Ponarul P
Co-Founder | Corporate Venture Capital Advisor
Professional Overview
Ponarul P is a seasoned entrepreneur and corporate venture capital advisor with a strong track record of driving innovation and investment in high-growth sectors. As the Co-Founder of Expertise Ventures and a Corporate Venture Capital Advisor at Expara, he leverages his extensive experience in business development, impact investing, and venture capital to identify and support promising startups.
Experience Summary
Current Role
Corporate Venture Capital Advisor, Expara (2019 - Present)
- Responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and advising on strategic investments for Expara's corporate venture capital portfolio
- Collaborates with multinational corporations to develop and implement effective venture capital strategies
- Provides hands-on support to portfolio companies, offering expertise in business development, growth strategy, and market expansion
Co-Founder, Expertise Ventures (2016 - Present)
- Co-founded Expertise Ventures, a boutique venture capital firm focused on early-stage startups in high-impact sectors
- Leads the firm's investment thesis development, deal sourcing, and portfolio management activities
- Actively involved in mentoring and supporting portfolio companies to accelerate their growth and scale their operations
Career Progression
Impact Venture Investor, Unitus Seed Fund (2014 - 2018)
- Managed a portfolio of impact-focused startups, providing strategic guidance and operational support to drive sustainable growth
- Leveraged data-driven insights to identify high-potential ventures and make informed investment decisions
- Played a key role in several successful exits and follow-on funding rounds for portfolio companies
Business Development Leader, GVK Biosciences (2007 - 2014)
- Spearheaded strategic business development initiatives, including new market expansion, partnership negotiations, and revenue generation
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to devise and implement go-to-market strategies for innovative product and service offerings
- Contributed to the growth and evolution of the organization, helping it establish a strong presence in the global life sciences industry
Academic Background
Ponarul holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Anna University, Chennai, where he graduated with distinction.
Areas of Expertise
- Corporate venture capital strategy and implementation
- Early-stage startup investment and portfolio management
- Business development and go-to-market strategy
- Impact investing and sustainable business models
- Entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem building
Professional Impact
- Instrumental in securing over $20 million in funding for high-impact startups at Unitus Seed Fund
- Facilitated successful exits and follow-on investments for several portfolio companies, delivering strong returns for investors
- Actively engaged in the startup ecosystem as a mentor, speaker, and contributor to industry publications
- Recognized for his contributions to the growth and development of the corporate venture capital and impact investing sectors in India
Conclusion
Ponarul's extensive experience in venture capital, business development, and entrepreneurship has positioned him as a respected and influential figure in the Indian startup ecosystem. As a Co-Founder of Expertise Ventures and a Corporate Venture Capital Advisor at Expara, he continues to drive innovation and support the growth of promising startups, making a significant impact on the global business landscape.
