachers and mentors at Vivekanand was instrumental in shaping my vision. They instilled in me the importance of thinking beyond conventional boundaries and helped me understand how to recognize and address people’s needs. This mindset of solving real-world problems became the cornerstone of my entrepreneurial journey.
The lessons I absorbed at Vivekanand extended far beyond the classroom. The emphasis on experiential learning, collaboration, and innovation encouraged me to think independently and take calculated risks. These experiences gave me the confidence to turn ideas into action and to build something that reflected both creativity and purpose. When I eventually launched Monkey Ninja, these foundational values guided every decision from understanding market needs to designing solutions that truly make a difference.

In what ways did your PGDM at Vivekanand prepare you to face the challenges of building a startup?

The PGDM program equipped me with the essential tools and insights needed to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. Its curriculum was designed to provide practical understanding, enabling me to tackle daily challenges with confidence. Beyond technical knowledge, it offered a deeper perspective on what it truly means to be an entrepreneur a perspective that proved invaluable in building and scaling Monkey Ninja. More importantly, it taught me the value of persistence, adaptability, and learning from every experience, shaping not just my professional skills but also my mindset. These lessons continue to guide me as I strive to create meaningful solutions and make a lasting impact.

What advice would you like to share with current Vivekanand students who aspire to start their own business?

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to stay curious, think creatively, and focus on solving real-world problems. The environment at Vivekanand provides an excellent foundation, make the most of it. Challenges will inevitably arise, but they are opportunities in disguise. Embrace them with determination, and you can transform your ideas into successful ventures, just as I did with Monkey Ninja. Along the way, surround yourself with mentors and peers who challenge your thinking and push you to grow. Celebrate small wins, learn from failures, and never lose sight of the impact you want to create. Entrepreneurship is as much about perseverance and mindset as it is about skills and strategy; cultivating resilience, empathy, and adaptability will make your journey both meaningful and successful.