Man who helps budding entrepreneurs succeed
{ SHAILENDRA SINGH } MD, PEAK XV
He is a man with a mission. For almost two decades, Shailendra Singh steered big-ticket investment in pathbreaking start-ups as Sequoia’s managing director for India and Southeast Asia, propelling many to unicorn status, and supporting the vision of the founders even while pushing for better internal governance. Firms the venture capital behemoth backed under his realm went on to revolutionise their respective sectors – be it the food-delivery ecosystem or ed-tech. Following a split from its parent, Peak XV Partners is now focussed on India and Southeast Asia, with roughly $2.5 billion of dry powder to fuel startups in this booming region. Singh, who has always valued authenticity in the founders he backs, is confident that with $9 billion in assets under management and 13 dedicated funds, Peak XV can achieve greater autonomy and agility while shaking off some past governance controversies. Singh was toughened in the early years through a start-up journey that began during the dotcom bust, but that has shaped his belief in grit, positive change and the founders’ DNA.