Achieving a work-life balance is a daunting task for every committed professional. What if the person interested in entrepreneurship is a woman? Understanding the entrepreneurial process requires perspective and knowledge. Anjali Bansal has established her expertise in this field.
Anjali Bansal is the founder of Avaana Capital and a non-executive independent director on the public boards of Voltas, a Tata Enterprise, Tata Power, Bata India Limited, and GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals India. She administers the Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund, which invests in technology and innovation-driven start-ups that catalyse climate solutions and sustainability while generating exponential returns.
Educational Status
Anjali graduated from Gujarat University with a degree in computer engineering and earned her post-graduate degree in international affairs from Columbia University, where she majored in international finance and business and was sent to the McKinsey office in New York through campus selection. In 2000 she relocated to India and continued at McKinsey’s Mumbai office.
Personal Life
While working at McKinsey & Company in New York, Anjali met her husband, Sandeep Singhal, co-founder of the venture capital firm Nexus Venture Partners. He encouraged her in all deeds. They have two sons.
Struggles
Anjali began her professional life as an engineer. After her second child in 2003, she joined Egon Zehnder as a search consultant. Eighteen months later, she built Spencer Stewart’s Indian business. Despite facing the challenges of having young children, she not only managed to expand the business but also significantly grew the team from a mere four employees to a workforce of 35.
Experiences
Anjali was the non-executive chairperson of Dena Bank appointed by the Government of India to resolve a stressed bank leading to the first 3-way merger of three large public sector banks, Dena, Bank of Baroda and Vijaya Bank. She has previously served as Chairperson of the India Board of Women’s World Banking and as a member of the advisory board for the South Asian Columbia University Global Centres. Anjali Bansal had held positions on the boards of directors for Delhivery, Siemens, GSK Pharmaceuticals, and Bata. She still serves as SEWA’s advisor.
She has worked in New York and Mumbai as a strategy consultant for McKinsey & Company and as a worldwide partner and MD with TPG Private Equity. Anjali established and effectively expanded Spencer Stuart’s India practice, building it into a well-regarded pan-India platform. She was a member of the Asia Pacific leadership team and co-led their Asia Pacific Board & CEO practice as a global partner.
Avana Capital
Since its inception in 2018, Avana Capital has prioritised sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. The Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund is managed by Avaana Capital, the country’s first and largest early-stage climate-tech VC. They invest in emerging market leaders utilising technology-led innovation to develop and scale solutions for climate and sustainability while generating exponential returns.
According to Anjalil, Seventy per cent of Avana Capital’s portfolio is in sustainability. Nykaa, Delhivery, UrbanClap, Darwinbox, Coverstack, Farmart, and Lenskart are a few successful firms she has invested in.
Public Speaker
Anjali is a regular commentator on board governance, diversity, and entrepreneurship. She has given numerous speeches, including the keynote address at the LinkedIn Connect Conference and the Digital Women Awards. She has also been on juries for The Economic Times 40 Under 40, Women Ahead, and CEO Awards. Anjali is the founder and chair of Women on Corporate Boards (WCB), a member of the Managing Committee of the Bombay Chamber, and a prominent YPO member.
Area Of Expertise
Anjali is a member of the Managing Committee of the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), co-founder and programme chair of the CII National Committee for Women, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry Centre for Corporate Governance programme for Women on Corporate Boards.
Recognition
Anjali Bansal was listed as one of India’s most influential businesswomen by Business Today in 2013, Fortune India Magazine in 2012, and India Today in 2011. Anjali is a Super Mentor and Brand Ambassador for Niti Aayog’s Mentor India initiative to empower youth innovators in schools.
Words To Inspire
She urges us to be the best version of ourselves, take advantage of every day, and never stop aiming for perfection.
Anjali Bansal oversees the Indian division of the top executive search consulting company. Under her direction, the company has established a reputation despite fierce competition. Through her Avaana, she supports future market leaders leveraging tech-led innovation to catalyse climate solutions and sustainability and deliver exponential returns. Her hard work and determination made her a powerful businesswoman. Anjali is a frequent speaker at forums such as Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, IVCA, and BSE and a jury member for awards including E.T. Under 40, Women Ahead, CEO Awards, VC Circle, AIWMI Wealth Awards and others.