Biography of Ninad Karpe: Founder and Partner at 100X.VC- Entrepreneur
Biography of Ninad Karpe:
Ninad Karpe is the Founder and Partner at 100X.VC, where he
specializes in investing in early-stage startups using iSAFE notes. He has a
rich background in venture capital and is known for his work in nurturing
emerging businesses. The firm has made significant strides by investing in 39
groundbreaking startups, with plans to allocate INR 25 crores across 100
startups in 2021. Karpe’s role involves unlocking growth potential for
seed-stage startups in India, reflecting his commitment to nurturing innovation
in the country.
Educational Journey
Ninad completed his Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree with
a focus on Business/Commerce at Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in
Maharashtra. His academic journey spanned from June 1977 to May 1981, providing
him with a strong foundation in business and commerce.
Early Career at CA Technologies
Ninad's career began at CA Technologies, where he worked as
Managing Director from February 1998 to March 2009, gaining extensive
experience in technology and management.
Career at Aptech
Before his current role, Ninad was the CEO and Managing
Director of Aptech from April 2009 to November 2016. Under his leadership,
Aptech expanded its presence to 42 emerging countries and grew into a
multi-product, multi-geography education company. He now serves as a Director
on Aptech’s Board.
Involvement with Slonkit and Other Roles
Ninad was also a Director at Slonkit from March 2017 to
January 2021, where the company aimed to help families manage finances.
Additionally, he served as a Director at S.K.P. Restaurants Limited and BNP
Paribas Asset Management India Pvt Ltd, and was an Independent Director at EDC
Ltd., a development finance company of the government of Goa.
Consulting and Advisory Roles
In strategy consulting, Ninad founded KARPE DIEM Consulting,
offering advice on business growth and restructuring from May 2018 to June
2019. He was involved with Consilience, a global innovation consultancy, as a
Board of Governors member from May 2016 to June 2019.
Directorial Positions
Ninad served as an Independent Director at Savita Oil
Technologies Limited for 17 years and was a part of various other boards,
including ISARC and Maya Entertainment Ltd. He also held significant positions
with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), including Chairman of the
Western Region and Maharashtra State Council.
Transformative Leadership at Aptech Ltd.
Karpe’s leadership legacy includes a significant tenure as
the Managing Director and CEO of Aptech Ltd., where he served for over seven
years. During his time, he transformed the company, expanding its presence to
42 emerging countries with brands like Arena and Aptech. His strategic vision
and execution played a crucial role in the company’s success and global
footprint.
Contributions to Industry and Commerce
Karpe served as the Chairman of the Western Region for the
Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) for 2017-18, an honorary role that
highlights his influence in the business community. His previous experience
includes a 13-year tenure at CA Technologies, where he managed operations
across India and SAARC countries, contributing significantly to the company’s
growth and success in the region.
Biography of Ninad Karpe: Founder and Partner at 100X.VC-Entrepreneur/ Investor/Success story of Ninad Karpe/story of 100X.VC/Life story of Ninad Karpe
Consulting and Thought Leadership
Early in his career, Karpe worked as a consultant, advising
companies looking to invest in India. His extensive experience in consulting
and business strategy has established him as a prominent voice in technology
and business discussions. Karpe frequently writes for industry magazines and is
a sought-after speaker, having recently presented at a TEDx event.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Personal Branding
Karpe has also launched his own brand of limited edition
pocket squares on Amazon, named “Karpe Diem Pocket Squares.” This personal
venture adds a unique dimension to his entrepreneurial pursuits, combining his
business acumen with a flair for distinctive fashion.
Board Member at SK Restaurants
In addition to his role at 100X.VC, Ninad serves as a Board
Member at SK Restaurants, a privately held company in the hotels and resorts
industry. His involvement provides strategic guidance and oversight,
contributing to the company's growth and development.
