Hello Mumbai MSME Desk
Preeti Patil’s Message on World MSME Day: Empower MSMEs, Create Jobs and Build a Stronger Indi
On the occasion of World MSME Day, Hello Mumbai News Editor-in-Chief Aleem Shaikh had the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with Preeti Patil, Founder of 7Dhruu Investment Company and a dynamic entrepreneur based in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. During the interaction, she shared her optimistic vision for India’s MSME sector, highlighting the transformative role of digital adoption, artificial intelligence, innovation, supportive government policies, and improved access to finance. Emphasizing that the next five years will be a defining phase for Indian MSMEs, Preeti Patil said the sector is well-positioned to drive employment generation, boost exports, and contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth while inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Brief Introduction Preeti Patil
“Preeti Patil, born on February 24, 1997, in the village of Benadi, is a pioneering entrepreneur based in Kolhapur. She is the youngest recipient of the prestigious Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award (2023) and showcased her talent on stage at the Atal Karandak Natya Spardha in 2022. As the founder of two successful companies, 7Dhruu Investments Pvt. Ltd. and Pravara, she connects businesses with investors as an investment developer. Preeti, an MBA graduate, is also an avid traveler and a devoted explorer of mythology and spirituality, guided by a deep quest for meaning.”
Hello Mumbai News
Congratulations on receiving the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award. What did this recognition mean to you, and how has it influenced your entrepreneurial journey?
Preeti Patil
Receiving the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award is one of the greatest honors of my life. Dr. Kalam believed that dreams transform into reality through knowledge, integrity, and hard work. This recognition has strengthened my commitment to creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and MSMEs. It reminds me that true success is measured by the positive impact we create in society.
Hello Mumbai News
You founded two companies at a young age. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur instead of choosing a conventional career path?
Preeti Patil
I have always believed that entrepreneurship is about solving problems and creating value. Rather than following a conventional career path, I wanted to build organizations that empower businesses, create employment, and contribute to India’s economic growth. My vision has always been to become a catalyst for transformation.
Hello Mumbai News
As an investment developer, what are the biggest challenges MSMEs face today in attracting investors?
Preeti Patil
The biggest challenges include lack of investment readiness, inadequate financial documentation, weak business planning, and limited corporate governance. Many businesses have excellent ideas but struggle to present them in a way that builds investor confidence.
Hello Mumbai News
How does 7Dhruu Investments Pvt. Ltd. help startups and MSMEs secure investment and scale their businesses?
Preeti Patil
At 7Dhruu Investments Pvt. Ltd., we bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and investors. We help businesses become investment-ready by improving business strategies, financial planning, governance, compliance, and investor presentations. Our goal is to connect promising ventures with the right funding partners for sustainable growth.
Hello Mumbai News
In your experience, what are the three most common mistakes entrepreneurs make while approaching investors?
Preeti Patil
First, approaching investors without a clear business model. Second, lacking proper financial planning and realistic projections. Third, focusing only on funding rather than demonstrating long-term value creation and scalability.
Hello Mumbai News
World MSME Day celebrates the contribution of small businesses. How do you see India’s MSME ecosystem evolving over the next five years?
Preeti Patil
India’s MSME ecosystem has tremendous potential. With increasing digital adoption, supportive government policies, AI-driven innovation, and improved access to capital, MSMEs will become stronger contributors to employment, exports, and economic growth. I believe the next five years will be transformational.
Hello Mumbai News
What advice would you give to first-generation entrepreneurs who struggle with funding despite having innovative ideas?
Preeti Patil
Never let funding become the reason to stop dreaming. Build credibility, validate your business model, maintain transparency, and continuously improve your business. Investors invest in capable founders who demonstrate commitment, resilience, and execution.
Hello Mumbai News
How important are financial planning, governance, and compliance for MSMEs seeking long-term investment?
They are absolutely essential. Investors look beyond ideas; they evaluate systems, discipline, transparency, and risk management. Strong governance and compliance significantly improve investor confidence and ensure sustainable growth.
Hello Mumbai News
As a young woman entrepreneur, what challenges have you faced, and what message would you like to share with aspiring women founders?
Like many women entrepreneurs, I have faced skepticism and the need to prove my capabilities repeatedly. Every challenge strengthened my determination. My message is simple: believe in your vision, continue learning, remain confident, and never allow societal limitations to define your potential.
Hello Mumbai News
How can technology, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms improve investment opportunities for MSMEs?
Technology enables businesses to reach wider markets, improve operational efficiency, enhance financial transparency, and make better data-driven decisions. Artificial intelligence can strengthen risk assessment, business analytics, customer insights, and investment evaluation, making MSMEs more attractive to investors.
Hello Mumbai News
You have interests in mythology and spirituality. How have these influenced your leadership style and decision-making in business?
My study of mythology and spirituality has taught me patience, ethical leadership, self-awareness, and purpose-driven decision-making. I believe business should create value while remaining rooted in integrity, compassion, and responsibility toward society.
Hello Mumbai News
What role do resilience, discipline, and continuous learning play in building successful companies?
They are the foundation of entrepreneurship. Markets evolve constantly, and successful leaders must adapt continuously. Resilience helps overcome setbacks, discipline ensures consistent execution, and continuous learning keeps businesses innovative and competitive.
Hello Mumbai News
What policy changes would you recommend to the Central and State Governments to improve access to finance for startups and MSMEs?
Preeti Patil
I would recommend simplifying financing procedures, expanding credit guarantee programs, strengthening investor networks, encouraging private investment through policy incentives, improving financial literacy, and creating faster approval mechanisms for deserving MSMEs.
Hello Mumbai News
What opportunities do you see for entrepreneurs from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Kolhapur in today’s business landscape?
Preeti Patil
Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities possess tremendous entrepreneurial talent. Digital infrastructure has removed geographical barriers. Entrepreneurs from these regions can build globally competitive businesses while leveraging local strengths in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, technology, and innovation.
Hello Mumbai News
Looking ahead, what is your vision for 7Dhruu Investments Pvt. Ltd. and Pravara over the next five years?
Preeti Patil
My vision is to establish 7Dhruu Investments Pvt. Ltd. as one of India’s most trusted investment development and business advisory firms. Through Pravara, I aspire to build a platform that supports entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable business growth while creating meaningful economic impact across the country.
Hello Mumbai News
Finally, what message would you like to share with India’s entrepreneurs and MSMEs on the occasion of World MSME Day 2026?
Preeti Patil
India’s future will be shaped by its entrepreneurs. Every MSME has the potential to create jobs, solve real-world problems, and strengthen our nation’s economy. Believe in your vision, embrace innovation, maintain integrity, and never stop learning. Together, we can build an entrepreneurial India that inspires the world.
