Vijay Shekhar Sharma

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the visionary founder and CEO of Paytm, is also a highly active and influential angel investor in the Indian startup ecosystem. Leveraging his deep entrepreneurial experience and understanding of the Indian consumer market, Sharma primarily focuses on early-stage companies, typically participating in seed and pre-Series A rounds. His investment thesis often centers on disruptive technologies and innovative business models that address large-scale problems, particularly within fintech, consumer internet, SaaS, and deep tech sectors. He is known for backing founders with strong conviction and providing strategic guidance, drawing from his own journey of building one of India's most valuable technology companies.

Sharma's investment portfolio is extensive, reflecting his commitment to fostering the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs. He has made over 100 angel investments across diverse industries, demonstrating a keen eye for promising ventures. Notable companies in his portfolio include LogiNext, Innov8, and Unacademy, among many others, showcasing his broad interest in various segments of the digital economy. His involvement often extends beyond capital, as he frequently acts as a mentor, sharing insights on product development, market strategy, and scaling operations, which is highly valued by nascent startups.

Typically, Vijay Shekhar Sharma's first cheque sizes for angel investments range from approximately $100,000 to $250,000. This range allows him to support promising ventures at their nascent stages, providing crucial early capital that can help companies validate their ideas and achieve initial traction. His investment philosophy emphasizes long-term partnerships and a belief in the potential of Indian innovation to create globally competitive businesses. Sharma's continued activity as an angel investor underscores his dedication to strengthening India's startup landscape and contributing to its vibrant growth story.