Discover the world of venture capital with Vandana Tolani, founder and CEO of Convanto. In this episode, Vandana shares practical insights on how investors evaluate startups, common pitfalls founders should avoid, and what it takes to secure funding. With over 25 years working across global markets, Vandana has supported more than 350 startups in 45 countries, raising between $1 million and $50 million. She’s built connections with a robust network of over 400 investors worldwide and is recognized as one of India’s key voices in the investment banking space. What this episode covers: • How venture capitalists assess startup teams and ideas • Frequent mistakes founders make during pitches • How the Indian startup landscape compares with international markets • Tips for being truly prepared before seeking investment • Stories from the frontlines of fundraising, including challenges and lessons learned • Insights for women entrepreneurs navigating funding • The future outlook for venture capital in India and beyond Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Welcome and Vandana’s background 04:00 – Starting Convanto and early experiences abroad 11:30 – What investors look for in startups 18:45 – Common errors founders should watch out for 25:20 – Differences between startups in India and other countries 32:15 – Real-world examples: red flags and compliance issues 40:30 – Building resilience as an entrepreneur 52:10 – Advice and encouragement for women business owners If you’re a founder, investor, or just curious about how startup funding works, this conversation offers useful advice you won’t want to miss. Connect with Vandana Tolani: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandanatolani/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/convanto_/ Reach out to Convanto for our services: Website: www.convanto.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convanto/ Got thoughts or questions after watching? Drop a comment! We would love to hear from you. #VentureCapital #Startup #IndianStartups #StartupFunding #WomenEntrepreneurs #InvestmentBanking #IndiaStartups #Entrepreneurship #FundingTips

About Vandana Tolani: Vandana Tolani is the Founder & CEO of Convanto, a boutique investment banking firm specializing in fundraising and strategic advisory for startups and growth-stage companies. With over 25 years of experience in international and domestic business advisory, she has been instrumental in mentoring startups, identifying growth avenues, and building high-performing teams. Her core expertise lies in fundraising for early-stage startups across various sectors. Having led a Family Office in Singapore and Jakarta, Vandana has worked as an investment banker and advisor to family offices and angel investors, assisting startups from diverse backgrounds, including FinTech, B2B Tech, and consumer startups. After 15 years abroad, she returned to India and founded Convanto, now recognized as one of India's leading boutique investment banks led by a female founder. Vandana is also a Venture Advisor with Loyal VC, an INSEAD-led Canadian VC fund with a portfolio of over 180 investments in more than 40 countries. Her insights are frequently sought by leading business news channels and publications, and she has participated in over 200 talks and events across various institutions. Connect with Vandana Tolani: 🔗 LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandanatolani/ 🌐 https://www.convanto.com/ Social Media: 📸 Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/convanto_ 🐦 Twitter- https://x.com/hershy252002 📘 Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/convantoinvestments/ Company Profiles: 🔗 Convanto on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/convanto/

Discover how leadership, resilience, and role models shape success with Vandana Tolani, Founder & CEO of Convanto. In this inspiring conversation from Leaders Who Care podcast, Vandana shares lessons from her personal journey, the influence of her family and mentors, and keys to effective leadership. Vandana opens up about growing up guided by strong role models like her mother and Sudha Murthy, and discusses how their values helped her build a career spanning 25+ years in investment banking across global markets. She emphasizes the importance of humility, grace, and staying open to learning throughout one’s leadership journey. What You'll Learn: How role models impact personal and professional growth The leadership qualities Vandana admires and strives for Balancing strength and grace as a leader The evolving nature of role models over time Why staying open to lessons from others is essential Advice for aspiring leaders on embodying resilience and purpose Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Vandana Tolani 00:40 - Early Influences: Family and Mentors 02:15 - Lessons from Vandana’s Mother 03:20 - The Impact of Sudha Murthy’s Leadership Style 04:05 - The Importance of Humility in Leadership 05:10 - How Role Models Evolve with Personal Growth 06:20 - Final Thoughts: Staying Open to Inspiration Perfect for aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in personal growth and leadership development. Connect with Vandana Tolani: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandanatolani/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/convanto_/ Website: www.convanto.com Convanto’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convanto?originalSubdomain=in Who has influenced your leadership journey? Share your story in the comments below. Like if this inspired you, and subscribe for more thoughtful leadership insights.

