Women’s Day Special: 100 Women Driving Venture Capital and Startup Innovation

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, this special feature highlights 100 women who are actively shaping the venture capital and startup ecosystem through their work across leading investment firms, venture funds, family offices, and private equity platforms. From sourcing promising founders and evaluating investments to supporting portfolio growth and building long-term partnerships, these professionals are playing a crucial role in fueling innovation across sectors such as fintech, SaaS, climate tech, healthcare, consumer brands, and deeptech. Bringing diverse backgrounds in finance, technology, consulting, entrepreneurship, and policy, they contribute unique perspectives that help startups scale and navigate complex markets. Through strategic capital, mentorship, and ecosystem engagement, these women investors are helping drive the next wave of startup innovation while strengthening the future of venture capital.

• Aarushi Sharma, BEENEXT: Aarushi Sharma is part of the investment team at BEENEXT, where she supports early-stage investments across fintech, cleantech, SaaS, and B2B commerce. She works closely with founders and actively tracks emerging startups across sectors including agri-tech, climate, health-tech, and education. Prior to BEENEXT, she worked with Bertelsmann India Investments, supporting investments in companies such as Rupeek, Lendingkart, AgroStar, and Treebo. Aarushi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (Honours) from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University.

• Abhilasha Purwar, Hunch Ventures & Investments Pvt Ltd: Abhilasha Purwar leads investments and portfolio management at Hunch Ventures & Investments, a family office venture capital fund backing high-growth startups. Her investment focus spans sectors including healthcare, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, lifestyle and D2C brands, and real estate. With a people-first investment philosophy, she partners closely with founders to build long-term value and scalable businesses. She is particularly interested in emerging opportunities across AI, healthcare, food, and defense innovation.

• Anandita Singh, WestBridge Capital: Anandita Singh is an investor at WestBridge Capital focusing on technology-led businesses in the edtech and SaaS sectors. Her career spans investment banking roles at Barclays and JP Morgan, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles in growth-stage startups. She previously founded and scaled a peer-to-peer fashion commerce platform before exiting the venture, and later helped build growth and marketing functions at upGrad. Anandita brings a founder-first perspective while identifying technology-driven opportunities in venture investing.
  

• Anika Raja, ZeCa Capital: Anika Raja is part of the team at ZeCa Capital, where she works across venture investing, fundraising support, and startup ecosystem engagement. With over a decade of experience spanning program management, business operations, digital strategy, and product design, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to venture building. She is particularly passionate about entrepreneurship, social innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Her work focuses on supporting startups shaping a more sustainable and impact-driven future.

• Aparna Chaganty, Bessemer Venture Partners: Aparna Chaganty is an early-stage investor at Bessemer Venture Partners, focusing on enterprise AI, cloud software, internet marketplaces, and machine learning platforms. Based in the firm’s Bengaluru office, she backs founders building globally scalable technology companies with South Asian roots. Prior to venture capital, Aparna worked as a lead data scientist and product manager at Salesforce and earlier at Alcatel Lucent. She holds an MBA from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University.
  

• Apurva Dixit, Blume Ventures: Apurva Dixit leads consumer-focused investments at Blume Ventures, with a strong focus on commerce, consumer brands, and travel startups. She brings experience across consulting, banking, and venture investing, having previously worked with Big Four firms and supported early-stage startups through independent advisory roles. Apurva is also an active angel investor and entrepreneur with a passion for supporting founder-led businesses. She holds an MBA from IIM Lucknow and an engineering degree from MIT Pune.
  

• Arshita Kapoor, Quadria Capital: Arshita Kapoor is part of the investment team at Quadria Capital, a healthcare-focused private equity firm investing across Asia. She previously worked as an Investment Banking Associate at Rothschild & Co, advising on mergers, acquisitions, and capital market transactions. Arshita holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from XLRI, Jamshedpur, and a degree in Chemical Engineering from Harcourt Butler Technological Institute. Her experience spans healthcare investments and financial advisory.
  

