Guarented Raises Pre - Series A funding from Mumbai Angels Network

Guarented Raises Pre - Series A funding from Mumbai Angels Network

Mumbai, February 1, 2019: Guarented, a leader in online renting and selling of refurbished appliances and furniture, raises Pre-series A funding from Mumbai Angels Network (MA), India’s leading early stage investment platform.  This is the second round of funding that Guarented has raised since its inception in 2016. The key initial investors in the company include K-Start ( Kalaari Capital Seed Fund) and Aneesh Reddy (Co-Founder and CEO, Capillary Technologies).This round of funding is a co-investment between MA and Angellist. The Bangalore -based player was founded by Harshwardhan Raikwar, Prateek Agarwal andAbhimanyu Dikshit who are friends from their engineering days at IIT Kharagpur in 2012. The founding team  with its deep experience across  technology, operations, analytics, sales and consulting, is perfectly poised to propel Guarented to its next level of growth with the MA funding. The twin pain points that Guarented is solving for are trust and flexibility. The problem of lack of trust in product quality is being addressed by displaying the true condition of the product on the marketplace. Flexibility is being provided by providing options to rent, rent to own, buy and buyback. The company has identified two distinct target segments for their rental and sales businesses. The target segment for rental are bachelors aged between 22 - 30 years of age, who have recently shifted cities for work or studies. The target segment for sales of refurbished products is a wider set of customers who are value conscious and aspiring to own an appliance or a furniture. The company reaches its customers both through digital and offline channels.  “Our core value proposition is the refurbishment that we are doing. We add huge value in the products when we refurbish. Customer buy from us because we are affordable, flexible and reliable. ," said Co Founders, Abhimanyu Dikshit and Prateek Agarwal On the fund raise, Co Founder Harshwardhan Raikwar commented, “We are proud to be associated with MA Network and look forward to the value they bring to propel our growth.  We plan to use the investment to expand our capabilities around technology, marketing innovation, new product offerings and expanding to newer cities across India..” “We are very excited to add Guarented to our portfolio group of companies.  The rental and sharing economy is one of the key trends that we are extremely bullish on. We also see strong investment interest from the next level investors, whether funds or family offices or strategic investors for companies that have demonstrated strong traction, execution capabilities and understanding of the changing consumer behavior. We believe Guarented has a strong business model and are dedicated to providing them with the support they need to succeed,” said MA Network CEO & MD, Nandini Mansinghka. About Mumbai Angels Network: Started in 2006, Mumbai Angels Network (The MA Network) is India’s premier investment platform focused on investments in new ventures. The MA Network is today 350+ members strong across 7 chapters (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Goa and Pune). We have built a strong investment framework through which we showcase 60-70 highly curated investment opportunities to our member base, chosen from a funnel of 4500-5000 companies we review every year. The network now has a 130+ strong portfolio with 30+ exits. several of whom were at multiples comparable with global benchmarks in new venture investing.   About Guarented Rentals Pvt. Ltd. Guarented is focussed on creating steady and strong supply for refurbished appliances and furniture which it rents and sell to the end consumer.

Associate - Investment

Job Title	Associate - Investment
Location/Process	Mumbai
Position	Full time
Reporting to	Investment Director
CTC	Subject To Industry Standards And Tenure

JOB DESCRIPTION

The candidate will be responsible for (a) identifying start-ups for investing, understanding and researching new segments, due diligence prior to investments (b) working closely with the angel members, Legal and Accounting to manage documents flow, negotiations and close the investment (c) actively seek out dialogues with other funds and potential investors.

Key Responsibilities

Deal Flow Management

Managing Public Events, Start-up screening and analysis

Deal Structuring, valuation and deal closure

In depth research on deals being presented to the investors

Facilitate Due-diligence and deal closure

Deal Flow Generation

Focus on bringing high quality start-ups to the network for investments In-depth research to track industry trends and newer investment segments on a global & local scale

Evaluation of Business plan and model analysis

Support internal innovation processes and incorporating learnings

Create and build feedback loops to ensure a model of continuous improvement and value for both Investors and MA.

Work closely with the other team members to build a continuously building and learning network

Skills and Aptitude

Ability to operate in an unstructured environment

Exposure to working in a start-up environment is a strong plus

Experience in negotiating investments, valuations and investment terms

Strong understanding of term sheets and shareholder agreements and deal closure process

Entrepreneurial aptitude – with high ability to multi-task across assignments

Ability to work with several different stakeholders

Strong communication skills and Stakeholder centric mindset

Education and Experience

Degree in finance or business management

Experience: Approximately 2-3 Years

Proliva raises funding from Mumbai Angel Network

Proliva raises funding from Mumbai Angel Network

December 19, 2018: Proliva (Nutrisattva Foods Pvt. Ltd.), a natural protein based functional foods company, raises funding from Mumbai Angels Network (MA Network), India’s premier platform focused on new venture investing. Nutrisattva Foods was founded in 2016 by three veterans from the dairy and nutrition sector: BM Vyas, former Managing Director of India’s largest dairy firm Amul (GCMMF), Shirish Upadhyay, former Senior Vice President of Parag Milk, and nutritionist Dr. Ravi Khimani; with backing from Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. (BCCL).

