India’s startup ecosystem is experiencing an unprecedented surge, driven by a new generation of visionary venture capital leaders who are not only investing in ideas but shaping the future of technology. These early-stage VC leaders bring more than just capital—they provide mentorship, strategic direction, and vital industry connections that enable founders to scale quickly and navigate competitive markets. From fintech and SaaS to consumer tech, healthtech, and climate innovation, these leaders are at the forefront of India’s entrepreneurial revolution, backing bold founders and disruptive technologies that are redefining industries. This list highlights 100 early-stage VC leaders who are powering India’s tech innovation, fostering transformative startups, and steering the country toward a new era of growth and global impact.

  • Aakrit Vaish (Managing Partner, peercheque): Peercheque, led by Aakrit Vaish, is redefining early-stage investing in India with a founder-first, operator-driven approach. Writing cheques between $100K–$500K, they back ambitious technology startups across consumer tech, SaaS, fintech, and climate. Their portfolio boasts rising stars like Unacademy, Dukaan, PocketFM, MPL, and more.
  • Abhishek Agarwal (Founder & Managing Partner, Rockstud Capital): Abhishek Agarwal, Founder & Managing Partner at Rockstud Capital, brings over 17 years of expertise in financial markets and early-stage investing. Leading a SEBI-registered multi-asset platform, Rockstud backs high-growth startups through its Category II VC AIF, Angel Fund, and PMS. Focused on themes like Industry 4.0, healthy living, and a green planet, the firm has invested in ventures such as Everest Fleet, Expertia AI, and StayVista.
  • Abhishek Mittal (Partner, Endurance Capital): Abhishek Mittal, Partner at Endurance Capital, brings over 15 years of experience as both an operator and investor. An Imperial College London alumnus, he has backed 100+ startups while managing key business functions across production, sales, and partnerships. Through his early-stage micro PE fund, he focuses on supporting exceptional founders building generational companies. Additionally, he is an active participant in public markets.
  • Ajit Kumar (Managing Partner, Evolvence Equity Partners): Ajit Kumar, Managing Partner at Evolvence Equity Partners, spearheads strategy, investments, and investor relations for the Evolvence India platform. With over 27 years of experience, he has managed capital allocation across 130+ PE and VC funds and multiple co-investments globally. At EIF, he oversees 15 funds and 14 co-investments, representing the firm on boards, investment committees, and advisory panels. His expertise spans BFSI, consumer, engineering, and middle-market M&A, backed by an MBA from London Business School.

 

  • Amit Behl (Partner, Capital 2B): Amit Behl, Partner at Capital 2B, brings over two decades of expertise in early and mid-stage tech investments across internet, SaaS, mobile, and fintech. With a stellar track record of six IPOs and $10B+ market cap exits, he has backed names like Policybazaar, Yatra, and Indiamart. At Capital 2B and Info Edge Ventures, he leads bets on startups such as Beatoven AI, Truemeds, and Skylark Drones.

 

  • Amit Mehta (Managing Partner, Asha Ventures): Amit Mehta, Managing Partner at Asha Ventures, brings over 17 years of investment expertise, spearheading strategy, fundraising, and deal-making. Previously at IIFL Private Equity, he drove marquee investments in NSE, Nazara Tech, and Northern Arc, delivering stellar returns. His experience spans Motilal Oswal PE, Mayfield Fund, and ICICI Prudential AMC, backed by an IIM Ahmedabad MBA. A recognized AIWMI Top 40 under 40 professional, Amit focuses on scaling high-growth mid-market and tech-driven ventures.

 

  • Amit Sharma (General Partner and Co-Founder, Cactus Venture Partners): Amit Sharma, General Partner and Co-Founder of Cactus Venture Partners, brings over 15 years of investment expertise with successful exits in Cred, KrazyBee, and Gig India. Formerly leading India investments at Alibaba-backed eWTP Capital and Xiaomi, he has deep experience in strategic deals and fund building. An ex-J.P. Morgan equity analyst, Amit combines sharp market insights with a strong track record in tech and consumer investments.

 

  • Anil G Jain (Co-founder, 100unicorns): Anil G. Jain, Co-founder of 100unicorns, is a serial entrepreneur turned prolific early-stage investor. From building a listed stockbroking firm to leading real estate ventures, his journey spans three decades of business leadership. With 90+ angel investments, he’s consistently ranked among India’s most active investors.

 

  • Anil Joshi (Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures): Anil Joshi, Managing Partner at Unicorn India Ventures, leads one of India’s prominent early-stage venture funds focused on SMAC, IoT, and fintech sectors. With a strong legacy as former President of Mumbai Angels and Bangalore Angels, he has facilitated over 60 startup deals worth ₹100 crore. Backed by decades of experience in corporate management and venture investments, Joshi actively mentors founders and advises government bodies on entrepreneurship.

 

  • Anirudh Garg (Partner, BEENEXT): Anirudh Garg, Partner at BEENEXT, spearheads India investments for the early-stage VC firm that has backed 250+ startups across India, SEA, the US, and Japan. With prior stints at Flipkart and Speciale Invest, he brings deep expertise in tech-driven sectors like climatetech, fintech, and SaaS. At BEENEXT, he focuses on partnering with bold founders building disruptive technology companies. The fund’s marquee portfolio includes MPL, NoBroker, Rippling, Innovaccer, Jupiter, and Rebel Foods.

 

  • Ankit Lakhotia (Partner, Udtara Ventures): Ankit Lakhotia, Partner at Udtara Ventures, brings over 15 years of investing experience across early to growth-stage companies. A CA and CS by qualification, he specializes in deal sourcing, structuring, and strategic growth for portfolio companies. At Udtara Ventures, a sector-agnostic family office fund, Ankit focuses on early-stage tech investments with the ability to co-invest or lead follow-on rounds. Previously, he has worked with Ambit Pragma and Edelweiss, managing multi-million-dollar funds.

