Prashanth Prakash (Accel)
Overview
Prashanth Prakash is a prominent Indian venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, best known for his role as a founding partner at Accel India. He has significantly contributed to the Indian startup ecosystem, leading investments in several iconic companies, including Flipkart, Swiggy, and BookMyShow. Prakash has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of startups in India, making substantial investments in consumer internet services and SaaS. Recognized for his efforts, Prashanth Prakash was honored with the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contributions to trade and industry.
Recent Developments
- June 6, 2025: Prashanth Prakash was involved in the seed funding round for the wellness and longevity startup Biopeak, which raised $3.5 million to expand its clinic network and AI platform.
- January 25, 2025: Prakash was awarded the Padma Shri for his distinguished service in the field of trade and industry, recognizing his pivotal role in nurturing India's startup ecosystem.
- April 2025: He supported the Union Budget 2025, which focused on strengthening India’s startup ecosystem with a significant allocation to the Fund of Funds for Startups.
- April 14, 2025: Praised the Union Budget's transformative measures for startups, emphasizing the importance of deep tech and AI in the future economic landscape of India.
- October 2024: Prakash became a Bengaluru franchise owner for the Global e-Cricket Premier League, highlighting the growing recognition of e-cricket as a mainstream sport.
- May 2024: He partnered with the Indian Institute of Science to set up a geriatric research wing, focusing on the healthcare challenges of an aging population in India.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Prashanth Prakash |
| Born | 1966, Bangalore, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Venture Capitalist, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist |
| Known For | Founding Partner of Accel India, Investments in Flipkart, Swiggy, BookMyShow |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Bachelor's in Computer Science (Bangalore University), Master's in Computer Science (University of Delaware) |
Early Life and Education
Prashanth Prakash was born in 1966 in Bangalore, India. Growing up in a family that valued education, he pursued a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Bangalore University. His keen interest in technology prompted him to pursue a Master's degree in Computer Science from the University of Delaware in the United States. During his time in the U.S., he gained exposure to the burgeoning tech industry, which significantly influenced his entrepreneurial journey.
Career and Notable Achievements
Prashanth Prakash started his career in technology with a focus on software engineering before moving into the entrepreneurial landscape. He co-founded Visual Reality, an animation company, and NetKraft, a digital transformation firm in India. In 2004, he co-founded Erasmic Ventures, which was later rebranded to Accel India. Under his leadership, Accel has been instrumental in funding various early-stage companies that went on to become industry leaders.
- 2008: Founded Accel India, leading investments in consumer, online marketplaces, and SaaS sectors.
- Key Investments: Played a significant role in the growth of Flipkart, Swiggy, Ola, and Freshworks.
- Awards: Received Padma Shri in 2025 for his contributions to trade and industry.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Prashanth Prakash continues to focus on fostering innovation in the Indian startup ecosystem. His work through Accel India remains pivotal in supporting tech-driven startups. As a philanthropist, he is engaged in various initiatives that aim to address social challenges in India, particularly in education and healthcare.
Prashanth Prakash Net Worth
While Prashanth Prakash's exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, his substantial investments and positions in successful startups highlight his financial acumen. His wealth is underscored by his role at Accel and his extensive investment portfolio.
Prashanth Prakash Education
Prashanth’s educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Bangalore University and a Master's degree in Computer Science from the University of Delaware. This foundation in technology has guided his career in venture capital, focusing on tech-driven innovations.
Conclusion
Prashanth Prakash's journey from a tech-savvy youth in Bangalore to a pivotal figure in the Indian startup ecosystem highlights his vision and commitment to fostering entrepreneurial growth. His contributions go beyond financial investments, encompassing a broader impact in philanthropy and social innovation. As the landscape for Indian startups continues to evolve, Prashanth Prakash remains a vital player in shaping its future.