• Arundhati Menon, Exfinity Venture Partners: Arundhati Menon is an investor at Exfinity Venture Partners, where she focuses on early-stage B2B technology and deep-tech startups. Her role spans sourcing investment opportunities, conducting diligence, and supporting portfolio companies through their growth journeys. Prior to joining venture capital, she worked as a consultant at Zinnov Management Consulting. Arundhati holds a degree in Economics from Case Western Reserve University.

• Asha Venugopal, A99 VC: Asha Venugopal is a senior investment professional at A99 VC, where she leads investment strategy, pipeline development, and deal execution. With over 15 years of experience across investment banking, consulting, and venture investing, she plays a key role in identifying high-potential startups and scaling the firm’s investment portfolio. Her work focuses on evaluating early-stage opportunities and supporting founders through capital and strategic guidance.

• Ashima Setia, Sorin Investments: Ashima Setia is an early-stage investor at Sorin Investments, focusing on consumer-tech, health-tech, and deep-tech startups. With over a decade of experience spanning strategy consulting, investment banking, and operational leadership, she brings a strong operator’s perspective to venture investing. Previously, she worked at McKinsey & Company and led a key business vertical at MediBuddy. Ashima holds a B.Tech from IIT Delhi and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad.
  

• Bindu Reddy, Dexter Capital Advisor: Bindu Reddy is building Discover Ventures, a platform focused on supporting early-stage founders and helping startups navigate fundraising and growth. She brings over 15 years of experience across venture investing, technology, and startup ecosystems. Previously, she led India investments at Rebright Partners, backing companies across healthcare, agritech, logistics, and B2B SaaS. Her earlier roles include leadership positions at Tracxn, Wonderchef, and Nokia Networks.
  

• Charvi Vemula, 360 ONE Asset: Charvi Vemula serves as Vice President at 360 ONE Alternates Asset Management, where she focuses on financial operations across private equity, debt funds, and portfolio management services. With over 14 years of experience in finance and asset management, she works on strengthening financial processes and operational efficiency within the investment platform. Charvi is known for driving collaborative workflows and implementing technology-driven financial solutions within alternative investment structures.
  

• Chhavi Uboweja, Lok Capital: Chhavi Uboweja is the Vice President at Lok Capital, where she focuses on financial services, fintech, health-tech, consumer, and climate investments. Prior to joining Lok Capital, she worked in strategy and operations within a financial services firm and earlier in investment banking at KPMG India. Her work involves deal evaluation, due diligence, and portfolio engagement. Chhavi holds a Bachelor of Business Studies from Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, University of Delhi.
  

• Dhwani Vora, ICICI Venture: Dhwani Vora is the Principal at ICICI Venture, one of India’s leading private equity and venture investment firms. She works on evaluating investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, and supporting portfolio companies across growth stages. With experience in financial analysis and investment strategy, Dhwani contributes to identifying high-potential businesses within India’s evolving startup ecosystem. Her work focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and scaling companies through strategic capital and long-term partnerships.
  

• Disha Shah, Alphatron Capital: Disha Shah is part of the investment ecosystem backing innovative, technology-driven startups through Alphatron Capital and SMK Ventures. Her work focuses on identifying founders building next-generation companies across sectors such as Enterprise SaaS, Fintech, AI/ML, HealthTech, and Web3. By connecting global capital with emerging markets like India, she helps expand access for US investors to high-growth tech opportunities. Shah is particularly interested in category-defining startups and diversified venture funds.
  

• Dr. Abha Inamdar, Prachetas Capital Pvt. Ltd.: Dr. Abha Inamdar is a Principal at Prachetas Capital with over a decade of experience spanning venture capital investing and transaction advisory. She has previously worked with Kalaari Capital and Tata Capital’s Innovations Fund, focusing on sectors such as healthtech, medtech, agritech, and advanced materials. A medical doctor by training with a PGDM from XLRI Jamshedpur, she brings a unique blend of clinical insight and investment expertise. Inamdar plays a key role in deal sourcing, evaluation, and portfolio development.
  

