Anku Madan

Ankesh Madan is a Principal at Obvious Ventures, focusing on early-stage investments in climate technology and deep tech sectors. Here are some key details about his background and current role:

Career Transition

Ankesh recently joined Obvious Ventures in 2023 after spending 3.5 years at Hitachi Ventures.5 At Obvious Ventures, he is part of a team investing in early-stage, purpose-driven entrepreneurs reimagining trillion-dollar industries.2

Investment Focus

As a Principal at Obvious Ventures, Ankesh concentrates on:

• Climate technologies
• Synthetic biology
• Carbon dioxide removal
• Geothermal energy
• Energy asset data
• Transmission grid technologies4

Previous Experience

Before joining Obvious Ventures, Ankesh's career included:

• Senior Associate at Hitachi Ventures (2020-2023)
• Roles at institutional VC firms Propel(x) and Plug and Play Tech Center
• Co-founder of a date rape drug detection company during college1

Investment Philosophy

Ankesh is particularly interested in:

• Teams that can quickly execute and adapt in nascent markets
• Startups working in areas without established playbooks, like synthetic biology and carbon dioxide removal
• Entrepreneurs who can help build the foundations of new industries3

Education and Background

• Holds a Bachelor of Science degree
• Describes himself as a "recovering materials scientist"4

Ankesh's diverse background as an entrepreneur, scientist, and investor in deep tech and climate technologies has shaped his approach to venture capital and his focus on transformative technologies.