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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Insider is putting together a list of the best up-and-coming venture capitalists of 2024.</li><li>We want to spotlight US-based VCs who are skilled at dealmaking at both large and small funds.</li></ul>We are seeking nominations for Insider's yearly list of rising stars of venture capital, and we want to hear from you.Submit your suggestions below or <a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" class="" href="https://forms.gle/NsfCPK2ruEfRs9Lg8">via this form.</a>We're looking for US-based venture capitalists who are working hard to find and fund the next big startups. These individuals may be early in their careers at big-name funds or managing young funds and wowing their peers in the industry.In the past, we've had people with various roles and experiences from VC funds like Founders Fund, Greylock Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Tiger Global, and Spark Capital.Take a look at<a target="_blank" rel="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rising-stars-venture-capital-tech-startups-2023-11"> our 2023 list here.</a>Note: Due to the large volume of applicants, we're unable to provide additional guidance on the selection process. Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

Business Insider is seeking nominations for the 2024 rising stars of venture capital

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="12954410" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="amy-wu" source="Orion">Amy Wu</keyword>, head of <keyword id="13125116" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ftx-ventures" source="Orion">FTX Ventures</keyword> Fund, said integrating <keyword id="11893898" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="crypto" source="Orion">crypto</keyword> can enhance gaming experiences. </li><li>She urged video game developers to respect the voices of their fans. </li></ul>Amy Wu, head of <keyword id="11930688" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ftx" source="Orion">FTX</keyword> Ventures Fund, said integrating cryptocurrencies into video games could enhance the overall gaming experience and urged developers to respect the voice of fans when making decisions about how to use crypto.In an episode of <a href="https://decrypt.co/92929/ftx-vc-amy-wu-how-crypto-nft-gamers-can-get-along">Decrypt's gm podcast</a>, Wu described how the first games to integrate crypto were play-to-earn, which she said garnered some pushback. And while some frictions have eased, she said she has yet to see studios develop games that seamlessly incorporate digital assets while also delivering great gameplay. For now, most revolve around tokenomics, she said."I wouldn't have been able to predict kind of how fierce the animosity has been with some gamers against NFTs and it's unfortunate, but it's interesting," she told Decrypt.A number of high-profile developers have announced they would integrate crypto into their games to mixed reception from fans. Developer <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/currencies/video-game-developer-drops-plans-nfts-fan-backlash-stalker-gsc-2021-12">GSC Game World nixed its NFT plans</a> just days after announcing they would be a part of its highly-anticipated S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 video game after backlash from its fan community. "Game studios should be a lot more thoughtful and careful about how to communicate with their player base, especially if you're taking a beloved game and adding blockchain components to it. It's different when you're creating a new game," she added.FTX Ventures focuses on a broad range of investment themes across social, gaming, fintech, software, and healthcare in multi-stage companies. Wu is a former partner at <keyword id="12954412" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="lightspeed-venture-partners" source="Orion">Lightspeed Venture Partners</keyword> and now helms the crypto exchange's <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/currencies/crypto-exchange-ftx-venture-fund-amy-wu-lightspeed-web3-sbf-2022-1">$2 billion venture fund</a> with a focus on advancing global blockchain and Web3 adoption.Wu said she understands why gamers are concerned their experiences will be altered should blockchain technology take over the industry. "There are few fan bases more passionate than a gamer is about their game. They're super protective of sticking to the integrity of the content, that the studio is doing the right thing, that their voice is being respected," she told Decrypt. <div type="image" title="Photo of Ramnik Arora, head of product at FTX, Amy Wu, head of FTX Ventures, and Sam Bankman Fried, founder of FTX." height="749" width="1498" msid="89601688" hostid="261"></div>Still, Wu, who is a prominent investor in gaming startups, is optimistic the right balance will be achieved in the next few years. "I think we'll be creating a lot of new Web3 gaming fans along the way as well, in addition to converting some of the existing gamers," she added.Crypto exchange FTX, founded by billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried, was valued at a whopping <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/currencies/sam-bankman-fried-ftx-valuation-fundraising-crypto-winter-bitcoin-2022-1">$32 billion</a> in its most recent funding round.

