Deepu Chandran serves as a Partner for the Technology & Digital Practice, based in the firm’s Bangalore office. He works closely with clients across the region to strengthen engagement within the technology, digital, and start-up ecosystem—building enduring connections between investors, founders, and leadership talent. Prior to EMA partners, Deepu was the founder of Pikkol - a technology-driven relocation services platform that became one of India’s most innovative tech-enabled brands and was recognised among the country’s top 50 fastest-growing start-ups. He also founded Hackle - an omnichannel logistics and distribution network startup focused on leveraging technology to support FMCG and retail brands across modern and general trade. He built and scaled these ventures from the ground up, gaining deep experience spanning venture creation, product strategy, operational scale-up, and capital engagement. Having worked closely with co-founders, boards, and investors through multiple stages of growth, he brings a distinctive operator-led perspective to leadership advisory in technology-driven businesses. He also brings a strong corporate foundation, having worked closely with senior leadership in large organizations on strategy and transformation initiatives during his consulting days. Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Deepu had gained early functional experience directly working with the leadership teams at global Indian conglomerates Larsen & Toubro and the Adani Group. He holds a B. Tech from National Institute of Technology Calicut and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. He remains actively engaged with his alma mater, and serves on the board of the IIMB Alumni Association where he has led several notable initiatives in the past. When he is not engaged in client work or with his family, Deepu can often be found on the golf course, enjoying the quiet discipline of the game and the conversations it invites.