Ankur Capital Fund

Shiva leads investments in industrial innovation, climate technologies, energy systems, and emerging technology sectors at Ankur Capital. Combining venture investing with operating experience, he specializes in evaluating technically complex and capital-intensive businesses where technology, execution, and commercial adoption must align. He also oversees fund analytics, portfolio modelling, and investment processes across the firm. Previously, Shiva held investment roles at Grassroots Business Fund and led revenue growth at a distributed energy startup. He holds a degree in Business Management with concentrations in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Babson College. Outside work, he enjoys science fiction, building LEGO models, and exploring nature with his family.

Burzin leads fund operations, finance, governance, compliance, risk management, investor reporting, and operational infrastructure across Ankur Capital and its funds. He has built the governance and control frameworks that support the firm's fiduciary responsibilities and long-term fund management. Previously, he spent over three decades in consulting and professional services, including as a Partner at Deloitte, advising organizations on governance, risk, controls, and business transformation. Burzin is a Chartered Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, and Certified Fraud Examiner. He recently completed his term as President of the Institute of Internal Auditors India. Outside work, he is a passionate cricketer and active participant in Mumbai's cricketing community.

An operator-turned-investor, Vishal leads investments across AI, robotics, industrial automation, manufacturing, and fintech. He evaluates emerging technologies through the lens of both technical readiness and commercial adoption and works closely with founders on product strategy, go-to-market execution, organizational design, and growth. Previously, he held leadership roles at OkCredit and Belong, where he built and scaled technology-driven products, business functions, and cross-functional teams. An alumnus of IIT Kanpur, his experience spans product, strategy, operations, and technology commercialization. Outside work, he enjoys building products, experimenting with AI tools, off-road motorcycling, planespotting, and reading history, geopolitics, and social sciences.

A scientist-turned-investor, Vishal focuses on frontier technology investments spanning semiconductors, advanced materials, quantum technologies, AI infrastructure, energy systems, and other deep science domains. He is a key contributor to Ankur Capital's India Deep Science Tech Report and the annual Deep Science Forum, both important initiatives in India's deep science ecosystem. Previously, Vishal completed a PhD in Physics at Louisiana State University, where his research focused on quantum-enhanced sensing technologies. He also actively supports efforts to attract scientific talent back to India to contribute to deep science startups. Outside work, he writes his weekly newsletter, reads extensively, and enjoys exploring new cuisines.

A biology researcher turned investor, Suraj focuses on identifying and evaluating breakthrough innovations across biotechnology, healthcare, synthetic biology, industrial biotech, and other deep science sectors. His expertise spans technical diligence, intellectual property assessment, technology risk evaluation, market forecasting, and commercialization pathways for science-based innovations. Previously, he worked across biopharmaceutical R&D, technology transfer, manufacturing scale-up, healthcare consulting, and market intelligence. Suraj holds a Master's degree in Bioprocess Technology from the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai. Outside work, he enjoys trekking across the Western Ghats and Himalayas, writing short stories, and performing theatre.

Siddhi oversees legal, regulatory compliance, and fund governance functions at Ankur Capital, working closely with the investment, finance, and operations teams to support robust governance frameworks and regulatory compliance. Previously, she worked in the Compliance Department of the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), gaining valuable experience in governance and regulatory oversight. Siddhi is a qualified Company Secretary and holds degrees in Commerce and Law. She plays a key role in ensuring compliance with fund documentation, regulatory requirements, and investor obligations. Outside work, she enjoys dancing, travelling, and pursuing creative interests that bring fresh perspectives to her work.

Preetha supports administration and operational coordination across the firm, helping ensure smooth day-to-day functioning and stakeholder engagement. She brings extensive experience working with leading corporates and plays an important role in supporting the firm's internal operations. Previously, she worked with several reputed organizations, including the Chairman's Office at Reliance Industries Limited. Preetha is a graduate of K. J. Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce. Known for her strong organizational skills and attention to detail, she helps keep the firm's administrative functions running efficiently. Outside work, she is an avid singer and regularly performs with a karaoke group at live stage events.

