The Finance 50: Leaders Redefining India’s VC Industry

The Finance 50 celebrates the visionary finance leaders who power India’s venture capital ecosystem from behind the scenes — the architects of governance, transparency, and disciplined growth. These professionals anchor everything from fund strategy, compliance, and cross-border structuring to investor relations, scalable operations, and financial innovation. With decades of expertise across global institutions, Big Four firms, startups, and high-growth funds, they enable founders to build with confidence and help investors navigate complexity with clarity. Together, they represent the backbone of India’s VC industry — strengthening institutions, elevating financial excellence, and shaping the country’s next decade of entrepreneurial transformation.

• Abdul Baseer Mohammed, Aldrich Capital Partners: With 15+ years of expertise in financial due diligence, Baseer plays a pivotal role in steering Aldrich Capital’s complex financial assessments and investment decisions. A CPA and PG in Business Management, he brings global experience from Deloitte across India and the U.S., backed by academic excellence as a state rank-holder. His analytical depth strengthens Aldrich’s commitment to disciplined investing.

• Abhijeeth Naik, Amicus Capital Partners: A results-driven finance leader with 20+ years of experience, Abhijeeth anchors Amicus Capital’s finance, operations, and investor relations with precision and strategic clarity. His past stints as CFO at Zivame and leadership roles at ISG, Fossil, and Ocwen reflect his ability to streamline operations and support high-growth environments. A Chartered Accountant and IIM Kolkata alumnus, he is instrumental in shaping Amicus Capital’s financial backbone.

• Aditya Pokharna, Epiq Capital: With nearly two decades of global experience across India, Mexico, and New York, Aditya brings unmatched expertise in fund finance, audit, and investment operations. His leadership spans Ares Management, Macquarie, and Big 4 firms, including pivotal roles in launching large-scale REITs and managing complex private equity structures. A Chartered Accountant, he drives Epiq Capital’s financial rigor and operational excellence.

• Afroz Dairkee, Antler India: Afroz brings 18+ years of deep cross-border fund management, compliance, and transaction expertise to Antler India, shaping the firm’s financial and legal strategy with precision. His experience spans Matrix Partners India (Z47), Nielsen, Fork Media, and KPMG, where he led fundraises, exits, and regulatory structures. A CA with All India Rank and CFA Level III, he is a trusted financial architect for VC-backed founders.

• Ajoy Prabakar, General Catalyst: Ajoy blends his Chartered Accountancy and XLRI MBA credentials with extensive experience across private equity, banking, and audit to strengthen General Catalyst’s financial processes. His multidisciplinary expertise supports decision-making at scale, while his strategic understanding of finance and risk ensures strong operational foundations within the firm.

• Alok Bansal Jain, Orios Venture Partners: With 20+ years of diverse experience across Big 4 consulting, global manufacturing, and financial leadership roles, Alok brings a holistic and strategy-first approach to Orios Venture Partners. His past roles as CFO and Director of Finance in multinational environments highlight his strengths in governance, M&A, plant finance, and operational excellence. A seasoned business partner, he drives value creation and sustainable growth across the portfolio.

• Amit Jhunjhunwala, Accel: Amit leads Accel India’s finance organization with a strong foundation in global financial reporting, diligence, and internal controls. A former senior manager at KPMG, he brings deep expertise in auditing and advisory for large conglomerates. As CFO, he ensures seamless fund operations while supporting portfolio companies on critical financial and tax matters, strengthening Accel’s investment ecosystem.

• Amit Mehra, Lightspeed India Partners: A top-ranking Chartered Accountant with over 15 years at McKinsey managing and transforming finance functions, Amit brings exceptional rigor and leadership to Lightspeed India. He is deeply committed to enabling founders and investors by building robust financial systems that fuel sustainable growth. His analytical strength and problem-solving orientation make him a key pillar of Lightspeed’s success in India.

• Arpit Agrawal, Sparrow Capital: Arpit brings strong capital strategy, treasury management, and transaction expertise to Sparrow Capital, shaped by his impactful six-year journey at KreditBee. A Chartered Accountant with deep experience in restructuring, fundraising, and business finance, he plays a vital role in shaping the firm’s financial strategy and investor engagement. His work reflects a commitment to disciplined growth and value creation.

