Big Move in Indian Startup World: Sekhar Garisa Appointed MD at Claypond Capital

Sekhar Garisa Named Managing Director at Claypond Capital, Ranjan Pai’s Investment Office

Claypond Capital, the family investment office of Manipal Group’s chairman Dr. Ranjan Pai, has announced the appointment of Sekhar Garisa as its new Managing Director. This move brings a seasoned leader with extensive experience across top global firms and startups into the driver’s seat of a key player in India’s fast-growing venture investment space.

Garisa’s appointment signals Claypond Capital’s intention to deepen its footprint in India’s startup ecosystem, especially as it pushes an entrepreneur-first approach to investing.

Who Is Sekhar Garisa?

 A Leader with a Rich Corporate and Startup Background

Sekhar Garisa comes with a 20-year career that spans entrepreneurship and executive leadership across multiple sectors—FMCG, consumer internet, tech, and consulting. His resume features prestigious companies such as:

• Quess Corp – As President of Product Businesses, he transformed Foundit (formerly Monster India) into one of India’s top talent management platforms.

• Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and Procter & Gamble (P&G) – Garisa held key leadership roles across these global giants, gaining experience in scaling operations, strategy, and product innovation.

 Academic Credentials

• Engineering: NIT Warangal

• MBA: IIM Lucknow

Garisa’s mix of strong academic foundations and hands-on leadership in both corporates and startups makes him an ideal fit to lead a venture firm focused on empowering Indian founders.

 What Is Claypond Capital?

 A Family Investment Office with Startup Focus

Founded in 2023, Claypond Capital is the family investment office of Dr. Ranjan Pai, one of India’s most influential entrepreneurs and philanthropists. It operates within the broader Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG) ecosystem and is based in Bengaluru.

 Entrepreneur-First Philosophy

Claypond Capital aims to partner with Indian startups through what it calls a “Confidence Capital” model—offering not just money but long-term support, mentorship, and belief in the founder’s vision. The firm is led by Shyam Powar, a veteran investment banker, and now strengthened by the arrival of Garisa.

What Garisa Said About His New Role

Garisa shared his excitement in an official statement:

“There has never been a better time for Indian startups as we see the coming together of quality founders, bold ideas, and tech-led innovation. We are building Claypond Capital to be the partner of choice for India’s entrepreneurs through a strong ‘Entrepreneur First’ approach—Confidence capital coupled with long-term commitment to the vision of the founders. I am very excited to work closely with founders as they build transformative businesses.”

His words reflect Claypond’s vision of going beyond capital to become a true partner in innovation.

 Why This Appointment Matters

 Strengthens Claypond’s Position in India’s Startup Ecosystem

With Garisa at the helm, Claypond Capital is positioning itself to:

• Invest in early-stage and growth-stage startups

• Actively engage with founders on strategy, product development, and scaling

• Create an ecosystem of support that mirrors what venture studios and accelerators offer, but with patient, long-term capital

 Strategic for the Manipal Group Legacy

Dr. Ranjan Pai has long supported healthcare and education initiatives through the Manipal Group, and now Claypond Capital represents his expansion into the tech and startup investment landscape.

Pai’s trust in Garisa is evident. He stated:

“I am happy that Sekhar is coming on board and with his experience and skill sets, he will add tremendous value to our portfolio companies and founders.”

 India’s Startup Landscape—The Right Time for Bold Moves

 Indian Startups Need More Than Just Capital

In a time when global venture capital funding is tightening, what startups need is more than just money. Claypond’s focus on providing hands-on support and strategic guidance fills a critical gap in the market.

Garisa’s background—especially his success in transforming Foundit into a high-growth platform—makes him uniquely suited to mentor founders and help them scale product-led businesses.

 Bengaluru—The Perfect Base

Being headquartered in Bengaluru, India’s startup capital, gives Claypond direct access to:

• Top talent

• Innovative ideas

• Fast-growing ventures in SaaS, AI, healthtech, and edtech

 A Power Move That Signals Growth

Sekhar Garisa’s appointment as Managing Director of Claypond Capital marks a significant milestone for the firm and a strategic shift for the Manipal Group’s investment strategy. With Dr. Ranjan Pai’s backing and Garisa’s visionary leadership, Claypond is poised to become a key player in India’s startup funding ecosystem.

As the startup space evolves in 2025, eyes will be on Claypond Capital to see how it empowers the next wave of Indian entrepreneurs.