Sama leads marketing and communications at Ankur Capital, helping shape the firm's brand and engagement across founders, investors, ecosystem partners, and the broader innovation community. She drives content strategy, thought leadership, digital communications, events, and ecosystem initiatives, working closely with the investment team to articulate Ankur's investment thesis and portfolio narratives. Previously, she led growth for the Activities business at BookMyShow and worked across venture capital, startups, and media, including roles at Disruptors Capital and Entrepreneur Media. Sama holds an MSc in Marketing & Strategy from Warwick Business School. Outside work, she enjoys dancing, exploring art and travelling.

Diksha oversees finance at Ankur Capital, supporting investment valuation, financial reporting, and fund operations. She works closely with portfolio companies, Limited Partners (LPs), and the investment team to support the firm's financial processes. Prior to joining Ankur Capital, Diksha worked at Deutsche Bank, where she managed fund operations for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). She began her career at EY, working on statutory audits for clients in the Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) sector. Diksha is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce (Honours) from the University of Delhi. Outside work, she enjoys playing badminton, staying active through sports, and travelling.

Pavan Krishnamurthy is a venture capitalist and finance leader with more than 25 years of experience working with startups, investors, and high-growth businesses. As Founder of Cocreate Venture Technology and Partner at Ojas Venture Partners, he works closely with entrepreneurs to build and scale technology-led companies. Prior to investing, Pavan held leadership roles at Ernst & Young and PwC and served as CFO for multiple venture-backed companies, bringing deep expertise across finance, governance, and strategic growth. He also serves as an Independent Director at Unimech Aerospace. A Chartered Accountant by qualification, Pavan holds a degree in Mathematics, Statistics, and Economics from the University of Bangalore.

Pravin Gandhi is one of India's pioneering early-stage technology investors, with over five decades of entrepreneurial, operational, and investing experience. A founding partner of Infinity Venture Fund and Seedfund, he has played a pivotal role in shaping India's early startup ecosystem while actively investing in technology and impact-driven ventures. Beyond investing, Pravin has contributed extensively to India's entrepreneurial community through leadership positions with TiE Mumbai, Nasscom, SINE at IIT Bombay, and other industry institutions. He continues to mentor founders and support innovation across the ecosystem. Pravin holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cornell University and serves on the boards of several private companies.

TVG Krishnamurthy is a veteran business leader and mentor to many of India's leading technology entrepreneurs, with over four decades of leadership experience. He is known for helping founders build enduring businesses through strategic transformation and operational excellence. He serves on the boards of Practo, Ola Electric Mobility, Indegene, Krutrim SI Designs, and ANI Technologies, and has mentored several high-growth ventures, including Ola, working closely with founder Bhavish Aggarwal for over a decade. TVG holds a B.Tech from IIT Madras and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad.

Dr. C.V. Natraj is a distinguished scientist and innovation leader with over four decades of experience in industrial research and deep-science innovation. He currently serves as Chief Scientific Advisor at the Society for Innovation and Development (SID), IISc Bangalore, where he mentors entrepreneurs and supports research commercialization. Previously, he led Corporate Research at Unilever (UK) and served as Research Director at Hindustan Lever Limited. He is also an Independent Director at Tata Chemicals and Rallis India. Dr. Natraj holds a PhD in Chemistry from IISc Bangalore and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Jitendra Joshi is a senior technologist and innovation leader with expertise across space exploration, energy, and environmental systems. During more than two decades at NASA, he led technology integration initiatives supporting human space exploration. He later served as Head of Technology for New Energy Solutions at Woodside Energy, focusing on greenhouse gas conversion and hydrogen technologies. Today, he is Director of Science and Strategic Collaborations at Bulugudu Pty Ltd, driving partnerships at the intersection of science, technology, and commercial innovation.