• Harini Murali, Capital 2B: Harini Murali is Vice President at Capital 2B, where she focuses on backing founders building transformative deeptech ventures. She works closely with startups translating breakthroughs in science and engineering into scalable businesses. Her investment lens centers on innovation-led technologies with strong commercial potential. Murali is part of the growing group of investors advancing India’s deeptech ecosystem.
  

• Hemangi Desai, Trifecta Capital: Hemangi Desai is Associate Director at Trifecta Capital, one of India’s leading venture debt and alternative financing platforms for new economy startups. With over a decade of experience across investment banking and corporate banking, she works closely with high-growth startups on structured financing and strategic capital solutions. Prior to this, she played a key role in building startup and technology coverage at ICICI Bank. Desai actively partners with founders navigating scale and growth.

• Inchara Jaganath, NuVentures: Inchara Jaganath is Principal at NuVentures, where she works closely with early-stage startups building technology-led businesses. She focuses on identifying promising founders and supporting them through capital and strategic guidance. Her work involves evaluating investment opportunities and strengthening portfolio growth. Jaganath is actively contributing to nurturing innovation within India’s startup ecosystem.
  

• Kavya Agarwal, 3i Partners: Kavya Agarwal, Assistant Vice President at 3i Partners, is a scientist-turned-investor focused on early-stage startups addressing development challenges in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, climate, and education. With experience spanning scientific research, startup founding, and venture investing, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to the VC ecosystem. Agarwal works closely with founders building technology-led solutions with strong social impact. Her work reflects the increasing convergence of science and venture capital.

• Kavya Tandon, Info Edge Ventures: Kavya Tandon is Vice President at Info Edge Ventures, focusing on early-stage investments from pre-seed to Series A. She evaluates emerging consumer-tech opportunities and works closely with founders building scalable digital businesses. Through her role, she supports startups navigating early growth and market expansion. Tandon is part of the team backing the next generation of consumer internet companies in India.
  

• Kriti Gupta, Peak XV Partners: Kriti Gupta is Vice President at Peak XV Partners, a leading venture capital firm supporting startups from idea stage to IPO across India and Southeast Asia. She works with founders building high-growth technology companies across sectors. Peak XV manages more than $10 billion in assets and has backed several category-defining startups. Gupta plays a role in identifying and supporting emerging innovators within the ecosystem.

• Kruti Raiyani, 247VC: Kruti Raiyani is Principal at 247VC, a seed-stage venture capital firm backing bold founders building next-generation companies. With over eight years of experience in early-stage investing, she has worked across sectors including SaaS, D2C, gaming, healthtech, and edtech. Raiyani plays a key role in leading investments, structuring deals, and supporting portfolio growth. At 247VC, she partners with founders building technology-driven businesses across emerging sectors.

• Lumani Shah, 100Unicorns: Lumani Shah is Principal at 100Unicorns, where she focuses on evaluating and supporting high-growth startups across sectors. With a background in consulting and financial advisory, she brings strong expertise in strategy, deal evaluation, and investment analysis. Prior to venture investing, she worked on multiple private equity and strategic transactions across industries. Shah contributes to identifying promising founders and scaling emerging ventures.

• Madhusmita (Simmi) Das, Leo Capital: Madhusmita (Simmi) Das is Vice President at Leo Capital, where she contributes to the firm’s global investment strategy and backs early-stage founders building in AI and emerging technologies. She previously worked with Bessemer Venture Partners and Ola Electric, and also helped establish Piaggio’s corporate venture arm in Italy. Das brings a global perspective to venture investing, focusing on sectors such as health, fintech, and climate. She actively works with founders shaping the next wave of technology innovation.

• Mandeep Julka, Chiratae Ventures: Mandeep Julka is Vice President at Chiratae Ventures, where she focuses on Seed and Series A investments in high-growth startups. She previously led business finance for Ola Financial Services and worked in fintech investing with IFC in Washington, DC. With experience spanning investment banking, venture capital, and financial strategy, Julka brings deep financial expertise to early-stage investing. She works closely with founders scaling technology-driven businesses.

