IITian founder joined a dance class just to try. What he learnt there was much more than body moves

In a world driven by productivity and results, it's rare to see successful entrepreneurs pause their routines to explore something entirely unfamiliar. But that’s exactly what Harsh Pokharna—an IIT Kanpur graduate and the co-founder and CEO of OkCredit—did when he signed up for a dance class during his stay in Mysore. What began as a spontaneous experiment became a deeply rewarding experience, offering him insights that went far beyond just learning a few moves.

Harsh took to social media to share his story, beginning with a simple question: “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” That question framed his decision to walk into a dance studio without any prior experience. He described it as the best part of his time in Mysore, highlighting how the classes unexpectedly became a meaningful part of his everyday routine.

Blending with Strangers, Finding a New Rhythm
Rather than focusing solely on the technical side of dancing, Harsh spoke about the social aspect. He found himself surrounded by a mix of people—school students, dancers, actors—all of whom he would never have met in his usual work life. Over time, these diverse individuals formed connections, bonded over music, and created a light-hearted, welcoming space. The friendships that emerged in that dance studio made the experience even more memorable.


Simultaneously attending gym sessions in the morning added to the physical demands on his body. Harsh joked that his legs were so tired, people wondered why he walked like a 90-year-old. Yet, the struggle didn’t take away from the enjoyment—instead, it made the entire experience feel even more real. He shared that doing something he was initially bad at turned out to be liberating, reminding him of the value in starting from scratch.

A Founder with Many Firsts

Harsh is no stranger to stepping into the unknown. After completing his B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kanpur in 2014, he worked with Flipkart, JioMoney, and Intel before launching his own ventures. OkCredit, his most impactful startup, serves more than three million small businesses across India. It helps them manage finances digitally, streamlining tasks like credit tracking and loan access.

Beyond OkCredit, Harsh previously co-founded startups such as ClanOut and Meishi, and has invested in over 30 early-stage companies. His work earned him a spot on Forbes India’s 30 Under 30 list in 2020, and his journey reflects a continuous push for innovation.