 

  • Ankur Mittal (Partner, Physis Capital): Ankur Mittal, Partner at Physis Capital, brings over two decades of global finance expertise to India’s startup ecosystem. With a career spanning Fortune 50 firms and leadership roles at Citigroup and Credit Suisse, he has deep experience in cross-border M&A and portfolio building. Today, he backs early and growth-stage startups through Physis Capital and Inflection Point Ventures, fueling India’s next wave of tech innovation.

 

  • Ash Lilani (Founder & Managing Partner, Saama Capital): With over three decades at the intersection of technology and venture capital, Ash Lilani brings global expertise to India’s startup ecosystem. Formerly President of SVB Global, he has led expansions into key international markets and mentored numerous early-stage companies. At Saama Capital, he focuses on backing transformative tech ventures.

 

  • Avijeet Alagathi (Managing Partner, Shastra VC): Avijeet Alagathi is the Managing Partner at Shastra VC, steering the firm’s pre-seed and seed-stage investments across FinTech, HealthTech, and SMB SaaS. With a rich background as an investor at Goldman Sachs and an operator at BYG, KredX, and ABI Health, he combines strategic insight with hands-on startup experience. Avi excels in identifying scalable innovations and nurturing early-stage ventures.

 

  • Ayan Chatterjee (Founder & CEO, QI Ventures): Ayan Chatterjee, Founder & CEO of QI Ventures, leverages over 25 years of experience to back and mentor early-stage startups. Since launching QI Ventures in 2021, he has focused on providing capital, strategic guidance, and a portfolio-driven approach to help entrepreneurs scale. With a strong foundation in private banking and relationship management, Ayan brings deep expertise in fundraising and business growth.

 

  • Brij Singh (Venture Partner, Rebright Partners): Brij Singh, Venture Partner at Rebright Partners and co-founder of Snowmountain AI, brings two decades of experience across Silicon Valley and India’s startup ecosystem. A founding member of Pramata and a key force behind the GSF Accelerator, he has backed breakout names such as Medibuddy, Whatfix, and Inshorts. With Rebright, he continues to fuel India’s next wave of tech disruptors.

 

  • Davesh Manocha (Founder and Managing Partner, CDM Capital): Davesh Manocha, Founder and Managing Partner at CDM Capital, brings over 15 years of global investing and M&A experience. Having started his career at Macquarie Group and later at Sabre Capital, he has backed 15+ companies across sectors from seed to late stage. A former founder of health-tech startup Juno Clinic, Davesh understands the founder’s journey firsthand. At CDM Capital, he focuses on supporting visionary entrepreneurs in e-commerce, healthcare, and fintech.

 

  • Deepesh Agarwal (Co-Founder & Partner, Silverneedle Ventures): Deepesh Agarwal, Co-Founder and Partner at Silverneedle Ventures, brings over 16 years of tech expertise and 4 years of startup experience to the table. At Silverneedle, he focuses on portfolio construction, strategic partnerships, and deal sourcing while driving investments across B2B SaaS, deep tech, sustainability, and consumer internet. The SEBI-registered AIF backs transformative ventures in AI/ML, AR/VR, Web3, and emerging tech enablers. With a strong network of family offices, HNIs, and institutional investors, Deepesh is committed to fueling India’s next wave of tech innovation.

 

  • Dhruv Dhanraj Bahl (Managing Partner, Sadev Ventures (Eternal Capital India)): Dhruv Dhanraj Bahl, Managing Partner at Sadev Ventures (Eternal Capital India), brings a unique blend of strategic insight and operational expertise from his diverse experience across sales, strategy, and consulting at Bain & Co. An INSEAD alumnus, he is passionate about fueling early-stage innovation in India’s tech ecosystem. Beyond investing, Dhruv enjoys traveling, cooking, and exploring new ideas through reading.

 

  • Dr. Ramesh Byrapaneni (Managing Director, Endiya Partners): Dr. Ramesh Byrapaneni, Managing Director at Endiya Partners, is a cardiologist-turned-venture capitalist passionate about driving India’s healthcare innovation. With over a decade of investing experience, he has backed game-changing startups like SigTuple, Eyestem, Sugar.Fit, and Karkinos Healthcare. A former founder of one of India’s first private hospitals, he brings deep clinical expertise to digital health and life sciences investments. He also serves on the National Startup Advisory Council and co-founded Hyderabad Angels.

 

  • Florian Reichert (Partner & Managing Director, Picus Capital): Florian Reichert is a Partner and Managing Director at Picus Capital, a Munich-based early-stage technology investment firm. With a focus on India and Southeast Asia, Picus Capital partners with visionary founders to build global companies in sectors like fintech, enterprise software, and climate tech. The firm emphasizes a long-term, hands-on approach, offering strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a global network to its portfolio companies. Picus Capital has invested in over 90 companies worldwide, including several in India, and is committed to fostering innovation in emerging markets.

 

  • Gireendra Kasmalkar (Lead Investor and Managing Partner, Pentathlon Ventures): Gireendra Kasmalkar, Founder and Managing Partner at Pentathlon Ventures, is a seasoned entrepreneur-turned-investor with over three decades of experience in tech and innovation. Through Pentathlon, he champions early-stage B2B tech startups with a “for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs” approach, helping them scale globally. He also leads Ideas to Impacts Hub, driving startup ecosystems into India’s non-metro regions with a unique “smart town” model.

 

  • Gourav Bhattacharya (Co Founder and Managing Director, Tenacity Ventures): Gourav Bhattacharya is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Tenacity Ventures, bringing over a decade of global tech investing experience from stints at Matrix Partners India and ADQ. He has backed high-impact startups like Flipkart, Getir, Trendyol, Dealshare, and Stanza Living. Under his leadership, Tenacity Ventures focuses on early-stage tech investments that drive India’s innovation ecosystem.

 

  • I. A. S. Balamurugan (Managing Partner, Anicut Capital): I. A. S. Balamurugan, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Anicut Capital, brings over 25 years of experience in banking and wealth management from roles at ICICI, Citibank, and UBS. He co-founded Metis Family Office and now leads Anicut’s multi-asset investment strategy, managing over ₹1,400 crore across private credit and early-stage funds.

