In the fast-growing Indian startup ecosystem, where innovation meets ambition, Shanti Mohan has emerged as one of the most influential enablers. As the co-founder and CEO of LetsVenture, a leading online platform that connects startups with angel investors, she has played a pivotal role in shaping how early-stage companies in India get funded. Her journey is a story of grit, vision, and unwavering belief in India’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Early Life and Career

Shanti Mohan’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t a typical one. She started her professional career with a strong background in technology and product management. A graduate of BITS Pilani, Shanti also holds an MBA from INSEAD. Over the years, she worked across industries and geographies, with a significant stint in Silicon Valley where she immersed herself in the startup and tech culture that would eventually influence her path.

With two decades of experience in product and business leadership roles, Shanti gained insights into how startups are built, scaled, and most importantly, how they are funded. This experience helped shape her understanding of the market gaps in India, especially in the early-stage funding landscape.

The Birth of LetsVenture

In 2013, Shanti co-founded LetsVenture along with Sanjay Jha with a clear mission — to make startup fundraising simple, transparent, and accessible. At the time, early-stage funding in India was highly unstructured. Entrepreneurs often struggled to reach the right investors, while angel investors lacked a reliable pipeline of verified startups to consider.

LetsVenture was conceptualized as a digital marketplace that could bring both parties together on one platform. The idea was revolutionary: digitize the entire fundraising process, from pitch to closure, and create a standardized process that startups and investors could trust.

The platform allowed startups to create public profiles, share their business plans securely with registered investors, and raise capital online. For investors, LetsVenture offered verified deal flow, due diligence support, and a way to co-invest with others in syndicates — all managed through a single dashboard.

Making a Mark in the Startup Ecosystem

What began as a small idea soon turned into a movement. Under Shanti’s leadership, LetsVenture became one of India’s most trusted platforms for angel investing. The platform has facilitated investments in over 650 startups and helped raise more than $130 million in capital, making it a vital engine for India’s startup growth.

LetsVenture didn’t just make fundraising easier — it also brought structure and credibility to angel investing in India. Shanti ensured that startups received more than just money; they gained access to a network of seasoned investors who could offer mentorship and connections.

She also focused on investor education, bringing in first-time angel investors, including professionals, CXOs, and NRIs, into the fold. This democratization of startup investing changed the landscape significantly.

Vision, Values, and Impact

At the core of Shanti Mohan’s work is a belief in collaboration. She understands that startup success isn’t just about great ideas — it’s about building ecosystems. Through LetsVenture, she has built a vibrant community of founders, investors, and mentors who support each other’s journeys.

Her leadership style is marked by empathy, clarity, and long-term thinking. As a woman founder in the male-dominated world of venture capital, she has broken stereotypes and inspired many aspiring women entrepreneurs to pursue leadership roles in startups and finance.

Shanti is also deeply involved in conversations around improving governance and transparency in early-stage funding. She believes that as India’s startup ecosystem matures, trust and professionalism will become key differentiators for platforms like LetsVenture.

Looking Ahead

With India emerging as a global startup hub, Shanti Mohan continues to look for ways to evolve LetsVenture’s offerings. The platform has expanded into managing syndicates, portfolio services, and even launching its own investment fund to support promising founders.

She also continues to mentor and advise several startups, paying forward the support she once received. Her goal is not just to fund startups, but to nurture a thriving entrepreneurial culture across India and beyond.

Conclusion

Shanti Mohan’s journey from corporate boardrooms to becoming a beacon for Indian startups reflects the evolving story of India’s innovation economy. By bridging the gap between capital and creativity, she has empowered hundreds of entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into scalable businesses.

Through LetsVenture, Shanti has built more than a platform — she has built a movement. And as India writes its startup success story, her name will be remembered as one of the visionary architects behind it.