In the ever-accelerating world of Indian startups, where pitches are plenty but patient capital is scarce, it’s rare to meet an investor who listens not just with logic, but with empathy. Sitting down with Neha Lakhwara, Co-founder and CEO of Agility Ventures, I was struck not just by her clarity of thought, but by her deep commitment to nurturing founders beyond cap tables and term sheets.

Neha’s journey into the world of venture capital is as unique as it is compelling. With a strong background in law and insolvency practice, she brings a rare blend of analytical sharpness and emotional intelligence to startup investing. Over the years, Neha has been instrumental in shaping Agility Ventures into one of India’s most respected early-stage networks, with over 42 investments under her belt and an impressive track record of mentoring rising entrepreneurs—especially from India’s emerging cities.

Product Over Pitch

In our conversation, Neha made a strong case for product-driven startups, especially those operating in B2B and B2G spaces.

“Product-focused startups have the potential to scale and create significant impact,” she said.
“They’re not only commercially viable but also capable of addressing core market needs and government challenges.”

Whether it’s Sustainable fashion, climate resilience innovations, or health tech breakthroughs, Agility’s thesis is clear: back businesses that are solving real problems—and doing so sustainably.

Beyond Sectors, Into Purpose

Agility Ventures is proudly sector-agnostic, but Neha shared that their lens is always focused on transformational innovation. From artificial intelligence to clean energy, from agritech to medtech, the common denominator is purpose.

But beyond the product or sector, what really matters to Neha is the founder.

“We actively seek out coachable founders who are passionate about creating real-world change,” she told me.
“Understanding a founder’s background, their resilience, and their ability to pivot is often more important than a perfect pitch deck.”

It’s this grounded perspective that informs one of the messages Know Your Investor (KYI).
In a landscape brimming with funding options, it’s vital that founders do their due diligence. Neha, and Agility Ventures as a whole, represent the kind of investor every founder should want—not just for the money, but for the mindset.

Building Stronger Startups Through Community

Mentorship, according to Neha, is not a nice-to-have. It’s essential.

She recounted her experience with Kidbea, India’s first sustainable fashion-tech brand. What began as a seed of an idea has now scaled into a business with an impressive ₹50 crore ARR. This transformation wasn’t just about capital—it was about consistent support, honest feedback, and a shared belief in the vision.

“Strong communities foster collaboration, and that leads to long-term success,” she said.
“It’s not just about funding—it’s about being part of a founder’s growth journey.”

It’s no surprise that many Agility-backed startups cite their investor relationship as one of the most pivotal parts of their journey.

On Gender, Equity, and Shared Responsibility

As a woman leading in the male-dominated world of venture capital, Neha is also a vocal advocate for women in entrepreneurship.

She spoke candidly about the systemic barriers female founders face—and how critical family support and societal change are in creating a more inclusive ecosystem.

“It’s time we teach both genders essential life skills,” she said.
“Only then can responsibilities—at work and at home—be shared more equitably.”

Neha’s vision is refreshingly balanced: not to ask women to choose between ambition and family, but to build a society that enables both.

Final Thoughts

In a noisy ecosystem, Neha Lakhwara stands out as a voice of clarity, compassion, and conviction. Her work at Agility Ventures reflects a deeper belief in the power of long-term partnerships, not just fast returns. As India’s startup landscape matures, leaders like Neha are setting a new gold standard—where empathy meets execution, and where ideas are backed not just with capital, but with care.

And for all founders reading this: Know Your Investor. It might just be the difference between fleeting traction and lasting impact.

-Interview conducted by R. Chandra