Our team is small.
Our network is exceptional.
our team
We love our craft and are passionate about entrepreneurship
As a close-knit and diverse team, we take pride in the rich tapestry of strengths, experiences, accomplishments, and even failures that each member brings to the table.
Our network advantage is driven by our collective entrepreneurial experience and the wealth of collaboration among founders who support one another.
Abhinav Gupta
An entrepreneur and investor, Abhinav has co-founded and sold two D2C brands (The Essential Goods and White Spindle) to established players. He is also a director of Ashnoor Textile Mills (BOM: 507872), company part of his family business where he led the growth and marketing and increased revenue from $15m to north of $60m in four years.
Now, Abhinav is the chief investment officer and founder of 535West, a mid-stage VC fund investing in companies that are driving positive change in the world. He has deployed capital in companies like Stonks, Pipe, Metamap, Upgrade, Petal and others.
Nitya Singh
Nitya leads Investment and Strategy at 535West, bringing a dynamic, go-getter attitude to the role. She has built new verticals focused on identifying better investment opportunities. With a focus on early-stage startups, she drives day-to-day activities, sourcing and leading investment processes, especially for Indian opportunities. Nitya's approach involves rigorous testing, financial diligence, and hands-on product demos, reflecting her commitment to sound decision-making. Prior to 535West, she showcased her expertise at KPMG, managing strategy and operations for a large team alongside global partners. Her experience with one of India’s top early-stage investors and her personal investments within her network further enhance her impact in the industry.
Arjun Dev Arora
Arjun is a Venture Partner at 535West and the Founder of Format One. He advises funds, startups, LPs, and Fortune 100 companies, drawing from his extensive experience in angel investing, institutional venture investment, and institutional LP involvement. Arjun specialises in supporting founders and fund managers with their capital intelligence needs (CIQ). Previously, he held roles at 500 Startups and Yahoo! and has been internationally recognized for his entrepreneurship and commitment to a values-centred organisation, including accolades from the White House and United Nations.
Todd Ruppert
R. Todd Ruppert is the founder and CEO of Ruppert International, with extensive global experience in investment, finance, and strategy consulting. With over 40 years in the financial services industry, Todd was CEO and president of T. Rowe Price Global Investment Services and co-president of T. Rowe Price International, helping oversee the firm’s $1.5 trillion in assets. He also served as a venture partner at Greenspring Associates, a $17 billion venture capital firm. His career is marked by a strong commitment to investments and global initiatives, as well as philanthropy in education and the arts.