Symbolizing the global impact of digital tech
Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as one of the most transformative technologies of our century, with the power to revolutionize and profoundly impact human lives. However, with such power comes great responsibility to ensure technology is used ethically, safely, and securely. This is where emerging global leaders like Ankur Pal come in.
With over 13 years of experience in AI and ML, Ankur has bridged the gap between people and businesses with technology that is fair, transparent, and accessible. As the Chief Data Scientist at Aplazo, he leads the data organization of a pioneering Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) company dedicated to democratizing financial access and opportunity.
Ankur is also an active Angel Investor and Advisor. He has invested in over 40 technology startups globally and also serves as an advisor at several innovative technology ventures. A role model for many young professionals, he is regularly called upon as a Keynote Speaker at various institutions.
“My passion for business is driven by a profound commitment to solving the problems faced by underserved and unbanked populations. The global market potential in developing countries is immense due to their high under-penetration rates (10% as compared to 60% in developed countries). The LATAM (Latin America) market presents a $1.2 trillion opportunity for BNPL services. My mission is to provide first-time opportunities, freedom, and financial access to these communities, thereby democratizing AI and creating value on a global scale,” he says.
Ankur’s journey began in Kanpur, India, in a family where education was highly valued as the primary means to achieve one’s dreams. After completing his degree in Computer Science Engineering, he ventured into fintech and consumer tech startups in Bengaluru.
A significant milestone was leading the AI Department at Niyo Solutions, India’s market leader in neo-banking. Ankur played a pivotal role in addressing the needs of underbanked and underserved customers, providing them with access to credit and financial services. This initiative not only helped millions of customers but also contributed to Niyo Solutions’ successful Series C funding round and its progression towards unicorn status, thereby creating numerous jobs and economic opportunities.
Presently, Ankur is deeply involved with Aplazo, a Mexico-based BNPL FinTech startup, leading the data dept and AI initiatives. Despite challenges such as data scarcity and infrastructure limitations in the LATAM market, they have made remarkable strides with their revolutionary BNPL platform. Their investments in enhancing risk capabilities have led to a 2.5X increase in customer approval rates and doubled efficiency in mitigating losses through advanced credit and fraud risk management. Aplazo’s success story is further defined by its innovative approach, including the development of cutting-edge machine learning models and submitted research for intellectual property protection .
“Joining Aplazo as an angel investor and advisor has been particularly rewarding. I was part of building the company from scratch and witnessing its evolution into a Series B-funded fintech in LATAM, contributing significantly to its impact.”
Ankur’s passion for enhancing people’s lives by creating groundbreaking AI products and addressing complex challenges through innovative solutions, shines through in every spoken word. His approach to leadership in AI is characterized by high adaptability and a focus on incremental impact creation. Starting with solid business fundamentals and a strategic AI approach, he has embraced the challenge of building from the ground up, scaling ventures from 0 to 100. As a strategic and visionary leader, he maintains a keen awareness of both micro and macro trends, which is crucial for steering towards long-term goals.
Effective communication and empathy are also central to his approach. Prioritizing clear and open dialogue, while fostering emotional intelligence, has helped him build strong, trusting relationships within his team.
However, his journey hasn’t been one without challenges. Some ventures did not succeed as expected, but these experiences taught him valuable lessons about fundamental principles, strategic thinking, and the importance of persistence. Embracing failure as a part of the learning process has been crucial in his growth.
On the personal front, Ankur maintains balance by prioritizing physical well-being and personal interests. An endurance athlete and Ironman aspirant, he actively engages in marathons, cyclothons, and trekking as he pursues the challenge of conquering the Seven Summits.
On the other hand, his professional accolades include:
● Recognized among the 10 Best Tech Leaders in India 2024
● Recognized as a Member of the Forbes Technology Council
● Speaker at Your Story Tech Conclave 2024
● Recognized as a Member – the AIM Leaders Council
● Speaker at DES Summit 2024
● Speaker at AI Summit 2024
● Part of the Expert Panel featured in a Forbes article
● Top 50 AI leaders in India – 3AI Pinnacle Awards 2024.
Summing up his journey, Ankur says, “While I take pride in the milestones I have achieved, I view success as an ongoing journey of growth and refinement. As I’ve advanced in my career, I’ve adopted a transformative leadership style that emphasizes visionary thinking, continuous personal and professional growth, and a commitment to social impact. In sharing these insights, I hope to encourage others to embrace failures as learning opportunities, prioritize effective communication and empathy, and continually strive for a balance between immediate and strategic goals.”