Antler, one of the fastest-growing early-stage VC platforms, welcomes Nitin Sharma, who is joining as a Partner and co-lead for all India efforts. To help accelerate the tremendous innovation and value creation in the Indian tech ecosystem, Antler aims to invest over US$100M in India across funds in the next 4 years. These funds will support exceptional founders from the idea stage, all the way to Series A/B. Nitin will co-lead the India efforts with Rajiv Srivatsa, co-founder of Urban Ladder.
“I’m very excited about taking my passionate work in early-stage investing to a global platform by joining forces with Antler. We look forward to continuing the “first principles” approach to investing with a focus on emerging themes, a global mindset and hands-on help.
While opportunities in India are boundless, what has also become clear from my extensive work with founders is that a few key gaps persist especially at the seed and pre-seed stage: a truly global partner that can bring institutional resources and significant follow-on commitment even at the idea stage. This is exactly why Antler can fill the gaps and have a transformative impact.
These strengths become even more important as we enter an era of “build from India, for the world”, something I am extremely excited about.I am particularly enthused about the opportunity to co-lead this with someone as inspiring as Rajiv. In addition, all FirstPrinciples portfolio startups will now have access to Antler’s vast global network, capital and resources.” Said Nitin Sharma.
Rajiv Srivatsa, Co-Lead, Antler India Said “For the last several months, Nitin and I enjoyed working closely together to conceptualize a unique Antler program for new founders, which is getting a tremendous response from the market already. Nitin’s hands-on approach and international experience is immediately recognised by numerous founders in the market, and with our combination of an ex-founder and an investor working in tandem, we will help founders in India with a very rich set of perspectives. I couldn’t think of a stronger partner as we look forward to co-building an impactful institution with Antler India.”
“India is a priority market in Antler’s objective to create a world-changing impact. India is a hotbed of innovation and we are thrilled to double-down on the market with this leadership team. Nitin is a unique investor who has invested not just across multiple stages and economic cycles, but also ventured early in exciting areas like blockchain and digital assets. We look forward to his continuing impact in enabling exceptional founders from India’s digital economy, and also with new initiatives at the global level.” Said Magnus Grimeland, Founder and CEO, Antler.
