Shalu’s entrepreneurial journey as a startup founder coincided with the birth of her daughter a couple of years after founding Growthpal, presenting a unique set of challenges.
Even as her daughter needed time and staying up through the night and juggling the demands of a rapidly growing company leading a team of 50 people, which requires much more time compared to a job, it has been an emotional battle. The clash between the demands of late-night U.S. sales and the desire to be present for her daughter has been a battle of managing the emotional toll and the importance of effective time management.
The emotional battle of not always being seen as the top priority by her daughter while also striving for success in the competitive startup landscape highlights the sacrifices and challenges that many women face in similar situations.
Beyond her role as co-founder, Shalu is a strong advocate for women in the workplace. At GrowthPal, she has spearheaded initiatives to hire and support women returning to work after maternity breaks, ensuring their career growth is not hindered by family responsibilities. These efforts reflect her passion for creating inclusive opportunities in a demanding industry.
Breaking Barriers in Investment Banking
Shalu has consistently challenged gender norms in investment banking, a field historically dominated by men. She firmly believes that success in the industry is no longer dictated by gender but by skills, attitude, and determination. By prioritizing financial and emotional independence, she encourages women to overcome societal expectations and build confidence in their own capabilities.
“Whether it happens in a year, two years, or a decade, success is achieved by taking the right steps in the right way. It’s essential to trust in your abilities, seek help when needed, and take gradual steps toward your goals,” says Shalu.
Her journey also underscores the transformative power of entrepreneurship: “In the last four years at GrowthPal, I’ve learned 10x more than I did in my previous jobs or during college. The experience has shaped me both professionally and emotionally. Time management, decision-making, and resilience—these are skills you master only by living them.”
Shalu’s journey is a testament to breaking barriers, building impactful startups, and fostering inclusive growth. With her unique perspective as both a leader and a mother, her story could be a perfect fit for your esteemed publication, especially as part of your coverage for Women’s Entrepreneurship Day or profiles on inspiring women leaders in tech and finance.
Shalu Mitruka
Co-Founder, GrowthPal - a VC-backed M&A deal sourcing platform
With over a decade of experience across strategy development and operational leadership, Shalu has built the sales, marketing, and investment banking functions at GrowthPal from the ground up, overseeing its strategic direction and product roadmap. Having held pivotal roles at Deloitte, MindTickle, and other influential organizations, she brings strategic insight honed through engagements with multinationals, unicorns, soonicorns, and startups worldwide. Positioned at the intersection of technology and the evolving startup ecosystem, Shalu is committed to revolutionizing M&A deal sourcing through digital technologies.