In a candid conversation with Indian Startup Times, Mredul Sarda, Founder of Riceberg Ventures, shared his insights on India’s evolving deep tech landscape and the critical role of innovation-led investment. From his early career in consulting to becoming an advocate for cutting-edge technology, Sarda’s journey reflects a deep commitment to enabling the next wave of entrepreneurial success in India.
From Strategy Consulting to Venture Capital
Mredul Sarda began his professional journey at IIT Bombay, where he built a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving. He launched his career at Booz & Company, working on growth strategies across sectors such as financial services, energy, and infrastructure. This exposure to cross-industry innovation helped sharpen his understanding of market dynamics and scalability.
His next big leap was at Slice, a fintech startup, where Sarda played a transformative role. At Slice, he led strategic efforts to pivot the company from a loan provider to a full-fledged credit card issuer. His work on customer onboarding and operational efficiency helped the company grow rapidly and build a user-centric financial product. This phase, according to him, was crucial in understanding the startup lifecycle from the inside.
The Birth of Riceberg Ventures
Inspired by his experience in both strategy and operations, Sarda turned to angel investing. His focus quickly gravitated toward deep tech—a domain he believes holds the key to solving some of the most pressing global challenges. With this vision, he founded Riceberg Ventures, a venture capital firm with a mission to back bold ideas at the intersection of science and technology.
Sarda emphasized the importance of market-driven innovation, particularly in sectors like AI, robotics, quantum computing, space tech lifesciences, and materials science. He noted that while these ventures often face longer gestation periods and technical risks, the long-term societal and commercial value is immense.
What Makes a Founder Stand Out?
When evaluating startups, Sarda looks beyond pitch decks. He highlighted three qualities that consistently stand out in successful founders: passion, persistence
He also stressed the importance of storytelling in fundraising. “Many deep tech founders are technically brilliant, but struggle to communicate their vision. Investors need to believe in your story before they believe in your product,” Sarda said. Crafting a compelling narrative that conveys both the problem and the solution, in simple terms, can dramatically improve fundraising outcomes.
Building the Deep Tech Ecosystem
Looking ahead, Riceberg Ventures is actively working to bolster the startup ecosystem. The firm is preparing to launch accelerator programs tailored for deep tech, providing not just capital but also mentorship, infrastructure, and global exposure. Sarda also revealed plans for a second fund, aimed at supporting a broader portfolio of high-impact startups.
A notable part of Riceberg’s strategy is engaging with the Indian diaspora. Sarda believes that global collaboration—through mentorship, investment, or knowledge exchange—can fast-track India’s position as a deep tech hub. “The Indian diaspora has a unique advantage of understanding global markets while staying rooted in Indian values. We’re keen to bridge that gap,” he added.
A Vision for the Future
Mredul Sarda’s vision is clear: to empower startups that are not just chasing trends but creating the future. Through Riceberg Ventures, he is building more than just a fund—he is building a platform that nurtures transformative innovation. His insights offer a roadmap for early-stage entrepreneurs navigating the complex but rewarding path of deep tech entrepreneurship.
In a world where technology is reshaping every facet of life, leaders like Sarda are ensuring that India’s innovators are not only participants—but pioneers.
