Iron Pillar is an investment company that focuses on providing growth capital to technology companies.

Iron Pillar

Iron Pillar is a venture growth investor, focused on enterprise and consumer technology businesses that are building from India for the world. Since 2016, we have been working closely with our extraordinary Founders to help them scale profitably from ~$10 million to $100 million+ in revenues. We have consistently executed this strategy across our marquee list of portfolio companies, including BlueStone, CureFoods, FreshToHome, Servify and Uniphore. 

Beyond capital, we work alongside our Founders to accelerate their business growth across three key areas: (1) expanding business development to global markets; (2) providing guidance on go-to-market strategies, including access to C-level talent; and (3) facilitating strategic capital introductions. We are dedicated to partnering with our Founders on their journey to build transformational, resilient and valuable companies.

We have offices in Bangalore, Mumbai, Dubai and Palo Alto.

Always such a pleasure to be back at the Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management. Incredibly grateful to be a part of this amazing and diverse community of business leaders, many of whom were back on campus for reunion weekend. 

Enjoyed sharing the stage with fellow alums on the topic of "Trends in Venture Capital: Where & Why VCs Invest". Awesome to see the heightened interest and curiosity surrounding India's growth story, where many Kellogg alums are making a significant impact as entrepreneurs, innovators and investors.

Iron Pillar

In the heart of New Delhi, as part of the UNESCO-listed Qutb Minar complex, stands the enigmatic Iron Pillar. This marvel, dating back to the 5th century, has stood the test of time, resisting corrosion for over 1,600 years despite harsh elements. As this CNN article highlights, the pillar's resilience is a result of ancient ingenuity and innovation way ahead of its time.

At Iron Pillar, we draw inspiration from this iconic monument. Like the pillar, our philosophy is built on enduring the test of time by investing in technology companies that are pioneering and designed to withstand the shifting sands of global markets. 

The Iron Pillar in New Delhi is more than just a historical artefact; it is a testament to the foresight and skill of ancient metallurgists. Similarly, at our firm, we aim to back this blend of durability and pioneering technology in our investment approach, supporting founders who aspire to leave a lasting impact on the world.

Anand Prasanna Mohanjit Jolly Ashok Ananthakrishnan Ashish Shah Sajid Fazalbhoy Shanthi Pavan Kyung Baatenburg de Jong Sanjna T. Samay Kala Akshaya Damle

#technology #growthcapital #indiafortheworld

On February 20th, 2024, at our Annual Summit in Mumbai, we were reminded of the power of community and collaboration within our ecosystem. We are filled with gratitude for the enthusiasm and support we received from each one of you who joined us, both in spirit and in person.

A special shout-out to our portfolio company founders, whose vision and drive are at the core of what we do. To our speakers, attendees, and everyone who made the journey from various corners of the globe, your engagement and insights enriched this gathering immeasurably.

To our esteemed Limited Partners (LPs), members of the Iron Pillar Network (IPN), co-investors, and the vibrant community of seasoned entrepreneurs that we support...your unwavering faith and partnership have been instrumental in Iron Pillar's 8-year journey through India's venture growth landscape.

As we look back on this remarkable gathering, we're filled with anticipation for what the future holds. Here's to continuing this journey together and to the many more milestones we'll reach as a collective. See you at the next Summit in 2025!

Anand Prasanna Mohanjit Jolly Ashok Ananthakrishnan Pavan A. Gupte Ashish Shah Raj Chinai Sajid Fazalbhoy Shanthi Pavan Kyung Baatenburg de Jong Sanjna T. Samay Kala Akshaya Damle Khalil Sharif Al-Awadhi Saleha Osmani

#IronPillarSummit2024 #VentureGrowth

During the holy month of Ramadan, I had the distinct pleasure of attending an Iftar that was hosted by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance & Coexistence of the United Arab Emirates, at his majlis in Abu Dhabi.

My friends, Sunny Varkey, the Founder and Executive Chairman of GEMS Education, the largest operator of private kindergarten-to-grade-12 schools in the world, Jay Varkey, Group Executive Director at GEMS Education and Iqbal Khan, CEO of Fajr Capital, were among the guests at this memorable occasion.

Reflecting on this event, and as I approach my 10-year anniversary in the United Arab Emirates, I am reminded by how welcoming this country has been over the years, making it easy to call the UAE “home”. 

From a business perspective, I remain continually amazed by the entrepreneurial spirit, melting pot of cultures and remarkable connections, which have characterized this amazing nation and enabled our firm, Iron Pillar, to establish a presence in Dubai in 2020.

H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan and other distinguished leaders of the UAE have helped this country achieve a level of success on the world stage that may have been unimaginable just a decade ago. I am excited by the future potential of the UAE, not just in terms of its economy and diplomacy, but its ability to foster greater progress across technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, which will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the UAE, broader Middle East region and beyond.

Anand Prasanna Mohanjit Jolly Ashok Ananthakrishnan Ashish Shah Sajid Fazalbhoy Shanthi Pavan Kyung Baatenburg de Jong Sanjna T. Samay Kala Akshaya Damle Khalil Sharif Al-Awadhi Saleha Osmani

#uaeleaders #thrivingeconomy #innovation

In our business, we are always grateful to receive institutional support from experienced, marquee investors...and the continued support from U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is no exception. 

DFC was an early supporter of Iron Pillar in our Fund I in 2018. Now, six years later, we are honored and humbled by their continued support as an anchor investor in our latest fund, Iron Pillar India Fund II, one of our Fund II investment vehicles.

Many thanks to the entire DFC team. Their conviction in Iron Pillar validates our historical performance as a fund manager and empowers us to further drive innovation among India's top technology entrepreneurs.

#growthcapital #indiarising #venturecapital

Anand Prasanna Mohanjit Jolly Ashok Ananthakrishnan Ashish Shah Sajid Fazalbhoy Shanthi Pavan Kyung Baatenburg de Jong Sanjna T. Samay Kala Akshaya Damle Khalil Sharif Al-Awadhi Saleha Osmani

With increasing distributions back to LPs, stable regulatory & policy environment and steady economic growth, India is becoming a dependable large market for global Private Equity funds. 

Blackstone's announcement this week that it will invest $25 Billion in India PE over next 5 years, on top of the $50 Billion of assets they already have in India is yet another example of global institutional investors stepping up to participate in the India Opportunity! 

Iron Pillar Mohanjit Jolly Ashok Ananthakrishnan Ashish Shah Raj Chinai Sajid Fazalbhoy Shanthi Pavan Kyung Baatenburg de Jong Sanjna T. Samay Kala Akshaya Damle Saleha Osmani Khalil Sharif Al-Awadhi

COM:IRONPILLARFUND

Iron Pillar