• Mansi Handa, Auxano Capital: Mansi Handa is Principal at Auxano Capital and brings over a decade of experience in finance, compliance, and taxation. A Chartered Accountant by training, she works closely with the investment team on opportunity evaluation, transaction structuring, and portfolio monitoring. Her experience in Big Four consulting provides strong expertise in financial governance and regulatory frameworks. Handa also supports portfolio companies in strengthening compliance and growth readiness.

• Meghna Nooyi Talati, Amicus Capital: Meghna Nooyi Talati is Vice President – ESG & Impact at Amicus Capital, where she leads the integration of environmental, social, and governance practices across the firm’s investments. She works closely with portfolio companies to develop sustainability strategies and measurable impact frameworks. Prior to joining Amicus, she spent several years advising organizations on ESG and sustainability initiatives. Talati plays a key role in advancing responsible investing within the venture ecosystem.

• Minal Shah, Inflection Point Ventures: Minal Shah brings over 15 years of experience spanning public markets, early-stage investing, and entrepreneurship. At Inflection Point Ventures, she works closely with founders and investors, helping strengthen the startup ecosystem through strategic investments and community building. Her career reflects a blend of venture capital expertise, portfolio management, and fundraising. Alongside investing, she has also explored entrepreneurial ventures, showcasing her diverse approach to business and innovation.

• Minu Yammada, Vimtra Ventures: Minu Yammada is known for her leadership in driving operational efficiency and business growth. At Vimtra Ventures, she focuses on strategic planning and improving organizational performance through strong operational and sales analysis. Her expertise lies in aligning business processes with growth objectives and enhancing revenue potential. She brings a structured and analytical approach to venture operations and business development.

• Mrinalini Chandra Goyal, Guild Capital: Mrinalini Chandra Goyal leads Guild Capital’s investment initiatives in India, focusing on identifying promising startups and supporting portfolio companies with strategic guidance. Prior to Guild, she worked as a private equity investor at Partners Group, founded an edtech startup, and began her career in investment banking at Merrill Lynch. She holds an MBA from The Wharton School and a BA from the University of Southern California. Her investment experience spans sectors including fintech, healthtech, and consumer technology.

• Namita Raichura, Sony Innovation Fund: Namita Raichura is a key member of the India team at Sony Innovation Fund, where she focuses on sourcing, evaluating, and executing investments in early and growth-stage startups. The fund backs companies across entertainment, gaming, consumer AI, deeptech, and SaaS. She plays an active role in portfolio management and strategic support for startups such as Slice, WeRize, Lokal, and Tricog. Her work contributes to strengthening Sony’s presence in India’s evolving startup ecosystem.

• Neelashi Shukla, Circulus Capital by Stride: Neelashi Shukla focuses on equity investments through the Circulus fund at Stride, supporting startups across energy transition, industrial decarbonisation, and the circular economy. With a background in global value chains and investment promotion, she previously led sector initiatives at Invest India and worked with NITI Aayog on trade and investment strategy. Her work bridges policy, sustainability, and venture capital. Neelashi is also a published author and a Raisina Fellow.

• Neeraja Matta, Ogni Capital Partners: Neeraja Matta works as a Private Equity Analyst at Ogni Capital Partners, where she focuses on deal sourcing, due diligence, and transaction structuring. With experience supporting large global asset managers and private equity firms, she brings a strong analytical approach to investment evaluation. Her work spans sustainable investments and growth-stage opportunities. She holds a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from VIT University.

• Nidhi Bhatt, Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited: Nidhi Bhatt serves as Vice President at Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited, where she is involved in evaluating investment opportunities and supporting strategic transactions. With experience across investment analysis and portfolio management, she contributes to Kotak’s alternative investment strategies. Her role includes working closely with companies and stakeholders to drive long-term value creation. Nidhi is part of the firm’s broader effort to support high-growth businesses.

• Nitisha Bansal, Nexus Venture Partners: Nitisha Bansal is an investor at Nexus Venture Partners, where she partners with founders building transformative businesses. She previously worked at Matrix Partners India (now Z47), focusing on frontier technology and industrial B2B sectors. Nitisha began her career at McKinsey & Company and is also a Chartered Accountant. She holds an MBA from The Wharton School and brings a strong mix of strategic and financial expertise to venture investing.

