Vani Kola | From Silicon Valley to Leading Venture Capital in India


Vani Kola | From Silicon Valley to Leading Venture Capital in India


Vani Kola | From Silicon Valley to Leading Venture Capital in India



Returning to Roots to Build a Legacy:

Many Indians who work abroad eventually return home to start their own ventures. Vani Kola is a shining example of this trend. After spending 22 years in Silicon Valley, she returned to India and became a leading venture capitalist, founding and managing Kalaari Capital.





Academic and Professional Beginnings:

Vani's journey began with an engineering degree from Osmania University. She then pursued a master's degree at Arizona State University. In 1996, she launched RightWorks, an e-procurement firm. Five years later, she sold it to ICG for a whopping USD 657 million, equivalent to Rs 5480 crore today. Not stopping there, she founded Certus Software, which she also successfully sold.


Launching Kalaari Capital:

Born in Hyderabad, Vani partnered with Vinod Dham and Kuar Shiralagi to establish Indo-US Venture Partners, backed by New Enterprise Associates (NEA). When NEA exited the venture in 2012, Vani rebranded the firm as Kalaari Capital. To date, Kalaari Capital has raised USD 850 million and invested in over 110 startups.


Beyond Business: Personal Interests and Achievements:

Outside of her professional life, Vani is an avid reader and writer, sharing her insights with her 87.6K followers on X. She has an adventurous spirit, having hiked Mount Kilimanjaro and participated in multiple marathons. A mother of two, Vani enjoys spending time in nature and is married to Srinivas Kola.


Conclusion:

Vani Kola’s journey from Silicon Valley to becoming a leading venture capitalist in India showcases her remarkable entrepreneurial spirit and dedication. Her ability to build and sell successful companies, and her role in funding over 110 startups through Kalaari Capital, highlights her significant impact on the Indian startup ecosystem. Vani's story is an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs and illustrates the potential of returning home to create meaningful change.





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https://www.dnaindia.com/business
Vauge india, india herald


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