 

  • Jai Sumer Singh (Co-Founder and Partner, Riverwalk Holdings): Jai Sumer Singh is the Co-Founder and Partner at Riverwalk Holdings, an early-stage investment fund backing visionary founders across consumption, SaaS, and financial services. A CFA charter holder and Delhi University graduate, he previously managed Thakral Group’s India startup portfolio and led TMT valuations at EY. Jai has partnered with companies like Home Capital, Spotdraft, Karza, Aerem, Mirana Toys, and Venwiz, providing strategic guidance from deal sourcing to portfolio exits. 

 

 

  • Japan Vyas (Managing Partner, Roots Ventures): Japan Vyas is the Managing Partner at Roots Ventures, bringing two decades of experience across venture capital, private equity, and alternative asset management. He co-founded Sixth Sense Ventures, a consumer-focused VC, and has delivered standout returns across early, growth, and listed investments. Known for spotting emerging trends, he holds a personal portfolio of 15+ early-stage tech and consumer bets.

 

  •  Karthik Chandra (Co-Founder & Partner, Morphosis Venture Advisors): Morphosis Venture Advisors, co-founded by Kartik Chandra, is a global cross-border VC firm backing early-stage B2B technology startups on the US-India corridor. With a high-conviction, hands-on model, it fuels innovation in software, fintech, health tech, climate tech, and deep tech. Typically investing $1–3M, Morphosis empowers founders with capital and strategic support.

 

  • Karthik Prabhakar (Managing Partner, PeerCapital): Karthik Prabhakar, Managing Partner at PeerCapital, has been shaping India’s tech ecosystem since 2005, blending expertise in venture capital, product development, and marketing. A recognized innovator, he features in Equalifi India’s “40 Under 40” and Global Corporate Venturing’s “Top 100 Rising Stars.” Karthik is also a co-author of a patent in IoT and wireless networks.

 

  • Kitty Agarwal (Partner, Info Edge Ventures): Kitti Agarwal, Partner at Info Edge Ventures, leads investments in early-stage technology companies with a $370M AUM fund backed by Info Edge and Temasek. She focuses on Seed to Series A rounds, backing startups like Shiprocket, Bluestone, and Ixigo. Earlier, she invested from Info Edge’s balance sheet in giants like Zomato and Policybazaar.

 

  • Kris Gopalakrishnan (Chairman, Axilor Ventures): Kris Gopalakrishnan, Co-founder of Infosys and recipient of the Padma Bhushan, now leads Axilor Ventures as Chairman, fueling India’s early-stage tech innovation. With decades of leadership at Infosys, including as CEO and Vice Chairman, he brings unmatched experience in technology and entrepreneurship. A global thought leader and former CII President, Kris actively champions research in brain sciences and nurtures the startup ecosystem.

 

  • Kshitij Golwalkar (General Partner, Powerhouse Ventures): Kshitij Golwalkar is a General Partner at Powerhouse Ventures, a Singapore-based early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2011. Powerhouse Ventures specializes in investing between $500K and $2M in startups led by bold founders addressing large, untapped markets, with a focus on sectors such as fintech, AI, SaaS, and mobility. The firm collaborates closely with portfolio companies to refine product-market fit, scalability, and sales strategies, preparing them for subsequent funding rounds.

 

  • Madhukar Sinha (Co-Founder & General Partner, IndiaQuotient): Madhukar Sinha, Co-Founder & General Partner at IndiaQuotient, backs bold founders at the pre-seed and seed stages across sectors like content, social, marketplaces, and agri-tech. An early believer in startups such as Grabhouse, Sugar Cosmetics, and ShareChat, Madhukar brings deep entrepreneurial networks and legal-regulatory expertise. With roots in microfinance at Aavishkaar and a background in agri-engineering plus an IIM-Lucknow MBA, he blends impact-driven insights with sharp investment acumen.

 

  • Manu Rikhye (Founding Partner, Merak Ventures): Manu Rikhye, Founding Partner at Merak Ventures, is a seasoned early-stage investor driven by a passion for solving large, complex challenges through visionary founders. With a portfolio spanning Progcap, Advantage Club, Meddo, Zuddl, and more, he brings strategic depth to disruptive startups. His focus areas include InsurTech, Life Sciences, and Genomics, where he actively backs innovation.

 

  • Melissa Frakmann (CEO & Founding Partner, EM VC): Melissa Frakman, CEO & Founding Partner of Emphasis Ventures (EMVC), is driving early-stage investments at the intersection of digital infrastructure, AI-powered finance, and commerce. With two decades in India, she has backed startups serving over 200 million users while fostering cross-border innovation. A former Zomato VP and global fintech strategist, Melissa is recognized as “Fintech Person of the Year 2024.” Her mission: turning India into a launchpad for global digital transformation.

 

  • Mihir Jha (Founding Partner, Point One Capital): Mihir Jha, Founding Partner at Point One Capital, leads investments in India’s most promising pre-seed tech startups. Point One Capital backs visionary founders across sectors, deploying up to $100K to fuel early-stage innovation. Known for its founder-first approach, the firm helps startups turn bold ideas into scalable businesses.

 

  • Mihir Joshi (Managing Director, GVFL): Mihir Joshi, Managing Director at GVFL, brings over 25 years of venture capital experience with a track record of 150+ startup investments and 80 successful exits. A seasoned investor, he has guided 30+ companies as a board member, driving growth across sectors like Deeptech, SaaS, AgriTech, and MedTech. Known for navigating complete fund life cycles, Mihir is a Charter Member of TiE and an influential voice in India’s startup ecosystem.

 

  • Mohit Gulati (Managing General Partner, ITI Growth Opportunities Fund): Mohit Gulati, Managing General Partner at ITI Growth Opportunities Fund, is a prominent voice in India’s early-stage investment landscape. Backing bold ideas in consumer brands, health tech, deep tech, and IT infrastructure, he mentors founders while fueling their growth journeys. With expertise in venture capital and private equity, he combines strategic capital with hands-on guidance.

