Dhruv Jhunjhunwala (Novastar Partners)

Image for Dhruv Jhunjhunwala (Novastar Partners)

Overview

Dhruv Jhunjhunwala is a prominent former investment banker now leading Novastar Partners, a private fund of funds aiming to capitalize on India's burgeoning private market opportunities. Having accumulated over a decade of experience in financial markets through his roles at RBC Capital Markets in New York, Jhunjhunwala launched Novastar with a focus on venture capital and private equity in high-growth sectors such as technology, healthcare, and education. Novastar Partners targets to raise a ₹350 crore fund to engage with India’s dynamic economic landscape and provide structured access to private market opportunities for global and domestic investors.

Recent Developments

In the past two years, Dhruv Jhunjhunwala has shifted focus towards establishing Novastar Partners as a key player in India’s private investment sphere:

  • November 2025: Jhunjhunwala officially launched Novastar Partners, aiming to build a ₹350 crore fund targeting India’s private markets, with a green shoe option of ₹150 crore.
  • November 2025: Novastar Partners announced its strategy to act as a fund of funds (FoF) by backing India-focused venture capital and private equity funds.
  • Early 2026 Projections: The firm plans to announce its first fund partnerships and has its sights set on sectors such as software, IT services, healthtech, fintech, edtech, AI, and deeptech.

Personal Information

AttributeInformation
Full NameDhruv Jhunjhunwala
BornNot publicly available
NationalityIndian
OccupationInvestor, Founder of Novastar Partners
Known ForInvestment in Indian private markets
Net WorthNot publicly available
EducationNew York University's Stern School of Business

Early Life and Education

Dhruv Jhunjhunwala pursued his higher education at New York University's Stern School of Business, a prestigious institution known for grooming leaders in finance and management. Though specific details about his early life remain private, Jhunjhunwala's academic background and career trajectory suggest a strong foundation in finance and investment strategies. His experience at Stern equipped him with the analytical tools and networking base that significantly influenced his career path, including his decision to enter the financial industry and eventually establish Novastar Partners.

Career and Notable Achievements

Dhruv Jhunjhunwala’s professional journey is marked by significant achievements in the investment banking sector:

  • Worked at RBC Capital Markets in New York, where he handled over 100 private equity and tech-driven opportunities across diverse sectors.
  • Significant investments include technology and consumer-focused startups like Capillary Technologies, R for Rabbit, AdmitKard, and Kratos Studios.
  • Founded Novastar Partners, shifting his focus from individual investments to building a platform facilitating global investment in India's private sector.

Current Work and Impact

As the Founder and Managing Partner of Novastar Partners, Jhunjhunwala is at the forefront of fostering foreign and domestic investments in Indian startups and innovative enterprises. By targeting sectors such as technology and consumer markets, Novastar serves as a pivotal channel for deploying capital into scalable, capital-efficient companies with a competitive edge. The firm's innovative structure aims to streamline investment processes, offering curated opportunities that bypass traditional entry barriers in India's private equity scene.

Conclusion

Dhruv Jhunjhunwala has emerged as a key facilitator in India’s investment landscape, integrating rich international experience with a strategic focus on the subcontinent's dynamic market growth. With Novastar Partners, he is channeling pivotal investor resources towards sustainable development and innovation-led business ventures. His insight and strategic foresight likely position him to influence not only current market trends but also to play a crucial role in shaping the future trajectory of private equity in India’s economy.

References

  1. The Hindu Business Line
  2. Entrepreneur India
  3. Entrackr
  4. VCCircle
  5. APN News
  6. Startup by Doc
  7. DealStreetAsia
  8. Money Control
  9. Bharat Fast