Anirudh A Damani (Artha India Ventures)
Overview
Anirudh A Damani is a notable Indian entrepreneur, investor, and managing partner of Artha Venture Fund, recognized for his contributions to the venture capital ecosystem in India. As a second-generation investor from the renowned Damani family, he has played a pivotal role in financing and nurturing several start-ups across varied sectors. His firm, Artha Venture Fund, is acclaimed for pioneering early-stage micro-VC investments in India, focusing on consumer, enterprise, and deep-tech sectors. Anirudh Damani's strategic investments and insights have significantly influenced the trajectory of many successful Indian startups.
Recent Developments
- August 18, 2025: Artha Select Fund, under Anirudh's leadership, announced its final close at ₹432 crore, surpassing its initial target by 131%. This fund aims to bridge a significant funding gap for startups transitioning from Series A to Series C, focusing on spacetech, fintech infrastructure, and applied AI.
- July 2025: Anirudh A Damani actively participated in the India Africa Entrepreneurship & Investment Summit, emphasizing the strategic investments in India's space tech economy through Artha's investments, like in Agnikul Cosmos.
- February 2025: Anirudh Damani applauded the Indian government's Union Budget 2025, particularly the announcement of a ₹10,000 crore 'Fund of Funds' for startups, highlighting its potential impact on nurturing deep tech sectors.
- March 2025: Damani announced the closure of Artha's Continuum Fund, focusing on later-stage investments, bridging the transition between early and growth stages for startups.
- January 2025: Artha Venture Fund was ranked among the top micro VC funds globally, reflecting its successful track record in delivering significant returns on investment.
- 2024: Anirudh played a key role in discussing and strategizing the growth and innovation in India's spacetech sector, further shown by investments in launch solutions startup Agnikul.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anirudh A Damani |
| Born | September 2, 1987, Mumbai, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Investor |
| Known For | Artha Venture Fund |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Bachelor in Economics and Business Administration, Austin College |
Early Life and Education
Born into the illustrious Damani family in Mumbai, Anirudh A Damani was exposed to entrepreneurial pursuits from a young age. Growing up in a family involved in diverse businesses, he developed an early interest in finance and entrepreneurship. Anirudh pursued higher education in the United States at Austin College, where he majored in economics and business administration. His educational journey helped him garner essential skills and a strategic mindset, which later influenced his investment philosophy and approach to venture capital.
Career and Notable Achievements
Anirudh began his career working in Texas, USA, where he developed skills in sales and business development. He returned to India with a vision to transform the family’s investment style from traditional stockbroking to venture capital.
- In 2013, he founded Artha India Ventures as a family office that would engage in early-stage investments.
- Anirudh was instrumental in setting up Artha Venture Fund in 2018, India’s first micro VC focused on revenue-stage companies.
- Notable investments include stakes in Exotel, Agnikul Cosmos, and OYO Rooms, which have seen exponential growth and global success.
- Artha completed successful exits with significant multipliers, establishing its reputation within the VC community.
Current Work and Impact
Anirudh continues to lead Artha Venture Fund, focusing on empowering startups that are pioneering innovative solutions in various sectors, including spacetech and AI. His firm supports strategic investments aimed at bridging funding gaps for promising startups while providing guidance and mentorship. Under his leadership, Artha aims to fortify its portfolio by identifying and nurturing entrepreneurs who possess the potential to create globally impactful innovations.
Anirudh Damani Artha Ventures
Artha Ventures, under the stewardship of Anirudh, has successfully facilitated large-scale investments in emerging companies. It has facilitated investments in over 135 companies and has seen substantial exits that have reinforced its pioneering status in Indian venture capital.
Anirudh Damani Portfolio
Anirudh's investment portfolio reflects a diversified approach across sectors like consumer, enterprise technology, and renewable energy. His strategic guidance has helped numerous startups in achieving significant growth milestones.
Conclusion
Anirudh A Damani’s work through the Artha Venture Fund is pivotal in the evolution of India's startup ecosystem. By fostering innovation across various technology sectors, Damani continues to support entrepreneurial talent with an eye towards sustainable impact and excellence in venture capital investments. His ongoing contributions promise to shape the future landscape of India’s venture capital market.