INTRODUCTION
Angel investors play a crucial role in the startup ecosystem by providing early-stage funding and mentorship to entrepreneurs. In India, with an estimated 6,000 angel investors, shortlisting the right one for your business can be overwhelming. These investors not only fund startups but also bring their domain expertise, connections, and mentorship to the table, making them invaluable assets to fledgling businesses.
The Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) market in India has witnessed exponential growth, with brands emerging across diverse industries such as health and wellness, food and beverage, and fashion. D2C startups thrive on funding from angel investors who share their vision and are willing to take calculated risks. Here, we highlight the top 10 angel investors actively supporting Indian D2C startups.
1. Kunal Shah
Kunal Shah is a prominent figure in India’s startup ecosystem, known for his entrepreneurial acumen, mentorship, and extensive investments. As the founder of FreeCharge and CRED, a unicorn FinTech startup, he has revolutionized digital payments and loyalty programs in India. Shah also serves as an advisor to leading organizations, including Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd. (Times Group), AngelList, Sequoia Capital, and Y Combinator India.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Kunal Shah is an active angel investor, having invested in more than 150 startups across various sectors in India. His investment portfolio includes some of the most innovative and high-potential startups, such as Shiprocket and Razorpay. Shah’s ability to identify promising ventures and his unwavering support for founders have earned him immense respect in the startup community.
Notable Investments: Shiprocket, Razorpay
2. Anupam Mittal
Anupam Mittal stands out as a trailblazer in the Indian entrepreneurial landscape, credited with reshaping traditional matchmaking through his groundbreaking platform, Shaadi.com. As one of the earliest pioneers of the Indian internet economy, Mittal’s vision transformed how millions approach marriage and relationships, positioning Shaadi.com as a household name.
Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Mittal gained mainstream popularity as an investor on the hit television show Shark Tank India, where he showcased his knack for identifying high-potential startups and mentoring budding entrepreneurs. His multifaceted career also extends to the creative arts, having dabbled in acting, which adds a unique dimension to his public persona.
Mittal’s influence is especially significant in the startup ecosystem, where he actively invests in and supports promising ventures. His portfolio includes marquee names like Rapido and BigBasket, reflecting his diverse interests across sectors. By combining business acumen with a passion for innovation, Mittal continues to inspire and empower the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs.
Notable Investment: Rapido, BigBasket
3. Binny Bansal
Binny Bansal, co-founder of Flipkart, transformed Indian e-commerce by scaling the platform from an online bookstore to a multi-billion-dollar marketplace. After stepping away from Flipkart, Bansal shifted his focus to fostering startup growth as the co-founder and executive chairman of xto10x Technologies, a company dedicated to helping startups scale effectively. Additionally, he is an active angel investor with a diverse portfolio that includes Curefoods, Acko, and Virgio, showcasing his commitment to nurturing innovation across sectors.
Notable Investment: Curefoods, Acko, Virgio
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4. Kunal Bahl
Kunal Bahl is a highly accomplished Indian entrepreneur, renowned for co-founding Snapdeal, one of India’s leading online marketplaces. As the CEO of Snapdeal, he played an instrumental role in shaping the country’s e-commerce landscape. Beyond Snapdeal, Bahl has co-founded Titan Capital and Ace Vector, further strengthening his presence in the startup ecosystem. He has also served as an independent director at Piramal Enterprises Limited, contributing his vast business acumen to a diverse range of industries. His leadership extends to advisory roles, including serving on the boards of the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations and NASSCOM’s executive council, as well as chairing the e-commerce committee at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
A key figure in India’s growing startup scene, Kunal Bahl’s strategic vision and entrepreneurial drive have propelled him into making influential investments in companies like Ola and Mamaearth. His investments reflect a commitment to fostering innovation and growth across various sectors, particularly in technology and consumer goods. Bahl’s entrepreneurial journey and his continued success in nurturing the growth of businesses make him an inspiring leader in the Indian business community.
