Mission
Investing in early-stage Indian startups (Tier 2/3/4 markets) focused on future-ready sectors - Deep Tech, Consumer, BFSI, Healthcare, amongst others.
Value
Supporting Portfolio Companies with mentoring, strategy, synergy between them, market access, networking, follow on rounds and continued support to deliver maximum impact.
Swishin's Edge - The Tier 2/3 Advantage
Untapped Ecosystem
Tier 2/3 cities host 51% of India's recognised startups but receive less than 4% of VC funding, presenting a significant value opportunity.
Founder Competence
Access founders with deep local market understanding, operational expertise, and strong local moats.
Talent Pool
Leverage a competitive and affordable talent base, with these regions producing 60% of engineering graduates.
Growing Support
Benefit from increasing government focus (home to 1 in 4 STPIs, 20+ supporting bodies) and a vibrant ecosystem (650+ incubators, 20+ accelerators).
General Partner
Mahavir Pratap Sharma
General Partner
Mahavir Pratap Sharma is a pioneering angel investor and startup ecosystem leader with over 35 years of diverse business experience. Actively investing since 2011, he has backed 40+ companies, delivering an impressive 6.3x MOIC and 58% IRR. His sharp investment acumen is matched by his dedication to nurturing founders and scaling innovation.
He is the Founding Chair of TiE India Angels and Co-founder & Chair of Rajasthan Angels (RAIN). Mahavir also made history as the first Asian to chair the TiE Global Board of Trustees, underlining his influence in the global entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Beyond investing, he plays a strategic role in shaping India’s startup policies, advising state and industry-level bodies like Rajasthan SLIC and Bihar’s startup initiatives. His mentorship, deep operational insight, and unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship make him a trusted guide for both founders and policymakers.
He is the Founding Chair of TiE India Angels and Co-founder & Chair of Rajasthan Angels (RAIN). Mahavir also made history as the first Asian to chair the TiE Global Board of Trustees, underlining his influence in the global entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Beyond investing, he plays a strategic role in shaping India’s startup policies, advising state and industry-level bodies like Rajasthan SLIC and Bihar’s startup initiatives. His mentorship, deep operational insight, and unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship make him a trusted guide for both founders and policymakers.
Investing Team
Piyush Lohia
Associate
B.Sc. from Penn State University. Experience spans E-commerce (Luxottica), Marketing, Growth, Client Success, and Portfolio Management/Exits at an African VC (Launch Africa). Founder of an AI SaaS platform and held leadership roles at a growth-stage startup.
Rahul Jalan
Analyst
B.Com. from Calcutta University, CFA-L III candidate. Over 4 years of experience in investment banking (Khetal Advisors) and auditing (Deloitte). Worked on mandates exceeding USD 100 M EV across diverse sectors and geographies, including early-stage startup fundraising and strategy in India and Africa.
Vaibhav Sharma
Chief of Staff
Experienced in Government Strategy (NITI Aayog), Impact Investing (IIC), and Startup Advisory. Ashoka University Young India Fellow (YIF) & B.E. from Panjab University. 3x founder with one exit, Stanford grant recipient, partnered with top incubators like IIM B, NUS Singapore, IIT Bombay.
Investment Committee
Dr. Ajay Data
Dr. Ajay Data is the Founder and Managing Director of Data Group of Industries, a well-known name in the field of IT and communication technologies. He has held prestigious global leadership positions, including serving as the Chairman of AIESEC and ICANN, two influential international organizations. Dr. Data holds a PhD from the Open University of the Netherlands and an MBA from Newport University of California. Known for his visionary leadership and contributions to internet technology, he has played a key role in promoting multilingual email systems and digital innovation in India and beyond.
Vinita Vijay
Vinita Vijay is an experienced investment and strategy professional with a strong focus on private equity, strategy, and operations. With 9 years of cross-border experience spanning India and the US, she specializes in go-to-market (GTM) strategies. Vinita currently serves as Vice President at Blue Triangle Capital, a private equity firm, and was previously VP at SayeNvest Capital Advisory.
She is the Founder Lead of Project 2.8, a US-based accelerator dedicated to empowering women, and the Founder of Athia Investments. Vinita has also contributed to GenAI product development in the health tech sector. A graduate of Columbia University with an M.S. degree, she brings a unique blend of strategic insight, entrepreneurial drive, and operational expertise to the table.
She is the Founder Lead of Project 2.8, a US-based accelerator dedicated to empowering women, and the Founder of Athia Investments. Vinita has also contributed to GenAI product development in the health tech sector. A graduate of Columbia University with an M.S. degree, she brings a unique blend of strategic insight, entrepreneurial drive, and operational expertise to the table.
Advisory Board
Pravin Gandhi
Veteran investor with 18 years of experience. Founded India's first early-stage funds: Infinity Ventures and Seed Fund Ventures. Notable investments include Redbus, Carwale, and Heckyl Technologies. Co-founded Hinditron Computers, India's first IT company, in 1972.