Investment Activities
Ninad Karpe has been actively involved in leading and
managing investments in various companies. Notable deals he has led include
investments in Anyway.ai, EasyReplenish, FUTR Studios, Kroto, and several other
startups across diverse sectors such as business/productivity software, food
products, and human capital services. His recent investments also include
Enrico Eyewear and Offside, focusing on specialty retail and entertainment
software, respectively.
Diverse Startup Portfolio
The new cohort features startups from a wide range of
sectors, including Anyway.ai, Baylink, Deepvue.tech, EasyReplenish, Futr
Studios, GoCodeo, Hummsa Biotech, Kroto, Openleaf, Origgo, Orbit Wallet, Pet
Chef, Pettle, The Naturik Co, Whitetable, Zircle, and Zafo Technologies. These
startups span industries such as B2B SaaS, API, health tech, climate tech, food
and beverage, and pet tech.
Investment Mechanism
For this investment round, 100X.VC utilized iSafe notes, a
convertible instrument where investors make cash investments in exchange for
the potential to convert their investment into equity at a later stage. This
mechanism allows flexibility and aligns investor interests with the growth
potential of the startups.
Investment Overview
Venture capital firm 100X.VC has recently invested $2.7
million in its 11th cohort of startups, expanding its portfolio to 161
companies. The investment strategy included allocating Rs 1.25 crore to each of
the 17 selected startups. In addition to financial backing, the firm provided
mentorship to help these startups enhance their products and refine their
go-to-market strategies.
Author and Business Strategist
In addition to his investment role, Karpe is an accomplished
author. His book, “BOND to BABA,” has been widely praised and earned a spot on
Amazon’s “Memorable Books of 2018” list. The book provides insights into
business strategies and has received critical acclaim, showcasing Karpe’s
expertise and thought leadership in the field.
Passion for Marathi Theatre and Unique Ventures
Karpe’s interests extend beyond business into the arts. As a
co-promoter of Badaam Raja Productions, he has ventured into Marathi theatre,
with the company’s first play, “A Perfect Murder,” premiering in December 2018
to critical acclaim. This endeavor reflects Karpe’s passion for cultural
contributions and creative expression.
Timeline for Ninad Karpe's professional journey and
achievements:
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom): Sydenham College of Commerce
and Economics, Maharashtra (June 1977 - May 1981).
Career Milestones:
1998 - 2009: Managing Director at CA Technologies, gaining
extensive experience in technology and management.
April 2009 - November 2016: CEO and Managing Director at
Aptech Ltd., where he led the company’s expansion to 42 emerging countries and
transformed it into a multi-product, multi-geography education firm.
March 2017 - January 2021: Director at Slonkit, focusing on
financial management solutions for families.
May 2018 - June 2019: Founder of KARPE DIEM Consulting,
offering business growth and restructuring advice.
January 2023 - Present: Founder and Partner at 100X.VC,
specializing in investing in early-stage startups using iSAFE notes.
Leadership and Board Roles:
Current Board Positions: Director at Aptech Ltd., Board
Member at SK Restaurants, Independent Director at Savita Oil Technologies Ltd.
Former Roles: Director at BNP Paribas Asset Management India
Pvt Ltd, Independent Director at EDC Ltd., Board of Governors member at
Consilience, Chairman of the Western Region for the Confederation of Indian
Industries (CII) for 2017-18.
Investment Focus:
100X.VC: Invested $2.7 million in its 11th cohort of
startups, with a focus on diverse sectors such as SaaS, health tech, and pet
tech. Notable investments include Anyway.ai, EasyReplenish, FUTR Studios, and
Kroto.
Other Ventures:
Author: “BOND to BABA” – a business strategy book featured
on Amazon’s “Memorable Books of 2018” list.
Marathi Theatre: Co-promoter of Badaam Raja Productions,
with the play “A Perfect Murder” premiering in December 2018.
Personal Interests:
Passion for Marathi theatre and unique ventures such as
limited edition pocket squares on Amazon.
