Harshit Bansal - Founder Of Futurus Where Ai Meets Finance (Founder)

"Success in finance is more than technical skills—it's about practical experience, effective communication, and adaptability. That's the vision behind Futurus."

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey?

I come from a small town with limited opportunities but always had big dreams. Moving to Delhi to pursue my B.Com (Hons) from Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, I graduated as the gold medalist of Delhi University. Throughout college, I won over 100 competitions, including 3 international and 10 national-level ones.

With more than 3.5 years of experience at firms like KPMG, Citibank, Unacademy, and SG Analytics, I realized that many people struggled to break into finance—not due to a lack of capability, but due to a lack of proper guidance.

This led me to start Futurus, an innovative platform where AI meets finance. We focus on mentorship, practical training, and personal development to help learners unlock their full potential. So far, I've trained over 2,000 students and have been invited as a guest of honor to more than 60 colleges.

2. What motivated you to go from working at a Big 4 company to starting a startup to train future finance professionals?

While working at a Big 4 firm, I noticed a gap in how professionals were being prepared for finance roles. The focus was often too heavily on technical skills, without enough attention given to practical training or the soft skills required to excel in interviews and on the job.

This inspired me to launch Futurus, a platform that combines finance expertise with personal development. My vision is to make learning complex concepts both simple and enjoyable, helping people grow holistically and achieve long-term success in the finance industry.

3. What was the biggest challenge you faced when making the shift from corporate to running your own business?

Leaving the stability of a corporate job was challenging—the biggest fear was the uncertainty of whether my startup would succeed. However, I believed deeply in my vision for Futurus and knew the current education system was inadequate in preparing young professionals for real-world challenges.

The transition was not easy. I managed everything on my own—from marketing and operations to finance and hiring. It was overwhelming at times, but I gained a sense of freedom and purpose that made the risk worthwhile. Building something meaningful from scratch that genuinely impacts people's careers has been incredibly rewarding.

4. What specific skills or knowledge do you focus on when training people for finance jobs?

At Futurus, we emphasize both hard and soft skills to fully prepare students for finance roles. Technically, we cover the fundamentals of finance and accounting, corporate Excel, financial analytics, and investment banking concepts, taught by professionals from Big 4 and Big 3 firms. We prioritize practical learning, with students working on live projects like company profiling, valuation models, and financial analysis.

We also focus on personal development, including LinkedIn optimization and interview preparation, which are essential for securing a job and thriving in the finance industry.

5. What are the top qualities or skills that Big 4 companies typically look for in candidates?

Big 4 companies such as KPMG, EY, and Deloitte look for well-rounded candidates with strong technical skills, such as proficiency in finance, accounting, and industry tools like Excel. They also highly value problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and adaptability.

Soft skills like effective communication, teamwork, and leadership potential are equally important. Big 4 firms want candidates who can take initiative, work collaboratively, and manage projects as they grow in their roles.

6. What are common mistakes people make when preparing for finance roles, and how do you help them avoid these pitfalls?

A common mistake is focusing solely on technical skills while neglecting soft skills. Many assume mastering technical knowledge is enough, but companies want candidates who can communicate effectively, collaborate, and adapt to challenges. Another common issue is not being thoroughly prepared for interviews—many underestimate the importance of mock interviews and hands-on practice.

At Futurus, we address these gaps by combining technical training with mentoring in soft skills, such as personal branding and networking. We focus on practical, hands-on training to ensure our learners are fully prepared for real-world situations.

7. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in finance and hoping to work at a Big 4 company?

My advice is to build a solid foundation in the basics of finance and accounting, but also go beyond by applying that knowledge in practical projects. Develop all the skills required for your dream job.

Work on your communication skills and start networking early—Big 4 companies value candidates who can articulate their ideas well and handle pressure effectively. Lastly, always stay curious and keep learning, as the finance industry evolves rapidly, and staying up-to-date is key to long-term success.

8. What’s the most rewarding part of running your own venture, especially in the finance education space?

The most rewarding part of running Futurus is witnessing the real impact on people's lives. When students share their success stories—whether they’ve landed their dream job or finally enjoy learning finance thanks to our training—it feels incredible. Knowing that we are helping people achieve their goals and shaping successful careers in finance keeps me motivated and reminds me why I embarked on this journey in the first place.

Bio: 

Coming from a small town, I ventured into the big city with determination, transforming my dreams into reality. With 3.5 years of experience in finance, I honed my skills and founded Futurus—an innovative platform where AI meets finance. As CEO, my mission is to simplify learning and unlock the potential of every aspiring professional.

Having cracked interviews at top firms like EY, KPMG, Deloitte, and others, I offer invaluable insights into the industry. Beyond my work, I've invested in two startups and find solace in #Shayari and #Poetry, using words to express vivid emotions and experiences.

Linkedln 

Interviewed by: Divyani

Edited by: Mishika Goel