Who shaped the leader you are today? Vandana Tolani, founder of Convanto and successful investment banker, shares the powerful role models who influenced her journey and why they matter more than we realize. In this inspiring segment from Leaders Who Care podcast, Vandana Tolani opens up about the people who shaped her leadership style and values. From her mother's resilience to Sudha Murthy's humility, she reveals how role models don't always have big names but can have the biggest impact on our lives. Key Insights You'll Gain: Why role models matter more during tough times than we realize How everyday people can be your most powerful influencers The leadership lessons Vandana learned from her mother's grace under pressure What makes Sudha Murthy an inspiring role model for business leaders How to stay open to learning from people around you Why the best role models show you it can be done, not tell you how to do it How role models evolve as you grow in your leadership journey Perfect for: Aspiring leaders looking for inspiration Entrepreneurs seeking guidance on values-based leadership Anyone interested in personal development and growth Business professionals wanting to understand what shapes great leaders This short but powerful conversation reminds us that leadership isn't just about business strategy—it's about the values, resilience, and grace we learn from those who inspire us. Connect with Vandana Tolani: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandanatolani/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/convanto_/ Website: www.convanto.com Convanto’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convanto?originalSubdomain=in Who has been your biggest role model and why? Share their story in the comments below. Like if this inspired you to think about your own influences, and subscribe for more leadership insights that go beyond business strategy. #VandanaTolani #Leadership #RoleModels #LeadersWhoCare #PersonalDevelopment #WomenLeaders #Leadership Values #Inspiration #BusinessLeadership #Mentorship #SudhaMurthy #LeadershipJourney #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipLessons #Values

Why do 90% of women entrepreneurs fail to get funding? Vandana Tolani, who has helped 400+ startups secure funding, reveals the secrets investors don't want you to know. In this powerful episode of Kissey Kamyabi Ke, host Hemant Gupta sits down with Vandana Tolani (Founder & CEO of Convanto), who brings 25+ years of international investment banking experience from Singapore, Jakarta, and India. She shares her incredible journey and reveals what women entrepreneurs need to know to succeed in fundraising. What You'll Learn: The real challenges women entrepreneurs face and how to overcome them What investors actually look for in startups (most founders get this wrong) How to properly prepare your startup for funding rounds Common mistakes that kill your funding chances before you even pitch How women can succeed in male-dominated investment banking Strategies for single mothers building successful businesses Real success stories and case studies from Convanto's portfolio Episode Timeline: 03:46 - Vandana's Professional Journey and Career Beginning 04:20 - Startup Evaluation Process - Selection Criteria Revealed 06:47 - Essential Documents and Requirements for Funding 11:18 - Fatal Mistakes That Block Funding Opportunities 14:40 - Unique Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs 18:48 - Navigating Male-Dominated Industries Successfully 21:56 - Recognition, Awards and Success Stories 23:36 - Family Support System and Single Motherhood Journey Whether you're a woman looking to start a business, seeking funding for your startup, or considering a career in investment banking, this conversation provides practical insights you won't find elsewhere. Connect with Vandana Tolani: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandanatolani/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/convanto_/ Website: www.convanto.com Convanto’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convanto?originalSubdomain=in What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Like if this changed your perspective on women entrepreneurship, share with fellow entrepreneurs, and comment what business topics you want covered next. Subscribe for more inspiring success stories that will help your entrepreneurship journey. #VandanaTolani #WomenEntrepreneurs #StartupFunding #KisseyKamyabiKe #Convanto #InvestmentBanking #WomenInBusiness #StartupIndia #FemaleFounders #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #StartupAdvice #WomenEmpowerment #FundingTips #BusinessSuccess

About Vandana Tolani: Vandana Tolani is the Founder & CEO of Convanto, a boutique investment banking firm specializing in fundraising and strategic advisory for startups and growth-stage companies. With over 25 years of experience in international and domestic business advisory, she has been instrumental in mentoring startups, identifying growth avenues, and building high-performing teams. Her core expertise lies in fundraising for early-stage startups across various sectors. Having led a Family Office in Singapore and Jakarta, Vandana has worked as an investment banker and advisor to family offices and angel investors, assisting startups from diverse backgrounds, including FinTech, B2B Tech, and consumer startups. After 15 years abroad, she returned to India and founded Convanto, now recognized as one of India's leading boutique investment banks led by a female founder. Vandana is also a Venture Advisor with Loyal VC, an INSEAD-led Canadian VC fund with a portfolio of over 180 investments in more than 40 countries. Her insights are frequently sought by leading business news channels and publications, and she has participated in over 200 talks and events across various institutions. Connect with Vandana Tolani: 🔗 LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandanatolani/ 🌐 https://www.convanto.com/ Social Media: 📸 Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/convanto_ 🐦 Twitter- https://x.com/hershy252002 📘 Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/convantoinvestments/ Company Profiles: 🔗 Convanto on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/convanto/

In this conversation, Vandana Tolani, Founder & CEO of Convanto, reflects on the mindsets, habits, and leadership principles that help women step into their full potential. Drawing from her experience advising founders and working across global markets, she talks about confidence as a skill, the power of clarity, and the importance of trusting your own voice. This episode highlights practical ways women can strengthen their decision-making, handle challenges with composure, and build a path that aligns with their goals and values. In this video, Vandana discusses: ✅ Approaches that help build genuine confidence ✅ How to stay grounded while navigating personal and professional pressure ✅ How women can lead with presence, purpose, and conviction ✅ Lessons from her own journey in entrepreneurship and investment banking Whether you're exploring a new direction, growing in your career, or learning to trust yourself more, Vandana’s insights offer guidance that is thoughtful, simple, and actionable. 🌐 Learn more about Convanto: www.convanto.com 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, growth, and entrepreneurship. #Tags: #VandanaTolani #WomenInLeadership #ConfidenceBuilding #PersonalGrowth #Convanto #LeadershipJourney #WomenEmpowerment #Entrepreneurship