• Atul Talekar, Beams Fintech Fund: Atul drives Beams Fintech Fund’s financial governance and regulatory excellence, backed by a decade of experience across asset management, corporate finance, and alternative investments. A Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary, he has built Beams’ financial infrastructure, strengthened compliance frameworks, and contributed to investment decisions. His leadership ensures transparency, integrity, and a strong foundation for portfolio growth.

• Atul Tibrewal, Northern Arc Capital: A seasoned Chartered Accountant with nearly 25 years in BFSI, Atul Tibrewal serves as the CFO of Northern Arc Capital, steering its finance, treasury, and liquidity strategy. His expertise spans fundraising, resource mobilization, and financial governance across large-scale institutions. Prior to Northern Arc, he held leadership roles at Magma Fincorp, Birla Corporation, and other marquee organizations.
  

• Chetan GMS, Stellaris Venture Partners: Chetan leads finance at Stellaris Venture Partners, driving fund administration, investor reporting, compliance, and cross-border taxation. With 20+ years across VC, consulting, and accounting, he brings deep proficiency from firms like Helion, KPMG, EY, and Guru & Jana. A Chartered Accountant, he is known for shaping best-in-class fund finance practices.
  

• Chetan Rana, Titan Capital: With 15+ years focused on tax, regulatory strategy, fund structuring, and finance, Chetan Rana is a key finance leader at Titan Capital. He previously contributed to fund operations and regulatory frameworks at WestBridge Capital and Edelweiss Alternatives. A Chartered Accountant, he has been instrumental in multiple India and offshore fund setups across the VC ecosystem.
  

• Deepak Aggarwal, StartupXseed Ventures LLP: A rank-holder CA & CMA, Deepak Aggarwal brings 20+ years of cross-industry financial leadership across Infosys, HCL Tech, RBS, CGI, and Indian Oil. At StartupXseed, he oversees finance and fund operations for multiple AIFs with precision and strategic insight. Recognized among India’s Top 50 Finance Leaders, he is known for his strong governance and compliance expertise.

• Gaurav Bindal, RPSG Capital Ventures: CFO at RPSG Capital Ventures, Gaurav Bindal brings 19 years of strategic finance expertise across IT, FMCG, consulting, and venture capital. A Chartered Accountant with global exposure, he specializes in governance, risk management, taxation, investor relations, and financial strategy. His prior stints span E&Y, ITC, XSEED, and Orios Venture Partners.

• Gaurav Goel, Trifecta Capital: Gaurav Goel is a seasoned finance professional with 12+ years across private equity, FP&A, fund accounting, and corporate finance. At Trifecta Capital, he drives fund finance, investor reporting, and business planning with a strong analytical and governance-focused approach. A CA and CS, he previously led finance operations at GenNx360 and consulted with KPMG India.

• Gopal Krishna Podder, Sathguru Catalyser Fund: A seasoned finance leader in the alternative investments ecosystem, Gopal Krishna Podder oversees fund finance, compliance, and operational strategy at Sathguru Catalyser Fund. With strong expertise across accounting, taxation, and financial governance, he plays a key role in building scalable fund operations. A Chartered Accountant, he is known for bringing rigor, discipline, and structural efficiency to early-stage investing platforms.
  

• Harsh Bihani, Theia Ventures: Harsh Bihani is a CA and CS with nearly a decade of expertise in business finance, FP&A, fundraising, due diligence, and operational efficiency. At Theia Ventures, he brings strong experience from Earlsfield Capital, CarDekho, EY, and Infosys—where his cost initiatives delivered multi-million-dollar savings. He partners closely with founders and investment teams on strategic financial decisions.
  

• Harshal Kamdar, Peak XV Partners: As CFO of Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India & SEA), Harshal Kamdar plays a pivotal role in managing finance, fund administration, compliance, and reporting across one of the region’s largest VC franchises. A veteran finance leader, he brings decades of experience overseeing multi-market, multi-fund operations with precision and governance excellence.
  

