The Indian startup community mourns the passing of Neeraj Tyagi, co-founder of We Founder Circle (WFC) and Avinya Ventures. His sudden demise leaves a void in the entrepreneurial landscape, where he was recognized as a visionary angel investor, mentor, and ecosystem builder. Known for his unwavering commitment to nurturing early-stage ventures, Tyagi’s contributions have reshaped the way angel investing operates in India.
With more than 20 years of professional experience, Neeraj Tyagi built a reputation as one of the most trusted figures in India’s investment ecosystem. His mission extended beyond providing capital—he focused on empowering entrepreneurs with mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to global markets.
We Founder Circle (WFC): Under Tyagi’s guidance, WFC quickly became one of the fastest-growing angel networks in India, providing crucial early-stage funding to countless founders.
Avinya Ventures: Through this venture capital firm, Tyagi directed his expertise toward scalable startups, blending mentorship with strategic investments that fostered sustainable growth.
Global Reach: His vision extended internationally, bridging the gap between Indian startups and global investors, thus making cross-border fundraising more accessible.
Neeraj Tyagi’s efforts extended far beyond traditional investing. He played a pivotal role in democratizing angel investing and ensuring that founders from every corner of India had access to growth opportunities.
Supported over 500 startups through direct and indirect mentorship.
Advocated for financial literacy and investor education among first-time founders.
Structured transparent and scalable angel investment processes in India.
Created funding opportunities for entrepreneurs in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, enabling inclusive growth.
His dedication went beyond financial backing—he actively hosted networking events, mentorship sessions, and knowledge-sharing platforms, ensuring that young innovators received the guidance needed to thrive.
The news of Neeraj Tyagi’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Many described him as a mentor who believed in people before profits and credited him for opening doors that transformed their entrepreneurial journeys.
His legacy continues to live on through:
The startups he invested in, many of which scaled successfully to secure Series A and Series B funding.
The angel investors he trained, who now carry forward his philosophy of collaborative growth.
His vision of establishing India as one of the world’s most thriving startup hubs.
Beyond his business achievements, Neeraj Tyagi was admired for his humility, accessibility, and collaborative mindset. He believed in empowering founders to dream big while staying grounded in execution.
Entrepreneurs often recalled his hands-on involvement—from refining business models to connecting founders with investors. His genuine passion for helping others succeed made him more than an investor; he was a true partner in growth.
Neeraj Tyagi’s passing marks the loss of a visionary leader who transformed angel investing in India. His relentless drive to democratize access to capital, mentor emerging entrepreneurs, and establish global connections leaves behind a strong and sustainable foundation for future innovators.
His life and work will continue to inspire generations of entrepreneurs and investors, shaping India into a global innovation hub.
