Meet Prateek Tosniwal , FCA Partner at MICS International
Meet Prateek Tosniwal , a dynamic Chartered Accountant and Partner at MICS International, whose career journey is a testament to his passion for finance, entrepreneurship, and innovation. From his early days at KPMG to his bold move into the entrepreneurial world, Prateek Tosniwal has consistently pushed boundaries and embraced challenges. Prateek Tosniwal ,s story is one of continuous growth, risk-taking, and an unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact in the financial industry.
Can you share the story of how you started your professional career, including any significant influences or turning points?
After graduating from Narsee Monjee in 2015, I began my career with KPMG in international and domestic taxation. It was an exciting start—I met diverse people, engaged with various businesses, and gained a deep understanding of international taxation. I was fortunate to be guided by incredible mentors, including my college accounts teacher, Supriya Wadia, and my dad, who has always been my role model. They both encouraged me to carve my own path rather than simply following instructions, which was a pivotal moment in my journey
In 2018, I joined my dad’s business in Surat, marking a significant shift from Mumbai to a tier-two city to help expand his practice. I spent three and a half years there but eventually realized that I wasn’t contributing as much value as I wanted. The practice was already well-established, and my role mainly involved bringing in more clients. That’s when I began to crave a more global perspective.
In 2021, I connected with Sheetal Soni, who had been thriving in the UAE for 20 years. We started brainstorming how we could build something together. Sheetal quickly became a mentor to me, and by 2022, I took the plunge, moved to the UAE, and embraced the risks of entrepreneurship. After all, no risk, no reward, right?
Besides this, my passion has always been startups. Since 2016-2017, I’ve actively worked with many of them. In 2021, I launched an Angel Network to support entrepreneurs, helping them scale their businesses by providing the necessary capital. Since then, I’ve invested in around 80 companies, witnessing four unicorns and eight exits. It’s been an incredible journey filled with challenges, risks, and, ultimately, growth.
What are the most important duties you perform in your current job, and how do they contribute to your overall goals?
I like to divide finance into two parts: operational and strategic. On the operational side, I focus on setting up companies globally, handling their structuring, daily taxes, accounting, compliance, and corporate tax planning—this is where my expertise lies. I also step in as CFO for several startups, guiding them through the financial complexities.
How does this help me achieve my goals? First, it keeps me independently happy—because for me, the happiness quotient is more important than the money quotient. It also covers my expenses and ensures I earn enough to meet my financial goals. But beyond just earning and spending, I’m focused on making my money work for me. I make sure to invest whatever I save, so my money can generate more wealth, helping me stay on track with my overall objectives.
What future developments or innovations are you looking forward to in your industry, and how do you plan to leverage them?
I’m passionate about connecting with entrepreneurs and fostering entrepreneurship. That’s why I envision my future focused on creating a vibrant ecosystem—imagine a co-working space where 500 startup founders can collaborate, innovate, and bring fresh ideas to life. We’re actively working towards this, and by 2027, I aim to have my own co-working space bustling with entrepreneurs who inspire me as much as they innovate.
The idea is to leverage the wealth side of finance—by investing in these companies, we can drive societal growth while growing alongside them. The ultimate goal is to keep learning and evolving every day. That’s what excites me most about this journey.
How do you tackle difficult challenges in your career, and what keeps you motivated during tough times?
I’m someone who thrives on challenges. As a risk-taker, I don’t dwell on the problem itself but focus on finding the solution. When faced with a tough situation, I’m all about figuring out how to solve it. That’s what keeps me motivated—because if I’ve cracked that challenge, it’s a win for me, my client, and the entrepreneur I’m supporting. That’s my approach to tackling any challenge that comes my way.
What is the most memorable achievement in your career so far, and what did it teach you?
One of the most memorable achievements in my career was becoming a Chartered Accountant. It was a moment of pride that brought tears to my parents’ eyes—something I’ll never forget. That achievement taught me humility, reminding me that it’s not all about the glory but the emotions behind it. It reinforced the importance of staying true to your beliefs and ethics and using that sense of pride with the right intent. After earning that degree, I learned that it’s crucial to live ethically, never cheat, and always focus on values. That’s what matters most to me.
What advice would you offer to newcomers in your industry, particularly those who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
I would always say, take risks and do what you love because life is short. If you don’t do what you love, you’ll always regret it. It may not always succeed, but what’s important is that you’re pursuing what drives you. That passion will motivate you to get up every day and go for it. And if you do it right, I’m confident you’ll succeed 99 times out of 100.
One more thing—it’s always easier to earn money than to manage it. Handling money wisely is the tough part. So, manage it carefully, and if you do, you’ll grow leaps and bounds in your career.
What are your aspirations for the future in both your career and your business, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I’m very much a “live in the moment” kind of person, focusing on what needs to be done today. Of course, I have big dreams—like creating a community of 500 entrepreneurs and setting up second homes in Prague and Amsterdam for those starting a new phase in their lives. But I don’t get too wrapped up in long-term goals.
Instead, I spend about 80% of my time ensuring that today is handled well while keeping an eye on future security. If I manage my money wisely and make the right investments, I’m confident I’ll have the resources to make my vision a reality. So, my strategy is to excel today and trust that the future will follow suit.
As we wrap up this interview, it’s clear that Prateek Tosniwal’ s journey is driven by passion, risk-taking, and a commitment to growth—both personally and professionally. His focus on building meaningful relationships and fostering innovation sets him apart in the industry. Thank you, Prateek, for sharing your insights with us. We look forward to seeing your continued success and impact in the financial world.
