Mumbai, April 09, 2025– The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Mumbai has named Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma as its new president, effective April 2025, for a two-year term. A prominent figure in India’s startup ecosystem, Dr. Sharma is a serial entrepreneur, seasoned mentor, and co-founder of multiple incubators and accelerators. His appointment marks a significant milestone for TiE Mumbai as it continues to bolster its reputation as a key driver of entrepreneurial innovation.
Dr. Sharma succeeds Ranu Vohra, under whose leadership TiE Mumbai experienced a dynamic transformation over the past two years. The chapter expanded its outreach, curated impactful events, and strengthened ties between investors and startups, solidifying Mumbai’s position as a thriving hub for entrepreneurship. Welcoming the new president, Vohra stated, “It has been a privilege to lead TiE Mumbai and witness its growth. Dr. Sharma’s experience and engagement with the startup ecosystem will undoubtedly elevate the chapter further.”
Expressing gratitude for his appointment, Dr. Sharma said, “I am humbled and honored to take on this role. My vision is to amplify TiE Mumbai’s impact through deeper collaborations and inclusive programs, fostering an ecosystem-wide engagement with startups, investors, corporations, academia, and policymakers.”
A Trailblazer in India’s Startup Landscape:
Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma is widely regarded as one of the founding architects of India’s startup ecosystem. Holding a PhD in Incubation and a Diploma in Mentoring Studies from UC Berkeley, he has mentored and invested in over 300 startups since 2002. His contributions include establishing India’s first government-backed incubator under the Department of Science & Technology and co-founding Venture Catalysts in 2016. Today, Venture Catalysts++ ranks among the world’s top 10 investors, managing assets worth over $0.5 billion and operating across 55+ cities in India and 10+ countries.
His notable investments include industry disruptors such as BharatPe, Beardo, ShipRocket, OYO, and SupR Daily (acquired by Swiggy), alongside Fynd (acquired by Reliance) and INNOV8 (acquired by OYO). Dr. Sharma’s influence extends beyond investments—he serves on several government committees, including SEBI’s Working Group and the Startup Corporate Governance Committee, and is a founding board member of the 256 Network.
TiE Mumbai: A Catalyst for Entrepreneurial Success:
TiE Mumbai has emerged as a cornerstone of the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, aligning with the global mission of The Indus Entrepreneurs, founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley. With a focus on mentoring, networking, education, funding, and incubation, the chapter has played a pivotal role in supporting early-stage ventures and growth-stage startups. Over the years, it has built a robust platform that connects startups with investors, corporations, and policymakers while hosting high-impact events and expanding mentorship initiatives. Under Dr. Sharma’s leadership, TiE Mumbai is set to further enhance its influence, cementing Mumbai’s status as a preferred destination for innovation and entrepreneurial excellence.
With his extensive experience and forward-thinking vision, Dr. Sharma is poised to lead TiE Mumbai into a new era of growth, reinforcing its mission to empower entrepreneurs and drive innovation on a global scale.
