Priyanka Agarwal Chopra, the Managing Partner of Seed Investing at IIMA Ventures, is a driving force in India’s startup landscape. With a career spanning both corporate giants and grassroots innovation, she brings a unique perspective to nurturing budding entrepreneurs.
From Engineer to Impact Investor
Chopra’s journey began with a degree in computer engineering, followed by a master’s in electrical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. Her corporate career kicked off at Sun Microsystems, where she gained valuable experience in the tech industry. A subsequent MBA from Wharton School and a stint at IBM solidified her strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
A turning point came during her MBA when she juggled motherhood with demanding academics. The experience instilled resilience and the ability to balance personal and professional commitments. Inspired by the advice to treat her career like a toggle switch, Chopra returned to India with her family in 2010.
Building from the Ground Up
Chopra’s next venture was at Piramal Sarvajal, a social impact startup focused on providing clean water access. Here, she honed her entrepreneurial skills, wearing multiple hats as COO, CTO, and financial head. She spearheaded the development of innovative solutions like Soochak, a water management system, showcasing her technical prowess and business acumen.
Nurturing India’s Startup Dream
The invaluable experience of building a startup from scratch prepared Chopra for her role at IIMA Ventures. Since joining in 2014, she has been instrumental in supporting over 550 startups, providing them with the necessary resources, mentorship, and funding. Chopra believes in the potential of young entrepreneurs and is passionate about helping them transform their ideas into successful businesses.
A Champion for Women Entrepreneurs
As a successful woman in a male-dominated field, Chopra is a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. She understands the unique challenges faced by women and is committed to creating an inclusive startup ecosystem. IIMA Ventures has a strong focus on supporting women-led ventures, providing them with the necessary tools and network to thrive.
Chopra’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a deep-rooted passion for innovation. Her contributions to the Indian startup ecosystem are immeasurable, and her impact on the lives of countless entrepreneurs will be felt for years to come.
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