Kriti Gupta Peak Xv

As a Vice President at Peak XV Partners, Kriti Gupta plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of early-stage investments across sectors like Web3, consumer technology, commerce, and SaaS. With a rich background in engineering, venture capital, and entrepreneurship, she brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic insight to the venture ecosystem. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to innovation, a passion for technology, and a keen eye for identifying transformative startups.

Early Life and Education

Born into a family of tech entrepreneurs, Kriti Gupta’s exposure to the world of startups began early. Dinner table discussions often revolved around the unit economics of various e-commerce models, providing her with a foundational understanding of the startup landscape in India. This environment ignited her interest in technology and entrepreneurship.

Kriti pursued her undergraduate studies in engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. During her time there, she co-founded an AgTech company with a few classmates. Although the venture did not succeed due to the team’s inability to commit full-time, the experience offered invaluable lessons about the challenges founders face when transitioning from concept to execution. These insights would later influence her approach to investing and supporting startups.

Professional Journey

After completing her engineering degree, Kriti joined Deutsche Bank, where she gained experience in finance and operations. However, the allure of the startup world remained strong, prompting her to explore opportunities that aligned more closely with her entrepreneurial spirit.

Her transition into venture capital began with a stint at a domestic VC firm, where she honed her skills in identifying and nurturing early-stage companies. Seeking broader exposure, Kriti pursued an MBA at Harvard Business School. During her time at Harvard, she worked with two Silicon Valley-based funds focusing on India, further deepening her understanding of the venture capital landscape and the dynamics of emerging markets.

Role at Peak XV Partners

At Peak XV Partners, formerly known as Sequoia India, Kriti serves as a Vice President, focusing on early-stage investments across various sectors. Her role involves identifying promising startups, conducting thorough due diligence, and providing strategic guidance to portfolio companies. She is particularly interested in founders who exhibit genuine passion, high emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of the problems they aim to solve.

Some of the companies she has partnered with include

• AtlysA mobile application designed to simplify the process of applying for travel visas.
• Circles.LifeA digital mobile service provider offering flexible, no-contract data plans.
• Growth SchoolAn educational platform partnering with top industry experts to create high-impact programs for personal and professional growth.
• MokobaraA design-centric luggage brand known for its stylish, durable, and innovative travel products.
• ToplyneA platform that helps sales teams at product-led companies convert freemium users into paying customers through a no-code solution.

Investment Philosophy

Kriti’s investment philosophy centers on backing founders who are deeply passionate about solving significant problems. She values high emotional intelligence and the ability to inspire and lead teams effectively. Her approach emphasizes understanding the core challenges within an industry and supporting entrepreneurs who are committed to driving meaningful change.

Personal Interests

Outside of her professional endeavors, Kriti is an avid trekker and enjoys spending time outdoors. She finds solace and inspiration in nature, which often fuels her creativity and strategic thinking. Her personal interests reflect a balanced approach to life, integrating work, passion, and well-being.

Kriti Gupta’s journey from a tech-savvy child in a family of entrepreneurs to a Vice President at one of India’s leading venture capital firms is a testament to her dedication, vision, and passion for innovation. Through her work at Peak XV Partners, she continues to shape the future of startups, supporting founders who are poised to make a lasting impact across various sectors. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and investors alike, demonstrating the power of combining technical expertise with strategic insight to drive meaningful change.