Prashanth Prakash, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and venture capitalist, on Sunday expressed his honor at receiving the prestigious Padma Shri award. The recognition, conferred in the category of Trade and Industry, highlights his significant role in shaping India’s startup ecosystem and his philanthropic efforts.
Prakash, who is a founding partner at Accel India, acknowledged the award as a recognition of the critical contributions of startups and technology in India's nation-building. He dedicated the award to his colleagues and partners at Accel India, emphasizing their collective effort in strengthening the country’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Prakash’s influence has been pivotal in nurturing major startups like Flipkart, Swiggy, BookMyShow, and Freshworks, among others. His investments have helped establish India as a global hub for innovation. He has also served as an advisor to former Karnataka CM B.S. Yediyurappa, supporting initiatives in innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
In addition to his business achievements, Prakash has actively contributed to social causes, leading initiatives in education, healthcare, agriculture, and climate action. Through organizations like ACT Grants and Sikshana Foundation, he has supported scalable solutions to India’s societal challenges.
The Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, was approved for 139 individuals this year. Prakash joins this distinguished group, further solidifying his legacy in India’s growth and development.