In this startup world, you may have come across words like unicorns, dragons, and bootstrapping. But one term that stands out is ‘angels’. Originates from Broadway in the late 70s, an angel was a wealthy person who donated money to a theatric production to save it from shutting down. The term was later adapted to the business world as ‘angel investor’.
When it comes to picking an angel investor, the secret sauce lies in understanding their investment game. Some dig the early-stage vibe, while others are into companies already riding the success.
Now, in the vibrant startups of India, we’ve got some real super angels. These folks aren’t just about the money, they’re business wizards who’ve been the launchpad for many startups.
But first things first, what’s the deal with angel investors? Why are they such a big deal? Well, an angel investor is your startup’s fairy godparent. They toss in cash, and wisdom, and hook you up with a network that can move mountains.
Picture this you’ve got a killer startup idea, but the piggy bank’s looking a bit sad. Enter the angel investor, your financial knight in shining armor, ready to bet on your success. They often jump in when your startup is just a baby, way before the cash registers start flowing.
These angels are not just here to pour money they bring guidance, mentorship, and a chest of connections. They’re the behind-the-scenes heroes fueling the startup revolution.
According to Fortune India, India now has over 26,500 angel investors. This article will focus on the top 20 angel investors in India.
Profile of 20 Indian Angel Investors
- Ratan Tata:
- The former chairman of Tata Sons is an industrialist with a significant impact on the Tata Group. His investments in startups like Ola, Paytm, and Snapdeal reflect his interest in fostering innovation across various sectors.
- Anand Chandrasekaran:
- Anand Chandrasekaran has headed major roles at tech companies including Facebook and Snapdeal. His investments in CleverTap, Amplify.ai, and Juno Clinic show his commitment to supporting technology and consumer-oriented startups.
- Jitendra Gupta:
- Jitendra Gupta co-founded Citrus Pay, a fintech company that has become popular for its payment solutions. Besides his business pursuits, he has invested in startups like Jupiter, BharatPe, and CityCash. This shows his interest in fin-tech companies
- Binny Bansal and Rohit Bansal:
- Binny and Rohit Bansal co-founded Snapdeal, a leading e-commerce platform in India. Their journey was very crucial and had taken shape in the Indian e-commerce landscape. Their investments in Ather Energy, SigTuple, and Unacademy.
- Ramakant Sharma:
- Ramakant Sharma is the co-founder of Livspace, a platform that has revolutionized home design and décor. His journey involves leading a company that has redefined the home improvement industry. His investments in Pocket Aces, Niramai, and Leverage Edu.
- Kunal Bahl:
- Kunal Bahl is another co-founder of Snapdeal, a key player in the Indian e-commerce sector. His entrepreneurial journey has contributed to the growth of online retail in India. His investments in Ola, Razorpay, and UrbanClap showcase his support for innovative technologies.
- Anupam Mittal:
- Anupam Mittal is the founder and CEO of People Group, overseeing platforms like Shaadi.com. His entrepreneurial journey involves creating and managing multiple online platforms. His investments in TrulyMadly, Squad, and NoBroker show his interest in supporting startups across different sectors.
- Rajan Anandan:
- Rajan Anandan has held influential roles in the tech industry, including being the managing director of Google India. His entrepreneurial and investment activities focus on fostering innovation. Investments in Druva, Innovaccer, and Miko showcase his commitment to cutting-edge technologies.
- Kunal Shah:
- Kunal Shah is the founder of CRED, a platform rewarding credit card users. His entrepreneurial journey involves creating a unique platform in the fintech space. With an extensive portfolio of 170 companies, his investments in Khatabook, Unacademy, and Crio reflect his diverse interests.
- Vijay Shekhar Sharma:
- Vijay Shekhar Sharma is the founder of Paytm, a pioneering player in the Indian fintech sector. His journey involves building a digital payments ecosystem. His investments in GOQii, HealthifyMe, and InnerChef show his commitment to supporting innovative startups.
- Girish Mathrubootham:
- Girish Mathrubootham is the CEO of Freshworks, a global SaaS company. His journey involves leading a company that provides innovative software solutions. His investments in Kiwi, OkCredit, and Yellow Messenger reflect his support for startups in the software and technology space.
- Amrish Rau:
- Amrish Rau co-founded Citrus Pay, a fintech company known for its payment solutions. His entrepreneurial journey in the fintech sector aligns with his investments in startups like NiYO, BharatPe, and Khatabook.
- Sujeet Kumar:
- Sujeet Kumar is the co-founder of Udaan, a B2B trade platform in India. His entrepreneurial journey involves creating a platform that simplifies business transactions. His investments in Khatabook, Dailyhunt, and Pristyn Care show his commitment to the growth of the B2B and e-commerce sectors.
- Gaurav Munjal:
- Gaurav Munjal is the co-founder and CEO of Unacademy, a leading edtech platform. His journey involves transforming the education sector through technology. His investments in CRED, Propelld, and Kuku FM reflect his support for startups in the ed-tech space.
- Rajesh Sawhney:
- Rajesh Sawhney is the founder of Times Internet, a digital media company. His entrepreneurial journey involves leading a company that encompasses various digital platforms. His investments in FabHotels, MobiKwik, and Hike reflect his diverse interests in the startup ecosystem.
- T.V Mohandas Pai:
- T.V Mohandas Pai is a Padma Shri awardee and former Infosys executive. His entrepreneurial journey includes various executive roles at Infosys. His investments in Zoomcar, YourStory, and Unbxd showcase his commitment to supporting startups across technology, automotive, and media sectors.
- Alok Mittal:
- Alok Mittal is a founding member of the India Angel Network, contributing significantly to the Indian startup ecosystem. His entrepreneurial journey involves co-founding companies and actively participating in angel investing. His investments in Innov8, Qubole, and Unbxd reflect his focus on early-stage startups.
- Arihant Patni:
- Arihant Patni, a Mumbai-based entrepreneur, has made a mark in the startup scene. His investments in Lido Learning, TheMathCompany, and Setu showcase his commitment to supporting innovative ventures.
- Sandeep Tandon:
- Sandeep Tandon, co-founder of Freecharge, has contributed significantly to the Indian fintech sector. His entrepreneurial journey and investments in Razorpay, Innov8, and MyUpchar reflect his ongoing commitment to fostering innovation in the payment and fintech space.
- Rajan Anandan:
- Rajan Anandan, a partner at General Catalyst, has been a key player in the tech industry. His entrepreneurial journey and investments in SigTuple, CleverTap, and Pyxis showcase his commitment to supporting startups with high growth potential and innovative technologies.
That is our countdown of the top 20 Indian angel investors. If you’re in the startup game, these are the folks you might want to have on your radar. Share your thoughts, and let’s keep the conversation going!
