It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the sudden passing of Simon Karmarkar, a cherished member of the Founder Institute global community and proud Veteran Alumni. Simon passed away on March 12th while attending SXSW in Austin, Texas—doing what he did best: showing up to support entrepreneurs, connect with purpose-driven leaders, and represent his mission with heart.
Simon was more than just a founder. He was a beacon of warmth, a connector, and a passionate advocate for veterans, startups, and the communities he touched. His sudden loss has sent ripples of grief through those who had the privilege of knowing him—whether as a peer, a mentor, a friend, or a fellow dreamer chasing meaningful impact.
In the words of Xavier Clarke, Ambassador Program Manager at the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF):
For those of us who had the privilege of spending time with Simon in person just two weeks ago during our recent fly-in in Atlanta, his warmth, kindness, and infectious spirit are still fresh in our hearts. Simon was an extraordinary individual whose impact extended across the Raleigh tech scene, IVMF, Bunker Labs, Patriot Boot Camp, and more, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Simon’s entrepreneurial journey was rooted in service, empathy, and innovation. As the founder of MasRefund and HelpMeSee, alongside through his startup initiatives in the Raleigh tech scene, he brought a unique blend of corporate experience, startup grit, and unwavering commitment to improving lives. He was always eager to help others grow, and never missed a moment to lift up those around him.
At the Founder Institute, Simon stood out for his dedication, resilience, and thoughtful mentorship. His passion for veteran entrepreneurship was evident in everything he did—often seen advocating for resources, collaborating with mission-aligned organizations, and helping others find clarity in their founder journeys.
Mike Sherbakov, Managing Director of the FI Veteran program, shared “Simon Karmarkar was a rare soul - deeply kind, endlessly supportive, and fiercely committed to making the world better. His presence lifted every room he entered, and his legacy will continue to inspire all of us who were lucky enough to know him.”
His time with us, especially through the Veteran Cohort, was marked by a generosity of spirit that left an indelible mark on our global network.
Simon’s life serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of presence—of showing up for others, living with intention, and giving without expecting anything in return. His last moments were spent preparing for meetings, continuing to build bridges and make an impact, as he always did.
To Simon’s family, friends, and the collectives he held dear: the entire Founder Institute team extends our deepest condolences. We are working alongside his community to explore meaningful ways to honor his legacy, and we will share those details in due course.
For now, we remember Simon through the stories he helped shape, the people he empowered, and the light he brought into every room.
Thank you, Simon, for everything. You will be deeply missed—but never forgotten.
In memory of Simon Karmarkar, 2025.
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