YAAP Founder Atul Hegde Passes Away At 57

Founder and Chairman of digital marketing and technology company YAAP, passed away on Monday morning following a heart attack. He was 57.

According to reports, Hegde suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away at around 8 a.m., bringing to an end a career that spanned more than two decades in advertising, digital marketing, entrepreneurship and technology.

Widely regarded as one of India’s pioneering digital marketing entrepreneurs, Hegde founded YAAP and transformed it into an integrated marketing and technology network with operations across India and international markets. Under his leadership, the company expanded its capabilities across content, data, technology and creative services, positioning itself as a full-stack marketing solutions provider.

Beyond YAAP, Hegde was also active in India’s startup ecosystem as an investor and mentor. Through Rainmaker Ventures, which he co-founded, he backed several early-stage startups, reflecting his long-standing commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation.

Before establishing YAAP, Hegde built his career in advertising, branding and digital communications. His experience across these sectors laid the foundation for creating a technology-led agency model focused on integrated marketing solutions.

In recent years, Hegde had been steering YAAP through a phase of rapid expansion. The company reported strong financial performance in FY26, while also outlining ambitious plans centred on artificial intelligence, strategic acquisitions and geographic expansion. He had spoken about building a homegrown, technology-powered agency network capable of competing on a global scale.

Hegde was also recognised as a thought leader who frequently shared perspectives on the evolving relationship between technology, branding, consumer behaviour and digital culture. Outside of his professional achievements, he was known for his enthusiasm for sneakers and contemporary culture, which became a defining aspect of his public persona.

His sudden demise has sent shockwaves across India’s advertising, marketing and startup communities. Colleagues and industry peers have remembered him as a visionary entrepreneur and leader who played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s digital marketing landscape and championed innovation throughout his career.