FTX's Amy Wu says crypto could enhance gaming experiences and urges developers to 'respect' fans' voices

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="11930688" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ftx" source="Orion">FTX</keyword> is launching a $2 billion venture fund that will focus on advancing global blockchain and Web3 adoption.</li><li>The fund, called FTX Ventures, will be helmed by <keyword id="12954410" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="amy-wu" source="Orion">Amy Wu</keyword>, who was most recently a partner at <keyword id="12954412" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="lightspeed-venture-partners" source="Orion">Lightspeed Venture Partners</keyword>.</li></ul>Crypto exchange FTX is launching a $2 billion venture fund that will focus on advancing global blockchain and Web3 adoption, according to an announcement <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ftx-launches-2-billion-ventures-fund-hires-former-lightspeed-partner-amy-wu-301461078.html">Friday</a>.FTX Ventures will focus on a broad range of investment themes across social, gaming, fintech, software, and healthcare in multi-stage companies.The fund will be helmed by Amy Wu, who was most recently a partner at <keyword id="12954411" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="lightspeed" source="Orion">Lightspeed</keyword> Venture Partners, a $10 billion venture fund where she led crypto and gaming investments, including the fund's investment in FTX. Wu will also lead the gaming, merger and acquisitions, and commercial initiatives of FTX.Wu will be overseeing a team of eight, including General Partner Ramnik Arora and Advisor Armani Ferrante, and will be based in the Bahamas. She will remain a venture partner at Lightspeed."In my career, I've always followed people I was inspired by," Wu said in a <a href="https://twitter.com/amytongwu/status/1481977813326520325?s=20">tweet</a> Friday. "This year, as I worked closely with the FTX team after we invested at [Lightspeed], it became obvious [Sam Bankman-Fried] was the extraordinary CEO to follow."<div type="image" title="Photo of Ramnik Arora, head of product at FTX, Amy Wu, head of FTX Ventures, and Sam Bankman Fried, founder of FTX." height="749" width="1498" msid="88903304" hostid="261"></div>Wu told <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wsj.com%2Farticles%2Fcrypto-exchange-ftx-sets-up-2-billion-venture-fund-11642163402%3Fpage%3D1">The Wall Street Journal</a>, which first reported the news, that the fund will invest funds as it sees fit."We could possibly deploy it all next year but it depends on the opportunities we see in the market," she told WSJ.FTX, which most recently was valued at <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/currencies/ftx-crypto-exchange-25-billion-series-b1-sam-bankman-fried-2021-10">$25 billion</a>, made more than a dozen investments in startups before it launched FTX Ventures.The newest fund joins the ranks of other crypto firms including <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/searchresults?_search=coinbase">Coinbase Global</a> and Binance to invest in digital asset startups.

Crypto exchange FTX is launching a $2 billion venture capital fund

<ul><li><keyword id="366603" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Matrix-Partners-India">Matrix Partners India</keyword>, Ankur Capital, Better Capital and <keyword id="8830555" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="titan-capital">Titan Capital</keyword> also participated in the round.</li><li><keyword id="9611309" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="VeGrow">Vegrow</keyword> provides a technology platform to farmers, which can be used to get high quality farm inputs and best farming practices.</li><li>The <keyword id="3210932" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="B2B-startup">B2B startup</keyword> is looking to expand to 100 cities, invest in technology and launch new products.</li></ul>Business-to-business (B2B) agritech startup for sourcing fruits and vegetables, Vegrow, has raised $13 million in a Series A round co-led by <keyword id="455799" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lightspeed-Venture-Partners">Lightspeed Venture Partners</keyword> and Elevation Capital. Existing investors Matrix Partners India, Ankur Capital, Better Capital and Titan Capital also participated in the round. The company had raised $2.5 million in a seed round in June 2020. Vegrow was founded in April 2020 by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) alumni Praneeth Kumar, Shobhit Jain, Mrudhukar Batchu and Kiran <keyword id="50744" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Naik">Naik</keyword>, who have varying experience in the agri sector. Kumar and Jain started their career at fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) giant ITC’s agribusiness division, whereas Batchu and Naik were directly involved in farming. The company works with small-hold farmers on a profit sharing model and offers assistance across various stages of the farming cycle using technology. Vegrow provides a technology platform to farmers, which can be used to get high quality farm inputs and best farming practices. The platform also enables farmers to sell their harvest to the right buyers for the right price. The B2B startup claims to help farmers in getting higher returns, reducing supply-chain wastage and improving procurement for wholesalers. The company’s founders have emphasised that the new funding will help Vegrow to expand to 100 new cities, invest in technology and launch new products. The company claims to be one of the largest companies for pomegranates in the country in less than a year. Meanwhile, Lightspeed’s partner Vaibhav Agrawal said that companies building a tech-enabled marketplace between farmers and buyers could help eliminate inefficiencies and would have large market opportunities eventually. “Additionally, many marketplaces have scaled up on negative unit margins in this category, so we were really impressed by the growth and positive unit margin Vegrow has demonstrated using its technology-oriented approach to standardise quality, minimise inventory and retain farmers,” Agrawal added. Apart from Vegrow, other companies in India’s agritech space include Ninjakart, AgNext, Samunnati, Dehaat, Farmart, and WayCool. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/swiggy-raises-1-25-billion-in-a-mega-round-of-funding-led-by-softbank-and-prosus/articleshow/84578974.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Swiggy gets a $1.25 billion cheque from Softbank for the same reason Zomato went for an IPO</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/globalbees-has-raised-150-million-in-few-months-of-launch-to-acquire-more-businesses/articleshow/84552291.cms">GlobalBees, a Thrasio-style startup launched by FirstCry and Edelweiss execs, raises $150 million in few months of launch</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/how-to-find-out-if-your-phone-is-infected-by-the-pegasus-spyware/articleshow/84578193.cms">This toolkit will tell you if your phone is infected by the Pegasus spyware</a>

