Top 12 Angel Investors in Chennai Every Startup Should Know
Chennai is not just a home for Startups in India but also to some of the most successful angel investors who help further the city’s business legacy. Following is a list of the top Angel Investors in
From a business viewpoint, Chennai is known for its excellent educational institutes, multi-service technology companies, and a consistent supply of skilled employees. The city has given rise to several pure-play data science and AI-tech companies that come neck to neck with international businesses.
On the track to becoming the AI capital of India, Chennai is home to several other big industries in the healthcare, tourism, automobile, textile, and fintech areas. Chennai has been endowed with a richness of land that slowly but meaningfully allowed it to move from primarily agricultural to technological service industries.
With all its abundance, Chennai is not just a home for Startups in India but also to some of the most successful angel investors who help further the city’s business legacy. Following is a list of the top Angel Investors in Chennai and some relevant information to help you choose the investor of your dreams:
List of Angel Investors in Chennai- Top 12
1. Murugavel Janakiraman:
A prominent member of The Chennai Angels, Mr. Murugavel Janakiraman is a seasoned entrepreneur and a distinguished angel investor. As the founder-CEO of BharatMatrimony, he pioneered the marriage of technology and matrimony, impacting lives globally.
Recognized as the “Business Icon of the Year” and awarded the “Udhyog Rattan” by the Institute of Economic Studies, his achievements span quality, innovation, and management in the online business industry. Beyond business, Murugavel actively champions social causes, from eye donations with Bharat Eye Bank to blood donations through BharatBloodBank.
His investments span diverse sectors, including AI, ML, Adtech, and Agritech, showcasing his commitment to innovation and societal impact. With a post-graduate degree in computer science from the University of Madras, Murugavel is not just an investor but a mentor and advocate for positive change in the startup ecosystem.
2. Gopal Srinivasan
With over 19 recent investments, Mr. Gopal Srinivasan is a valued member of The Chennai Angels and serves as the Chairman & MD of TVS Capital Funds Limited. At the helm of an India-focused growth private equity fund, his vision is to raise mid-cap businesses into global entities.
With investments targeting high-growth consumer sectors and a developmental theme, Gopal envisions transforming unorganized sectors. With a rich operational history and over 25 years of experience, Gopal passionately incubates businesses, actively participating as an angel investor. His investments span diverse sectors such as fintech, business support services, edu-tech, design, and other professional services.
3. Lakshmi Narayanan
Lakshmi Narayanan is an Angel Investor from Chennai, who focuses on Community and Lifestyle, Sales and Marketing, and Media and Entertainment sectors. His investment portfolio includes startups like Switchon, Ekam, and Astrome, revealing his interest in diverse ventures.
Serving as the President and CEO of Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., he played a pivotal role in its growth from 1998 to 2003. With extensive experience at Tata Consultancy Services and academic credentials from the Indian Institute of Science, Mr Narayanan's recent role as Vice Chairman at Cognizant Technology Solutions attests to his continued influence in the tech industry.
His investments prominently span AI and ML, reinforcing his interest in cutting-edge technological advancements. Mr. Narayanan has made over 15 recent investments in the aforementioned niches.
4. Chandu Nair
Chandu Nair, another respected member of The Chennai Angels, boasts a remarkable 30-year journey across industry, consultancy, media, and information services. As a co-founder of Scope e-Knowledge Center, he successfully led the company through substantial growth before his exit.
His expertise spans business development, fundraising, and enterprise building. With direct experience in angel, VC, and strategic investor funding, Chandu has contributed to two successful exits. Currently, he focuses on strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering advice to startups and enterprises.
Holding a postgraduate degree from IIM Ahmedabad, Chandu is actively involved in mentoring initiatives at TiE Chennai, revealing his commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship.
5. Ramaraj R:
Ramaraj R is a member of The Chennai Angels. He serves as a Senior Advisor to Elevar, extending mentorship to young entrepreneurs. With a rich history in ventures spanning IT, cellular technology, and the Internet, he co-founded and led Sify as its Chief Executive Officer.
Ramaraj's commitment to bridging global athletic excellence led to his involvement with OGQ. Holding a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from premier institutions, Ramaraj focuses his angel investments in cutting-edge sectors like AI and ML, Agritech, and Apps. His recent experience includes roles as a Director at RS Software (India) Limited and the Co-founder & CEO of SIFY Technologies.
