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Expresso Mentor Session: Bejul Somaia

Explore Lightspeed Ventures’ unique approach to venture capital in conversation with their Partner, Bejul Somaia.

– The driving force behind this multi-stage venture capital firm shares the strategic rationales of the VC world.

– The tide has turned on a historic era of easy money. He helps with insights to navigate the challenges.

– Broaden your understanding of capital markets and the fast-growing force that is venture capital.

About Bejul Somaia:  He is a Partner at Lightspeed, a global venture firm which has backed entrepreneurs and helped build companies of tomorrow, including Snap, Hasura, OYO, Affirm, AppDynamics, Nutanix, Supabase, Byju’s, and Udaan. Lightspeed and its affiliates currently manage more than $18 Billion across the global Lightspeed platform, with investment professionals and advisors in India, Silicon Valley, Israel, China, Southeast Asia and Europe.

Time: Tuesday, March 7, 5 to 7 pm
Venue: Lightspeed Ventures, 5th Floor, Worldmark 2, Aerocity, New Delhi.

Taruna Seth

Founder, Encompass Experiences LLP
Awarded the prestigious Premiere Aussie Specialist for New Product Development for 2022-2023 at the Australian Marketplace. A University of Michigan graduate with 20 years of experience, she passionately explores the world, founding an experiential travel company with a global network of luxury travel designers. Recognized for her exceptional contributions, she was honored with the ‘Exceptional Women of Excellence creating a better world for all’ award by the Women’s Economic Forum.

Tarini Nirula

Founder, TN Accessories
An accomplished Indian Accessory Designer, entrepreneur, and Yoga teacher, founded Tarini Nirula Accessories, debuting at the 76th Festival de Cannes. Blending fine Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design, her accessories graced Paris Fashion Week, India Fashion Weeks, and Bollywood’s “83″. Through her intricate designs and the transformative essence of Yoga, Tarini aims to share Indian artistry globally, enriching lives with beauty, functionality, and timeless style.

Swapnali Kadam

Founder, COVIE
Founder, COVIE A distinguished entrepreneur and Eklavya Award recipient, she’s known for agile thinking in diverse sectors, with Harvard’s Owner/President Management completion. Her impactful projects at ABIL and Bharati Vidyapeeth include Pune’s first 100m tower, pioneering educational and healthcare initiatives and launching COVIE, a luxury co-living venture in 5 cities.

Surbhi Aggarwal

Digital creator
A celebrated digital creator, author, and TEDx speaker, renowned for influential contributions in fashion, lifestyle, and travel. Diversifying from a mom-blogger to a recognized figure, the author of “The Rose with A Hundred Petals” addresses mental health innovatively. Recognized with the prestigious Times 40 under 40 award, she amplifies awareness on mental health through podcasts and TEDx talks, emphasizing empowerment without compromising gender rights.

Saniya Sugla

Creative Entreprenuer

A 23-year-old entrepreneur and creative strategist, this professional visionary, a University of Bath master’s graduate, launched a boutique marketing company amid the pandemic. Specializing in empowering women-owned businesses, she curates clientele from fashion, luxury, and lifestyle brands. Adept at fostering opportunities, her mission extends to shaping the next generation of female talent.

Sahar Mansoor

Founder, Bare Necessities
She is a leading advocate for zero-waste living. Recognized as ‘The Most Inspiring Indian of the Year’ by Google India, she received the 2023 Green Entrepreneurship Awards – Circular Economy Grant for her commitment to promoting a sustainable circular economy model. Her accomplishments include authoring “Bare Necessities – How to lead a Zero Waste Life” and receiving the Circular Economy Grant from IKEA Foundation, Adelphi, and SEED.

Reena Sachdev

Founder, Travel Arena
Recognized for her profound love for travel, she achieved the prestigious Premiere Aussie Specialist for New Product Development for 2022-2023 at the Australian Marketplace. With a business family background, she expanded horizons after working for SOTC/Kuoni, seamlessly blending passion with work and family.

Prerna Rajpal

CEO & Chief Designer, Amaris
An inspiring woman leader, celebrated for her exceptional fine jewelry adorned on the Cannes Red Carpet. Recognized in 2023 with the ET Inspiring Women Leaders Award, her creations grace Bollywood stars and international publications, affirming her status as a top entrepreneur in India’s luxury industry. With over a decade of experience, Prerna has made high-fashion couture jewelry accessible, drawing inspiration from India’s cultural richness.

Preeti Jatia

Founder, Fayon Kids
Krishna Tamaila VoraCelebrated as one of the Top 10 Women Leaders in Retail 2023, gracing the cover of Women Entrepreneur Magazine. Passionate about art and design, her brands, Fayon Kids, Label by Fayon, and Beyondallter, epitomize comfortable and creative fashion.

Petrushka Dasgupta

Partner, ALMT Legal
A Partner at ALMT Legal, she was recognized as the recommended lawyer for dispute resolution and litigation in the Legal 500 – 2021 edition, along with being invited to speak at prestigious events, including the Aviation Week Asia 2014 in Singapore.

