Meet the Team

Aryav Bhandari is a high school sophomore and the founder of Invest2Elevate, a microfinance and lending organization dedicated to empowering underserved communities. Inspired by firsthand observations of poverty in India and by reading Banker to the Poor, Aryav developed a passion for creating sustainable economic opportunities for those often left behind by traditional financial systems.

Driven by a belief that social upliftment and financial empowerment go hand in hand, Aryav envisions a world where access to small loans and financial resources enables individuals to build livelihoods, invest in their futures, and transform their communities. Beyond his nonprofit work, Aryav has a keen interest in finance and social entrepreneurship, exploring ways that innovative financial solutions can drive meaningful social impact.

Through Invest2Elevate, he is committed to bridging gaps in access, fostering financial literacy, and supporting initiatives that create lasting change.

Beyond Invest2Elevate, Aryav is an avid basketball player, does sports journalism, and plays the guitar. 

Armaan is a high school student at Menlo School in California. He enjoys playing lacrosse, exploring robotics, and learning about ways to make a positive difference. Armaan cares about supporting underserved communities and protecting the environment. He believes micro finance can create real change by giving people the resources to start small businesses, improve their communities, and build a more sustainable future.