Suggestions
Vivek Khare
Angel Investor, Advisor on things 0to1
Vivek Khare is a prominent figure in the Indian startup ecosystem, currently serving as the Advisor for Corporate Development and Early Stage Investments at Naukri.com, a position he has held since his extensive career began in the tech industry. He joined Naukri.com in 1999, during the early days of the internet in India, and has since played a pivotal role in various capacities, including operations, technology, sales, and marketing. Notably, he was instrumental in launching the matrimonial and real estate online classified divisions of Info Edge and led the analytics division.12
Education and Early Career
Vivek Khare holds a Master’s degree from IIT Kanpur, graduating in 1993. Before joining Naukri.com, he worked at FIITJEE, where he was responsible for operations and sales.14 His transition to the internet sector marked the beginning of a long-standing commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Contributions to Startups
As an active angel investor, Khare has invested in several successful startups, including Zomato, Jaypore, Happily Unmarried, and Cashify. His investment strategy focuses on early-stage companies, particularly those in their zero-to-one phase, where he helps founders refine their ideas and achieve market fit.134 He emphasizes the importance of being proactive and involved in the startups he supports, often taking on roles that extend beyond mere financial backing.
Leadership Roles
In addition to his advisory role at Naukri.com, Vivek Khare is also a Founder and Trustee at Plaksha University, where he contributes to shaping future leaders in technology and entrepreneurship.6 His experience spans over two decades, during which he has been involved in investing in more than 11 companies and facilitating three acquisitions while working closely with Sanjeev Bikhchandani, the founder of Info Edge.12
Philosophy on Investing
Khare advocates for a hands-on approach to angel investing. He believes that successful investors must engage deeply with founders and their businesses. He often assists startups with client acquisition and recruitment processes, highlighting that passive investment is not feasible in this space.45
Overall, Vivek Khare's career reflects a deep commitment to nurturing innovation within India's burgeoning startup landscape while leveraging his extensive experience to guide new ventures towards success.