Vandana Tolani – Her talks are at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandanatolani/ and Corporate website is www.convanto.com Founder and CEO at Convanto, Vandana is a versatile & dynamic professional with over 25 years of rich experience in International and Domestic Business Advisory & Fund Raising. An adept strategic planner with a proven history of mentoring Business start-ups, identifying new growth avenues, developing innovative strategies and building high-performing teams. Her core area of work is Fund Raising for early-stage start-ups across sectors and industry sub-verticals. Vandana had a Family Office in Singapore and Jakarta. She worked as an Investment Banker & Advisor to Family Offices and Angel investors in Jakarta, Indonesia, helping start-ups from a diverse background, from Fin-Tech and B2B Tech all the way to consumer startups. She was raising funds for them & providing them with a range of services just as Convanto does today. After 15 years of staying in Singapore and Jakarta, she came back to India. She did investments for a bit, and then returned to advisory. That is when Convanto was founded. Today Convanto is one of the most well-known boutique investment banks in India and led by a female founder.Today, She is also a Venture Advisor with Loyal VC, the INSEAD-led Canadian VC Fund, having a core portfolio of over 160 investments in more than 35 countries. Over the years, she has arranged Funding for startups & growth-stage companies in diverse sectors like, EdTech, FinTech, Consumer B2C & B2B, AgriTech, Health- tech, Food- tech, Disruptive & DeepTech as well as non-Tech sectors. Please do have a look at my website for testimonials. She has been awarded as one of the Top 10 Women Leaders in Wealth Management 2021. Her brand Convanto comes under the Top 10 Women Entrepreneur Brands along with NYKAA Her expert opinion is often sought by leading business news channels and publications like VCTV, and Business World, and I have participated in 200+ talks - you can easily see them on YouTube. She is connected with 300+ investors globally, picking up global deals while being sector agnostic. Her ticket size is $1-$50million. A highly organized and detail- oriented professional with a large network of VC Funds, Angel Investors and Family Offices. Social media handles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandanatolani/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vandanatol Twitter: https://twitter.com/hershy252002 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/convanto_/ Company profiles– https://www.linkedin.com/company/convanto/ https://www.facebook.com/convantoinvestments #Venturecapital #Equityfundraise #Convanto #Startup

Vandana Tolani – Her talks are at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandanatolani/ and Corporate website is www.convanto.com Founder and CEO at Convanto, Vandana is a versatile & dynamic professional with over 25 years of rich experience in International and Domestic Business Advisory & Fund Raising. An adept strategic planner with a proven history of mentoring Business start-ups, identifying new growth avenues, developing innovative strategies and building high-performing teams. Her core area of work is Fund Raising for early-stage start-ups across sectors and industry sub-verticals. Vandana had a Family Office in Singapore and Jakarta. She worked as an Investment Banker & Advisor to Family Offices and Angel investors in Jakarta, Indonesia, helping start-ups from a diverse background, from Fin-Tech and B2B Tech all the way to consumer startups. She was raising funds for them & providing them with a range of services just as Convanto does today. After 15 years of staying in Singapore and Jakarta, she came back to India. She did investments for a bit, and then returned to advisory. That is when Convanto was founded. Today Convanto is one of the most well-known boutique investment banks in India and led by a female founder.Today, She is also a Venture Advisor with Loyal VC, the INSEAD-led Canadian VC Fund, having a core portfolio of over 160 investments in more than 35 countries. Over the years, she has arranged Funding for startups & growth-stage companies in diverse sectors like, EdTech, FinTech, Consumer B2C & B2B, AgriTech, Health- tech, Food- tech, Disruptive & DeepTech as well as non-Tech sectors. Please do have a look at my website for testimonials. She has been awarded as one of the Top 10 Women Leaders in Wealth Management 2021. Her brand Convanto comes under the Top 10 Women Entrepreneur Brands along with NYKAA Her expert opinion is often sought by leading business news channels and publications like VCTV, and Business World, and I have participated in 200+ talks - you can easily see them on YouTube. She is connected with 300+ investors globally, picking up global deals while being sector agnostic. Her ticket size is $1-$50million. A highly organized and detail- oriented professional with a large network of VC Funds, Angel Investors and Family Offices. Social media handles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandanatolani/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vandanatol Twitter: https://twitter.com/hershy252002 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/convanto_/ Company profiles– https://www.linkedin.com/company/convanto/ https://www.facebook.com/convantoinvestments #Venturecapital #Equityfundraise #Convanto #Startup