Vandana Tolani | Founder & CEO Of Convanto | Entrepreneur | Speaker | Interview With TheTalkStreet

Vandana Tolani is a highly accomplished investment banker, entrepreneur, and business strategist with over 25 years of experience in investment banking, venture capital, and financial consulting. She is the Founder and CEO of Convanto, a boutique investment advisory firm that specializes in helping startups and businesses secure funding, scale operations, and achieve long-term success.

Her journey in the financial sector spans across Singapore, Jakarta, and India, where she has played a pivotal role in raising capital, structuring mergers and acquisitions, and providing strategic financial guidance to businesses of all sizes. Vandana's expertise lies in fundraising, venture capital advisory, private equity consulting, business restructuring, and financial strategy, making her a sought-after mentor and advisor in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

  Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped your entrepreneurial journey?

A key moment in my journey as an entrepreneur was when I moved from investment banking to starting my own advisory firm. After years of working with family offices in Singapore and Jakarta, I saw firsthand how startups struggled to get funding—not because their ideas weren’t good, but because they didn’t know how to present them to investors.

The turning point came when I helped a startup with great potential that kept getting rejected. I worked with them to refine their pitch, organize their financials, and tell a clear growth story. Within months, they secured funding. That experience showed me that fundraising isn’t just about money—it’s about having the right strategy, clarity, and storytelling.

That’s when I decided to start Convanto to bridge this gap. Transitioning from an advisor at a firm to running my own business wasn’t easy, but it was the best decision I ever made. It gave me the freedom to work with founders from different industries, help them grow, and be part of their success.

That moment—realizing that the right guidance could change a startup’s future—was the foundation of my entrepreneurial journey.

  What made you decide to start business instead of continuing in a corporate role?

My decision wasn’t made overnight—it happened gradually. While working in investment banking, I met many founders with great ideas who struggled to raise money. The problem wasn’t their business—it was that they didn’t know how to structure their pitch, explain their vision clearly, or meet investor expectations.

Over time, I realized I wanted to do more than just connect investors and startups. I wanted to work directly with founders, help them refine their strategies, and truly make a difference in their fundraising journey. But in my corporate role, my work was limited by fixed rules, set mandates, and strict investment criteria.

Starting Convanto gave me the freedom to take a hands-on approach. I could work across different industries, help shape investment stories, and bridge the gap between founders and investors in ways that weren’t possible in a corporate setting. It wasn’t the easiest path, but it was the most rewarding one.

  What were the biggest challenges you faced while building Convanto, and how did you overcome them?

Building Convanto came with many challenges—some I expected, and some that took me by surprise. One of the biggest struggles in the beginning was proving my credibility. Even though I had experience in investment banking, starting my own firm meant earning trust from scratch. Founders and investors were used to working with big, established firms, so convincing them to take a chance on a new advisory firm wasn’t easy.

On top of that, there was another challenge—working in a male-dominated industry. Investment and fundraising have long been controlled by men, with key decisions often made within tight circles. In my early days, I walked into meetings where people assumed I was just an assistant rather than the one leading the discussion. I had to work twice as hard to prove my expertise and earn a place at the table.

To overcome this, I focused on results. Instead of trying to make Convanto look big right away, I let my work speak for itself. I helped early-stage startups successfully raise funds and built a strong network of investors who saw the value in what I was doing. Over time, word spread, and Convanto’s reputation grew through consistent results.

Another challenge was dealing with the unpredictability of the startup world. Markets shift, investor mindsets change, and fundraising is never straightforward. Sometimes, deals fell apart at the last minute, or promising startups struggled despite doing everything right. The key was to stay flexible—no two fundraises are the same, so I had to keep adjusting strategies to fit the market.

The biggest lesson I learned? Resilience. There were moments of doubt, but I always reminded myself why I started—to help founders navigate fundraising in a way that truly worked for them. Staying focused on that mission is what helped Convanto become what it is today.

  What industries or sectors do you see as the most promising for investment in the next 5-10 years?

