In an insightful conversation with Indian Startup Times, Girish Shivani, Executive Director and Fund Manager at YourNest Venture Capital, shared his perspectives on India’s evolving startup landscape, the role of deep tech, and why nurturing startups goes far beyond financial investment.
From Investment Banking to Nurture Capital
With a professional journey that began in investment banking, Girish Shivani has witnessed the transformation of India’s financial and entrepreneurial landscape first-hand. His transition into venture capital came at a time when India’s innovation ecosystem was undergoing a foundational shift—from service-led models to product and deep tech-driven ventures.
Girish reflected on this evolution, noting, “We’ve moved from replicating global models to creating original, globally competitive products. Today, Indian startups are building not just for India, but for the world.”
The YourNest Philosophy: More Than Capital
At the heart of YourNest Ventures lies a distinctive investment philosophy. Rather than functioning solely as capital providers, YourNest identifies itself as “nurture capitalists.”
“We believe that tenacity, alignment with the founders, and proactive support are the most crucial factors in a startup’s success,” Girish stated. “Our involvement doesn’t end with the investment—it begins there.”
This philosophy is manifested through hands-on mentoring, strategic advice, operational guidance, and a robust founder support network that enables startups to address and overcome challenges swiftly.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Indian Ecosystem
Discussing the broader ecosystem, Girish acknowledged the capital supply-demand mismatch that many Indian startups face today. While the number of startups is growing exponentially, access to smart capital continues to be a challenge.
He also underscored the urgent need for workforce reskilling, especially in the context of rapid advancements in AI and automation. “The talent exists, but we need to align it with the demands of emerging technologies. That’s where both private initiatives and government support must play a role.”
Strategic Support and Smart Growth
One of YourNest’s strengths lies in its multi-dimensional support to portfolio companies. From helping founders develop go-to-market strategies to facilitating cross-border collaborations, the firm acts as an enabler at every stage of growth.
“We spend considerable time ensuring our portfolio companies are built on strong foundations—technologically, culturally, and financially,” Girish shared. “Our goal is to empower startups to be globally relevant while being deeply rooted in innovation.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Venture Capital
Currently deploying capital from YourNest’s third fund, the firm is actively scouting for investments in deep tech, B2B SaaS, and frontier technologies. Girish remains optimistic about India’s role in the global startup scene, citing an increasing number of globally scalable innovations emerging from the country.
“In the coming years, India will not just be a startup hub—it will be a startup exporter. And that shift is already underway.”
Conclusion
Girish Shivani’s views reflect a mature and forward-looking approach to venture capital—one that places equal emphasis on innovation, mentorship, and ecosystem building. As Indian startups chart new paths across sectors and geographies, YourNest Ventures stands as a strong ally, ensuring their journey is not just funded—but nurtured.
