Great leaders are those who don’t just build companies; instead, they create opportunities for others to succeed. They are the ones who inspire growth and open doors for those who dare to dream big.

In today’s overly competitive world, when businesses rise and fall overnight, it is the leaders who lift others up. It takes courage, resilience, and a deep understanding of people to turn ambition into reality. Deepak Peschard, a French-Indian entrepreneur, is one such leader, driven by a passion for creating global opportunities and helping others succeed.

As the Founder and CEO of Digeto, he has combined his global experience with a passion for innovation to help startups and SMEs expand beyond borders. Now as Digeto gears up to launch its Global Career Accelerator Program, Edge, Deepak is taking his mission a step further, helping individuals build international careers and thrive in a highly competitive world.

The Making of a Global Entrepreneur

Every entrepreneur has a story, but some stories extend beyond business. Deepak’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery and a drive to create impact. Born in India, he spent the first four years of his life in a Missionaries of Charity orphanage in Mumbai before he relocated to France after being adopted by French parents. Growing up in France, he always had a curiosity about his roots. At 18, struggling with depression from the memories of his biological mother, he took it upon himself to find her. This search led him back to India, where he spent a year studying in Chennai before completing his Master’s in International Business in France.

After his graduation, he joined HSBC Bank and enjoyed 18 years of an international career where he held senior positions in different departments. The turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic when he took the time to write his autobiography titled The Secret Son, chronicling his two-decade-long search for his biological mother. Though he never got to meet her as she passed away in 2018, Deepak finally found his roots in 2019. Deepak also is married to an Indian, strengthening his personal connection to the country.

From the streets of Mumbai to the global stage, Deepak’s journey is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of following one’s inner calling.

From Corporate to Global Impact Builder

After spending nearly two decades in the corporate world, Deepak reached a turning point. His journey with HSBC had taken him across six countries and three regions, giving him a front-row seat to the intricacies of global finance and investment. But along the way, he realised that success wasn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder; it was about creating something bigger than himself.

In 2022, he took a bold step and left HSBC. With years of experience and a strong belief in the power of connections, he created Digeto. The idea was clear: to support impact-driven startups and SMEs to expand globally by giving them access to funding, strategic partnerships, and expert guidance. He had seen firsthand how difficult it was for startups and small businesses to break into international markets, and he wanted to change that.

Deepak’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there; he also co-founded an impact-driven Food Tech business in Switzerland and became a part-time investor at VU Venture Partners, a venture capital firm in San Francisco, where he went through an accelerator program to upskill himself in the investment space.

Digeto: Empowering Impact-Driven Businesses

At its core, Digeto is a global bridge for businesses with purpose. Its AI-driven platform connects startups with the right investors, helping them secure funding and scale beyond borders. But financial backing is just one piece of the puzzle. They are the only company focused on helping impact-driven businesses go global. “Any technology with a positive impact should be accessible everywhere in the world,” says Deepak.

Co-headquartered in Paris, France and Bangalore, India, Digeto offers a perfect blend of European precision with Indian innovation. It also provides hands-on support in legal, finance, marketing, and ESG compliance, ensuring that businesses don’t just grow but grow sustainably. With a network spanning 15+ countries, 500+ angel investors, and 100+ venture capital firms, the company is building an ecosystem where businesses with a mission can thrive on a global stage.

Building the Next Generation of Global Leaders

Having built an international career himself, Deepak knows how tough it can be to step into unknown territories and make a name for yourself. That’s why he launched Digeto’s Global Career Accelerator Program, Edge. Through this initiative, he aims to equip professionals with the skills, exposure, and networks they need to build successful global careers.

This three-month immersive program is designed to help graduates and professionals gain real-world global exposure. This program equips professionals with the skills and networks they need to build successful international careers. It includes working on real projects, learning from senior industry leaders, and building a network that spans continents. Participants will get hands-on experience in fields like investment, marketing, sales, and technology while also developing leadership and ESG skills.

For Deepak, this program is a way to pay it forward. His own journey has been shaped by the opportunities he seized and the people who believed in him. Now, through Digeto, he’s creating similar opportunities for others to step into the global arena.

Deepak’s Achievements

For Deepak, his international career has been one of his most significant achievements. “In every place I’ve worked, I’ve always tried to make a positive impact on the teams and functions I managed,” he shares. This journey taught him the importance of respecting and understanding local cultures to be successful, along with the value of networks and mentorship. “I continue to upskill myself to stay relevant in a competitive world,” he adds.

Emerging Horizons

Deepak believes that staying ahead of emerging trends requires a constant connection with the pulse of innovation. He shares, “As a venture capitalist and someone exposed to the startup ecosystem, I speak to at least five tech founders every day. It’s a great way to stay ahead.” Even at Digeto, they use the best tech tools on the market to offer the best service to their clients. “We have someone on the team dedicated to building and maintaining the best tech stack infrastructure, and it’s updated regularly to make sure we’re always operating at peak efficiency,” explains Deepak.

Looking ahead, he is focused on the future of leadership. “With the launch of our Global Career Accelerator, Edge, we’re building the next generation of impact-driven leaders,” he shares. For Deepak, the focus has always been on making a lasting impact, both through technology and people. “It's not just about what we do today; it's about creating a foundation that supports sustainable growth for tomorrow,” he concludes.

Leadership Mantra

Advising aspiring entrepreneurs, Deepak shares, “Leverage the power of networks and have a mentor. Most accelerator programs offer the right guidance, and having the right people around you can make all the difference.”