The People
Sponsors with decades across enterprise building, capital markets, investment banking, insurance and governance, alongside a dedicated fund management team.
SPONSORS AND FUND MANAGEMENT TEAM
A seasoned entrepreneur with over three decades in business development, strategy and enterprise building, Manhar Kakadia has led Kakadia Group since 1991, with a strong record of identifying high-growth opportunities and scaling businesses through disciplined execution. His understanding of market cycles, promoter mindset and business fundamentals informs Sumeru’s evaluation of growth potential, strategic execution and long-term value creation.
A first-generation industrial entrepreneur with over four decades of experience, Ajay Agarwal played a pivotal role in building Shubhalakshmi Polyesters into one of India’s leading polyester manufacturers. His experience scaling manufacturing operations, driving strategic expansion and navigating business cycles gives Sumeru deep insight into industrial businesses, promoter quality, capital allocation and sustainable long-term value creation.
With over two decades across financial markets, media and market technology, including leadership roles at HSBC, Motilal Oswal, CNBC-TV18 and Wallfort Financial, Rushabh Shah brings a rare combination of capital-markets expertise and technology-led market insight, strengthening Sumeru’s read on financial ecosystems, emerging trends and evolving opportunities.
A veteran investment banking professional with over three decades in equity and debt syndication, Neeraj Kumbhat brings deep expertise in capital raising, transaction structuring and promoter advisory across business growth stages, adding significant value to Sumeru’s evaluation of capital efficiency, deal structuring and value-unlocking opportunities.
With over three decades in leadership development, governance and institution building across educational, social and leadership-driven institutions, Mehul Parikh strengthens Sumeru’s governance-led investment philosophy, and its conviction that leadership quality drives long-term business success.
A seasoned insurance and financial-services leader with nearly four decades in risk advisory, claims management and corporate insurance solutions, Nilesh Desai brings deep expertise in enterprise risk assessment and downside protection, sharpening the fund’s focus on capital preservation, governance and disciplined decision-making.
A seasoned business leader with extensive experience across capital markets, enterprise growth, and strategic advisory, contributing to Sumeru’s governance-first evaluation and long-term value creation.
MBA (FMS Delhi) Gold Medalist and former Principal at Boston Consulting Group, Akash Sethia brings institutional transaction experience across private equity, capital markets and strategic advisory in India and Europe, enhancing Sumeru’s ability to evaluate complex investment opportunities and growth-oriented financial strategies.
More than nine years across investment banking, private markets and financial analysis, with a track record of spotting quality businesses and multi-bagger opportunities, and extensive execution across private equity, IPO advisory, pre-IPO fundraising and strategic transactions.
Ritika is actively involved in identifying and evaluating high-growth private companies with strong long-term potential. She contributes to investment research, commercial due diligence, and portfolio monitoring, working closely with founders and management teams to understand business quality and scalability. Her analytical approach and understanding of private markets strengthen Sumeru's investment process in uncovering compelling late-stage and pre-IPO opportunities.
A corporate finance specialist with years of private market transaction experience, sourcing and evaluating deals, conducting due diligence, and partnering with promoters to optimize financial models and reporting structures.
Independent trustee, custodian and counsel oversee every layer of the fund. How the fund is structured →