Over the next 5-10 years, several industries will offer strong investment opportunities due to changing consumer needs, new technology, and market demand.

1. AI & Automation: AI is no longer just a trend—it’s changing industries like finance, healthcare, and logistics. By 2030, the AI market could reach $1.8 trillion. Companies that use AI to improve efficiency and decision-making will attract investors.

2. Climate Tech & Sustainability: With governments pushing for clean energy, investments in battery technology, carbon capture, and renewable energy will grow. The global clean energy market could reach $1.9 trillion by 2030, and India’s EV sector alone may hit $150 billion.

3. Healthcare & Biotech: Digital health is growing fast, but there’s still room for AI-driven diagnostics, gene editing, and personalized medicine. The telehealth market, valued at $83 billion in 2022, could grow to $455 billion by 2030. Longevity research and preventive healthcare will also attract investors.

4. Fintech: While digital payments are common, the next big innovations will come from embedded finance, decentralized finance (DeFi), and AI-powered risk assessment. India’s fintech industry, currently worth $150 billion, may grow to $400 billion by 2030. Wealth management and insurance technology are key areas of growth.

5. Spacetech: Once controlled by governments, space exploration is now attracting private investment. The global space economy could exceed $1 trillion by 2040, with opportunities in satellite internet, space travel, and even space mining. Lower launch costs and better technology are making space a real business opportunity.

6. Consumer & D2C Brands: India’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) market is booming, expected to grow from $12 billion in 2022 to over $60 billion by 2027. More people are choosing digital-first brands, driving growth in health-focused foods, sustainable fashion, and premium homegrown products.

7. Edtech & Upskilling: The future of education lies in professional upskilling and job-focused training. India’s online upskilling market is set to reach $4 billion by 2025. As automation replaces traditional jobs, continuous learning will be essential.

No matter the industry, businesses that solve real problems, use technology well, and have strong foundations will continue to attract smart investments.

 

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  What’s next for Convanto—are there any exciting projects or expansions on the horizon?

At Convanto, the next phase isn’t just about expansion—it’s about deepening our impact within the startup ecosystem. Over the years, we’ve worked with 350+ startups, facilitated 160+ investments across 45+ countries, and built a robust network of 300+ global investors. But our biggest takeaway is that early-stage companies don’t just struggle with securing funding; they face challenges in finding the right investors, refining their business models, and driving sustainable growth.

Our focus now is on delivering greater value beyond fundraising. We are strengthening our growth advisory services, offering hands-on support in market expansion, investor relations, and financial structuring. Raising capital is just the beginning—what happens afterward is equally crucial, and that’s where we aim to make a bigger difference.

We’re also seeing a rising demand for personalized investment strategies, particularly in high-impact sectors like AI-driven SaaS, ClimateTech, and sustainable consumer brands. Rather than a broad approach, we are curating stronger, more strategic investor-startup connections to ensure that funding goes beyond capital—it’s about long-term alignment and shared vision.

At its core, Convanto has always been about bridging critical gaps in the ecosystem—between startups and investors, between funding and execution, between ambition and lasting success. Moving forward, our goal is to refine this even further, ensuring that the startups we support don’t just raise capital but build enduring, impactful businesses.

  How does Convanto differentiate itself from other investment banking firms in the startup ecosystem?

Convanto stands out in the startup ecosystem by offering a personalized, founder-first approach to fundraising and business strategy. Unlike traditional investment banks that focus on big, late-stage deals, we specialize in helping early and growth-stage startups get investor-ready and set up for long-term success.

With a portfolio of over 350 investments in 45+ countries, we have worked with startups across various industries, including EdTech, FinTech, Consumer B2C & B2B, AgriTech, HealthTech, FoodTech, DeepTech, and more. Our sector-agnostic approach means we support high-potential startups no matter what industry they’re in.

One of our biggest strengths is our strong investor network, with connections to 300+ global investors, including venture capital firms, angel investors, and family offices. This allows us to match startups with investors who offer not just money but also valuable market insights, mentorship, and long-term partnerships. We help startups raise between $1M and $50M, ensuring they get the right funding to scale.

