Shitanshu Kumar - The Leadership Journey of a Visionary Entrepreneur Transforming Industries with Multiple Ventures and Accolades

 

Shitanshu Kumar, Founder, PrivacyPro

 

Could you introduce yourself to the audience?

 

I am Shitanshu Kumar, a visionary entrepreneur and innovator committed to transforming industries through groundbreaking ventures. As a serial entrepreneur and multifaceted business leader, I have founded and co-founded several influential startups, leveraging my expertise to drive growth and create a lasting impact across various sectors.

 

My notable ventures include:

•         PrivacyPro – A Artificial Intelligence based data privacy-focused startup dedicated to ensuring digital security and empowering AI adoption.

•         INSECSYS – A boutique cybersecurity consulting firm with a global presence, offering cutting-edge security solutions.

•         TRIPINBUDGET – A B2B2C travel house specializing in corporate travel management outsourcing.

•         ORGANICSATTVA – An agri-based startup that has generated significant employment opportunities and has been instrumental in empowering makhana industry of Bihar globally.

•         MR CHAMPARAN – A mission-driven initiative to bring authentic Bihari cuisine to the global stage, with plans to launch a chain of restaurants, QSR kiosks, and cloud kitchens.

 

My entrepreneurial journey is fuelled by a passion for innovation, community empowerment, and driving positive change. Through each of my ventures, I strive to create solutions that disrupt industries and also contribute to meaningful progress.

 

 

Could you provide a brief overview of your venture and its services?

 

PrivacyPro is at the forefront of AI-driven data privacy, offering cutting-edge consulting services, innovative tools, and strategic advisory solutions to help businesses navigate the evolving landscape of AI privacy, security, and risk management.

 

Our Key Offerings:

•         AI Navigator Services – Guiding organizations through AI adoption while ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

•         Data Foundation Services – Establishing robust data privacy controls, risk assessments, and governance frameworks.

•         AI Talent Catalyst Services – Upskilling professionals with industry-focused POCs, training, and advisory services on data management and privacy compliance.

•         Thought Leadership & Advisory – Engaging business leaders and boards to foster a consensus on AI governance and ethical implementation.

 

As AI transforms industries, 2025 marks a defining year in shaping privacy-focused frameworks across countries. My co-founder and I are dedicated to solving AI’s biggest challenges by designing adaptable, trust-driven solutions that enable seamless AI adoption across on-prem, cloud, and hybrid environments.

 

We work closely with corporates and governments to accelerate AI-driven innovation while addressing critical concerns around risk, security, and compliance. By simplifying complexities and unlocking AI’s true potential, PrivacyPro is committed to building a future where trust is the foundation of sustainable AI advancements.

 

 

What inspired you to start your data privacy-focused startup, and how do you ensure its mission resonates with your team and customers?

 

The inspiration for starting this privacy-focused venture stems from both personal and professional experiences. Personally, I’ve always been aware of how deeply the digital and online world influences our lives. The extent of what we share—sometimes unknowingly—on the internet has always been unsettling to me. The thought of how much insight organizations and individuals have about me, and others, often leaves me uneasy.

 

Professionally, this concern translated into a clear recognition of a growing need: as AI adoption accelerates, its alignment with privacy, data, and security is becoming increasingly critical. These pillars are no longer optional—they are essential to building trust and driving sustainable innovation.

 

This dual perspective drove my co-founder and me to establish our company. We’re dedicated to helping our customers and partners navigate these challenges, ensuring AI adoption is secure, ethical, and privacy-focused in 2025 and beyond.

We collaborate closely with corporates and governments to accelerate AI adoption across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. However, we acknowledge that customers and partners encounter significant obstacles in navigating the complexities of risk, security, and privacy. These challenges not only hinder project progress but also obscure the inherent value of AI use cases.

Our mission is to simplify these complexities, unlock AI’s potential, and establish trust as the cornerstone for sustainable innovation.

 

Could you share about your educational and professional journey?

 

I did my schooling in multiple cities and towns, being the son of an Indian Railways employee. Post my bachelor's and postgraduate degree in computer application, I explored my feet through some of the government enterprises roles (as teacher, instructor, and Office Superintendent Cum Computer Programmer) but these were just steps to make my career in cybersecurity. I had a fair share of success as an employee and got work for some of the notable organisations (Reliance, Fujitsu, Daimler, Hewlett Packard, Bank of America, British Telecom, Credit Suisse, IQOR) as a key contributor and cybersecurity leader.

 

I also did my Executive Education at the Booth School of Business, University of Chicago, which transformed my mindset and prepared me to take up entrepreneurship full-time and not as a sidekick. Prior to this, I had been working behind the curtain as a director makes the film but all accolades are meant for the actors on screen.

 

 

Can you highlight any notable publications, insights, awards, or honours that have contributed to your professional growth and recognition?

 

I have been an active ISACA member for over 10 years and have been actively contributing with my blog, e-books, articles, and as a speaker and mentor. Have received over a dozen industry recognitions as one of the top cyber leaders, CISO of the Year, Top influencers, Defenders100, Cloud Risk Champion, etc., from CISOPLATFORM, CIOAXIS, CISOCONNECT, CIORISE, CIO1000APAC, etc.

 

What's your vision for your companies' future, and what's been the most rewarding part of your entrepreneurial journey so far?

 

It's all about trust in AI; else it is bound to fail—we will act as a safeguard, standing with our customers shoulder to shoulder and helping them navigate to innovate securely.

 

Risk is everywhere. There is no safe zone. Zero Trust is the most trustworthy skill for an entrepreneur. Assumptions are dangerous for any startup. Conceptualisation, Communication, Clarity, Consensus, Collaboration, Co operation are six C’s that are important, in my view.

 

Success does not need a background/expertise/experience, but it needs details, devotion, determination, and dedication; it can be realised in a completely new stream. I have been a serial entrepreneur; however, the first achievement was when our existing client of Insecsys offered an acquisition of Insecsys with above 10 crore valuation in 2021. Second, when Organicsattva was valued at 25mn USD in 2023.

 

 

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start in industries like cybersecurity or agribusiness?

 

I would like to suggest five actionable for all aspiring entrepreneurs.

 

1.    Entrepreneurship and Acumen: Entrepreneurship is driven by acumen and understanding of the problem you're solving, rather than your background.

2.    Own Your Decisions and Actions: As a first-generation entrepreneur from a service-class family, you emphasize the importance of owning your decisions, actions, and their outcomes. Despite discouragement from close ones, it's crucial to stay committed to your path.

3.    Courage to Step Out of Comfort Zone: Success requires the courage to leave your comfort zone. Being a thinker, learner, and executor simultaneously is essential.

4.    Dedicated Efforts and Luck: Success doesn't come by luck alone. Dedicated efforts attract favourable outcomes.

5.    Believe in yourself: Your journey and reflections highlight the resilience and determination needed to succeed as an entrepreneur.