Vani Kola

Vani Kola
Born Hyderabad , Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana)
Education Osmania University, Arizona State University
Occupation Venture Capitalist
Website www.vanikola.com

Vani Kola is an Indian venture capitalist who after a successful career in Silicon Valley returned to Bangalore in 2006. She was listed as one of the most powerful women in Indian Business by Fortune India.[1] She is the founder and Managing Director of Kalaari Capital, one of India’s leading early stage venture capital firms. Her leadership at Kalaari centers around her commitment to the development of entrepreneurs and her conviction that Indian companies are poised to become global players. She was listed as one of the most powerful women in Indian Business by Fortune India.

Early life and education

Vani was born and educated in Hyderabad in the state of Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana), India.[2] She commenced her tertiary education at 16 years of age[2] and holds degrees in electrical engineering, having obtained a Bachelor of Science from Osmania University and a Master of Science from Arizona State University.[3]

Silicon Valley career

During her 22-year career in Silicon Valley, Vani was the founder and CEO of Certus Software,[3] a leader in the financial compliance market. Prior to establishing Certus, Vani was the founder and chief executive officer of RightWorks, a successful e-procurement company that was acquired by ICG and subsequently by i2 Technologies.[3]

Venture capital in India

Having been a successful entrepreneur in Silicon Valley for 22 years, Vani returned to India in 2006. Her initial venture into venture capital in India, in partnership with New Enterprise Associates (NEA), was IndoUS Advisors (IUVP) which in 2012 was re-branded as Kalaari Capital without the participation of NEA.[4][5] Kalaari Capital began operations as a USD 150 million fund in September 2012.[6] Under Vani’s leadership, the firm has grown to have USD 650 million assets under management today.

One of the most successful Venture capitalists in India, Vani is known as a visionary for identifying emerging markets. At Kalaari, she works with first-time entrepreneurs to build strong global companies, focused on technology, leveraging India’s domestic growth to create high growth enterprises. Vani has successfully led investments in e-commerce, mobile services, education and healthcare. Many of her investments have now become very successful, validating her aptitude for picking the best young minds and mentoring them to build successful enterprises.Some of Kola’s notable venture capital successes include: Snapdeal, Myntra, VIA, Apps Daily, Urban Ladder, Zivame, Rubique, Power2SME and Bluestone.[7]

In February 2015, Ratan Tata took an advisory role at the firm.[8][9][10] To create differentiated value for portfolio companies, Kalaari also brought on industry stalwarts such as Ravi Venkatesan and Ram Gupta.

Awards and recognition

As part of the first ever startup awards launched by Economic Times, Vani was awarded the Midas touch award for best investor in 2015. She also won the NDTV Women of Worth award for leadership excellence in business and entrepreneurship.

References

  1. ↑ "Vani Kola Listed in Fortune most powerful women in Indian Business" (November 2014). Retrieved March 23, 2015.
  2. 1 2 "ET Startup Awards 2015: Vani Kola, Kalaari Capital wins Midas touch award for best investor". 14 August 2015. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 "Vani Kola: Executive Profile & Biography". Retrieved 26 October 2015.
  4. ↑ "IndoUS Venture rebrands as Kalaari Capital; closes $150M fund" (VCCircle). September 28, 2012. Retrieved April 25, 2015. Though the investment strategy of IUVP fund and Kalaari will be similar, this is a rebranding for IUVP which would help it to bring in fresh ideas and focus on the Indian market, said Vani Kola, managing director, Kalaari Capital Advisors.
  5. ↑ Kola, Vani. "Women at Work: The Race Gets Easier" (November 20, 2014). Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  6. ↑ "Venture capital firm Kalaari Capital closes $150 mn fund" (September 2012). Retrieved March 23, 2015.
  7. ↑ Kola, Vani. "Meet venture capital pioneer Vani Kola" (March 2015). Business Standard. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  8. ↑ Capital, Kalaari. "Ratan Tata turns adviser to VC fund" (February 2015). Retrieved March 23, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Ratan Tata joins Kalaari Capital's advisory board" (February 2015). Retrieved March 23, 2015.
  10. ↑ Capital, Kalaari. "Ratan Tata signs up with Kalaari Capital in advisory role" (February, 2015). Retrieved March 23, 2015.
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