• Imran Khan, Omnivore Partners: Imran Khan, a Chartered Accountant with deep expertise in finance, accounting standards, and fund administration, leads core financial management at Omnivore. His proficiency in IFRS, US GAAP, taxation, and private equity finance strengthens Omnivore’s disciplined investment operations. He is known for bringing rigor, structure, and agility to fund finance.

• Jayesh Bavle, Bertelsmann India Investments: A seasoned financial strategist, Jayesh Bavle leads Bertelsmann India Investments’ finance function, driving long-term value creation and operational excellence. With nearly two decades at EY and prior leadership at BII, he brings deep expertise in strategic planning, governance, and investment support. His stewardship continues to strengthen the firm’s growth and financial resilience.
  

• Jigisha Shah, Omidyar Network India: An angel investor and finance leader, Jigisha Shah oversees financial strategy at Omidyar Network India with a focus on impact-led and technology-driven investments. Her cross-border experience and strong grounding in equity investing enable her to guide ONI’s mission of advancing social and economic opportunity. She plays a pivotal role in aligning capital with long-term, purpose-led outcomes.
  

• Jinal Gandhi, Alteria Capital: With 14+ years of expertise in venture debt, fund administration, and regulatory frameworks, Jinal Gandhi is instrumental in shaping Alteria Capital’s financial architecture. She leads finance, compliance, taxation, treasury, and investor relations with precision and strategic foresight. A seasoned professional, she previously held leadership roles at InnoVen Capital and Haribhakti & Co.
  

• Kapil Shyamdasani, Innoven Capital India: Kapil Shyamdasani brings over 13 years of experience across venture debt and financial services, driving strategic finance, investor relations, and operational governance at InnoVen Capital India. His ability to align financial insights with business goals makes him a key contributor to the firm’s growth. He plays a vital role in supporting both fund strategy and portfolio outcomes.

• Karthik Nageswaran, Kalaari Capital: One of Kalaari Capital’s earliest members, Karthik Nageswaran brings over 25 years of multidimensional finance experience spanning fund governance, investor reporting, exits, and portfolio support. His leadership has shaped Kalaari’s financial systems, founder engagement, and strategic decision-making. A trusted partner to founders and investors alike, he plays a central role in strengthening the firm’s ecosystem impact.
  

• Manjunath Kallapur, Ascent Capital: A Chartered Accountant with deep experience in PE/VC finance, Manjunath Kallapur leads finance, investor reporting, fund administration, and compliance at Ascent Capital. His expertise in fund accounting, cross-border taxation, and regulatory processes anchors the firm’s operational strength. Known for precision and process excellence, he previously drove major audit engagements at Deloitte.
  

• Minal Sequeira, Inflexor Ventures: With 16+ years across VC and private equity, Minal Sequeira leads fund administration, compliance, LP reporting, and portfolio oversight at Inflexor Ventures. Her career spans Elevar Equity, Sabre Partners, and Tranzmute Capital, shaping her into a specialist in fund operations and governance. A CA, CS, and FRM, she brings rare multidisciplinary expertise to the VC ecosystem.
  

• Mitul Mehta, Blume Ventures: A core pillar of Blume Ventures’ growth story, Mitul Mehta oversees finance, legal, compliance, and operations, having navigated multiple fund cycles since the firm’s inception. A Chartered Accountant and former founding partner of Constellation Blu, he brings deep insights into fund structuring and venture operations. His global perspective and decade-long journey at Blume continue to shape the firm’s evolution.
  

• Nitin Gupta, Info Edge Ventures: A strategic finance professional, Nitin Gupta brings extensive experience across VC, startups, fundraising, and portfolio management. He has built finance functions from scratch, strengthened governance structures, and led cost and revenue optimization initiatives. With a hands-on approach to investment evaluation and strategic finance, he is a driving force in Info Edge Ventures’ growth.
  

• Palak Abhani, BLinC Invest: With 12 years of experience across finance, operations, investor relations, and investment management, Palak Abhani manages compliance, investments, and portfolio monitoring at BLinC Invest. She was instrumental in scaling Imarticus Learning through multiple fundraising cycles. Known for her disciplined approach and execution excellence, she continues to strengthen the firm’s financial and strategic capabilities.
  