Neeha Nagpal

Partner, NMD Law Chambers
A seasoned lawyer for over 15 years, she excels in commercial litigation. Forbes ‘Tycoons of Tomorrow’ Awardee (2018), Forbes Powerlist for Lawyers (2021), and BW LEGALWORLD ’40 under 40′ Awardee. Certified Gut Health Coach and passionate philanthropist, Neeha actively supports causes for gender inclusivity, LGBTQI+ rights, and community welfare. As a Partner at NMD Law Chambers, Neeha continues to receive accolades, including the BW Legal World ’40 under 40′ Award in 2022 and Forbes Tycoon of Tomorrow’s Next Gen Icon Award in 2018.

Krupa Dalal

Sales Manager - Legal Media Business - India & Middle East, Thomson Reuters
As the Sales Manager – Legal Media Business at Thomson Reuters, Krupa Dalal received The Circle for Excellence award for surpassing revenue numbers by over 100% YoY. With 18+ years of experience, she brings consultative expertise, focusing on renewals, innovations, and year-over-year sales growth.

Krishna Tamaila Vora

Founder, Mom's Therapy

She was acknowledged among the 100 Emerging Women Leaders by YourStory, adding pride and distinction to her name. Additionally, her feature on Sony Television’s Shark Tank India Season 1 marked a significant milestone in her journey.

Kanika Gupta

Vice President, Colorbar Cosmetics
Recently promoted to Vice President Retail at Colorbar Cosmetics, Kanika brings over 18 years of expertise in Product Development, Sourcing, Retail operations, Marketing, and Fashion retailing. Recognized for her empathetic leadership, she pioneered Colorbar’s international expansion and is spearheading the launch of a new Luxury Home & Lifestyle brand.

Jasmine Bedi

Chief Editor & Publisher, Interglobix
As President, she elevates InterGlobix Magazine, seamlessly blending technology and luxury. Recognized as an International Business Ambassador, Bedi’s strategic efforts have attracted foreign direct investment, fostering economic development in Loudoun County. Honored with the prestigious ‘IM100’ award by Infrastructure Masons and ‘The President’s Volunteer Service Award’ by the US India SME Council.

Hiral Mehta

Contemporary Artist & Founder of God Of Onions Podcast
A celebrated contemporary artist, gained recognition as one of the 33 Women Achievers of India. Her artwork, showcased at the Festival of Architecture and Interior Design, exemplified her talent. Additionally, she was honored as one of the 99 WomEn Achievers of India 2023 by the Indian Achiever’s Club.

Harpreet Kapoor

Co Founder & Practice Leader, HR Tech
Demonstrating innovation and expertise, SHE successfully launched Konverz—an AI product transforming hiring decisions with conversational intelligence. With a profound background spanning HR transformation and organizational development, their extensive experience has shaped impactful solutions across diverse industries in India, MENA, and ASEAN regions.

Gauri Monga

Founder, Anaash
A Business Management graduate, achieved commendable recognition with the brand featured on Lifestyle Asia’s cover and worn by notable actors, including Sanjana Sanghi, Kajol, and Vidya Balan. Born from a profound love for pearls, Anaash embodies elegance and sophistication in the world of jewelry.

Foram Shah

Lawyer
A seasoned lawyer with 18 years of expertise in corporate laws, trademarks, copyright, real estate, shops and establishments, and labor laws. Notably, she achieved a remarkable single-handed acquisition valued at 30 crore, setting a benchmark in the legal industry.

Eesha Sukhi

Founder, The BlueBop Cafe
She received the Economic Times F&B Leaders 2023 Award. With a brand-building background at Yahoo, Starbucks, Vero Moda, and Vogue, Eesha excels in the F&B sector, notably with BlueBop Cafe and BlueBop Bakes. Previously honored as an Emerging F&B Woman Entrepreneur, her commitment resonates.

Dr. Sonia Lal Gupta

Neurologist and Director, Metro Group of Hospitals & Co-Founder, Voice of Health
Recognized as the “Best Neurologist” in 2014 and a “Rising Star in Healthcare” in 2017, she continues to excel. Recently, Dr. Gupta added another accolade to her impressive repertoire – the prestigious “40 Under 40 Exceptional Leaders” award by the Times of India in 2023, further solidifying her impactful leadership in the healthcare domain.

Bhakti Kapoor

"Neurologist and Director, Metro Group of Hospitals & Co-Founder, Voice of Health"
She was honored with the “Most Promising Nutrition & Wellness Expert Award 2023.” Recognized at the Global Business Conclave & Awards, London, she also received accolades from Women Iconza Awards and India Icon Awards, solidifying her authority in holistic nutrition.

Benaifer Jal Kapadia

"Vice President, The Club Mumbai & Taj Resort and Spa, Bekal, Kerala"
Renowned for hotelier expertise, she was honored as ‘The Most Admirable Marketeer in 2023’ by the World Marketing Congress and CMO – Asia. Passionate about hospitality, a dedicated food enthusiast, with a life mantra: “To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone!”

Akanksha Mishra

Founder & Principal Architect, Space Unfold Ventures

She earned the “Under 40 Elite Trendsetter Architect and Designer of the Year 2023” award. Her profound work in architecture, interior design, and art showcases meticulous attention to design, client needs, and vendor relationships, redefining luxury interior design and architecture.