Achyuth Jaigopal: Building global creative ventures through music and impact

What led you to choose the Cambridge MBA?

In 2024, while on a UK tour, I visited Cambridge Judge Business School. At the time, it was one of my top MBA choices because of its hands-on learning opportunities and the fact that it was the only highly ranked programme offering a concentration in Culture, Arts and Media Management (now called Creative Industries in the Digital Age). 

During my visit, I fell in love with both the city of Cambridge and the Business School. I later connected with alumni to gain a deeper understanding of the programme and worked hard to craft the strongest possible essays for my application. I was elated to be admitted and to receive a scholarship. 

Another key factor was the university-wide network that Cambridge offers. The collegiate system enables students not only to build connections within the Business School cohort but also to engage with peers across multiple disciplines and participate in events organised by the wider university. 

On a personal note, I was drawn to the idea of spending a year in the historic city of Cambridge, surrounded by its medieval, Gothic and neoclassical architecture. With my entrepreneurial background and aspirations, it also made sense to immerse myself in an innovation hub like the Silicon Fen. The proximity to London, one of the cultural capitals of the world, further cemented my decision to join.

What has been your biggest career accomplishment so far?

Building an international audience and selling out prestigious mid-sized venues with my band in the UK and US has been my biggest career accomplishment. When we started a decade ago in Kochi, India (where careers in independent English music were virtually unheard of), we dreamed of taking our songs to global audiences. That dream came true in 2023-2024, when we toured Europe and North America to an overwhelming response. 

It was especially heartwarming to hear stories from fans about how our music had touched their lives. Some shared how our songs helped them through homesickness or difficult times, while others even met their life partners through discovering our music.

How do you feel about receiving your scholarship?

I still remember the moment I told my parents about my scholarship while we were on a drive. I was ecstatic. The many hours I had spent perfecting my application culminated in the most fulfilling outcome. 

I am deeply grateful to the Cambridge Judge Admissions Committee for valuing diversity in professional backgrounds and to the Cambridge Foundation for creating scholarships that support students from underrepresented sectors. Their efforts make democratic and inclusive learning possible for a wide range of students.

What do you hope to gain from the MBA over the next year?

I hope to spend an intellectually stimulating year at Cambridge, learning alongside some of the brightest minds from diverse sectors and building lasting networks. For me, the MBA is a launching pad to explore where the next decade of my career will lead. 

Since I completed my undergraduate degree largely online while simultaneously growing my music venture, I am especially excited about experiencing campus life in full.

Where do you see the MBA taking you in your future career?

After the MBA, I plan to continue expanding my venture’s global presence while also exploring entrepreneurial opportunities in the entertainment industry. 

At present, I envision returning to India to build in areas such as live music infrastructure or music licensing, spaces where I have significant experience and see tremendous growth potential. At the same time, I remain open to new possibilities that may emerge from the Cambridge ecosystem.

What does Cambridge mean to you?

To me, Cambridge represents an ocean of knowledge, a diverse community of inspiring individuals, stories that have endured for centuries and an unparalleled legacy. I feel proud to call the city my home for a year and look forward to an enriching experience.

Something few people know about you…

Alongside my music career, I have been closely involved in my family business, Inspiration Collective, which focuses on environmentally sustainable design and construction. Born to architect parents and having spent 2 years of high school at the Green School in Bali, Indonesia, I have long been passionate about sustainability. 

Working with Inspiration Collective allowed me to stay connected to the sustainable development ecosystem. To scale my impact further, I co-founded a not-for-profit organisation, Inspire Earth Foundation, which works to positively influence human habitats, health, life and livelihoods on a larger scale.