Notable Investment: Ola and Mamaearth
5. Vijay Shekhar Sharma
Vijay Shekhar Sharma is a distinguished Indian entrepreneur and the mastermind behind Paytm, India’s leading financial technology platform. As the founder of One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, he played a pivotal role in transforming the company into a dominant force in the mobile-first financial services industry. His entrepreneurial journey, from modest beginnings to creating a billion-dollar company, reflects his ingenuity and perseverance. With a current net worth of $1.1 billion as of September 2022, according to Forbes, Sharma’s vision continues to shape the future of digital payments and financial services in India.
Apart from his achievements with Paytm, Vijay Shekhar Sharma is an influential angel investor, using his expertise to guide and support emerging startups. His investments in innovative companies like NoBroker and Treebo underline his commitment to fostering growth and innovation in diverse sectors. Through his mentorship and funding, Sharma is empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and contributing to India’s vibrant startup ecosystem.
Notable Investment: NoBroker, Treebo
6. Aditya Burman
Aditya Burman is an influential business leader and the Director at Dabur India Ltd, one of India’s largest multinational consumer goods companies. In addition to his role at Dabur, Burman serves as a Director on the board of Oncquest Laboratories Ltd., a leading company in clinical pathology and molecular diagnostics, focusing on oncology and genetics. He is also involved with Dabur Nepal Pvt Ltd and holds the prestigious position of President of the Delhi Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global network dedicated to entrepreneurs. Burman is widely recognized for transforming Dabur Pharma, a struggling diagnostic business, into a thriving Rs 100-crore enterprise.
Notable Investment: Furlenco
7. Anand Chandrasekaran
Anand Chandrasekaran, named one of Fortune’s 40 under 40, is a partner at General Catalyst and a highly regarded figure in the business world. His experience spans across major companies like Facebook, Snapdeal, and Airtel, where he has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth. Anand is also a Charter Member of TiE Silicon Valley and was honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2010. As an angel investor, he has backed over 80 companies, using his expertise to shape the future of various industries.
Notable Investments: Baby Chakra, Sattviko
8. Aniketh Jain
Aniketh Jain is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, best known for his work as the ex-CEO of Solutions Infini, where he developed a cutting-edge multi-channel Cloud communication platform. He also served as Chief Revenue Officer at Kaleyra, a global Communications Platform as a Service company. With a deep understanding of business process automation, product management, and strategy execution, Aniketh has successfully navigated industries like consumer products, health-tech, hyperlocal logistics, and industrial services. His investments reflect a keen focus on innovative and high-growth sectors.
Notable Investment: Supply
9. Dharmesh Dalal
Dharmesh Dalal is a Partner at Inga Ventures and Head of Strategy and Business Development at Antique Stock Broking Limited. With over 25 years of experience, Dharmesh has held significant roles at HSBC and Indo Suez W I Carr Securities India Private Limited. As a Chartered Accountant, he has demonstrated expertise in managing and leading institutional broking teams. His sharp business acumen and strategic insight have been vital in making significant investments in various sectors.
Notable Investment: MALAKI
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10. Dhianu Das
Throughout his career, Dhianu has been instrumental in leading major business turnarounds, helping companies reshape their strategies, optimize operations, and unlock new growth opportunities. His deep understanding of business dynamics and market trends has allowed him to establish and grow new businesses across India, contributing significantly to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Dhianu is known for his active involvement in the investment community, where he focuses on identifying promising start-ups and providing them with the resources and strategic guidance needed to succeed. One of his notable investments includes Power Gummies, a leading D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) brand in the wellness industry, which has gained significant traction for its innovative approach to health supplements.
Dhianu’s mission to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs has made him a respected figure in the business world, known for his commitment to nurturing and growing businesses that make a meaningful impact in the market.
Notable Investment: Power Gummies
CONCLUSION
Angel investors play a vital role in shaping the success of D2C startups in India by providing not only financial support but also strategic guidance, mentorship, and valuable industry connections. As the Indian D2C market continues to expand, the contributions of these investors are instrumental in fostering innovation and driving growth across various sectors. The top angel investors mentioned above, with their diverse portfolios and extensive experience, are paving the way for the next wave of successful startups. Their commitment to nurturing early-stage businesses underscores the importance of having the right investor on board, one who shares a vision and is willing to support entrepreneurs in their journey toward success.
