Manoj Kumar Agarwal (Seafund)
Overview
Manoj Kumar Agarwal is a prominent figure in the venture capital domain, best known as the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Seafund, a venture capital firm focusing on early-stage investments in technology-driven startups. With over 25 years of experience in finance, technology, investments, and startups, Agarwal has played a crucial role in guiding numerous startups toward successful growth and development. Seafund, co-founded by Agarwal in 2016, has emerged as a significant player in India's startup ecosystem by providing both capital and strategic mentorship to emerging businesses, with a strong focus on deeptech, fintech, agritech, and more.
Recent Developments
- December 2024: Manoj Kumar Agarwal, along with Seafund, participated in Huddle Global, organized by Kerala Startup Mission, demonstrating continued support for regional startup ecosystems.
- November 2022: Seafund announced the first close of its INR 250 Crore Fund II, aiming for a significant second close by mid-2024. The fund focuses on deeptech startups and aims to expand its portfolio by including innovative companies in fintech, climate tech, and semiconductors.
- August 2024: Agarwal featured in "Inside Investor’s Mind," a series by TICE TV, where he shared insights into the investment strategies that drive Seafund's decisions and highlighted the importance of team expertise and innovation in successful investments.
- January 2025: Continues to mentor and advise startups at various entrepreneurial events and forums, sharing his extensive knowledge on business strategy, finance, and market dynamics.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manoj Kumar Agarwal |
| Born | Date unknown, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Venture Capitalist, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Seafund |
| Net Worth | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Education | B.Sc. in Computer Science, INSEAD Alum |
Early Life and Education
Manoj Kumar Agarwal was born and raised in India, where he developed a keen interest in technology and business from a young age. He pursued his undergraduate studies in computer science from Bangalore University, which laid the groundwork for his understanding of technology and its applications. Recognizing the importance of a global perspective in business, Agarwal later attended INSEAD, one of the world's leading business schools, where he completed an executive management program. This combination of technical expertise and business acumen set the stage for Agarwal's future endeavors in the venture capital industry.
Career and Notable Achievements
Manoj Kumar Agarwal began his career in the corporate sector, where he held various roles that combined technology with finance. This experience provided him with comprehensive insights into the operational and strategic aspects of businesses.
- 1990s-2013: Held leading positions in Karuturi Global Ltd, expanding the company's global footprint in agriculture and floriculture.
- 2016: Co-founded Seafund, focusing on early-stage investments in technology-driven startups. His leadership has been instrumental in crafting Seafund's investment strategy.
- 2022: Seafund successfully launched its second fund, amplifying its investment capabilities in the deeptech and fintech sectors.
- Participation in prominent startup events such as the Make in Odisha Conclave, offering insights and support to emerging entrepreneurs.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Manoj Kumar Agarwal continues to play a pivotal role at Seafund, overseeing investment decisions and guiding startups within their portfolio. Under his leadership, Seafund maintains a robust focus on nurturing startups that show technological innovation and potential market impact. Agarwal's commitment to mentoring founders and advocating for long-term business strategies has left a lasting mark on the startups he engages with, ensuring they are well-equipped to scale effectively.
Conclusion
Manoj Kumar Agarwal's influence in the startup ecosystem is substantial, driven by his deep expertise in technology, finance, and strategic investment. His efforts with Seafund highlight a commitment to advancing startups through not only financial backing but also strategic guidance. As the Indian startup landscape continues to evolve, Agarwal's vision and leadership are expected to bear significant influence, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to pursue innovative approaches in their ventures.