6. Sunilkumar Singhvi
Sunilkumar Singhvi, a dedicated member of The Chennai Angels, embodies the spirit of a second-generation entrepreneur from the esteemed Singhvi Family. Raised in Chennai, he graduated from RKM Vivekananda College in 2002 before immersing himself in the family-owned handloom manufacturing business, South Handlooms.
With 15 years of hands-on experience, Sunil has risen to the role of Managing Partner, actively driving the group's business development. Beyond handlooms, the group has diversified into real estate, exploring land banking, joint development, leasing, financing, and equity investments. Sunil's investments span diverse sectors, including AI and ML, Agritech, Apps, and Clean-Tech.
7. Krish Subramanian
Next on our list of angel investors in Chennai is Krish Subramanian, a versatile Angel who strategically invests in cutting-edge startups. His key focus areas encompass AI and ML, Apps, and Community and Lifestyle sectors. Some of his noteworthy investments were in startups like Drivetrain Ai, Bluecopa, and Threado.
Currently serving as the Co-Founder & CEO of Chargebee in the United States, Krish brings a wealth of experience to his investment endeavours. His contributions to startups span Artificial Intelligence, B2B Analytics Software, and other pioneering areas hinting towards his interest in unique solutions and driving the growth of transformative businesses.
8. Prabhu Rangarajan
Prabhu Rangarajan, an influential Angel Investor based in Chennai, primarily invests in startups with a focus on Commerce and Shopping, Community and Lifestyle, and Sales and Marketing. His diverse investment portfolio includes startups such as Ticket 9, Finsire, and Cookr.
With a recent role as the Co-Founder of M2P Fintech in India and previous experience as an Associate Operations Manager at Cognizant Technology Solutions in the United States, Prabhu brings a wealth of expertise to the startups he supports. His key focus areas extend to API, Advertising Services, and B2B Service Providers.
9. Rajaraman Santhanam
Rajaraman Santhanam is an important Angel Investor from Chennai who invests in startups focusing on Online Platforms, Community and Lifestyle, and Sales and Marketing. His investment portfolio includes innovative startups like Bluecopa, Threado, and Nanonets, showcasing a commitment to cutting-edge ventures.
As the Co-founder of Chargebee in India, Rajaraman brings valuable experience to the startups he supports. His key focus areas extend to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Apps, and B2B Analytics Software, highlighting a dedicated effort to invest in innovation and growth in these dynamic sectors.
10. Mohan Karuppiah
Mohan Karuppiah, a dynamic Angel Investor based in Chennai, strategically invests in unconventional startups within the domains of Manufacturing, Commerce and Shopping, and Hardware and Technology. His portfolio includes groundbreaking businesses like Cloudbankin, Ticket 9, and Finsire.
As the Founder of Roamsoft Technologies Private Limited and Co-Founder & CEO of IppoPay, Mohan leverages his entrepreneurial acumen to drive businesses toward success. Additionally, his role as the Co-Founder and Product Head at Foloosi, based in the United Arab Emirates, underscores his commitment to driving advancements in technology and commerce.
11. Ramesh Mangaleswaran
Ramesh Mangaleswaran is a founding senior partner at McKinsey & Company and a highly respected angel investor from Chennai. Renowned for co-leading McKinsey's Operations Practice in India and Asia, he excels in shaping strategies for large enterprises. Ramesh invests strategically in startups with a unique concept, particularly in areas such as Apps, Clean-Tech, and Clothing and Apparel.
His commitment to encouraging talent and leadership extends beyond the corporate area, as evidenced by his active involvement in non-profit organizations, serving on the boards of Pratham Education Foundation and Pratham Skills Institute, and contributing to the education and disability sectors.
12. Vellayan Subbiah
Vellayan Subbiah is one of the most sought-after business investors in Chennai. He is a prominent business figure with leadership roles in multiple companies. Holding key positions such as Chairman at Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Co. Ltd. and Managing Director and Executive Director at Tube Investments of India Ltd., he brings a wealth of experience.
Vellayan Subbiah actively invests in innovative startups, with a focus on areas like AI and ML, Agritech and Farming, and Clean-Tech. His strategic investments in companies like Cashfree, CleanMax, and industrybuying reflect his contributions to entrepreneurial growth in diverse sectors.
The angel investors of Chennai stand out with their diverse portfolios and systematic investments contributing significantly to the city's growing startup culture. Now that you know your potential mentors a little bit better, it is a good idea to construct a pitch deck tailored to the interests of the top angel investors in Chennai.