Nidhi Saraf
Founder & CEO
Nidhi Saraf is a seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor based in Mumbai, India. As the Founder and CEO of Key Venture, she has built a reputation for driving innovation and growth within the startup ecosystem. With over a decade of experience in the investment and technology sectors, Nidhi has developed a keen understanding of emerging trends and a proven track record of identifying and nurturing promising ventures.
Professional Overview
Nidhi's expertise spans venture capital, angel investing, and operational leadership. As an active angel investor, she has provided strategic guidance and funding to numerous startups, particularly in the fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce domains. In her current role as the Founder and CEO of Key Venture, Nidhi is responsible for leading the firm's investment strategy, managing a diverse portfolio, and fostering a collaborative environment that enables portfolio companies to scale and succeed.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Founder and CEO of Key Venture since 2017, Nidhi has spearheaded the firm's mission to invest in and support innovative startups. Under her leadership, Key Venture has emerged as a prominent player in the Indian startup ecosystem, backing disruptive ventures and driving meaningful impact. Nidhi's strategic vision, industry acumen, and hands-on approach have been instrumental in guiding portfolio companies to achieve significant milestones, secure further funding, and expand their market presence.
Career Progression
Prior to founding Key Venture, Nidhi served as an Angel Investor at Asiatic Clinical Research, where she leveraged her expertise to identify and invest in promising healthcare startups. She also held the position of Head West & East India Operations at the Indian Angel Network, leading the organization's expansion and deal flow generation across these regions.
Nidhi's early career experience includes a stint as a Team Leader of Western India at American Express (AmEx), where she demonstrated strong leadership and operational skills, as well as a summer internship at Kotak Securities, where she gained valuable insights into institutional derivatives trading.
Academic Background
Nidhi holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the prestigious Symbiosis International University in Pune, India. Her academic excellence and commitment to lifelong learning are further evidenced by her participation in the Jagriti Yatra fellowship program, a transformative journey that fosters social entrepreneurship and community development.
Areas of Expertise
- Venture capital and angel investing
- Startup growth strategy and operations
- Fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce sectors
- Identifying and nurturing promising ventures
- Fostering collaborative ecosystems
- Strategic decision-making and leadership
Professional Impact
Nidhi's impact on the Indian startup ecosystem is widely recognized. As an active angel investor, she has contributed to the success of numerous startups, several of which have achieved successful exits or secured significant follow-on funding. Her leadership at Key Venture has been instrumental in supporting the growth and development of innovative companies, driving job creation, and delivering strong returns for investors.
Conclusion
Nidhi Saraf is a dynamic and accomplished entrepreneur who has dedicated her career to nurturing the startup ecosystem in India. With her extensive experience, industry expertise, and visionary approach, she continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