 

  • Mukul Singhal (Co Founder & Partner, Pravega Ventures): Mukul Singhal, Co-Founder and Partner at Pravega Ventures, brings over 15 years of venture investing experience in India. A seasoned early-stage investor, he has backed category leaders like UrbanCompany, NoBroker, and TravelTriangle, with a focus on consumer internet, mobility, and marketplaces. An IIT Kanpur and ISB alumnus, Mukul co-founded Pravega to build long-term partnerships with founders, driven by a vision of leveraging technology to democratize access and opportunities. He has also been an active angel investor in startups like Chaayos and Aspiring Minds.

 

  • Natsuki Sugai (Founder & Managing Partner, UNLEASH Capital Partners): Natsuki co-founded UNLEASH in 2023 and spearheads both fundraising and investment strategies. Previously, he was instrumental at Gojo & Company, driving key growth initiatives. Passionate about financial inclusion, he began his journey by establishing public schools in Laos. Natsuki also serves on the board of the One Drop Ocean Foundation, supporting impactful social ventures.

 

  • Navyug Mohnot (Co-Founder and General Partner, Altius Venture Partners): Navyug Mohnot, Co-Founder and General Partner at Altius Venture Partners, brings over three decades of global leadership experience in design-led innovation and entrepreneurship. A Stanford-trained “Designing Your Life” coach and long-serving CEO of QAI, he has mentored startups, guided organizations worldwide, and championed design as a force for transformation.

 

  • Nikhil Vora (Founder & CEO, Sixth Sense Ventures): Nikhil Vora is the Founder & CEO of Sixth Sense Ventures, India’s first and largest consumer-focused venture fund. A seasoned consumer industry veteran with over three decades of experience, he has advised giants like Unilever, Nestle, and Marico. Recognized globally for his analytical acumen, Nikhil was India’s No.1 analyst in 2012 and Asia’s Best Analyst by the Wall Street Journal. An early investor in startups like Paytm, Vini Cosmetics, and Purplle.com, he actively mentors and serves on the boards of several portfolio companies.

 

  • Ninad Karpe (Founder, Karpe Diem Ventures): Ninad Karpe, Founder of Karpe Diem Ventures and Partner at 100X.VC, is a driving force in India’s early-stage ecosystem, backing 180+ startups through the pioneering iSAFE note model. A former MD & CEO of Aptech Ltd. and CA Technologies India, Karpe brings deep strategic expertise to founders. Author of BOND to BABA and ex-CII Western Region Chairman, he blends business acumen with creativity, even producing Marathi plays. Widely regarded as a “startup whisperer,” he is shaping India’s next wave of innovation.

 

  • Niren Shah (Managing Director and Head of India, Norwest Venture Partners): Niren Shah, Managing Director and Head of India at Norwest Venture Partners, brings over two decades of experience spanning investing, entrepreneurship, and banking. He leads Norwest’s India strategy across technology, fintech, internet, and consumer sectors, backing category leaders like Swiggy, OfBusiness, Pepperfry, and XpressBees. Previously part of eBay Ventures and the founding team at Baazee.com, Niren combines deep operational insight with growth capital expertise.

 

  • Nirmal Jain (Chairman, IIFL): Nirmal Jain, Founder and Chairman of IIFL Group, is a first-generation entrepreneur who transformed IIFL into one of India’s largest diversified financial services firms. A CA, Cost Accountant, and IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, he pioneered equity research and online trading in India. Today, IIFL spans global markets, wealth management, and consumer finance.

 

  • Nisarg Shah (Founder & Partner, Kettleborough VC): Nisarg Shah, Founder & Partner at Kettleborough VC, runs a solo GP investment firm built from the ground up, backing companies at inception with sharp conviction. With no rigid processes or hierarchies, he moves independently to spot and support early outliers. His concentrated portfolio strategy ensures deep focus, while disproportionate follow-ons fuel breakout successes. An agile early-stage investor, Shah embodies conviction-led venture capital in India’s tech landscape.

 

  • Nishit Garg (Partner, RTP Global): Nishit Garg is a Partner at RTP Global’s Asia investment team, based in Bangalore, focusing on early-stage startups across AI, consumer tech, fintech, SaaS, and B2B commerce in India and Southeast Asia. Before RTP, he invested with Tiger Global, supporting startups like Delhivery, Blinkit, Inshorts, and Blackbuck, and spent over eight years at Flipkart leading key business functions. An IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore alumnus, Nishit combines deep operator experience with sharp investment insight. Notable bets include Wiom, IBC, Firstclub, Dexif, Stable Money, Zyod, Budy, and Flam.

 

  •  Parthasarathy NS (Managing Partner, Mela Ventures): Parthasarathy NS, Co-founder of Mindtree and now Managing Partner at Mela Ventures, brings decades of experience in building scalable businesses. From steering Mindtree from a startup to a billion-dollar enterprise, he now backs and mentors early-stage founders.

 

  • Payal Shah (Venture Partner, Paramark Ventures): Payal Shah serves as a Venture Partner at Paramark Ventures, a Seoul-based early-stage VC firm founded in 2021 that actively invests across fast-growing global markets with a special focus on India. Paramark has backed standout Indian startups such as Purplle—helped become a unicorn after their USD 33 million Series round—and others like Leap, Toothsi, Jar, Kuku FM, and Carta Healthcare. Shah brings strategic insights and local expertise, helping drive innovation across India’s e-commerce, ed-tech, health-tech, and beauty-tech sectors.

 

  • Pratip Mazumdar (Co-Founder & Partner, Inflexor Ventures): Pratip Mazumdar, Co-Founder & Partner at Inflexor Ventures, brings over two decades of investing experience across venture capital, private equity, and technology consulting. At Inflexor, he focuses on backing deep-tech, enterprise, and globally aspirational tech startups. A former IDFC Alternatives executive, he has partnered with companies like Atomberg, ClickPost, and Kale Logistics.

 

  • Prem Barthasarathy (Managing Partner, Pontaq): Prem Barthasarathy, Managing Partner at Pontaq, pioneered the first-ever UK-India Innovation Fund to drive cross-border technology transfer. He has forged deep partnerships with state and central governments, launched a Fintech CoE in Chennai, and set up the UK-India Tech Hub in London. Under his leadership, Pontaq has expanded into India and the US, gaining recognition from UK’s former Prime Minister, Theresa May. A true catalyst, Prem is bridging ecosystems to power early-stage innovation.
  • Rahul Chandra (Managing Director, Arkam Ventures): Rahul Chandra, Managing Director at Arkam Ventures, is a pioneering force in India’s early-stage VC ecosystem. With a track record of backing breakout startups like SmallCase, Jar, and Signzy, he continues to fuel India’s next wave of tech disruptors. A co-founder of Helion Ventures, his investments have led to multiple IPOs and successful exits. 

 

  • Rahul Garg (Partner, General Catalyst): Rahul Garg, Partner at General Catalyst, brings nearly two decades of diverse experience as an entrepreneur, VC, and former equity research analyst. Having built and backed ventures across sectors, he is deeply committed to India’s tech future. His investment philosophy centers on ethical, innovative, and inclusive founders. A believer in impact-driven enterprises, he champions startups shaping a better tomorrow.

 

  • Rajesh Raju (Managing Director, Kalaari Capital): Rajesh Raju, Managing Director at Kalaari Capital, is a pioneer in backing India’s direct-to-consumer revolution. With over two decades of global experience in technology, M&A, and private equity, he has been shaping India’s startup story since 2006. His investments span retail, education, and mobile, fueling new-age consumer growth. 

 

  • Rajesh Sehgal (Partner, Equanimity Investments): Rajesh Sehgal, Managing Partner at Equanimity Investments, brings nearly three decades of experience in early-stage investments, emerging markets, and private equity. A Wharton and XLRI alumnus, he is a CFA charter holder and former Chairperson of CFA Society India. Through Equanimity Investments, he backs high-potential startups across sectors with strategic guidance and patient capital. A passionate mentor, Rajesh combines financial acumen with a scientific approach to identify disruptive trends.

 

  • Rajiv Raghunandan (Managing Partner, Arali Ventures): Rajiv Raghunandan, Managing Partner at Arali Ventures, brings over two decades of experience in corporate finance, consulting, and technology to early-stage investing. A former leader at Infosys BPO and State Street’s Infrahedge, he has backed SMETech, Climate, B2B Commerce, and Agritech startups since 2009. Before Arali, he founded seedX to support founders with fundraising and strategy.

 

  • Ravi Adusumalli (Founder and Managing Partner, Elevation Capital): Ravi Adusumalli, Founder and Co-Managing Partner at Elevation Capital, is a seasoned investor shaping India’s tech landscape. With a BA from Cornell and prior stints at Credit Suisse and Mobius VC, he has backed giants like Paytm, MakeMyTrip, and FirstCry. Under his leadership, Elevation has seen eight portfolio companies go public across India and the US. Focused on consumer tech and fintech, Ravi aims to be the go-to partner for ambitious founders, offering strategic support through every growth stage.

 

  • Ravi Kaushik (Executive Director, Flourish Ventures): Ravi Kaushik, Executive Director at Flourish Ventures, leads investments across India and Emerging Asia, backing fintech founders shaping the future of finance. A seasoned investor with 15+ years in VC and PE, he co-founded WaterBridge Ventures and has delivered stellar returns through IPOs and M&As. Previously CFO at Agro.Club, he blends operational expertise with sharp investment foresight. An active global angel, Kaushik remains at the forefront of India’s startup innovation.

 

  • Ravi Thakran (Partner, Alpha Wave Global): Ravi Thakran, Partner at Alpha Wave Global, brings decades of leadership in luxury, retail, and consumer investments. Former Group Chairman of LVMH Asia and founder of L Capital Asia, he has backed over 42 consumer brands across Asia, seven of which became billion-dollar businesses. With prior roles at Nike, Swatch, and Tata, he blends global expertise with deep growth investing experience. Today, he continues to shape India’s tech and consumer ecosystem through strategic early-stage investments.

 

  • Rehan Yar Khan (Managing Partner, Orios Venture Partners): Rehan Yar Khan, Managing Partner at Orios Venture Partners, brings over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience and a strong track record of early-stage investing. At Orios, he backs innovative tech startups across Consumer Tech, B2B, AgTech, and Fintech through their flagship #MISFITS program. A co-author of Make Your Own Luck, Rehan has also been instrumental in shaping India’s startup ecosystem as a founder of IAN Mumbai Chapter and Harvard Angels India. His portfolio includes notable names like Pharmeasy, Country Delight, and Lendbox.

 

  • Ritesh Banglani (Partner, Stellaris Venture Partners): Ritesh Banglani, Partner at Stellaris Venture Partners, is a seasoned early-stage investor backing startups solving uniquely Indian problems. He has led investments in Propelld, Ayu Health, Credflow, Kiwi, and Beepkart, among others. A former Partner at Helion, Ritesh played a key role in scaling ventures like Taxiforsure and Lifecell. An IIT Delhi and INSEAD alumnus, he also brings product management expertise and academic experience as Adjunct Faculty at IIM Bangalore.

 

  • Rohit Goyal (Managing Partner, Windrose Capital): Rohit Goyal, Managing Partner at Windrose Capital, brings over a decade of venture capital experience with a strong focus on early and mid-stage investments driving India’s digital transformation. An entrepreneur-turned-investor, he has built businesses across manufacturing and technology globally, collaborating with partners in China, Sri Lanka, the UK, and Germany. Armed with a Master’s in Management from City University, London, and a certification in financial planning, Rohit combines deep financial acumen with a passion for innovation.

 

  • Rohit Sood (Partner, Bertelsmann India): Rohit Sood, a founding Partner at Bertelsmann India Investments since its inception in 2012, leads the firm’s bets on early-stage tech across verticals—including consumer, B2B commerce, fintech, mobility, agri, travel, and enterprise. He champions a hands-on, patient-capital approach—backing startups like LendingKart and Rupeek and serving as board observer at companies such as Pepperfry, Shiprocket, Licious, and AgroStar.

 

  • Sachin Tagra (Managing Partner, JSW Ventures): Sachin Tagra, Managing Partner at JSW Ventures, brings 25 years of operating and investing expertise across CPG, retail, media, and tech. A pioneer of revenue-based financing through GetVantage, he has backed and scaled multiple startups. With prior leadership at Capital18 and Times Group, his journey blends sharp investing with hands-on business building.

 

  • Samir Sood (Founder, All Things Business & Chief Believer, Venture Highway): Samir Sood, founder of Venture Highway, has been instrumental in backing India’s breakout startups like Meesho, CRED, Moglix, and ShareChat. With leadership stints at Google, Cisco, and Microsoft, he brings global deal-making expertise to India’s early-stage ecosystem. After merging Venture Highway with General Catalyst, he continues as an advisor, mentoring entrepreneurs. Balancing venture investing with his family’s manufacturing businesses, Samir remains a key believer in India’s tech future. 

 

  •  Sandeep Murthy (Partner and Managing Director, Lightbox): Sandeep Murthy, Partner & Managing Director at Lightbox, has been at the forefront of India’s consumer tech journey for nearly two decades. From backing unicorns like InfoEdge and InMobi to building Cleartrip and GreenDust, he blends investor foresight with hands-on operational experience.

 

  • Sandeep Tandon (Partner, Whiteboard Capital): Sandeep Tandon, Partner at Whiteboard Capital, is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and investor with over two decades of experience across Silicon Valley and India. Best known for founding and exiting Freecharge to Snapdeal, he now serves as Chairman of Syrma SGS Technology and Aavas Financiers. A trusted advisor to leading startups like CRED, Unacademy, and Spinny, Sandeep brings strategic insight and deep operational expertise to India’s startup ecosystem.

 

  • Sanil Sachar (Partner, Huddle Ventures): Sanil Sachar, Founding Partner at Huddle Ventures, is steering India’s early-stage investment landscape with a hands-on approach to strategy, product, and fundraising. Managing a $20M AUM, he backs 25+ startups across diverse sectors, from deep-tech to consumer goods. A best-selling author and angel investor, Sanil blends entrepreneurial insight with tactical growth support.

 

  • Sanjay Ramakrishnan (Founder, Multiply Ventures): Sanjay Ramakrishnan, Founder of Multiply Ventures, is a seasoned business leader turned early-stage investor with a sharp focus on consumer tech, fintech, and health. Backed by two decades of experience at Google, Intel, Myntra, and Flipkart, he brings deep expertise in scaling brands from 0 to 1. Through Multiply Ventures, he champions thesis-driven investments, partnering with visionary founders to build enduring consumer relationships.

 

  • Sanjeev Aggarwal (Co-Founder, Helion Venture Partners): Sanjeev Aggarwal, Co-Founder of Helion Venture Partners and The Fundamentum Partnership, is a seasoned investor shaping India’s startup story. As the founding CEO of Daksh (later acquired by IBM), he brings deep entrepreneurial insight to venture capital. He has backed scale-ups like MakeMyTrip, Bigbasket, Livspace, and Axtria, fueling India’s tech revolution.

 

  • Sarita Raichura (Director, Blume Ventures): Sarita Raichura, Director at Blume Ventures, leads the Blume Founders Fund and Network, empowering early-stage founders to scale from idea to impact. With prior stints at Intel and the Indian Angel Network, she brings global experience and a deep passion for India’s startup ecosystem.

 

  • Sasha Mirchandani (Founder & Managing Director, Kae Capital): Sasha Mirchandani, Founder & Managing Partner at Kae Capital and Co-founder of Mumbai Angels, has been a pivotal force in shaping India’s early-stage investment landscape. Backed by a legacy of marquee investments in Zetwerk, Myntra, InMobi, and Fractal Analytics, he continues to fuel disruptive startups across sectors. With board roles spanning Nazara, Healthkart, and Porter, Sasha blends sharp business acumen with a deep commitment to founders.

 

  • Shapath Parikh (Co-founder, White Whale Partners): Shapath Parikh, Co-founder of White Whale Partners, brings 20+ years of experience across private equity, investment banking, and entrepreneurship, having closed deals worth over US$30 billion. White Whale Ventures invests in early to growth-stage startups across India, while White Whale Partners offers portfolio management services in public markets. With a founder’s perspective, Shapath combines strategic insight and hands-on experience to back transformative businesses.

 

  • Sharad Bansal (Founder & Managing Partner, Warmup Ventures): Sharad Bansal, Founder & Managing Partner at Warmup Ventures, embodies the founder-turned-investor journey. An IIT Delhi graduate and ex-founder of edtech pioneer Tinkerly, he now backs early-stage tech startups with capital and hands-on mentorship. With a strong founders-led approach, Warmup Ventures is reshaping India’s startup landscape. 

 

  • Shashank Mehta (Partner, MarsShot Ventures): Shashank Mehta, Partner at MarsShot Ventures and former VP & GM of RazorpayX, brings deep expertise in product building and scaling organizations. After a stellar 6-year journey at Razorpay, where he evolved from engineer to GM, he now advises startups on growth and culture. MarsShot Ventures, co-founded by Razorpay’s founding team, is a sector-agnostic early-stage fund backing India’s next wave of innovators.

 

  • Shivam Prasad (Founding Partner, Upsparks Capital): Shivam Prasad, Founding Partner at Upsparks Capital, brings a rich entrepreneurial background, having scaled Solutions Infini into a CPaaS leader before its acquisition and rebranding as Kaleyra. At Upsparks, he focuses on backing early-stage tech ventures and helping them expand into new markets. With deep operational expertise, Shivam supports startups in building sustainable, long-term businesses. Beyond work, he is passionate about fitness, music, gaming, and podcasts. 

 

 

  • Shripati Acharya (Founder & Managing Partner, Prime Venture Partners): Shripati Acharya, Founder & Managing Partner at Prime Venture Partners, is a seasoned investor with a global perspective, having led teams at Cisco, Snapfish, and Transarc. Known for his razor-sharp intellect and data-driven decision-making, he brings a deep passion for nurturing Indian startups. Shripati has collaborated with Nandan Nilekani on the UIDAI project and actively mentors early-stage tech ventures.