Agritech startup Vegrow raises $13 million Lightspeed, Elevation

SaaS platform for online stores <keyword id="1249046" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="dukaan" source="Orion">Dukaan</keyword> has laid off nearly 30 per cent of its workforce, or around 60 employees - its second layoff in about six months. Inc42 reported that the latest layoffs impacted employees in the sales team and accounts. According to the report, the retail tech platform "shifted its focus to helping D2C brands scale up and this was the reason for the layoffs". In 2021, Dukaan raised $12.4 Mn in its pre-Series A round led by 640 <keyword id="16813517" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="oxford-ventures" source="Orion">Oxford Ventures</keyword>. It also raised $6 million in a seed round from <keyword id="366603" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="matrix-partners-india" source="Orion">Matrix Partners India</keyword> and Lightspeed India Partners. In the same year, Dukaan partnered with homegrown hyperlocal delivery platform Dunzo and e-commerce aggregation platform Shiprocket to integrate delivery into the platform for a seamless retail experience. Founded in 2020 by <keyword id="12033809" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="suumit-shah" source="Orion">Suumit Shah</keyword> and <keyword id="2201253" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="subhash-choudhary" source="Orion">Subhash Choudhary</keyword>, Dukaan is a comprehensive platform that provides end-to-end solutions ranging from inventory management, promotions, sales, payment and delivery for sellers across the country. In September last year, Dukaan partnered ShareChat and Moj to enable the merchants on its platform to collaborate with creators present on ShareChat and Moj to promote their products through video and live content. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/rare-vulture-species-sighted-at-dudhwa-national-park/articleshow/98691284.cms">Rare vulture species sighted at Dudhwa National Park</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/once-again-lemon-prices-soar-to-200-per-kilo/articleshow/98691510.cms">Once again, lemon prices soar to ₹200 per kilo</a>

Retail tech platform Dukaan lays off 30% of its workforce; second layoff in 6 months