• Niyati Raval, JSW Ventures: Niyati Raval leads consumer investments at JSW Ventures, focusing on early-stage startups across consumer technology and digital brands. With over a decade of experience spanning venture capital, investment banking, and advisory roles at firms such as Morgan Stanley, Northern Arc Capital, and DSG Consumer Partners, she brings deep expertise in deal execution and portfolio management. A Chartered Accountant and FRM professional, she is passionate about partnering with founders building impactful consumer businesses.

• Parmi Doshi, Inflexor Ventures: Parmi Doshi is a Principal at Inflexor Ventures, where she works across the full investment lifecycle including deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio support. Since joining the firm in 2019, she has focused on identifying promising startups and helping founders scale their businesses. Prior to venture capital, she worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers advising investment funds on transactions and structuring. Parmi is both a Chartered Accountant and a CFA charterholder.

• Payal Raje, 1crowd Venture Capital: Payal Raje is a Principal at 1Crowd Venture Capital, where she works closely with startups on growth capital and investment strategy. With nearly two decades of experience across venture capital, investment banking, and entrepreneurship, she previously held roles at ICICI Securities and Morgan Stanley. Payal also founded Smiletribe, a bootstrapped kidswear brand. Her experience spans fundraising, capital markets, and scaling early-stage ventures.

• Pooja Shirali, DSG Consumer Partners: Pooja Shirali is a Vice President at DSG Consumer Partners, where she invests in early-stage startups across consumer sectors including food, personal care, wellness, and e-commerce. A Chartered Accountant by training, she joined the firm as an analyst and has grown alongside its expanding portfolio. Pooja focuses on identifying emerging consumer trends and partnering closely with founders to build long-term value. She is known for her relationship-driven investment approach.

• Poornima Verma, Epiq Capital: Poornima Verma serves as Assistant Vice President, Investments at Epiq Capital, where she focuses on evaluating high-growth companies and supporting strategic investment decisions. Her work involves analyzing market opportunities, conducting due diligence, and contributing to portfolio growth. At Epiq, she plays a role in identifying scalable businesses across sectors. She brings strong financial analysis and investment evaluation experience to the firm.

• Poorvi Vijay, Elevation Capital: Poorvi Vijay is an investor at Elevation Capital, focusing on enterprise software and AI startups. She has been involved in investments in companies such as Murf.ai, Everstage, SuperOps AI, and Factors.ai. Poorvi works closely with founders building next-generation SaaS and AI platforms. Her investment focus reflects Elevation Capital’s commitment to backing innovative technology companies shaping the future of enterprise software.

• Prachi Marwah, ChrysCapital: Prachi Marwah is an investment professional at ChrysCapital, where she has been contributing to the firm’s private equity investments since 2019. Prior to joining ChrysCapital, she worked with Baring Private Equity Partners India. With a strong academic background that includes an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a degree in Economics from Delhi University, Prachi brings deep analytical expertise to evaluating and scaling high-growth businesses.

• Prachi Sinha, Axilor Ventures: Prachi Sinha leads investments in healthcare, climate-tech, and agritech at Axilor Ventures, focusing on early-stage startups building solutions in critical sectors. With over a decade of experience spanning public policy and consulting roles at organizations such as McKinsey and Janaagraha, she brings a strong strategic lens to venture investing. An MBA graduate from the Indian School of Business and an economics alumna of Fergusson College, Prachi works closely with founders on business models, market entry, and regulatory pathways.

• Prianka G Kurup, Tata Capital: Prianka G Kurup is part of the investment team at Tata Capital Healthcare Fund, where she works across the entire investment lifecycle including deal sourcing, portfolio management, and exits. With experience spanning private equity, consulting, and analytics, she previously served as a Senior Manager at Alvarez & Marsal and began her career at Novartis Healthcare. Prianka holds an MBA in Finance from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research and a B.Tech from NIT Warangal.

