SEA market-based companies contributed over 45% of the total revenue, says Sethi
Chiratae Ventures, a leading venture capital firm from India, has appointed Singapore-based Puneet Pushkarna to its Regional Advisory Board, reinforcing its commitment to the Southeast Asian (SEA) market.
Pushkarna will provide strategic guidance to Chiratae’s international operations in this role.
The announcement comes soon after Chiratae’s significant milestone – its active portfolio companies surpass US$650 million in revenue. Companies such as Active.ai, Kristala.ai and Lenskart have driven growth in the SEA market, with Lenskart’s strategic acquisition of Japan’s Own Days last year as a recent highlight.
Given the growing significance of SEA as an investor base and a burgeoning market, Chiratae Ventures has been active in the region, particularly in Singapore and Japan.
“With a strong foothold in the SEA market and our portfolio companies, either focusing on the region or being headquartered there, contributing over 45% of the total revenue,” said Sudhir Sethi, Founder and Chairman of Chiratae Ventures.
Welcoming Pushkaran, he said, “His exceptional expertise and diverse background will undoubtedly guide our ventures to even greater heights within the Asian market while fostering stronger connections with our esteemed investors.”
Pushkarna brings a wealth of experience, currently serving as a General Partner at Solmark, a prominent private equity fund based in Singapore.
He is involved in various Boards and Advisory Boards, including his role as Chairman of Core Committee, RIE2025, National Research Foundation, Singapore, Chairman Emeritus of TiE Singapore, and as a Board member of IIM Nagpur and Industry Advisory Board of SP Jain School of Management.
Additionally, Pushkaran serves as a Catalyst at SMART (Singapore MIT Alliance for Research & Technology) and actively engages in philanthropic efforts, supporting initiatives such as the Indian Foundation for the Arts (IFA), the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS), and the South Asian Heart Society.
“There are strong benefits for the Asian block to partner, invest and grow exponentially by understanding each other’s strengths and hope to bridge the gap,” said Pushkaran.
“The Indian model of solving for population-scale problems using technology-led business models has relevance for the larger region and hoping to help Chiratae and its portfolio expand its regional footprint”
“Along with this, there is a strong need to contextualise the India narrative by a leader who has seen both sides closely, and Pushkaran helps us do that. Having him on our Advisory Board provides a valuable sounding board for our team and founders as we navigate the markets in Singapore, Japan, and other regions of Asia Pacific.”
Chiratae Ventures, recently announced the final close of its first Growth fund at US$122 million, oversubscribed by 34% and is in the market for its next flagship Venture capital fund. It will continue looking to cement its presence in SEA and the larger Asian region. fiinews.com
