Ankit Anand (Riceberg Ventures)
Overview
Ankit Anand is a founding partner at Riceberg Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage deep tech investments. Anand is an experienced physicist and entrepreneur, known for his work in the tech industry across multiple sectors including MedTech, EdTech, and AI. With a robust academic background, including a Master's degree in Physics from ETH Zurich, he has contributed to projects with significant scientific and technological impact, such as the Nobel Prize-winning LIGO-Virgo collaboration for gravitational wave observations.
Recent Developments
Riceberg Ventures, under the leadership of Ankit Anand, has made significant strides in the venture capital domain with a particular focus on deep tech startups. Here are the key developments:
- January 2025: Riceberg Ventures launched a $20 million fund aimed at deep tech startups, planning to invest in 25-30 startups with an average ticket size of $500,000. This fund aims to support sectors such as SpaceTech, AI, health tech, cybersecurity, and novel energy. Its goal is to bridge the gap for startups facing challenges due to extended R&D cycles.
- Recently, Riceberg's portfolio company, Manastu Space, successfully tested its green propulsion system onboard ISRO's PSLV mission. This breakthrough demonstrates Riceberg's focus on fostering innovation in crucial technological areas and highlights their support beyond just funding by connecting startups with global customers and investors.
- Riceberg Ventures has also initiated the KickSky accelerator program in collaboration with E2MC Ventures, enhancing their commitment to SpaceTech startups through international collaborations.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ankit Anand |
| Born | Information not publicly available |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Physicist, VC Partner |
| Known For | Founding Partner of Riceberg Ventures |
| Education | MSc Physics, ETH Zurich |
Early Life and Education
Ankit Anand grew up in Bihar, India, where his academic pursuits began at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya. He continued his education at Patna Science College, focusing on science, which laid the groundwork for his future studies. Anand then pursued a Bachelor of Science in Advanced Technology at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, where he earned distinctions for academic excellence. He went on to obtain a Master's degree in Physics from ETH Zurich, one of the world's leading universities, furthering his expertise in scientific research, particularly in gravitational waves.
Career and Notable Achievements
Ankit Anand's career encompasses a diverse range of entrepreneurial and scientific endeavors:
- Previously worked as a researcher on the Advanced Virgo project at NIKHEF, contributing to significant advancements in gravitational wave research.
- Co-founded multiple startups, including Sleepiz, a MedTech company spun off from ETH Zurich, which gained recognition for innovative healthcare solutions.
- Founded Falling Frames GmbH, where he served as CEO. The company focuses on technology-driven solutions across various domains.
- As a founding partner of Riceberg Ventures, Anand has pioneered investments in deep-tech sectors, supporting startups like Manastu Space and EtherealX.
- Anand has been actively involved in mentoring emerging talent and expanding businesses globally.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Ankit Anand continues to influence the tech industry through his role at Riceberg Ventures. As a founding partner, he applies his extensive knowledge and experience to help portfolio startups achieve product-market fit and navigate global expansion challenges. His contributions extend beyond capital investment, providing technical and strategic support.
Conclusion
Ankit Anand, through his work with Riceberg Ventures, is shaping the future of deep tech innovation. His dedication to supporting early-stage startups and his expertise in both entrepreneurial and scientific realms have made him a key player in driving technological advancements. As an advocate for deep tech and its global impact, his efforts continue to empower new generations of entrepreneurs and enrich the ecosystem for technological innovation.