• Priyal Motwani, Lightspeed India: Priyal Motwani is a member of the early-stage investment team at Lightspeed India, focusing on consumer, commerce, and financial services startups. Prior to venture investing, she worked as a management consultant at Bain & Company, advising high-growth startups and technology firms. Priyal holds a Civil Engineering degree from IIT Delhi and an MBA from IIM Calcutta, bringing a strong analytical and strategic perspective to early-stage investing.

• Radhika Rajkotia, Stride Ventures: Radhika Rajkotia is a finance professional at Stride Ventures, where she contributes to strategic initiatives through the Founder’s Office. A Chartered Accountant by qualification, she brings experience across venture debt, corporate banking, lending, and audit. Previously an AVP at Northern Arc Capital, Radhika combines financial expertise with an interest in organizational systems and operational strategy.

• Rishika Garg, Accel: Rishika Garg is an investor at Accel, where she focuses on identifying and backing high-growth startups across SaaS, AI, fintech, and consumer sectors. Her portfolio includes companies such as Sprinto, Nanonets, Uppercase, Bluestone, Wiom, Stanza, and Dezerv. At Accel, Rishika works closely with founders to support product development, market expansion, and long-term business growth.

• Rishita Wadher, Sixth Sense Ventures: Rishita Wadher is part of the investment team at Sixth Sense Ventures, where she focuses on consumer-focused investments and portfolio value creation. With over nine years of experience in strategy, consulting, and transaction advisory, she previously worked at PwC across management consulting and deals advisory. Rishita holds an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and a Bachelor’s degree in Management from HR College, Mumbai.

• Ritika Goyal, Filter Capital: Ritika Goyal leads SaaS and technology services investments at Filter Capital, focusing on growth-stage companies across sectors such as fintech, logistics, and enterprise software. She brings over a decade of experience spanning venture investing, strategy consulting, and corporate strategy roles at organizations including HighRadius, Boston Consulting Group, and Matrix Partners. Ritika holds a dual degree from IIT Bombay and an MBA from INSEAD.

• Roshni Dugar, Insight Partners: Roshni Dugar is part of the investment team at Insight Partners, where she focuses on identifying high-growth software and internet companies. Prior to joining Insight, she gained consulting experience at Bain & Company and worked with growth equity firm Volition Capital. A graduate of Dartmouth College with a degree in Government, Roshni brings a strong analytical and strategic perspective to global technology investing.

• Ruchi Seth, General Atlantic: Ruchi Seth is a Vice President at General Atlantic, where she focuses on investments across India and Southeast Asia. She previously worked with L Catterton and Avendus Capital, building experience in private equity and investment banking. Ruchi holds an MBA in Finance from the Indian Institute of Management and advanced degrees in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University and Lady Shri Ram College.

• Rupika B., Alumni Ventures: Rupika B. is an investor at Alumni Ventures with experience spanning venture capital, entrepreneurship, and investment banking. She previously led corporate venture initiatives at Blockstream and founded a search fund focused on investing in underserved communities. Earlier in her career, she worked in investment banking at Bank of America. Rupika holds an MBA from the Wharton School and a BA from the University of California, San Diego.

• Sakshi Dakhera, RevX Capital: Sakshi Dakhera serves as Vice President at RevX Capital, where she focuses on investment strategy and portfolio growth within the venture debt ecosystem. With a background in finance and capital markets, she brings experience in evaluating growth opportunities and structuring financing solutions for emerging businesses.

• Sapna Goyal, WaterBridge Ventures: Sapna Goyal is an investor at WaterBridge Ventures, focusing on early-stage investments in AI and deep-tech startups. With over 12 years of investing experience across early and growth-stage companies, she works closely with founders to support scaling and long-term value creation. At WaterBridge, Sapna backs technology-driven ventures with investments ranging from seed to pre-Series A and continues to support them through later stages.