The protein innovation company is focused on developing customized protein-based functional foods for individuals across age groups, nutritional needs, and lifestyles. Their brand Proliva is 100% vegetarian, all natural, with no additives or preservatives, fillers or added sugars, and is fortified with vitamins, superfoods and Ayurvedic ingredients. Protein deficiency is one of the biggest causes of malnutrition with 9 out of 10 Indians deficient in this nutrient. The health benefits of protein include support for muscles, joints, bones, skin, hair and nails, as well as amino acids and electrolytes, all necessary for our well-being.  The Indian Dietary Supplements market is estimated to be $2 billion (Rs. 13,400 crores); growing at a fast pace of 16% and estimated to double by 2020.

Commenting on the Founder Shirish Upadhyay, said, “We are excited to be associated with MA Network and the value they bring to help us execute our larger vision and movement in making India a healthy nation.   We want consumers to make Proliva a part of their daily food consumption habit rather than viewed as a supplement. We want to increase consumer awareness by building focused products within the health food and consumer industry.” fund raise, “We are thrilled to bring Nutrisattva Foods to our portfolio group of companies.  We are looking for companies that are paving new paths in the consumer category and believe Proliva is doing just that with their clean label and attractive branding.  We believe MA Network is in tune with the needs and wants of modern consumers and see this as a big business opportunity within the consumer health category.  There is a lot of innovation happening around the protein space and consumers are looking for convenient ways to boost their intake through new formats. Together, Nutrisattva and MA Network aim to increase brand awareness and boost distribution for Proliva,”  said MA Network CEO & MD, Nandini Mansinghka.

About Mumbai Angels Network: Started in 2006, Mumbai Angels Network (MA Network) is India’s premier platform focused on new venture investing.  The network is today 300+ members strong, across 7 chapters (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Goa and Pune). We have built a strong investment framework through which we showcase 60-70 highly curated investment opportunities to our member base, chosen from a funnel of 4500-5000 companies we review every year. MA Network now has a 125+ strong portfolio with 30+ exits; several of whom were at multiples comparable with global benchmarks in new venture investing.   About Nutrisattva Foods Pvt. Ltd: Nutrisattva is a protein innovation Company focused on developing natural protein nutrition for individuals across age groups, nutritional needs and lifestyles. Founded on the belief that strains of urban living require a natural, informed and convenience-based approach to good health, Nutrisattva develops products based on the knowledge of nutrition science, fitness and Ayurveda.

Fric Bergen Raises funding from Mumbai Angels Network

Mumbai, December 6, 2018: Fric Bergen (Vivan Foods Pvt. Ltd), a leader in the specialty food industry, raises funding from Mumbai Angels Network (MA Network), India’s leading early stage investment platform. The Gurgaon-based sauce and dip producer was founded by Vivek Singh, Vandana Singh, and Rohit Agarwal in 2008.  Fric Bergen launched with the aim to offer premium-quality sauces at affordable prices in easy-to-use, single-serve sachets for on-the-go consumers.  "Our focus is to cater to the masses. With prices of our products being as low as Rs 10, consumers usually end up buying two to three variants in one go," saidFounder, Rohit Agarwal. The company already retails over 30 SKUs in their product portfolio which includes a variety of mayonnaise, ketchups, sauces, dips, and jams.  With a strong distribution network covering over 10,000 retail outlets pan India, their focus lies in increasing this segment. Commenting on their expansion plans, Rohit said, "By the end of 2020, we plan to shift our retail revenues to 85 percent and hotel, restaurant, catering would be only around 15 percent." On the fund raise, Founder Vivek Singh, commented, “We are proud to be associated with MA Network and look forward to the value they bring to propel our growth.  We plan to use the investment to expand our capabilities around innovation, new product offerings, and consumer preferences.  We’ve introduced new flavors such as tandoori mayonnaise and pizza and pasta sauces to appeal to a diversified modern customer base. We plan to further expand our presence in various segments such as honey-based products, sugar-free sauces, and juice concentrates, amongst others.” “We are very excited to add Fric Bergen to our portfolio group of companies.  The consumer market industry is seeing a growth trajectory with rapid urbanization, evolving consumer lifestyles, rising income levels & growing per capita expenditure, awareness and desire to try new brands, and visibility of products through organized distribution points.  We believe Fric Bergen has a strong business model and are dedicated to providing them with the support they need to succeed,” said MA Network CEO & MD, Nandini Mansinghka.

About Mumbai Angels Network: Started in 2006, Mumbai Angels Network (The MA Network) is India’s premier investment platform focused on investments in new ventures. The MA Network is today 300+ members strong across 7 chapters (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Goa and Pune). We have built a strong investment framework through which we showcase 60-70 highly curated investment opportunities to our member base, chosen from a funnel of 4500-5000 companies we review every year. The network now has a 125+ strong portfolio with 30+ exits. several of whom were at multiples comparable with global benchmarks in new venture investing.