• Pankaj Kwatra, Stride Ventures: A Chartered Accountant with nearly two decades of financial leadership, Pankaj Kwatra has been instrumental in scaling Stride Ventures’ global footprint and strengthening its governance frameworks. Steering finance and fund operations across a USD 1B+ AUM, he has set new benchmarks for strategic finance in venture debt. His award-winning leadership reflects deep expertise across taxation, fund strategy, and cross-border structuring.

• Pawan Baheti, SBICAP Ventures Limited: With 17+ years across securities, mutual funds, and project finance, Pawan Baheti brings a rare blend of financial acumen and operational depth to SBICAP Ventures. Known for helping institutions set up and scale new businesses, he has shaped financial strategy across India’s leading BFSI organizations. A seasoned CA, he continues to strengthen SBICAP’s financial discipline and growth trajectory.

• Priyank Banker, Sharrp Ventures: A multi-credentialed finance leader (CFA, CA, CS, CMA), Priyank Banker drives financial strategy for Sharrp Ventures, the family office of Harsh Mariwala. From managing global treasury to executing complex M&A and succession planning, he brings precision and innovation to every mandate. His work reflects deep expertise in compliance, structuring, portfolio governance, and technology-driven finance transformation.
  

• Puja Alok P, Together: With 20+ years shaping tax, regulatory strategy, and fund structures across tech, fintech, and financial services, Puja Alok brings a steady, strategic hand to Together. Formerly at Lightrock India overseeing a $1B+ portfolio, she blends rigor with founder empathy to build resilient financial architectures. Her leadership champions governance as a quiet superpower in scaling ventures.

• R Kalyan Sundar, Mela Ventures: Kalyan Sundar combines strategic foresight with disciplined execution, anchoring Mela Ventures’ investment decisions in strong financial fundamentals. His decade-long experience across evaluation, due diligence, and deal structuring ensures long-term value creation. A CA with global finance credentials, he is known for his analytical depth and sharp approach to portfolio assessment.

• Rahul Bhapkar, Avaana Capital: A seasoned finance strategist with 18+ years in P&L leadership, treasury, governance, and M&A, Rahul Bhapkar shapes financial direction at Avaana Capital. His experience leading finance at high-growth institutions, including Avanse Financial Services, brings clarity and execution excellence to the venture ecosystem. Rahul is known for marrying risk discipline with growth-focused financial strategy.
  

• Rashmi Dayama, Leo Capital: Bringing rich operational experience from Peak XV Partners and Premji Invest, Rashmi Dayama leads finance, compliance, and reporting at Leo Capital. She has streamlined fund operations, LP relations, valuations, and automation across investment cycles. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to precision, efficiency, and governance-led growth.
  

• Rashmi Limaye Guptey, Lightbox: A governance-focused finance leader, Rashmi Limaye Guptey oversees fund finance, administration, compliance, taxation, and legal processes at Lightbox. She has played a crucial role in setting up multiple fund vehicles and shaping investment frameworks. Her expertise across valuations, M&A, controls, and impact-focused governance makes her a pillar of operational excellence.
  

• Ravi Krishnan S, TVS Capital Funds: Ravi Krishnan brings wide-ranging experience across financial reporting, taxation, business planning, and digital transformation. Known for building robust processes and driving automation, he has strengthened governance and operational efficiency at TVS Capital. His belief in continuous learning and upskilling drives both team development and institutional growth.
  

• Rohan Dixit, Z47: A core member of Z47’s leadership, Rohan Dixit oversees finance, compliance, and operational strategy for one of India’s most innovative venture platforms. His expertise spans financial planning, governance frameworks, and scalable processes that support Z47’s mission of backing high-impact founders. Rohan’s steady financial stewardship continues to power the firm’s growth momentum.
  

