It’s with profound sorrow that we confirm Neeraj Tyagi passed away on August 16, 2025, following a suspected heart attack. His sudden demise is a huge loss to the startup community, and he will always be remembered for his vision, leadership, and unwavering support to entrepreneurs.
A Pillar of the Startup Community
Neeraj Tyagi’s contributions to India’s startup world were both extensive and deeply impactful:
• We Founder Circle (WFC): Established in 2020, WFC was grounded in the belief that successful founders should actively support emerging ones. The platform evolved into a global community of founders and strategic angels, empowering startup growth through seed funding, mentorship, and international networking .
• Avinya Ventures: As co-founder and partner of a $60 million early-stage VC fund, Neeraj continued his mission of institutionalizing angel investing and bridging the gap between founders and capital .
• Invstt: Another pioneering venture led by him, Invstt was designed to democratize startup investing. It amassed a community of over 27,000 investors spanning 66 countries and 900 cities .
• Angel Investor & Mentor: Personally, Neeraj had invested in more than 60 startups, including noteworthy firms such as BluSmart, Rooter, Zypp Electric, Oben Electric, Anveshan, ClearDekho, and HealthySure, reflecting his deep engagement with and belief in India’s innovation landscape .
• Global Connector and Speaker: Apart from investments, he was renowned for forging vital global linkages—leading delegations to startup ecosystems in London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, and Dubai. He was also an enthusiastic presence at industry panels and academic institutions, including leading B‑schools and startup events .
The Journey Behind the Impact
Before founding his own ventures, Neeraj served as a managing partner at Venture Catalysts, one of India’s earliest angel investment networks, where he played a role in fundraising efforts for over 200 startups .
His early career was steeped in digital media and creative direction—overseeing content production for major corporates like Microsoft, Google, Network18, and Whirlpool. A management graduate, he also completed executive education at MIT Sloan School of Management, fortifying his strategic and entrepreneurial acumen .
A Sudden Loss, A Vast Emptiness
Media reports confirm that Neeraj Tyagi passed away on August 16, 2025, and while a formal statement is awaited, industry sources suggest a suspected heart attack .
His untimely passing marks another tragic loss for India’s startup ecosystem, following recent departures like those of Rohan Mirchandani, Rohan Malhotra, and Ambareesh Murty—each a significant force in their own right .
A Tribute to His Legacy
Neeraj Tyagi was more than an investor; he was a passionate advocate, a connector, and a mentor who believed in the promise of founders everywhere. His legacy endures in every startup he nurtured, every founder he encouraged, and the ecosystems he helped build.
May his soul rest in peace. His vision will continue to inspire and uplift the startup community he helped shape.
