Pankaj Jain

Pankaj Jain is the Managing Partner and founder of Saka Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm that focuses on investing in startups targeting large global markets. With over 25 years of international experience, Jain has a diverse background that encompasses technology, finance, entrepreneurship, venture capital, and blockchain. His extensive career allows him to analyze business models and startups through a cross-cultural lens, providing insights into global markets.12

Career Highlights

• 500 Startups: Jain was a Partner at 500 Startups for over four years, where he led investments in more than 65 companies across India and other regions. He played a crucial role in establishing the firm's reputation in South Asia as a leading venture capital entity.13
• Financial Industry: Before venturing into startups and venture capital, Jain worked for over 12 years at major financial institutions like JP Morgan, Long-Term Capital Management (LTCM), and GlobeOp Financial Services. His roles included managing fixed income risk and overseeing product management teams.14
• Startup Ecosystem Development: Jain has been instrumental in nurturing the startup ecosystem in India. He co-founded initiatives like Startup Weekend India and the HeadStart Network Foundation, focusing on supporting early-stage entrepreneurs.134

Education

Jain holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Stern School of Business at New York University, specializing in finance and information systems.24

Investment Focus

At Saka Ventures, Jain primarily invests in sectors such as fintech, blockchain, supply chain technology, and SaaS, with a keen interest in pre-seed and seed-stage startups.23

Overall, Pankaj Jain's multifaceted experience positions him as a significant player in the venture capital landscape, particularly within emerging markets.