But we don’t just stop at securing funding. We work closely with founders to refine business models, improve financial strategies, and perfect investor pitches. Our efforts have earned us multiple awards, including Best Investment Banking Firm for Early-Stage Startups, but what matters most are the success stories of the startups we’ve helped grow.

What makes Convanto different is our ability to combine global investment expertise with a personalized touch. In an industry that often focuses only on numbers, we focus on building strong relationships and creating real value for both startups and investors. Our goal is not just to help startups raise funds but to set them up for sustainable success.

  Entrepreneurship can be demanding—how do you balance your personal life and professional commitments?

Balancing work and personal life is always a challenge, especially in a demanding field like investment banking and venture capital. When I started Convanto, work took over—long hours, constant travel, and the pressure of closing deals left little time for anything else. But I realized that burnout doesn’t lead to success—clarity does.

One major change in my approach was setting clear priorities. Not everything is urgent, and not every opportunity is worth chasing. I now focus on what truly matters—big deals, key investor relationships, and supporting startups that fit our vision. Delegation has also been crucial. I have a strong team I trust, which allows me to step back when needed.

On a personal level, I set aside non-negotiable time for myself and my family. This could be a simple morning routine, short breaks to reset, or disconnecting from work at certain hours. These small habits help maintain balance.

Most importantly, I love what I do. Entrepreneurship isn’t just a job—it’s my passion. But even passion needs perspective. Stepping away at times, exploring new experiences, and focusing on personal growth help keep things in balance. Over the years, I’ve learned that balance isn’t about managing time perfectly—it’s about being fully present in whatever you’re doing, whether it’s work or personal life.

  What role does marketing and growth advisory play in a startup’s success,and how does Convanto support this?

Marketing and growth advisory are critical to a startup’s success. A great product alone isn’t enough—without a well-defined go-to-market strategy, even the most innovative ideas can struggle to gain traction. Many early-stage startups focus intensely on product development but often underestimate the importance of positioning, customer acquisition, and building a sustainable growth model.

At Convanto, the approach goes beyond fundraising. Founders need more than just capital; they require strategic support to refine their market positioning, craft a compelling brand narrative, and stand out in a competitive landscape. The right messaging can mean the difference between being overlooked and attracting both customers and investors. A strong growth strategy is equally vital—not just for acquiring users, but for retaining them and maximizing their lifetime value. Scaling effectively isn’t about simply increasing marketing spend; it’s about smart resource allocation and prioritizing high-impact channels.

Investor expectations are closely tied to a startup’s growth trajectory. Many founders struggle to present the right metrics to make their business attractive to investors. With deep expertise in fundraising and venture capital, Convanto helps startups identify, track, and showcase key performance indicators (KPIs) that matter. This not only ensures a successful fundraise but also lays the foundation for long-term scalability. For startups aiming to expand globally, Convanto’s network across 45+ countries provides access to new markets, strategic partners, and region-specific growth strategies.

Having supported over 350 startups across industries like EdTech, FinTech, Consumer B2C & B2B, AgriTech, HealthTech, and DeepTech, Convanto seamlessly integrates capital with strategic mentorship. Backed by a strong investor network of over 300 VCs, angel investors, and family offices, the focus isn’t just on raising funds—it’s on ensuring that startups transform that capital into sustainable success. In today’s competitive landscape, funding alone isn’t enough. The right strategic guidance is what truly drives long-term impact.

  How did your family and personal experiences influence your decision to start this business?

From a young age, I was drawn to problem-solving and finding ways to make an impact. Even as a child, I had a natural curiosity about businesses—analyzing how they worked, questioning decisions, and thinking about ways to improve them. That curiosity stayed with me throughout my career in investment banking, where I worked closely with startups, investors, and family offices across Singapore and Jakarta.

Family played a major role in shaping my journey. Growing up in a business-oriented environment, I saw firsthand the importance of financial discipline, resilience, and long-term thinking. But beyond that, I realized that entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a company—it’s about creating something meaningful that solves real problems.

