Master in Strategy and Digital Business (MSc)
Meet our alumni: Amit Kumar, Class of 2020
Amit joined ESCP in 2018 with a clear entrepreneurial track record—he had already founded and run a solar venture after completing an engineering Bachelor degree. Looking to add a unique dimension to his profile, he started the Master in Strategy and Digital Business (MSDB) to gain structured business training, global management insights, and exposure to a European entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Five years after graduating, Amit continues to bridge sustainability impact with entrepreneurship in his work as an Incubation Manager at Niterra Ventures, where he helps build new ventures in the energy and mobility sectors and evaluates startups for strategic investment. Read on to learn more about what motivated him to join the MSDB, and what his path has looked like since graduation.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Amit, and I come from Bihar, India. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Before joining ESCP, I founded and ran a solar venture for over 1.5 years, gaining first-hand experience in entrepreneurship and sustainable technologies. Along the way, my journey has been deeply influenced by my active involvement in co-curricular activities and sports, which instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and adaptability.
What truly shaped my growth, however, is my innate curiosity, a fascination with human behavior, and a drive to understand how people think and make decisions. ESCP was a natural next step—this degree sharpened my perspective, connected me with a global network of forward-thinking peers, and empowered me to channel my entrepreneurial spirit on an international scale.
Walk us through your thought processes when you decided to apply to the MSDB and what you felt this type of programme could add to your profile.
After my engineering degree, I followed my passion for sustainability by launching a solar venture. Over 1.5 years, the startup gave me real-world exposure—some rewarding wins but also tough setbacks that tested my resilience and highlighted gaps in my business knowledge.
I realized I needed structured training in core areas like strategy, finance, and marketing, combined with hands-on experience. That’s what made the MSDB an easy choice. Its well-rounded curriculum, focus on strategic thinking, and the opportunity to work on a live consulting project with Bain & Company aligned perfectly with what I was looking for.
MSDB offered the right balance of academic rigor and practical exposure, allowing me to build on my entrepreneurial foundation with a strong global business perspective.
It’s been about 5 years since you graduated from ESCP. Can you share a little bit about each career step so far?
After graduating from ESCP, I started my career in M&A consulting, which gave me valuable exposure to high-level strategic thinking and deal-making. However, I soon realized that my true passion lies in entrepreneurship and building things from the ground up.
That led me back into the venture-building space, where I’ve spent the past few years developing startups across diverse domains—from early ideation to market launch. Currently, I work as an Incubation Manager at Niterra Ventures, where I focus on building new ventures in the energy and mobility sectors for the Niterra Group. In addition to leading internal venture creation, I’m also responsible for scouting and evaluating innovative startups for strategic investment—bridging the gap between corporate innovation and entrepreneurial agility.
It’s been a fulfilling journey—staying close to what I love: turning ideas into impactful ventures.
What do you enjoy about working in venture-building?
I enjoy the thrill of turning ideas into real, impactful solutions. Working in venture building lets me stay close to innovation, solve real-world problems, and collaborate with passionate founders and teams. Every day brings a new challenge, and that’s what keeps it exciting.
What aspect of the curriculum did you enjoy the most? Is there anything specific that has served you well in your career so far?
The Startup School was a standout for me—it gave us the opportunity to engage directly with 10 inspiring founders who shared real, unfiltered stories of their entrepreneurial journeys. That exposure was both insightful and motivating.
We also had the chance to interact with VC professionals, which deepened my understanding of the investor’s perspective—something that has been incredibly valuable in my current role. And of course, the consulting project with Bain & Company was a highlight. It taught me how to approach problems with structure, think strategically, and deliver with clarity—skills I use every day in venture building.
Can you describe your Company Consultancy Project (CCP) experience?
We were given a specific challenge of a company, Henkel, focusing on a specific challenge within one of their business units. Our task was to analyze the situation deeply and propose how Henkel could address it through venture building.
The experience was incredibly enriching. It wasn’t just about creating a theoretical solution. We had to think like entrepreneurs within a corporate context: identifying real market gaps, designing viable business models, and presenting actionable strategies. Working closely with the Henkel team and consultants from Bain & Company (who were giving us feedback throughout) made it feel like a live, high-stakes project. It was one of the most practical and informative parts of the programme, and it gave me a strong foundation for the venture-building work I do today.
What was studying in Berlin and Paris like?
It was such a great experience, both academically and culturally. Berlin had a vibrant, entrepreneurial energy that made it the perfect setting for innovation and startup thinking. Paris, on the other hand, offered a rich blend of tradition and global business exposure. Living and learning in two of Europe’s most dynamic cities gave me a broader perspective, a diverse network, and a deeper appreciation for different ways of thinking and working. It truly brought the international spirit of ESCP to life.
Do you have tips for anyone who is interested in this programme and is also into entrepreneurship/business creation?
If you’re passionate about entrepreneurship, the MSDB is a great launchpad. My advice: come with a curious mindset and be ready to engage beyond the classroom. Take full advantage of the Startup School, networking opportunities, and the consulting projects—they’re goldmines for learning and inspiration. Don’t hesitate to test your ideas, connect with founders, and ask tough questions. The program gives you the tools, but your drive to explore and apply them will make all the difference.
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