The Morning Brief Two Entrepreneurs are Helping Create Nonprofit Unicorns
Jul 24, 2025
Join Varun Aggarwal, a deeptech entrepreneur and AI researcher, alongside Shubham Bansal, a YCombinator alum and social impact leader, as they navigate the transformative world of nonprofits. Together, they lead Change Engine, aiming to create nonprofit unicorns that impact millions in India. They reveal their vision for scaling these organizations like startups, discuss the challenges in India's philanthropic funding, and share strategies for engaging government stakeholders. Their insights on leveraging technology and innovation promise to redefine social impact!
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Nonprofit Unicorns Defined
- Nonprofit unicorns are organizations that impact over a million people, aiming for scale similar to startups.
- Change Engine works to build 20 such nonprofits in India, providing a startup-style scaling pathway.
Founders’ Origin Story
- Shubham met Varun in college through a professor while working on rural solar energy for schools.
- Although the initial startup failed, they reunited later to co-found Change Engine and support nonprofit founders.
Why Now for Nonprofit Scale?
- A convergence of talent, capital from newly minted unicorn entrepreneurs, digitization, and government partnership creates a ripe moment for nonprofit scaling.
- Transaction costs for nonprofits have reduced due to mobile networks and payment systems, enabling better capital efficiency.