Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma

Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma is a prominent figure in India's startup ecosystem, serving as the Co-founder and Managing Director of 9Unicorns, which is recognized as India's first accelerator venture capital fund. He is also a Co-founder of Venture Catalysts, an integrated incubator that has gained acclaim for its role in nurturing early-stage startups.

Professional Background

Dr. Sharma has over two decades of experience in entrepreneurship, investment, and mentorship. He has played a pivotal role in establishing a robust startup ecosystem in India, having mentored more than 200 startups, including notable successes like BharatPe and Beardo.13 Under his leadership, 9Unicorns aims to support startups with seed funding and mentorship, focusing on sectors such as fintech, deep tech, e-commerce, and health tech.25

Education

Dr. Sharma holds a PhD in Incubation from Amity University and graduated in Engineering from Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTI), Kanpur. He also completed a Diploma in Mentor Studies from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.46

Contributions to the Startup Ecosystem

Dr. Sharma is regarded as one of the top angel investors in India and has been instrumental in creating various incubators across the country. His efforts have been recognized by several organizations; for instance, he was rated among the top 10 angel investors by VCCircle in 2016.46 He emphasizes the importance of mentorship in the startup journey, likening it to guiding young parents.3

9Unicorns

Founded in late 2020, 9Unicorns has quickly positioned itself as a leading accelerator fund with a target corpus of $100 million. The fund provides initial investments ranging from $100,000 to $1 million and aims to support over 150 startups.57 Dr. Sharma's vision for 9Unicorns includes not just financial backing but also comprehensive support through access to a vast network of successful founders and industry leaders.8

Impact and Recognition

Dr. Sharma's influence extends beyond investment; he is actively involved in fostering entrepreneurship across various tiers of Indian cities, making him a key player in expanding opportunities for emerging businesses.14 His leadership has motivated many investors to engage with startups, significantly contributing to the growth of India's entrepreneurial landscape.

In summary, Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma is a distinguished entrepreneur and investor whose work with 9Unicorns and Venture Catalysts continues to shape the future of startups in India.