• Shaifali Thapar, Your Nest VC: Shaifali Thapar is part of the investment team at YourNest Venture Capital, where she brings experience across investment banking and capital markets. Her expertise spans valuation, private equity transactions, and debt syndication. With strong analytical and financial skills, she contributes to identifying and supporting technology-driven startups within the venture ecosystem.

• Shivangi Goyal, Atomic Capital: Shivangi Goyal serves as Associate Vice President at Atomic Capital, where she is actively involved in evaluating high-growth startups and supporting portfolio companies. She brings strong expertise in financial analysis, deal structuring, and strategic advisory. Through her role, she helps emerging companies navigate growth and scale in competitive markets. Shivangi represents a new generation of investors driving India’s venture capital momentum.

• Shivani Kulkarni, Prime Venture Partners: Shivani Kulkarni is Vice President at Prime Venture Partners, one of India’s leading early-stage venture capital firms. She works closely with founders across sectors such as fintech, SaaS, and consumer internet, supporting investments from sourcing to scaling. With a strong analytical and operational background, she helps portfolio startups refine strategy and accelerate growth. Her work contributes to building the next wave of technology-driven companies.

• Shreya Kothari, 8X Ventures: Shreya Kothari is Associate Principal at 8X Ventures, where she focuses on identifying early-stage startups with strong scalability and innovation potential. She is actively involved in deal sourcing, due diligence, and founder engagement. Her investment perspective combines financial insight with a deep understanding of emerging startup ecosystems. Shreya is part of a growing cohort of women investors shaping the venture capital landscape.

• Shriya Khanna, Aavishkaar Capital: Shriya Khanna serves as Vice President and Head of Capital Formation at Aavishkaar Capital. She leads fundraising initiatives and works closely with global investors to channel capital into impact-driven businesses. Her work supports startups focused on inclusive growth and sustainable development. Through her leadership in capital strategy, she plays an important role in strengthening India’s impact investment ecosystem.

• Shuchi Pandya, Fireside Ventures: Shuchi Pandya is Principal at Fireside Ventures, a venture capital firm known for backing consumer brands. She works with early-stage founders building innovative consumer products and digital-first brands. With experience in investment analysis and portfolio support, she helps startups scale their market presence and operational strategy. Her role reflects the growing influence of women in consumer-focused venture investing.

• Soniya Kukreja, Beams Fintech Fund: Soniya Kukreja is Principal – Fundraising and Investor Relations at Beams Fintech Fund. She plays a pivotal role in building relationships with institutional investors and strengthening the fund’s capital base. With expertise in venture capital fundraising and stakeholder engagement, she supports investments in emerging fintech startups. Her work contributes to accelerating innovation within India’s financial technology sector.

• Tanvi Aggarwal, Warburg Pincus: Tanvi Aggarwal is Vice President at Warburg Pincus, a global private equity firm known for backing high-growth companies. She works on evaluating large-scale investment opportunities across sectors in India. Her role includes financial analysis, deal execution, and portfolio value creation. Through her work, she contributes to scaling companies that shape India’s evolving business landscape.

• Tanvi Bhatia, Neo Asset Management: Tanvi Bhatia serves as Senior Vice President at Neo Asset Management, where she focuses on investment strategy and portfolio growth. She works closely with founders and growth-stage businesses to unlock long-term value. With expertise in financial markets and alternative investments, she contributes to identifying promising ventures. Tanvi represents the increasing presence of women in leadership roles within investment management.

• Tanvi Ponnappa, Elevar Equity: Tanvi Ponnappa is Vice President at Elevar Equity, a venture firm focused on backing mission-driven businesses serving underserved communities. She works with entrepreneurs building scalable solutions in sectors such as fintech, education, and healthcare. Her role involves evaluating investments and supporting portfolio growth. Through her work, she contributes to building inclusive and sustainable startup ecosystems.

• Teena Gandhi, Certus Capital: Teena Gandhi is Vice President at Certus Capital, where she works on strategic investments and financial advisory for growth-stage companies. With experience in corporate finance and deal structuring, she plays a key role in identifying promising investment opportunities. She collaborates closely with founders to drive operational and financial performance. Her work reflects the growing diversity in India’s investment leadership.

