Meet Nishargo Nigar, Co-founder of Bolo
“Failure is only delayed success.”
For Nishargo, entrepreneurship is both personal and practical. Her journey began not from a business plan, but from a place of struggle and self-discovery. After battling depression, she decided to create something that would help others manage their emotions and mental wellbeing in real time. That became Bolo — a platform designed to make emotional awareness more accessible through technology.
“My own depression and battle with mental health inspired me,” she said. “I wanted to turn that pain into purpose.”
The problem she refused to ignore
Nishargo had seen how little support existed for people trying to manage their emotional health day to day. While awareness campaigns were growing, tools for practical self-regulation were scarce. “Our technology helps users manage their emotions effectively,” she said. “We’re not just tracking moods; we’re helping people act on them.”
The mission behind Bolo is to combine empathy and innovation. Nishargo believes emotional health should be treated with the same importance as physical wellbeing — and that technology can play a role in bridging that gap.
“It’s about giving people tools that work in the moment, not after the fact.”
The moment it crystallised
There was one turning point that solidified everything. “When our beta testing was successful and we saw users genuinely benefit from our product,” she recalled, “I knew we were building something that mattered.”
Seeing the early users respond with relief and connection brought the abstract idea of emotional intelligence into real life. “It wasn’t about metrics anymore, it was about people feeling seen.”
Why Bolo is different
Bolo stands apart for its mix of science, design, and compassion. It’s not a tool that tells users what to feel; it helps them understand why they feel it. Nishargo and her team are building technology that listens, reflects, and supports emotional regulation in a human way.
Accessibility is central to that vision. “We make sure the experience feels intuitive and safe. The goal is to normalise emotional expression — not medicalise it.”
How she leads
“I’m vulnerable and authentic. That’s extremely important when leading a team.”
Nishargo believes in creating an environment where openness is valued over perfection. Her leadership style is rooted in empathy; she shares her own challenges as freely as she celebrates success. That approach has built trust within her team and kept their mission grounded.
What she’s building right now
Right now, Nishargo is focused on growing Bolo, refining its technology, and expanding its community. “It’s pretty interesting how our users interact with the app,” she said. “They’re teaching us new ways to design for emotional connection.”
Each update is shaped by real feedback, with an emphasis on how people feel when using the app, not just what they do. “That’s what excites me — seeing technology respond to humanity, not the other way around.”
Founderland and finding her people
For Nishargo, Founderland represents solidarity and strength. “Helping each other out, especially as women,” she said. “Networking here doesn’t feel transactional — it feels genuine.”
She values the space for honest dialogue and shared ambition. “It’s refreshing to be part of a community where collaboration is rooted in empathy.”
Her biggest challenge—and how she moved through it
Nishargo’s journey hasn’t been without doubt. Building a startup in the mental health space requires both emotional stamina and resilience. “There were times when it felt overwhelming,” she admitted. “But therapy, supportive friends, and breaks kept me grounded.”
She’s learned that stepping back can be just as important as pushing forward. “Rest is a strategy. It keeps the vision clear.”
Advice to her past self
“Just be direct,” she said. “I appreciate those who tell me what they want and what they believe in. I’d remind myself to do the same.”
Her advice to younger founders is simple: clarity saves time. “Be honest — with yourself and others. It opens the right doors.”
Who inspires her
Nishargo looks up to Leena Nair, CEO of Chanel. “I resonate with her story and her journey as a woman of colour leading with grace and intelligence,” she said.
For her, leadership isn’t about dominance — it’s about dignity. “Leena shows how you can lead powerfully without losing your softness.”
How she stays grounded
“I take lots of breaks,” she said. “Therapy helps. Talking to friends helps. Walking away from the screen helps.”
She treats self-care as an ongoing practice, not an afterthought. Creativity, for her, often comes in quiet moments. “That’s when the next idea usually finds me.”
A mantra she lives by
“Failure is only delayed success.”
It’s more than a quote; it’s how she approaches every challenge. “Every setback is just a step in disguise,” she said. “You only truly fail when you stop trying.”
Follow Nishargo’s Journey
Learn more or get in touch: