kgp angels 👼
sent by the heavens for you.
IIT Kharagpur has long been a breeding ground for talent that has shaped various industries worldwide.
Among its distinguished alumni, several have emerged as prominent angel investors, bringing their wealth of experience and expertise to the startup ecosystem.
This article sheds light on a few notable angel investors from IIT Kharagpur, their backgrounds, investment philosophies, and the impact they've made in fostering innovation and growth.
1. Deep Nishar (1990)
Deep Nishar is a Partner at General Catalyst, having previously served as a Senior Managing Partner at SoftBank's Vision Fund. With over 20 years of experience in building and growing internet and software businesses, he has a strong background in product management and user experience from his time at LinkedIn and Google. Deep's investment philosophy focuses on frontier technology, life sciences, and enterprise software, emphasizing thorough evaluation and a long-term outlook.
Top Portfolio Companies: LinkedIn (Acquired), Â Flipkart (Acquired), Coalition (Series F).
2. Maneesh Bhandari (1991)
Maneesh Bhandari is the CEO of Propeluss and has a strong entrepreneurial background, having founded SENA Systems and Kalyan Business Services. He specializes in technology startups that focus on innovative solutions and operational efficiencies. Maneesh's investment approach is centered around identifying scalable business models that leverage technology for growth.
Top Portfolio Companies: Eatclub (Series D), Ecozen Solutions (Series C), Wed Me Good (Series A).
3. Varun Laul (2000)
Varun Laul is a Partner at Investcorp, with prior experience as Managing Director at Zodius Advisors and Providence Equity Partners. He focuses on media, technology, and private equity investments, seeking opportunities that promise substantial growth. Varun's investment philosophy emphasizes strategic insights and thorough market analysis.
Top Portfolio Companies: MCaffeine (Series C), Transformative (Series C), Trell (Series B)
4. Asish Mohapatra (2002)
Asish Mohapatra is the Co-Founder of Oxyzo Financial Services and OfBusiness, where he plays a key role in shaping the company's vision. His investment interests lie in fintech and technology-driven solutions that enhance business operations and financial inclusion. Asish is known for his hands-on approach to building companies and fostering innovation.
Top Portfolio Companies: Dealshare (Series E), CaptainFresh (Series C), Dezerve (Series B)
5. Amod Malviya (2002)
Amod Malviya is the Co-Founder of Udaan, a leading B2B e-commerce platform in India. He has extensive experience in scaling e-commerce businesses, particularly from his time at Flipkart. Amod's investment philosophy centres on leveraging technology to drive efficiency and connect businesses.
Top Portfolio Companies: Flipkart (Acquired), Ather Energy (Series E), Hasura (Series C)
6. Aneesh Reddy (2006)
Aneesh Reddy is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Capillary Technologies, specializing in customer engagement and analytics solutions. He invests in technology-driven startups that enhance customer experiences. Aneesh's approach combines technical expertise with a focus on innovative business models.
Top Portfolio Companies: Innovaccer (Series E), Whatfix (Series D), Tracxn (Public).
7. Pritesh Gupta (2007)
Pritesh Gupta is the Founder of Rights Reality and has previously co-founded ZipGo. He focuses on transportation and technology startups, reflecting his background in innovative mobility solutions. Pritesh's investment philosophy emphasizes scalability and user-centric design.
Top Portfolio Companies: Rapido (Series E), CityMall (Series C), InPrime finserv (Series A).
8. Rajesh Yabaji (2010)
Rajesh Yabaji is the Co-Founder and CEO of BlackBuck, a leading logistics platform in India. His investment interests are centred around logistics and technology, focusing on improving supply chain efficiencies. Rajesh is known for his strategic vision in transforming the logistics landscape.
Top Portfolio Companies: CaptainFresh (Series C), Log9 Materials (Series B), Agrim (Series B), 1K (Series B), BeepKart (Series A), Agrizy (Series A)
9. Vivek Kumar (2013)
Vivek Kumar, a serial entrepreneur and tech enthusiast, has co-founded several ventures, including Superpro and Intugine. He invests in early-stage tech startups that offer innovative solutions in digital and data-driven domains, with a strong focus on leveraging technology for growth and transformation. Vivek is known for his commitment to fostering innovation and supporting young startups in their journey to market success.
Top Portfolio Companies: MyGate (Series B), 91Squarefeet (Series A), Maxvolt Energy (Seed).
10. Alok Kumar (2013)
Alok Kumar is the Co-Founder of Karza, a fintech company specializing in technology solutions for financial services. His investment interests lie in fintech and technology-driven financial solutions that enhance business operations. Alok is recognized for his strategic approach to innovation in financial technology.
Top Portfolio Companies: Perfios (Series D), Bombay Shaving Company (Series C)
11. Pushkar Singh (2013)
Pushkar Singh is the Co-Founder and CEO of LetsTransport, a logistics startup focused on providing efficient transportation solutions for businesses. With a background in engineering and technology, Pushkar has a strong foundation in operational management and innovation. His investment philosophy centers around leveraging technology to optimize logistics and enhance supply chain efficiency.
Top Portfolio Companies: VeGrow (Series C), Exponent Energy (Series B), Eggoz (Series B)
These IIT Kharagpur alumni are leading the charge in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
As angel investors, they are providing invaluable support to startups, helping them navigate the complexities of growth and scale.
Their diverse investment interests and extensive experience make them key players in the startup ecosystem, driving forward new ideas and transformative technologies.
Unicorn startups such as Perfios, Innovaccer, Rapido, and many others have benefited from their strategic insights and funding, exemplifying the power of alumni networks in building a robust entrepreneurial landscape.
Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking funding or an investor looking for insights, these individuals offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
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