Sanchie Shroff and Arpit Garg, the founders of Riverstone Capital, met during a networking trip to Goa before starting Harvard Business School. Their shared goal of supporting entrepreneurs led them to establish an early-stage fund of $15 million, focusing on sectors like Consumer Tech, B2B SaaS, and D2C Brands.
Riverstone Capital has already begun making significant progress, raising capital through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) on AngelList. They have evaluated numerous startups, issued term sheets, and closed oversubscribed deals. With their backgrounds in investing and product management, Shroff and Garg take a hands-on approach to assessing potential investments, going beyond traditional financial analysis to understand the founder’s vision and market fit.
Their unique combination of experiences, including Shroff’s investment background at SoftBank and WestBridge Capital, and Garg’s operational role at YouTube, allows them to provide valuable insights and support to early-stage companies. Their commitment to empowering Indian founders is driven by a desire to leverage their networks and industry expertise, particularly in India’s untapped regions.
Additionally, the mentorship they received at Harvard Business School from professors like Reza Satchu, Alvaro RodrÃguez Arregui, Bob White, and Jeff Bussgang, played a crucial role in shaping their venture. Through sessions on entrepreneurship, fund structuring, and portfolio strategy, they gained valuable insights that helped them refine their investment thesis and approach.
As they prepare to launch a formal $15 million fund in 2025, Shroff and Garg are focused on supporting early-stage startups in India and beyond. Their commitment to providing more than just capital, by offering mentorship, industry connections, and hands-on support, sets Riverstone Capital apart in the venture capital landscape. With their dedication to empowering founders and their track record of success, they are poised to make a significant impact on the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem.