 

  • Siddarth Pai (Founding Partner, 3one4 Capital): Siddarth Pai, Founding Partner, CFO, and ESG Officer at 3one4 Capital, is a key voice in shaping India’s VC and regulatory ecosystem. At 3one4 Capital, he has spearheaded over 120 funding rounds across 50+ early-stage startups, focusing on fintech, AI, automation, and consumer products. A Chartered Accountant and policy influencer, Siddarth serves on IVCA’s Executive Council and startup councils of CII and AIMA. His portfolio includes marquee names like Licious, DarwinBox, Pocket Aces, and YourStory.

 

  • Siddharth Pai (Founder & Managing Partner, Siana Capital): Siddharth Pai, Founder & Managing Partner at Siana Capital, is a seasoned technology strategist with deep global experience spanning the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Formerly a board member and executive at ISG, IBM, and KPMG, he has led multi-billion dollar tech deals and P&L operations. A respected columnist and industry expert, he mentors and invests in early-stage deep tech and science startups across AI, FinTech, and FashionTech.

 

  • Sonali Vijayavargiya (Founder & Managing Director, Augment Ventures): Sonali Vijayavargiya, Founder & Managing Director of Augment Ventures, backs mission-driven founders tackling hard industrial problems with AI across supply chains, logistics, and infrastructure. With roots in Mumbai’s early tech IPOs and a $1.5B exit at LLamasoft, she blends operator insight with disciplined capital. Her funds boast strong follow-on success and returns.

 

  • Sowmya Suryanarayanan (Managing Director, Aavishkaar Capital): Sowmya Suryanarayanan, Managing Director at Aavishkaar Capital, leads the firm’s Impact and ESG initiatives, driving sustainability and gender-focused strategies across its funds and portfolio. With over 19 years of expertise in inclusive business models spanning clean energy, agri, and financial inclusion, she has been instrumental in shaping India’s impact investment landscape. A recognized industry leader, Sowmya co-chairs IVCA’s ESG and Impact Council and serves on key advisory committees, including SEBI’s Social Stock Exchange. Her contributions have earned her accolades like Forbes India W-Power 2024 and the Sustainability Impact Leader Award.

 

  • Sridhar Rampalli (Managing Partner, Parampara Early Stage Opportunities Fund): Sridhar Rampalli is the Managing Partner at Parampara Early Stage Opportunities Fund, backing tech-driven startups at the very beginning of their growth journey. With a sharp focus on business strategy and financial diligence, he shapes investment theses and supports portfolio companies in scaling operations. The fund prioritizes early-stage ventures where technology acts as the primary growth engine.

 

  • Suhail Sameer (Founder & Managing Partner, OTP Ventures): Suhail Sameer, Founder & Managing Partner at OTP Ventures, brings a rare mix of operator and investor experience to India’s startup ecosystem. From scaling BharatPe into a merchant-first fintech giant to launching Too Yumm! at RPSG, he has built and turned around businesses across consumer, fintech, and cleantech. Today, he backs bold founders in consumer, consumer tech, and fintech, helping shape India’s next wave of innovation.

 

  • Sumegh Bhatia (Managing Director- Chief Executive Officer, LC Nueva Investment Partners): Sumegh Bhatia, Managing Director & CEO of LC Nueva Investment Partners, brings two decades of expertise in financial markets and wealth management. Before leading LC Nueva, he spearheaded key roles at Avendus Capital, Reliance Capital, and Citi Private Bank, driving multi-million-dollar businesses. A seasoned strategist, he played a pivotal role in setting up PMS operations for ING Investment Management and private wealth verticals for leading institutions.

 

  • Suresh Jain (Managing Partner, Sun Icon Ventures): Suresh Jain, Managing Partner at Sun Icon Ventures, blends capital with conscience, backing founders who build with purpose. A Chartered Accountant turned wealth steward, he leads ventures spanning AI-driven education, clean energy, and enterprise tech. His platform, Sunicon, invests with integrity and trust at its core.

 

  • Suresh TR (General Partner, July Ventures): Suresh T.R., General Partner at July Ventures, brings over 35 years of expertise in fund management, corporate finance, and strategy. With a career spanning venture capital, financial services, hospitality, travel, and ITES, he has mastered the art of fundraising, M&A, and strategic planning.

 

  • Surya Mantha (Managing Partner, Capria India): Surya Mantha, Managing Partner at Capria Ventures, brings deep expertise in early-stage investments across e-commerce, digital media, and education. A former ONIA founding member, he has backed multiple unicorns and held leadership roles at Sify, Web18, and Saregama. With a PhD and MBA, Surya combines strategic vision with operational excellence to power India’s tech ecosystem.

 

  • Suvir Sujan (Co-Founder/Managing Director, Nexus Venture Partners): Suvir Sujan, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Nexus Venture Partners, is a pioneer of India’s consumer internet story. Having co-founded Baazee.com, later acquired by eBay, he brings deep entrepreneurial insight to venture investing. A Harvard MBA and seasoned operator, Suvir actively mentors founders, shaping India’s next wave of consumer and tech disruptors.

 

  • TC Meenakshisundaram (Founder & Vice Chairman, Chiratae Ventures): TC Meenakshisundaram, Founder & Vice Chairman of Chiratae Ventures, brings 40+ years of rich experience spanning Wipro, Walden, and Venture Infotek. A veteran in India’s venture capital landscape, he has been backing disruptive tech start-ups since 2006. His sharp strategic insight and operational expertise make him a trusted partner for founders. 

 

  • Uday Punj (Managing Director, Chimes Group): Uday Punj, Managing Director of Chimes Group, brings over four decades of cross-industry experience spanning construction, broadband, supply chain, and manufacturing services. With extensive global exposure across the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia, he is known for his strategic vision, precision in execution, and strong market intuition. A firm believer in detail-oriented planning and building passionate, skilled teams, Uday focuses on creating sustainable value and scaling businesses with efficiency and innovation.

 

  • Utsav Somani (Partner, iSeed): Utsav Somani, Partner at iSeed, leads India’s first micro-fund backed by top global founders and investors. Through iSeed’s Fund I and II, he has backed breakout startups like GoKwik, RocketLane, Ultrahuman, Park+, and M2P. With a sharp focus on early-stage tech innovation, Utsav bridges global capital with India’s startup ecosystem. His portfolio spans over 60 startups shaping the future of commerce, SaaS, health, and fintech.

