Rajan Anandan

Rajan Anandan is a highly influential figure in the Indian and Southeast Asian startup ecosystem, currently serving as a Managing Director at Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India & SEA), where he spearheads the firm's prominent early-stage accelerator program, Surge. His appointment in 2019 marked a significant shift, leveraging his extensive operational experience gained from leadership roles as Vice President for Google India and Southeast Asia, and Managing Director at Microsoft India. Anandan's deep understanding of technology markets and scaling businesses has been instrumental in shaping Surge into a formidable platform for nascent ventures.

Under Anandan's leadership, Surge has become a cornerstone for early-stage funding and mentorship in the region. The program is designed to provide crucial first institutional capital and strategic support to promising startups. Typically, Surge invests between $1 million and $3 million in its cohort companies, aiming to be the lead investor or a significant participant in their seed rounds. This structured approach allows founders to focus on product development and market fit, backed by Peak XV's extensive network and resources.

Rajan Anandan's impact extends beyond capital deployment; he is known for his hands-on approach and commitment to nurturing founders. Prior to his role at Peak XV, he was one of India's most prolific angel investors, having personally backed over 80 startups, demonstrating his long-standing dedication to fostering innovation. Since its inception, Surge has supported over 130 companies across more than ten cohorts, solidifying its reputation as a critical launchpad for the next generation of regional tech giants. His strategic vision continues to drive Surge's mission to identify and empower disruptive startups, making it a pivotal force in the venture capital landscape.