Ishpreet Singh Gandhi (Stride Ventures)
Overview
Ishpreet Singh Gandhi is the Founder and Managing Partner of Stride Ventures, a prominent venture debt firm in India. He is recognized as a visionary leader in the venture debt space, having pioneered the introduction of debt solutions tailored specifically for startups in India. Under his leadership, Stride Ventures has become a significant player in the venture funding ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of startups across various sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, and cleantech. Founded in 2018, the firm emphasizes providing non-dilutive capital solutions to startups, allowing them to scale without losing equity.
Recent Developments
- January 2025: Stride Ventures announced a strategic partnership with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to support startups with high growth potential through funding, mentorship, and policy guidance. This initiative aims to empower startups in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, integrating financial support with strategic mentorship and market access to foster growth.
- December 2024: The firm launched its fourth fund, setting a target corpus of $300 million to focus on consumer, financial services, and cleantech sectors. Previously, Stride had fully committed its first fund of $50 million to investors.
- October 2024: Ishpreet Singh Gandhi and Stride Ventures acquired minority stakes in Streambox Media, a media-tech firm poised to introduce a new connected TV service.
- September 2024: Stride Ventures celebrated crossing the $1 billion mark in venture debt commitments, a testament to their growing influence and investment in innovative startups in India and globally.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ishpreet Singh Gandhi |
| Born | Not Publicly Available |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Founder and Managing Partner at Stride Ventures |
| Known For | Founding Stride Ventures, promoting venture debt |
| Net Worth | Not Publicly Available |
| Education | MBA from Delhi School of Economics |
Early Life and Education
Ishpreet Singh Gandhi pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Delhi before completing his MBA at the Delhi School of Economics. His early career saw him gaining valuable experience in the banking sector, where he worked with prestigious institutions such as Citibank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, YES Bank, and IDFC First Bank. These formative years provided him with a robust understanding of financial systems and inspired his vision to bridge the gap in credit availability for startups, eventually leading to the founding of Stride Ventures.
Career and Notable Achievements
- 2015: While working in the banking sector, Ishpreet Singh Gandhi began exploring the potential of venture debt solutions for startups - a concept not widely adopted in India at that time.
- 2018: He founded Stride Ventures, intending to provide tailored financial solutions that align with startups' unique needs while preserving equity for entrepreneurs.
- 2023: Under his leadership, Stride Ventures had a successful run, supporting over 150 companies, including notable ones like Zepto, Infra.Market, and Upstox. The firm became recognized for its innovation in structured finance solutions.
- 2024: The firm announced its fourth fund, attracting significant interest from institutional investors, with a target of deploying $300 million to support high-growth startups.
Current Work and Impact
As of 2025, Ishpreet Singh Gandhi continues to steer Stride Ventures towards new heights in the venture debt space. The firm remains focused on empowering startups with innovative financial solutions across multiple sectors, thereby fostering a robust startup ecosystem in India. Stride Ventures' partnerships and alliances, like the recent collaboration with DPIIT, further solidify their role as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth and innovation.
Ishpreet Singh Gandhi Net Worth
While Ishpreet Singh Gandhi's exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, his financial influence is evidenced by his strategic investments and leadership in managing large funds at Stride Ventures. His role in driving the firm's commitment to over $1 billion in venture debt is a testament to his impactful presence in the financial sector.
Stride One
StrideOne, an initiative launched by Ishpreet Singh Gandhi, aims to address the short-term financial needs of startups and SMEs. This platform offers tech-enabled lending solutions, democratizing access to capital and ensuring that Indian businesses can thrive in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
Conclusion
Ishpreet Singh Gandhi is a pioneering figure in the Indian venture debt sector. His efforts through Stride Ventures have not only provided essential financial resources to startups but have also set industry benchmarks for innovative financing. As the firm continues to expand its global footprint and influence, Ishpreet's vision for inclusive and sustainable business growth remains a cornerstone for aspiring entrepreneurs across India and beyond.