Apoorva Sharma

Apoorva Sharma is a pioneering and leading figure in the Indian venture debt financing ecosystem. As Managing Partner at Stride Ventures, she has been instrumental in fundraising, investor relations, and deal sourcing across diverse sectors like FinTech, Consumer, B2B commerce, and HealthTech. Her strategic vision has positioned Stride Ventures as one of the largest and most active venture debt firms in India, with a focus on supporting high-growth startups and creating a comprehensive financial ecosystem. She is noted as one of the first Indian women to achieve the role of Managing Partner in a venture debt fund. strideventures+3

With over 11 years of experience in the lending ecosystem, Apoorva brings a strong background from investment banking and financial structuring. Her career began at HSBC in debt capital markets, followed by a role at Xander Finance where she focused on deal sourcing, underwriting, and structuring. This extensive experience has provided her with a deep understanding of financial markets and the unique needs of startup funding. strideventures+2

Apoorva is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Management Shillong, holding a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) with a high academic achievement of 91.7%. She is also a CFA charter holder, underscoring her strong financial acumen and expertise. She values her foundational education, describing her time at IIM Shillong as transformative and essential to her career path. strideventures+2

Beyond her professional endeavors, Apoorva is recognized for her thoughtful perspectives on the venture debt market. She is a frequent speaker and contributor to discussions on startup financing, emphasizing the importance of debt solutions and an entrepreneur-first approach. Her insights highlight the evolving landscape of Indian venture debt, which has crossed the US$1 Billion mark. founderthesis+1