
Entrepreneur and angel investor Neeraj Tyagi, co-founder of startup investment platform We Founder Circle, passed away on August 16 at the age of around 50, according to reports by Moneycontrol. His sudden demise marks a huge loss to India’s startup and investment community.
A Pioneer in India’s Early-Stage Investment Ecosystem
Neeraj Tyagi was a well-regarded figure in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over the years, he co-founded several platforms that played a significant role in strengthening the startup funding landscape, including:
- We Founder Circle – one of India’s most active angel investment networks
- Avinya Ventures – focused on institutionalising early-stage funding
- Invstt – a platform designed to make startup investing more accessible
Through these initiatives, Tyagi worked tirelessly to democratize investment opportunities and mentor young founders.
Building One of India’s Most Active Angel Networks
At We Founder Circle, Tyagi was instrumental in creating one of the country’s fastest-growing angel networks.
- Facilitated over 100 startup deals in just the last three years
- Connected founders with a strong pool of active investors
- Created opportunities for startups to scale and succeed
His ability to bring investors and founders together set new benchmarks for early-stage investing in India.
Making Startup Investing Accessible Through Invstt
Tyagi’s vision for inclusive investing came to life through Invstt, a digital platform that expanded access to startup funding globally.
- Onboarded 27,000+ investors
- Reached across 66 countries
- Connected over 900 cities worldwide
By building this global investor community, Tyagi ensured that startup founders had access to not just capital, but also mentorship and global networks.
Focus on Early-Stage Funding with Avinya Ventures
With Avinya Ventures, Tyagi went a step further in institutionalising early-stage funding. His efforts focused on:
- Supporting startups with structured growth capital
- Mentoring founders in scaling their ventures
- Building a sustainable funding ecosystem
This initiative further strengthened his reputation as a visionary investor who believed in nurturing innovation from the ground up.
A Lasting Legacy in the Startup Ecosystem
Over nearly a decade, Neeraj Tyagi built a reputation as not just an investor, but also a mentor and supporter of India’s growing startup ecosystem.
- Backed countless young entrepreneurs
- Played a role in shaping India’s angel investment culture
- Left a lasting imprint on the country’s startup journey
His contributions will be remembered as a cornerstone in India’s transformation into a thriving hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Conclusion
Neeraj Tyagi’s untimely passing is a great loss to the Indian startup ecosystem. As a mentor, investor, and ecosystem builder, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations of entrepreneurs and investors to come.