• Rohini Prakash, Jungle Ventures: With 16+ years across fund structuring, investor relations, compliance, and cross-border taxation, Rohini Prakash is one of the most respected finance leaders in India’s venture ecosystem. At Jungle Ventures, she leverages deep experience from Xander Group, Copal Amba, and KPMG to build robust fund architectures and governance systems. A qualified CA from SRCC, she continues to champion transparency, discipline, and institutional excellence in VC finance.
  

• Ruchi Khajanchi, A91 Partners: A seasoned finance and legal strategist, Ruchi Khajanchi brings over a decade of transaction advisory expertise to A91 Partners. Her experience spans fund setup, tax and regulatory structuring, complex deal negotiations, and investor reporting across sectors from tech to real estate. A CA with an All India Rank, she plays a pivotal role in strengthening A91’s financial systems and compliance frameworks.

• Ruchita Jasani, Sorin Investments: With 20+ years across global financial institutions and homegrown PE-VC firms, Ruchita Jasani is a powerhouse in fund formation, compliance, valuations, and investment lifecycles. Her stints at Deloitte, KPMG, Morgan Stanley, SS&C, Motilal Oswal, and Shapoorji Pallonji have shaped her as a multidimensional finance leader. A CA and CAIA, she now drives Sorin’s finance and governance vision with unmatched depth.

• Sai Manohar Cheekoti, Pavestone VC: Sai Manohar blends 10+ years of controllership, business partnering, fundraising support, M&A, and investor relations across startups and large enterprises. From NephroPlus and Practically to Wells Fargo and ATOS, he has consistently enabled strategic financial decision-making. A CA and Company Secretary, he now leads finance and investments at Pavestone with precision and forward-thinking discipline.
  

• Sanea Vakaliya, Bharat Innovation Fund: Sanea Vakaliya stands out for her rare combination of legal, finance, compliance, and operational leadership across India’s most mission-driven funds — CIIE, INFUSE, Bharat Inclusion Seed Fund, and Bharat Innovation Fund. With hands-on expertise in due diligence, investment documentation, fund operations, and founder advisory, she remains one of the ecosystem’s most versatile finance leaders. Her multidisciplinary background spans law, commerce, accounting, education, and entrepreneurship.
  

• Sanjay Chaturvedi, The Fundamentum Partnership: A global CFO with 25+ years across Fortune 100 giants and high-growth startups, Sanjay Chaturvedi brings unmatched mastery in taxation, M&A, due diligence, treasury, and fund structuring. Having scaled Amba Research to a successful Moody’s acquisition and overseen major exits at Helion and Fundamentum, he blends operational rigor with strategic foresight. His leadership continues to elevate finance as a core pillar of value creation in VC.

• Sanjay Malpani, Singularity Holdings VC: With over two decades shaping growth, P&L strategy, risk management, and corporate structuring across multinational and promoter-driven enterprises, Sanjay Malpani brings robust leadership to Singularity Holdings VC. His experience spans business planning, financial governance, and operational excellence, positioning him as a key contributor in building disciplined, future-ready investment platforms.

• Sanjay Wadhwa, 360 ONE Wealth: Sanjay Wadhwa brings 24+ years of experience in optimizing finance operations, investor relations, and multi-sector financial leadership. At 360 ONE Wealth, he spearheads finance and accounts with a strong foundation built across manufacturing, consulting, financial services, and audit. His expertise enables scalable systems, compliance strength, and clarity in stakeholder communication.
  

• Sharad Agarwal, IndiaQuotient: A new-generation finance leader, Sharad Agarwal blends fund structuring, ESG leadership, regulatory mastery, and operational excellence across India’s VC landscape. From launching funds in India and GIFT City to leading audits, valuations, exits, and investor reporting, he drives end-to-end financial governance at IndiaQuotient. A CA and Company Secretary, he brings a sharp business-first approach to finance strategy.
  

• Smita Goel, RTP Global: With two decades in international taxation, fund structuring, compliance, and strategic advisory, Smita Goel anchors the finance function for RTP Global across India, SEA, and MENA. Her expertise spans complex cross-border tax strategy, M&A support, litigation, and portfolio advisory. A CA with deep global exposure across EY, PwC, Allstate, and top law firms, she is a cornerstone of RTP’s global finance leadership.
  

