Vani Kola embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in both India and Silicon Valley. After a remarkable 22-year career in the heart of American tech, she returned to her roots in India to become a leading figure in the country’s burgeoning startup scene.
Born in Hyderabad, Vani’s journey began with an engineering degree from Osmania University. She then pursued her master’s at Arizona State University, setting the stage for her future success. In 1996, she founded RightWorks, an e-procurement company that she later sold to ICG for a staggering USD 657 million. This marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey, which continued with the founding and sale of Certus Software.
Driven by a desire to contribute to India’s growth, Vani returned to her homeland to establish Kalaari Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm. She joined forces with Vinod Dham and Kuar Shiralagi to launch the Indo-US Venture Partners fund, supported by New Enterprise Associates (NEA). After NEA’s departure, Vani rebranded the fund as Kalaari Capital in 2012.
Under her leadership, Kalaari Capital has raised USD 850 million and nurtured over 110 startups, playing a vital role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in India. Beyond her professional achievements, Vani is a multifaceted individual with a passion for reading, writing, and nature. She is an avid hiker and runner, having scaled Mount Kilimanjaro and participated in multiple marathons. A dedicated mother of two daughters, she continues to inspire with her multifaceted life, seamlessly blending her professional accomplishments with her personal interests.
