Ankita Vashistha - Founder and General Partner
Professional Overview
Ankita Vashistha is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and thought leader in the startup ecosystem. As the Founder and General Partner of StrongHer Ventures, she leverages her extensive experience to empower women-led businesses and drive innovation across diverse industries.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Founder and General Partner of StrongHer Ventures, Ankita is responsible for sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities, providing strategic guidance to portfolio companies, and building a robust network of founders and investors. Under her leadership, StrongHer Ventures has established itself as a prominent player in the venture capital landscape, supporting the growth and success of numerous female-founded startups.
Career Progression
Ankita's professional journey has been marked by a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a deep commitment to driving positive change. Prior to founding StrongHer Ventures, she was the Founder and Managing Partner at Arise Ventures, where she spearheaded the firm's investment strategy and mentored early-stage startups. Ankita has also held senior advisory and board positions at organizations like Tholons Inc., Tholons Capital, and VELMENI, leveraging her expertise to shape the direction of these entities.
In addition to her venture capital activities, Ankita is the Founder and CEO of Saha Fund, a pioneering investment firm focused on supporting women-led businesses in India. She is also the Chief Dreamer at MyStepUp Entrepreneurship and Innovation Foundation, where she works to empower aspiring entrepreneurs.
Academic Background
Ankita holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance and Management from the Cranfield School of Management, where she honed her strategic and financial acumen. She also completed a Venture Capital program at Stanford University, further strengthening her expertise in the investment landscape.
Areas of Expertise
Ankita's areas of expertise encompass venture capital, startup investing, entrepreneurship, and women's empowerment. She has a deep understanding of emerging trends and technologies, allowing her to identify promising investment opportunities and provide valuable guidance to her portfolio companies. Her leadership skills, financial prowess, and industry connections have been instrumental in driving the success of the organizations she has been associated with.
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Ankita has made significant contributions to the startup ecosystem. She has been a member of the NASSCOM Product Council, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping the agenda for the tech industry. Additionally, she has served as a Limited Partner at Wavemaker Partners and an investor in prominent startups like Uniphore, Licious, Fitternity, and LoveLocal, leveraging her expertise to fuel their growth and innovation.
Conclusion
Ankita Vashistha's impressive professional trajectory and her unwavering commitment to empowering women-led businesses make her a force to be reckoned with in the venture capital industry. As the Founder and General Partner of StrongHer Ventures, she continues to drive positive change and inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs and innovators.