• Sridhar Ravipati, Saama Capital: With over a decade at Saama, Sridhar blends deep financial discipline with operational clarity. His experience across renewable energy, credit ratings, and fund operations enables him to support founders with grounded, solutions-oriented guidance. He is known for building strong financial systems and helping startups scale with calm precision.
  

• Sukesh Khandelwal, IvyCap Ventures: A strategic finance leader with 26+ years of impact, Sukesh is celebrated for driving profitability, streamlining operations, and steering complex financial and regulatory transformations. He has strengthened IvyCap’s operational backbone through robust reporting, fund launches, and strong investor relations, shaping resilience across the portfolio.
  

• Swaminathan Shankar, Chiratae Ventures: As CFO and Compliance Officer, Swaminathan anchors Chiratae’s financial architecture—overseeing treasury, compliance, investor relations, and diligence. With prior experience at Sequoia Capital, he brings deep expertise in tax structuring, automation, and strategic exits, enabling founders and funds to navigate growth with rigor and clarity.
  

• Tanya Sequeira, Athera Venture Partners: A Chartered Accountant with a decade at KPMG, Tanya brings strong financial diligence and governance capabilities to early-stage investing. At Athera, she drives deal structuring, LP reporting, valuation, and portfolio finance excellence—helping startups establish scalable processes and navigate complex accounting and tax landscapes.
  

• Tarun Pal, Rukam Capital: With 28+ years in global finance leadership, Tarun has built and restructured finance functions across industries and geographies. At Rukam Capital, he brings board-level expertise, regulatory depth, and hands-on operational insight—ensuring robust financial governance and enabling founders to scale with confidence and discipline.
  

• Vaibhav Goel, Elevation Capital: A seasoned finance leader with two decades of multi-GAAP expertise, Vaibhav oversees Elevation’s fund strategy, governance, and reporting. He is known for helping founders focus on their core mission while he drives financial processes, compliance, and capital advisory—building strong, scalable finance foundations across the portfolio.
  

• Veenu Mittal, Anicut Capital LLP: Veenu is a strategic finance and governance specialist with deep expertise in planning, taxation, audits, and corporate finance. At Anicut, she strengthens financial strategy and operational discipline, enabling portfolio companies to scale efficiently while maintaining transparency and compliance excellence.
  

• Vikas Srivastava, Capital India Finance Limited: A treasury and liquidity expert with 20+ years in NBFC/HFC leadership, Vikas oversees fund raising, ALM, and regulatory compliance with precision. His strong command of financial risk management and capital structuring positions him as a steady force driving sustainable financial growth.
  

• Vishnuhari Pareek, Arkam Ventures: Vishnuhari leads finance, legal, governance, and investor relations at Arkam, drawing from experience across startups, FMCG, and Big Four consulting. His blend of institutional discipline and operational agility enables portfolio companies to scale efficiently while strengthening Arkam’s financial and governance frameworks.

• Writosloke Deb, Fidelity Investments India: A global finance transformation leader with 20+ years across financial services and GCCs, Writosloke serves as CFO and Board Member at Fidelity India. He drives regulatory finance, FP&A, analytics, and operational excellence while building high-performing teams and modernizing finance functions at scale.

• Yusuf Allana, Z3Partners Tech Fund: Yusuf brings 27 years of leadership in finance, governance, and risk management, shaping Z3Partners’ financial strategy since inception. His long tenure at Colgate Palmolive and deep experience in reporting, controls, and strategic planning strengthen the fund’s operational rigor and investor confidence.

Conclusion:

The Finance 50 stands as a testament to the quiet yet transformative power of finance leadership within India’s venture ecosystem. These professionals bring discipline to ambition, structure to innovation, and clarity to complexity — enabling funds to scale responsibly and founders to build with confidence. As India’s startup landscape evolves at unprecedented speed, their stewardship ensures that growth is sustainable, governance is robust, and capital is deployed with purpose. By spotlighting these leaders, we celebrate not just their achievements, but the indispensable role they play in shaping the future of Indian venture capital.

–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.