 

  • Vaibhav Domkundwar (Founder & CEO, Better Capital): Vaibhav Domkundwar, Founder & CEO of Better Capital, leads one of India’s most active pre-seed funds, backing 200+ startups with multiple unicorns and soonicorns. Known for being the “first believer,” he partners deeply with founders across fintech, AI, climate, health, and more. A 3X entrepreneur himself, Vaibhav bridges Silicon Valley and India, fueling bold ideas from zero to scale. His high-trust model has made Better Capital a magnet for breakthrough innovation.

 

  • Varun Malhotra (Partner, Quona): Varun Malhotra is a Partner at Quona Capital, driving early-stage fintech investments across India and Southeast Asia. With over a decade of experience spanning technology, financial services, and impact investing, he has previously worked with Oak Investment Partners, Lok Capital, and D.E. Shaw Group. A Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree and Kauffman Fellow, Varun is focused on backing transformative startups shaping the region’s fintech landscape.

 

  • Venky Natarajan (Co-Founder and Partner, Lok Capital): Venky Natarajan, Co-Founder and Partner at Lok Capital, brings over two decades of experience in impact-driven investments across BFSI, healthcare, education, and agriculture. A former Intel Capital executive, he champions technology for financial and social inclusion. At Lok, he manages $200M in early-stage investments spanning fintech, climate-tech, agri-tech, and health-tech. Venky’s portfolio includes notable names like Ujjivan SFB, Equitas, and RenewBuy.

 

  • Vikas Aggarwal (Co-Founder, We Founder Circle): Vikas Aggarwal, Co-Founder of We Founder Circle, brings over two decades of leadership at IndiaMART, where he drove its journey to IPO. An avid angel investor with 70+ bets, he now powers startup growth through Invstt.com, Avinya Ventures, and EvolveX Accelerator. With a focus on community-driven investing, he is shaping India’s early-stage ecosystem.

 

  • Vikram Godse (Managing Partner, Mayfield Fund): Vikram Godse, Managing Partner at Mayfield Fund, has been shaping India’s venture ecosystem for 17 years, investing across fintech, SaaS, education, and logistics. A seasoned investor with successful early- and growth-stage exits, he co-founded Mayfield India after stints at JM Financial, Cisco’s investment arm, and Infinity Venture Fund.

 

  • Vikram Gupta (Founder and Managing Partner, IvyCap Ventures): Vikram Gupta, Founder and Managing Partner at IvyCap Ventures, is a driving force in India’s venture capital landscape. With deep expertise in entrepreneurship, investments, and healthcare, he champions professional entrepreneurs and transformative ideas. His sharp focus on value creation and strategic exits has made IvyCap a trusted name in early-stage funding.
  • Vikrant Varshney (Managing Partner, SucSEED Ventures): Vikrant Varshney, Managing Partner at SucSEED Ventures, is an experienced angel investor with deep expertise in disruptive technologies, risk and regulatory tech, and early-stage venture building. An alumnus of ISB, IMI Delhi, and AMU, he brings strategic leadership to scaling startups. Under his leadership, SucSEED Indovation Growth Fund is shaping up as a $100M vehicle to back high-potential companies from Pre-Series A to Series B stages.

 

  • Vinay Bansal (Founder and Board Chairman, Inflection Point Ventures): Vinay Bansal, Founder and Board Chairman of Inflection Point Ventures, brings two decades of global leadership across Fortune 50 companies, startups, and private equity. With deep expertise in corporate finance, M&A, and investing, he has been instrumental in scaling ventures and driving turnarounds. At IPV, he champions early-stage founders with strategic capital and hands-on guidance.

 

  • Vinod Shankar (Founding Partner, Java Capital): Java Capital, co-founded by Vinod Shankar, is a deeptech and climate-focused early-stage VC firm backing visionary founders at the idea and prototype stage. With a high-engagement approach, it helps startups achieve product-market fit and scale globally. Its portfolio boasts pioneers like Agnikul, Eplane, and Okulo Aerospace. The fund is committed to bold, outlier bets shaping the future of technology and sustainability.

 

  • Vishal Gupta (Partner, Bessemer Venture Partners): Vishal Gupta, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, has been instrumental in shaping India’s tech ecosystem with early bets on Swiggy, Bigbasket, Pharmeasy, LivSpace, and Urban Company. With a sharp focus on consumer internet, fintech, and healthtech, he partners closely with founders to scale disruptive businesses. An IIM Calcutta alumnus and former nationally ranked table tennis player, Vishal brings nearly two decades of investing experience. His portfolio boasts multiple market leaders and IPO successes across sectors.

 

  • Yash Jain (Founder & General Partner, Sparrow Capital): Yash Jain is the Founder and General Partner at Sparrow Capital, a micro-VC based in Bengaluru that backs early-stage Indian startups with investments up to ~$500K in sectors like SaaS, B2B, Fintech, and Consumer Internet. A veteran of Kalaari Capital, Arkam Ventures, and Flipkart, Jain brings sharp strategic insight and founder empathy to his portfolio.

 

Conclusion

As India cements its position as a global hub for innovation, the role of early-stage venture capital leaders becomes increasingly pivotal. These 100 visionaries are not only fueling the growth of groundbreaking startups but are also shaping the future of technology, entrepreneurship, and economic progress in the country. Their commitment to identifying bold ideas, nurturing talent, and building sustainable businesses is setting the foundation for India’s next wave of tech giants. With their strategic insight and unwavering belief in innovation, these leaders continue to power the engines of transformation—driving India toward a future defined by disruption, opportunity, and limitless possibilities.

 

–Authored and edited by Sandhya Bharti

 

Disclaimer

The selection process involves rigorous evaluation but is based on subjective criteria, which may lead to variations. Parameters include industry influence, reputation, experience, contributions, education, accolades, and followership. While comprehensive assessments may not capture every aspect of a candidate’s profile. Selection does not imply endorsement or guarantee future performance. Feedback is welcome for improvement.