<keyword id="2434035" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rapper-Raftaar">Rapper Raftaar</keyword> has invested in the <keyword id="11790278" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="frontrow-app">FrontRow app</keyword>, six months after Deepika Padukone invested in the same platform. After investing in the learning and community platform, <keyword id="302421" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Raftaar">Raftaar</keyword> told <keyword id="105681" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="IANS">IANS</keyword>: "I am very excited to be joining forces with the stellar crew at <keyword id="4975958" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="frontrow">FrontRow</keyword> and see how I can add value in fostering the culture of non-academic education across India. In my teenage years, I was always motivated by the creative arts and felt like a misfit in the conventional educational setup. I have always believed there is more to life than traditional degrees and textbook knowledge and skill development deserves its spotlight now, more than ever." Elaborating how the app would be beneficial for the youth in rural areas due to unlimited avenues, he added: "Whilst interacting with young minds during my tours in different cities, I realised that rural India has alternate passions, most of which it cannot pursue. The students would come up to me and talk about their acting, singing, and filmmaking dreams. They didn't want to do engineering, IT, or medical. But they had limited avenues because they weren't in Mumbai or New Delhi." Emphasising the necessity of the app in today's times, he said: "I want to make non-academic learning accessible and affordable for small-town Indians and hope to do so as I embark on this new journey. A big shout out to my partner, Ankit Khanna (AK Projekts) for making this happen." FrontRow has secured an undisclosed amount from Raftaar and AK Projekts. The fundraise came six months after Frontrow secured seed funding of $3.2 million from Deepika Padukone, <keyword id="455799" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lightspeed-Venture-Partners">Lightspeed Venture Partners</keyword>, and Elevation Capital (formerly SAIF Partners). Reflecting on the development, Mikhil Raj, co-founder, FrontRow told IANS: "We are excited to join hands with Raftaar on the mission of democratising access to learning with partnerships with some of the industry's finest peers and experts at an affordable price from the comfort of your home. We continue to aspire to make learning accessible, easier, and enjoyable at FrontRow with partnerships like these." The non-academic skill development platform was founded by serial entrepreneurs Mikhil Raj, Shubhadit Sharma, and Ishaan Preet Singh in 2020. The app has forged creative alliances with celebrities like Neha Kakkar, DIVINE, Suresh Raina, Amit Trivedi, Biswa Kalyan Rath, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Raju Srivastava, <keyword id="6404681" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sunburn">Sunburn</keyword>, MortaL and 8bit Thug in the past. Adding on Ankit Khanna, founder, AK Projekts said: "We are extremely bullish on the opportunity presented in the celebrity-driven vocational training platform segment in India. We believe there is huge merit and scope in this business that allows a wide section of people to have access to leaders from their respective fields and to learn from them directly. We are excited to support a new archetype for learning, an assortment of education, entertainment, and community." SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/google-is-now-using-chrome-as-another-security-layer-for-account-sign-ins/articleshow/84975356.cms">Google is now using Chrome as an added security layer for account sign-ins</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/how-to-check-allotment-status-of-glenmark-life-sciences-ipo/articleshow/84978486.cms">Glenmark Life Sciences IPO: How to check allotment status, listing date and more</a>

After Deepika Padukone, Rapper Raftaar also invests in learning community FrontRow

Artificial Intelligence-powered <keyword id="11421393" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="talent-intelligence-platform-eightfold-ai">talent intelligence platform Eightfold AI</keyword> on Thursday announced that it has raised a $220 million in its Series E funding round led by SoftBanks Vision Fund 2. The company has raised more than $410 million to date, with $350 million coming in the last six months. <keyword id="10356092" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Eightfold-AI">Eightfold AI</keyword> said that the <keyword id="6356305" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="funds">funds</keyword> will be used to continue the rapid growth and development of its talent intelligence platform and expand its growing partner ecosystem. "Current HR systems were designed to address issues from a previous era, and they have failed to keep pace with the changing nature of work and the workforce," said Ashutosh <keyword id="196154" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Garg">Garg</keyword>, Founder and CEO at Eightfold. "At Eightfold, we have an unprecedented opportunity, using AI to align the career goals of individuals while simultaneously creating better results for employers," Garg added. Additionally, Eightfold AI will use the funds to continue expanding its <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> operations, investing in the most talented data scientists and engineers in the region. The Series E funding round also saw investments from General Catalyst, Capital One Ventures, <keyword id="152673" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Foundation-Capital">Foundation Capital</keyword>, <keyword id="189239" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="IVP">IVP</keyword> and <keyword id="455799" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lightspeed-Venture-Partners">Lightspeed Venture Partners</keyword>. "Powered by AI and machine learning, Eightfold's platform provides global enterprises with a single solution for managing the entire talent lifecycle, including hiring, retaining, and growing a diverse global workforce," said Deep Nishar, Senior Managing Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/gadgets/news/realme-is-expected-to-launch-the-realme-book-and-realme-pad-on-june-15/articleshow/83398969.cms">Realme Book leaked ahead of launch, expected to debut with Realme Pad on June 15</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/iran-is-planning-to-introduce-a-legal-framework-for-crypto-even-as-bitcoin-mining-activity-remains-restricted/articleshow/83396588.cms">Iran is planning to introduce a legal framework for crypto even as bitcoin mining activity remains restricted</a>

Talent intelligence platform Eightfold AI raises $220 million led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2