Mumbai Angels Network partners with EO Pune’s Accelerator Program

December 5, 2018:  Mumbai Angels Network (MA Network), India’s early stage investment platform,is proud to be a ‘knowledge partner’ for Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) Pune Accelerator program.        EO is a global network for entrepreneurs that supports learning and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, creative experiences and connections to experts. Founded in 1987 by a group of young entrepreneurs, the network consists of 13,000+ leading entrepreneurs in 181 chapters across 57 countries.   The EO Accelerator program aims to empower entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and connections they require to accelerate their businesses.  It is a unique program that encourages entrepreneurs to share experiences and knowledge in a structured way so that others can benefit from shared learning.   Through the partnership MA Network will work closely with EO Accelerator Pune in curating the list of promising startups who will have the opportunity to enroll in the 12-month program.  EO Accelerator Pune will share their expertise, knowledge, skills, and support to nurture these ambitious startups during the course of the program.  Shortlisted startups will further be eligible for the EO Care program propelling them for growth. (From Left to Right) Sajid Sundrani, Director - Investments, MA Network ;  Ashok Singh, Vice President - Investor Relations, MA Network ; Nandini Mansinghka, CEO and MD, MA Network ; Badal Saboo, EO Accelerator & EO Cares Chair, Pune ; Vikram Bhartia, EO President, Pune ; Vishal Vohra, EO GSEA Chair, Pune ; Manav Ghuwalewala, EO Learning Chair, Pune ; Vivek Shrivastav, Associate - Investor Relations, MA Network  BadalSaboo, Chairperson, EO Accelerator, Pune said, “In our continuous endeavor to share best practice and provide the much needed impetus to early stage entrepreneurs and boost the start-up ecosystem, this partnership shall play a catalytic role.”   VikramBhartiya, President, EO Pune, said, “The two partners will bring together a wealth of experience and opportunities that selected start-ups can access to grow their nascent ideas into viable businesses.”   “With this unique partnership we will be able to help entrepreneurs beyond investments.  We are thrilled to be associated with EO Pune for the program and build value in the Indian startup ecosystem, said, MA Network CEO & MD, Nandini Mansinghka.

About EO Accelerator program:  The EO Accelerator program which was founded in 2005 is a learning program for entrepreneurs who want to grow their business and join EO through direct learning, access to mentors, leaders, peers and experts and the opportunity to take control of their business. EO Accelerator aims at empowering entrepreneurs with the tools, accountability and community to aggressively grow and master their business. About EO Cares program: The EO Cares program enables leading entrepreneurs to learn and grow, thus leading to greater success in business and beyond. The Cares stands for Customers, Achievements, Recognition, Education & Social. About Mumbai Angels Network: Started in 2006, Mumbai Angels Network (The MA Network) is India’s premier investment platform focused on investments in new ventures. The MA Network is today 300+ members strong across 7 chapters (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Goa and Pune). We have built a strong investment framework through which we showcase 60-70 highly curated investment opportunities to our member base, chosen from a funnel of 4500-5000 companies we review every year. The network now has a 125+ strong portfolio with 30+ exits. several of whom were at multiples comparable with global benchmarks in new venture investing.

Why spend a day with us at the Angel Miniversity?

Nowadays I am asked the same question wherever i go: Why we have launched the Angel Miniversity?

It’s because we take our responsibility as India’s premier venture investment platform very seriously.

We understand and accept our responsibility is to build angel investing in the country, both in its breadth (number of people who understand what it means) and depth (ensuring both investors and founders understand what it takes to make an investment successful)

Through our years of investing we have come across one common theme: People join the network because they want to invest and quickly realise that they actually want to learn the art and craft of angel investing. Hence the birth of the format.

This is our effort at distilling the deep experience of the most fertile minds in venture investing ecosystem, in a crash course format, for both investors and founders to understand how angel investing works

The one day course has been designed in line with how an investment actually takes place: right from finding a investible deal (our ratio is 2% of deals that apply to us) to deciding on the investment terms, managing the relationship and portfolio through its investment journey and finally exits for the investors.

The sessions are conducted by me and my colleague Sachin Karnik along with seasoned angel investors and partners at funds. In the past we have had accomplished investors as speakers like Dr Aniruddha Malpani , Jitendra Panjabi , Anand Lunia, Sanjay Mehta, Gita Nayyar

The 3 sessions that we have conducted in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai have seen more than 100 participants and the feedback is consistent: in a single day the participants learnt more about angel investing than they could have through months of reading through text books, newspapers or courses.

We are looking to build this one day session as a regular format that will travel across cities and soon across countries, with a vision of 10,000 people attending this session over the next 2 years.

The next single day Miniversity is scheduled in Delhi on 7th December. If you a founder wanting to understand how angels think or an investor who has been planning to start investing, spend the day with us. This might just be the most fruitful day you have spent in a long time!