Starting Convanto wasn’t just about stepping away from the corporate world; it was about filling a critical gap in the startup ecosystem. While working with early-stage founders, I saw that many struggled—not just with raising funds, but also with strategic planning, meeting investor expectations, and scaling effectively. There was a clear need for a more hands-on, founder-first approach to investment banking—one that went beyond transactions and focused on long-term success.

That’s what led to Convanto. Over the years, we’ve built a portfolio of 160+ investments across 45+ countries, supported 350+ startups, and created a global network of 300+ investors. Every founder we work with reminds me why I started this journey—to help them navigate challenges, secure funding, and build businesses that last.

The transition from banking to entrepreneurship wasn’t easy, especially in a traditionally male-dominated industry, but the ability to create real impact made every challenge worth it. And that’s what keeps me going—helping visionary founders turn their ideas into lasting success.

  As a Global Woman Leader 2023, how has your leadership evolved over the years?

Leadership is a journey of learning and adapting. When I first started, I wanted to be involved in every detail to make sure things were done my way. But over time, I realized that real leadership isn’t about controlling everything—it’s about building a strong team, trusting their skills, and giving them the confidence to take charge.

Working in a male-dominated industry came with challenges. In the beginning, I was often the only woman in the room and had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. But I learned that confidence, expertise, and resilience matter more than anything. Instead of following traditional leadership styles, I embraced my own—one that balances decisiveness with empathy.

Another important lesson has been adaptability. Markets change, industries evolve, and unexpected challenges arise, like economic downturns or shifting investor trends. Being able to adjust quickly while staying focused on long-term goals has been key. I’ve also come to appreciate mentorship, both in guiding others and learning from experienced leaders.

Today, my leadership focuses on having a clear vision, building strong partnerships, and creating an environment where new ideas can thrive. Being recognized as a Global Woman Leader 2023 is an honor, but more importantly, it’s a reminder that leadership is about impact—helping businesses grow, creating opportunities for others, and proving that success is about perseverance and results, not gender.

  Can you share a success story of a startup you advised that has now become a big brand?

One of the most inspiring success stories we’ve been part of is Menoveda, a startup focused on women’s health, specifically menopause care—an area often ignored in the wellness industry. When the founders came to Convanto, they had a strong vision but faced major challenges: raising funds for a niche category, building credibility, and scaling their business.

The biggest obstacle was investor perception. Many VCs saw menopause care as too small or unscalable, even though over 1 billion women will be in menopause by 2030—a massive, underserved market. At Convanto, we don’t just help startups raise money; we help them tell their story in a way that makes investors see the real opportunity. We worked with Menoveda to refine their pitch, backing it with strong market data and consumer insights. This changed the conversation from “a small niche” to “a huge, untapped market with high growth potential.”

Using our network, we connected Menoveda with the right investors—those who not only provided funding but also believed in the future of women’s health. But our work didn’t stop there. We helped them develop a smart growth strategy, advising them on pricing, distribution, and partnerships with pharmacies and wellness platforms.

Fast forward to today, and Menoveda has expanded its product line, built a strong brand, and is scaling across multiple cities. It’s no longer seen as a niche startup but as a leader in women’s wellness.

Another success story that stands out is a consumer brand that started as a small online business and is now a well-known name in its industry. When they came to Convanto, they had a great product but struggled to scale. They needed the right investors, a solid strategy, and a plan to expand their market.

We worked closely with them to secure the right funding, refine their financial strategy, and connect them with investors who shared their vision. But instead of just raising capital, we focused on ensuring that the funding supported long-term, sustainable growth. We also guided them on pricing, distribution, and brand positioning, helping them transition from an online-only brand to physical retail stores.

Today, they’ve expanded to over 100 cities, significantly increased their revenue, and built a strong presence both online and offline. Their success wasn’t just about raising money—it was about making smart, strategic decisions at the right time.

This is the approach we bring to every startup we work with. It’s not just about chasing high valuations; it’s about helping founders build strong, lasting businesses.

CONNECT VANDANA TOLANI :

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