Bengaluru, Manufacturing platform <keyword id="7466761" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="zetwerk">Zetwerk</keyword> has raised $120 million (nearly ₹880 crore) in its Series D round led by US-based <keyword id="2779666" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Greenoaks-Capital">Greenoaks Capital</keyword> and <keyword id="455799" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lightspeed-Venture-Partners">Lightspeed Venture Partners</keyword>. <keyword id="136147" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sequoia-Capital-India">Sequoia Capital India</keyword> and Kae Capital also participated in the round, Zetwerk said on Tuesday. This Series D round comes after the company's $21 million Series C round in July 2020, bringing the total equity capital raised by the company to $193 million. "The <keyword id="6651103" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Global-manufacturing-industry">global manufacturing industry</keyword> has had to swiftly adjust to the new normal, and digital solutions have become essential. Zetwerk accelerates this digital transformation with state-of-the-art productivity tools and remote project management," Amrit Acharya, Co-founder &amp; CEO, Zetwerk, said in a statement. "2021 will see further pace of growth as companies seek to diversify their procurement to minimise disruptions and become more agile and resilient." Zetwerk was founded in 2018 by <keyword id="6386086" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Institutes-of-Technology">Indian Institutes of Technology</keyword> (IIT) alumni Acharya, Srinath Ramakkrushnan, Rahul Sharma and Vishal Chaudhary with the aim of making it the go-to platform for the global manufacturing industry. It runs business-to-business marketplace for manufacturing parts. The platform is increasingly being adopted globally, with the company growing 3X year-on-year in 2020, despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, said Bengaluru-based Zetwerk. Zetwerk is modernising the manufacturing industry using proprietary technology and project management techniques. Since its founding, Zetwerk has forged deep partnerships in three key segments - precision parts, capital goods and consumer goods, serving a diverse range of product categories including prefabricated structures for infrastructure projects, sheet metal parts for electric vehicles, precision parts for aerospace, assembly lines for consumer durables, etc. With this fundraising, Zetwerk said it will further strengthen its technology and continue its expansion into new categories and regions. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/home-first-finance-company-ipo-lists-at-618-19-premium-over-the-issue-price/articleshow/80662539.cms">Warburg Pincus-backed Home First Finance Company IPO lists at 19% premium over the issue price</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/indias-principal-economic-advisor-says-the-real-monopoly-to-be-worried-about-is-in-search-internet-and-social-media/articleshow/80663403.cms">INTERVIEW: Google and Facebook ahoy! India’s Principal Economic Advisor says the real monopoly to be worried about is in search, internet and social media</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/budget-2021-22-prioritises-gaganyaan-indias-human-spaceflight-mission-over-all-others-heres-why/articleshow/80663272.cms">Budget 2021-22 prioritises Gaganyaan, India’s human spaceflight mission, over all others — here’s why</a>

Zetwerk raises $120 million from Greenoaks Capital and Lightspeed Venture Partners

