Keshav Misra (Masai): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Keshav Misra, popularly known as Masai, is a prominent Indian entrepreneur and education leader renowned for his pioneering work in the EdTech sector. As a co-founder and COO of Masai School, one of India’s leading outcome-driven career-focused education platforms, Misra has played a crucial role in reshaping the landscape of tech education and employability in India. His strategic vision and operational expertise have propelled Masai to prominence through innovative, pay-after-placement learning models. This article explores ten key facts about Keshav Misra that shed light on his inspiring journey, leadership style, and transformative impact on Indian education.

1. Early Life and Education Foundations

Keshav Misra graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur with a Bachelor of Technology degree in Biological Sciences and Bioengineering. During his academic years, he demonstrated leadership skills by coordinating cultural teams and managing large events, receiving awards for his contributions. This foundation combined technical knowledge and organizational acumen, which later proved pivotal as he ventured into operations, strategy, and education innovation.

2. Career Beginnings in Engineering and Operations

Post-graduation, Misra worked as a Senior Field Engineer at Schlumberger, gaining hands-on experience managing complex field operations in challenging environments. This corporate experience honed his technical, problem-solving, and leadership abilities. He then transitioned to Quikr, where he led operations for the Managed Homes vertical, focusing on streamlining processes and enhancing customer experience — marking his shift toward operational leadership roles.

3. Entrepreneurial Experience at WheelsEye

Before joining Masai, Misra was an Entrepreneur in Residence at WheelsEye, a logistics technology startup. Here, he worked on scaling innovative logistics solutions and improving operational efficiencies. This phase helped nurture his entrepreneurial mindset and strengthened his ability to drive growth in evolving tech ecosystems.

4. Leadership Role at Masai School

Keshav Misra joined Masai School and progressively ascended through leadership roles, becoming Senior Vice President of Operations and later Head of Revenue and Corporate Partnership. His strategic vision helped streamline Masai's operational framework and scale student services. His dedication culminated in his elevation to Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) in June 2025, recognizing his fundamental role in driving the company’s growth and operational excellence.

5. Transforming Education Through Outcome-Driven Models

Masai School, under Misra’s operational stewardship, pioneered an outcome-driven educational model emphasizing a pay-after-placement strategy. This approach ties tuition fees to students’ successful employment outcomes, ensuring accountability and a focus on job readiness. The model has seen placement rates exceeding 90%, significantly disrupting traditional education financing in India.

6. Commitment to Gender Diversity and Empowerment

Misra has spearheaded initiatives such as "Empower Her," a scholarship program offering full scholarships exclusively to women entering the tech sector. This effort addresses critical gender gaps in technology education and workforce participation, fostering greater inclusion and empowering future female leaders in the Indian technology space.

7. Strategic Corporate Partnerships and Industry Alignment

As Head of Revenue and Corporate Partnership, Keshav has been instrumental in forging strong alliances with industry leaders. These collaborations ensure Masai’s curriculum remains aligned with real-world industry demands, enhancing the employability of graduates and ensuring that learning outcomes translate into tangible career opportunities.

8. Vision of Long-Term Impact and Collaboration

Misra’s leadership philosophy is deeply influenced by a belief in transformative change and systemic innovation. Inspired by figures like Nelson Mandela, he advocates for creating inclusive, accessible systems that deliver real-world solutions. He actively invites collaboration with industry professionals and innovators to drive systemic improvements in operations and education.

9. Elevation as Co-founder Reflecting Ownership and Impact

In an announcement in June 2025, Masai strengthened its founding team by elevating Keshav Misra alongside other internal leaders to co-founder status. This strategic move reflects Masai’s culture of rewarding consistent leadership through ownership and contribution, not just at inception but throughout the company’s journey. Misra’s elevation symbolizes his deep investment in Masai’s mission and long-term vision.

10. Future Prospects and Continuing Influence

Looking ahead, Keshav Misra aims to expand operational excellence beyond education, applying his expertise to diverse industries facing dynamic global demands. His commitment to innovation and scalable impact positions him as a transformational leader capable of influencing multiple sectors. His ongoing work at Masai promises to enhance the future of education and employment in India, inspiring entrepreneurs and educators alike.

Conclusion

Keshav Misra’s journey from an engineering graduate to co-founder and COO of Masai School exemplifies visionary leadership rooted in operational mastery and a commitment to social impact. By pioneering outcome-driven education and championing inclusivity, he has helped redefine the career trajectories of thousands of young Indians. His emphasis on ownership and systemic innovation reflects a modern approach to entrepreneurship. As Masai continues to scale and transform education, Keshav Misra’s influence serves as a compelling reminder of the power of mission-driven leadership to create lasting change in society.