Mona Singh (India Accelerator)
Overview
Mona Singh is a prominent figure in India's startup ecosystem, serving as the Co-Founder of India Accelerator, a premier startup accelerator based in Gurgaon, India. Founded in 2017, India Accelerator aims to provide comprehensive support to early-stage technology startups through mentorship, funding, and a robust network of industry experts. Known for its unique cross-functional support system, India Accelerator is partnered with the Global Accelerator Network (GAN), offering startups in India and the UAE opportunities to scale globally. Mona Singh plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of India Accelerator, focusing on nurturing startups that innovate with tangible impacts across various sectors.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Mona Singh and India Accelerator have been involved in several key developments:
- December 2024: India Accelerator announced its plans to launch Cohort '25, committing $8-10 million to accelerate 30-35 startups across sectors like autonomous drones, sustainable mobility, ecommerce ecosystems, and generative AI solutions. Mona Singh emphasized the importance of providing full ecosystem support beyond funding, including tailored go-to-market strategies and mentorship through a specialized board.
- October 2024: Under Singh's leadership, India Accelerator launched a Rs 100 crore fund as part of the Chennai chapter of its angel network, iAngels. This initiative aimed to support 50 startups in southern India, leveraging the state's policies for innovation and startups' growth.
- May 2023: Mona Singh facilitated a $1.1 million pre-Series A funding round for Janitri, a MedTech startup specializing in pregnancy monitoring solutions. Singh articulated confidence in Janitri's potential to significantly impact the maternal healthcare industry.
- April 2023: India Accelerator's iAngels invested $150,000 in Lawyered, a legal-tech platform, marking the third consecutive investment in the company. Singh recognized the startup's innovative approach to tackling legal challenges in the mobility sector with technology-driven solutions.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mona Singh |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Co-Founder, Director at India Accelerator |
| Known For | Co-Founding India Accelerator, Startup Mentorship and Investment |
| Education | MCA from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Maths Hons. from Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi University |
Early Life and Education
Mona Singh grew up in a supportive environment that fostered her interest in technology and business from an early age. She pursued a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics Honours from Sri Venkateswara College, followed by a Master's degree in Computer Applications from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her educational background laid a strong foundation for her career in technology and business management. Influenced by strong female characters from her youth, particularly from the serial "Udaan," Singh developed a resilience and ambition that guided her professional journey.
Career and Notable Achievements
Mona Singh started her career in the IT industry, working as a Software Engineer at companies like GrapeCity and United Health Group. She later joined Optum Global Solutions as a Senior Project Manager. Leveraging her extensive experience in technology and project management, Singh co-founded India Accelerator in 2017 alongside Ashish Bhatia and other partners. Her achievements include:
- Exemplary Impact Award (2021): Recognized for her significant contributions to the Indian startup ecosystem through mentorship at the Rise event by Zee Hindustan.
- Development of Vertical Accelerators (2023): Initiated new verticals such as Robotics and Unmanned Systems, and launched financing and mentorship programs to support startups in niche sectors.
- Strategic Fund Initiatives (2024): Instrumental in launching funds to support regional startup ecosystems in India, demonstrating a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship across the country.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Mona Singh focuses on expanding India Accelerator's reach, both domestically and internationally. By establishing partnerships with academic institutions, industry leaders, and government bodies, she aims to build a comprehensive support ecosystem for startups. Singh's strategic vision aligns with encouraging innovation in high-impact sectors, ensuring that India Accelerator remains a significant player in nurturing next-generation entrepreneurs and creating a sustainable entrepreneurial environment.
Conclusion
Mona Singh's contributions to the startup ecosystem through India Accelerator have been substantial, positioning the platform as a vital enabler for disruptive technology-driven ventures. Her leadership and strategic insights continue to shape the trajectory of emerging startups, providing them with the necessary tools and mentorship to thrive in competitive markets. As India Accelerator propels into more sectors and expands further, Singh's influence is expected to resonate within and beyond the Indian entrepreneurial sphere, fostering an ecosystem where innovative ideas can flourish.