Hospitality major <keyword id="7036155" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="OYO-Hotels-Homes">OYO Hotels &amp; Homes</keyword>' valuation has reached the $9 billion-mark, according to industry sources. The development comes after the latest fundraise of ₹54 crore or $7.31 million from <keyword id="145884" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hindustan-Media-Ventures-Ltd">Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd</keyword>. In a regulatory filing with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, OYO said that it has raised ₹54 crore ($7.31 million) at a share price of $58,490 as part of its <keyword id="10872902" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="series-f1-round">Series F1 round</keyword>. With over 50 products and more than 500 microservices, the company plans to utilise the capital in strengthening its technology stack for delivering an improved partner and customer experience. <keyword id="183958" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hindustan-Media-Ventures">Hindustan Media Ventures</keyword> subscribed to OYO's Series F1 Compulsory Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares (Series F1 CCCPS) for cash at an issue price of ₹43.20 lakh per Series F1 CCCPS for an aggregate consideration equivalent to ₹54 crore to Hindustan Media Ventures Limited on a private placement basis. The growth in valuation comes after it dropped to $8 billion last year from $10 billion in November 2019. OYO Hotels &amp; Homes is also backed by investors including the SoftBank Vision Fund, <keyword id="122716" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sequoia-Capital">Sequoia Capital</keyword>, <keyword id="860456" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lightspeed-Ventures">Lightspeed Ventures</keyword>, Airbnb, and Hero Enterprise, amongst others. In October 2019, OYO announced that it had raised $1.5 billion, as part of its Series F funding round. As a part of this round, RA Hospitality Holdings' infused approximately $700 million as primary capital in the company, with the balance of $800 million being supplemented by other existing investors. When contacted Abhishek Gupta, Chief Financial Officer, OYO Hotels &amp; Homes told: "We are delighted to welcome HT <keyword id="283616" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Media-Ventures-Ltd">Media Ventures Ltd</keyword>. as an investor in OYO. Their support will help us to further build on our unique technology stack for small hotels and homeowners across the world." He said that OYO is on a steady path of resurgence in 2021, the company is seeing signs of recovery in its core markets of India, Europe, and Southeast Asia while sustaining gross margin dollars at pre-Covid levels. "Despite the pandemic, the company's valuation has held through and we believe this will only improve as the guests across the world gradually begin to travel again," Gupta said. Piyush Gupta, Group CFO, HT Media Ventures Ltd, said: "We are extremely excited to partner OYO in its mission of supporting owners and operators of small and independent hotels and homes through its pioneering technology. We look forward to working with the company's management as it continues to add value to the experience of its asset partners and guests alike." Hindustan Media Ventures is promoted by HT Media Ltd which holds 74.4 per cent stake in the company. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-find-my-stalking-airtags-item-safety-alerts/articleshow/81342449.cms">Apple’s new Find My feature updated to prevent stalking as launch of the rumoured AirTags nears</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/regulating-digital-news-is-important-but-freedom-of-press-is-precious/articleshow/81341289.cms">OPINION: Regulating digital news is important but freedom of press is precious</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/heranba-industries-ipo-makes-a-bumper-debut-on-stock-exchanges/articleshow/81342578.cms?upcaceh=2">Heranba Industries makes a bumper debut on stock exchanges — shares soar 44% over the issue price band</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/ignore-low-cibil-score-for-street-vendor-loans-work-on-holidays-and-other-diktats-from-indian-government-to-banks-rushing-to-meet-march-target/articleshow/81223572.cms">EXCLUSIVE: Bankers may be working all 31 days of March with the government looking to double the loans doled out under the PM SVANidhi scheme</a>

OYO's valuation climbs again — hits $9 billion after its latest fundraise of $7 million

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Insider is putting together a list of the best up-and-coming venture capitalists of 2023. </li><li>We want to spotlight VCs who are skilled at dealmaking at both large and small funds. </li></ul>We are seeking nominations for Insider's yearly list of rising stars of venture capital, and we want to hear from you. Submit your suggestions below or <a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEhyuQF36lmSeEy3yaCpBJjXu-_ycnlYOdaKjwsPizErSMsw/viewform?usp=sf_link">via this form.</a>We're looking for the venture capitalists working hard to find and fund the next big startups, that are early in their careers at big-name funds, or managing young funds and wowing their peers in the industry. In the past, we've had people with a variety of roles and experiences from VC funds like Founders Fund, Greylock Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Tiger Global, and Spark Capital.Take a look at<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/venture-capital-rising-stars-startups-tech-2022-12"> our 2022 list here.</a><h2>Criteria and methodology</h2>Our selection criteria: We ask that nominees have invested in high-interest startups in the past year, and stand out from their peers. Editors make the final decisions.Please make your submission below or through <a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEhyuQF36lmSeEy3yaCpBJjXu-_ycnlYOdaKjwsPizErSMsw/viewform?usp=sf_link">this form </a>by November 1 to have your selection considered for the list. Please be as specific as possible in your submission.Please email Madeline Renbarger at <a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" href="mailto:mrenbarger@insider.com">mrenbarger@insider.com</a> or Samantha Stokes at <a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" href="mailto:sstokes@insider.com">sstokes@insider.com</a> with any questions or issues submitting your nominations.

