In India’s rapidly evolving startup ecosystem, angel investing has come a long way from being a closed-door club to a more structured and inclusive space. One of the early catalysts behind this transformation is Lead Angels, founded in 2013 by a group of IIT Bombay alumni. Their mission? To bring transparency, diligence, and collaboration to early-stage investing—at a time when it was still nascent in India.
Fast forward to today, and the team has expanded that mission through Lead Invest and its latest initiative, Nxtgen—a platform designed to democratize startup investing for a new generation of investors. From enabling curated co-investments with top VCs to offering investor-friendly terms, Nxtgen is reimagining how emerging and time-strapped investors engage with the startup world.
In this conversation, we dive into the origin story of Lead Angels, the motivation behind launching Nxtgen, and why this platform could be a game-changer for anyone looking to enter the world of startup investments—without compromising on quality or diligence.
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For those who don’t know—what’s the story behind Lead Invest (Lead Angels)?
Lead Angels started in 2013 as one of India’s first organized angel networks, founded by a team of three originally from IIT Bombay. The idea was to bring more structure, diligence, and collaboration to early-stage investing, which at the time was still very informal in India. Over the years, we’ve grown into a platform and we are also registered with SEBI procuring the AIF CAT 1 license that not only connects startups and investors but also manages funds, offers co-investment opportunities, and now, with Lead Invest Nxtgen, broadens access even further
So, what’s Lead Invest Nxtgen really about?
It’s a platform that helps first-time and emerging investors participate in early-stage startups. We wanted to make startup investing more accessible, but without oversimplifying it or taking away the diligence that’s needed.
What was the idea—or need—that sparked Nxtgen?
Over the years, we realized that the traditional angel network model had its limits. It worked well for a close-knit group, but as interest in startup investing grew, we needed something more scalable and inclusive. Nxtgen is our way of moving beyond a network into a platform—one that keeps the curation and support, but opens up access to a broader, newer generation of investors.
Why should someone consider investing in startups?
Investing in startups offers the chance to be part of groundbreaking ideas and high-growth companies early on. While it carries risk, the potential for high returns is there if the company succeeds. For many investors, it’s also about diversifying their portfolio and supporting innovative businesses that can shape the future.
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How would you describe your investment strategy?
We’re sector-agnostic but highly selective. We focus on early-stage startups with strong teams, clear product-market fit, and scalable business models. Every deal goes through multiple layers of diligence, including input from experienced investors in our network.
Who do you see really benefiting from Nxtgen?
Nxtgen is ideal for high-net-worth individuals and busy professionals who have the capital to invest but don’t necessarily have the time—or the access—to evaluate early-stage deals on their own. It’s for people who want exposure to startups but prefer a curated, vetted selection rather than having to sift through hundreds of opportunities. It’s also a good fit for those who want to co-invest alongside an experienced team and reputed VCs.
What’s something about Nxtgen people wouldn’t expect?
Probably how accessible it actually is. People assume you need to write big cheques to invest alongside venture capital funds, but with Nxtgen, the minimum ticket size is much lower than what’s typical in a VC fund. Plus, these aren’t just random deals—we’re co-investing in the same rounds as leading VCs, so investors are coming in on equal terms. And compared to a traditional VC fund, the commercials are more investor-friendly: a higher hurdle rate, lower carry and a lower Management Fee compared to the traditional VCs. It’s a structure you don’t usually see offered at this level of access.
Did you have a ‘this is it!’ moment while building Nxtgen?
Yes—actually, one of our existing members approached us and asked if we could create something like this. They wanted a way to access good startup deals without having to evaluate everything themselves. That conversation made us realize there was a clear need for a platform like Nxtgen, not just for them but for many investors in a similar position.
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What’s next after this? Or is this the thing?
For now, this is the focus—building the community, refining the experience, and earning trust. But long term, we see it evolving into more than just a co-investment platform—it could grow into a wider ecosystem of education, collaboration, and capital.
What’s been your track record so far?
Since 2016, we’ve invested in over 100 startups, with exits in companies like ShopKirana, SuprDaily, and GoDesi. Our exits have come through strategic acquisitions and secondary sales, with several within 3-5 years.
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