• Toshi Yadav, Faering Capital: Toshi Yadav is Principal at Faering Capital, focusing on private equity investments in high-growth consumer and financial services companies. She works on deal evaluation, due diligence, and portfolio value creation. With a strong background in finance and strategy, she supports companies navigating scale and expansion. Her role highlights the increasing impact of women in India’s private equity ecosystem.

• Vineeta Wadhwani Gupta, Chakra Growth Capital: Vineeta Wadhwani Gupta is Principal at Chakra Growth Capital, where she focuses on growth-stage investments in technology-led businesses. She works closely with founders to identify strategic opportunities and scale operations. Her expertise spans investment analysis, market strategy, and venture building. Vineeta contributes to nurturing innovative startups that are shaping India’s digital economy.

• Vinutha Raju, GoMassive Earth Network: Vinutha Raju is Vice President at GoMassive Earth Network, an investment platform focused on climate and sustainability solutions. She works on identifying and supporting startups building technologies for energy transition and environmental impact. Her role involves evaluating investments and guiding portfolio companies toward sustainable growth. Vinutha is part of a rising group of investors driving climate innovation in India.

• Zeal Lilani, Sadev Ventures: Zeal Lilani is Principal at Sadev Ventures, where she focuses on identifying emerging startups and supporting founders through early growth stages. She works across deal sourcing, investment analysis, and portfolio engagement. With a keen understanding of startup ecosystems, she helps nurture high-potential ventures. Zeal represents the next generation of venture capital leaders contributing to India’s innovation economy.

As the startup ecosystem continues to evolve, the growing presence of women in venture capital is bringing new perspectives, deeper collaboration, and a stronger focus on long-term value creation. The professionals featured in this list are not only investing capital but also helping founders navigate challenges, build resilient businesses, and unlock new opportunities across emerging sectors. Their contributions highlight the expanding role of women in shaping the future of innovation and entrepreneurship. This Women’s Day, we celebrate these 100 women for their leadership, expertise, and commitment to supporting the next generation of startups and transformative ideas.

–Authored and edited by Sandhya Bharti

Disclaimer

This feature, “Women’s Day Special: 100 Women Driving Venture Capital and Startup Innovation,” has been curated as an independent editorial selection by Indian Startup Times. The leaders featured in this list were identified through a combination of qualitative insights, industry signals, and structured internal evaluation of professionals contributing to the venture capital and startup ecosystem.

Inputs and perspectives were also drawn from publicly available sources, industry observations, venture capital firm announcements, portfolio activity, and professional profiles to better understand each individual’s role in investment, founder support, and ecosystem development.

The selection framework was guided by five core parameters:

Investment Leadership & Role in VC Firms – The scope of responsibility within venture capital firms, including deal sourcing, investment evaluation, portfolio management, and strategic decision-making.

Contribution to Startup Growth – Involvement in supporting founders, enabling portfolio expansion, mentoring startups, and helping companies scale across sectors.

Sector Expertise & Investment Focus – Depth of engagement across sectors such as fintech, SaaS, climate-tech, health-tech, consumer brands, deeptech, and emerging innovation categories.

Ecosystem Engagement & Influence – Participation in the broader startup ecosystem through founder networks, industry forums, venture communities, and collaboration with other investors.

Strategic Thinking & Long-Term Impact – Ability to identify emerging trends, support transformative businesses, and contribute to the evolving venture capital landscape.

It is important to note that:

• This list is not exhaustive and does not represent every influential woman in the venture capital and startup ecosystem. 
• It is not a ranking, award, endorsement, or commercial recommendation. 
• Inclusion is based on publicly available information, industry signals, and editorial assessment at the time of publication. 
• Roles, achievements, and professional details mentioned are accurate to the best of our knowledge when the feature was compiled. 

The purpose of this editorial feature is to recognise and celebrate women professionals who are contributing to venture capital, startup funding, and innovation across industries. It aims to highlight leadership, expertise, and ecosystem impact while acknowledging the growing role of women in shaping the future of entrepreneurship and investment.