Insider is seeking nominations for the 2023 rising stars of venture capital

<ul><li><keyword id="1670338" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ritesh-Agarwal">Ritesh Agarwal</keyword> through his Cayman-registered company RA Hospitality Holdings, has invested $2 billion into <keyword id="2808667" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="OYO">OYO</keyword>. </li><li>OYO’s early investors <keyword id="455799" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lightspeed-Venture-Partners">Lightspeed Venture Partners</keyword>, and <keyword id="563136" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sequoia-India">Sequoia India</keyword> are selling part of their stake in the company to increase Agarwal’s stake. </li><li>The company also claims that its revenue grew 4.4 times in June 2019 as compared to June 2018.</li></ul>In a first for the Indian startup community, OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal invested $2 billion into his own company. Agarwal made the investment through a Cayman-registered company, RA Hospitality Holdings. OYO’s early investors Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Sequoia India are selling a part of their stake in the company back to him. “It is a very exciting time for OYO right now as we make great living spaces come alive across all corners of the world from Texas to Tokyo. The deal remains subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals,” said Ritesh Agarwal, Founder &amp; CEO (Group), OYO Hotels &amp; Homes. Agarwal reportedly wants to raise his stake in the firm to over 30%. Currently, Agarwal holds 9.43% in the hospitality startup, while SoftBank, the Japanese investment firm, controls 45.69% of the company. Early investor Lightspeed has 13.4% stake, while Sequoia Capital has 10.24%. According to information sourced by paper.vc, Article 21.6 of Oyo’s Articles of Association prohibit Softbank from directly or indirectly, acquiring more than 49.99% of the fully diluted share capital of the company, without the consent of Aggarwal, Greenoaks, Lightspeed and Sequoia Capital. SoftBank has been an investor in OYO for a long time now. It was Softbank's investment that led OYO into the Indian unicorn club with a $5 billion valuation in September 2018, a huge jump from the $900 million valuation it had until then. The company also claims that its revenues grew 4.4 times in June 2019 as compared to June 2018). It has a million rooms, out of which over 200,000 are in India. OYO now has 20,000 buildings with its signature red and white logo branding on it. The Indian hospitality unicorn has been spreading its business far and wide. It recently became China’s largest hotel chain. OYO said that it will invest $300 million to expand its footprint in the United States – into cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. It already has 50 hotels across 15 states in the US. It also launched services in Vietnam.

OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal sets a new benchmark – invests $2 billion into his own company to increase his stake

<ul><li><keyword id="3009822" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shuttl">Shuttl</keyword>, founded in 2015, is a technology-enabled, seat-based, demand-adaptive bus mobility service. </li><li>The startup has raised $34 million in funding from the likes of <keyword id="270604" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sequoia">Sequoia</keyword>, Amazon Lightspeed India Partners, <keyword id="51757" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="TIMES-INTERNET">Times Internet</keyword> and Dentsu. </li><li>It also recently ventured into foodtech, by offering consumers food on the go. </li></ul>Shuttl, an on-demand bus service that allows to book their commutes in 'comfortable' rides, is rapidly gaining popularity in metros. Business Insider talks to Shuttl CEO Amit Singh about the company's growth plans and what makes it unique among several mobility options. 
	<div type="Slideshow" msid="69555783" hostid="261" title="An IIT Alumni is fixing gaps in India's transportation ignored by governments and other startups" firstImageMsid="69555784" slideCount="4"></div>

An IIT Alumni is fixing gaps in India's transportation ignored by governments and other startups

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Insider is putting together a list of the best up-and-coming venture capitalists of 2022. </li><li>We want to spotlight VCs who are skilled at dealmaking at both large and small funds. </li></ul>We are seeking nominations for Insider's yearly list of rising stars of venture capital, and we want to hear from you. Submit your suggestions below or <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFVpltKkc9nAQaVDHbfk7seav09Az7PaV-0q_4ZxrxdHupPA/viewform">via this form.</a>We're looking for the venture capitalists working hard to find and fund the next big startups, that are early in their careers at big name funds, or managing young funds and wowing their peers in the industry. In the past, we've had people with a variety of roles and experiences from VC funds like Founders Fund, Greylock Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Tiger Global, and Spark Capital.Take a look at<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/55-rising-stars-best-venture-capitalists-top-vcs-2021-12"> our 2021 list here.</a><h2>Criteria and methodology</h2>Our selection criteria: We ask that nominees have invested in high-interest startups in the past year, and stand out from their peers. Editors make the final decisions.Please make your submission below or through <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFVpltKkc9nAQaVDHbfk7seav09Az7PaV-0q_4ZxrxdHupPA/viewform">this form </a>by November 11th to have your selection considered for the list. Please be as specific as possible in your submission.Please email Madeline Renbarger at <a href="mailto:mrenbarger@insider.com">mrenbarger@insider.com</a> or Samantha Stokes at <a href="mailto:sstokes@insider.com">sstokes@insider.com</a> with any questions or issues submitting your nominations.

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Business Insider is seeking nominations for the 2024 rising stars of venture capital

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OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal sets a new benchmark – invests $2 billion into his own company to increase his stake

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An IIT Alumni is fixing gaps in India's transportation ignored by governments and other startups

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Insider is seeking nominations for the 2022 rising stars of venture capital

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