“Women cannot manage money, they are not good with numbers, suitable career options for women are either medicine or cooking” and so on. Breaking such stereotypes of the socially dictated career norms and overcoming the hurdles Vandana Tolani, the revolutionary leader of Convanto is rewriting a compelling narrative, and has become a driving force behind the boutique investment bank.
As a young girl who was always enthusiastic about knowing worldly affairs, developed a keen interest in finance and was inspired by lessons that she got from her mother in understanding and managing money. Being a determined lady, she achieved through her hard work and resilience.
Vandana from the very beginning had a clear vision, talking about her experiences she shares her favourite quote from the “Bhagavad Gita, “a man is made by his belief, and whatever he believes in, so is he”.She says,“if you dare to dream then hold on and believe, it’s going to change your reality”.
Join us on a journey through Vandana’s inspiring story, exploring Convanto’ s impact, accolades, and the unwavering vision to create a world where innovation and opportunity know no bounds.
About the Visionary:
Vandana, the founder of Convanto, is the driving force behind its remarkable growth and success. Her professional journey began by leading a Family Office in Singapore and Jakarta, offering her invaluable insights into financial management and investment strategies, Fin-Tech and B2B Tech all the way to consumer startups.
Transitioning into investment banking and advisory roles in Jakarta, she played a pivotal role in supporting startups across diverse industries, reflecting Convanto’s multifaceted offerings today. With over 15 years of international experience, Vandana’s return to India marked the founding of Convanto, now recognized as one of India’s leading boutique investment banks with a unique distinction – being led by a female founder.
Talking to Karostartup she says, “I started my journey by heading a Family Office in Singapore and Jakarta. I worked as an investment banker & advisor to family offices and angel investors in Jakarta, Indonesia, helping start-ups from diverse backgrounds, from Fin-Tech and B2B Tech all the way to consumer startups. I was raising funds for them & providing them with a range of services just as Convanto does today. After 15 years of staying in Singapore and Jakarta, I returned to India. I did investments for a while and then returned to the advisory.”
How did Convanto get its name?
In the early stage of her career she was often addressed as consultant Vandana Tolani. That’s how she decided to do a little experiment from which the name “Convanto” came into existence marking her expertise and rebuilding her name in advisory. Hence the full form of Convanto is consultant Vandana Tolani.
Professional Engagements:
Vandana’s influence extends beyond Convanto. She serves as a venture advisor with Loyal VC and an INSEAD-led Canadian VC Fund. Her expertise is highly sought after by leading business news channels and publications, where she shares insights gained from participating in numerous talks and discussions. Her expert opinions are often sought by leading business, news channels and publications like VCTV, Business World, Business Outlook, and educational institutions like IIMs IITs and E-cell of different colleges and universities as well.
Her interest area lies in the startups exclusively contributing towards the betterment of the society as in healthcare sectors, D2C businesses etc.
Achievements:
Vandana’s dynamic personality has truly set an example to all the women out there. She has also participated in 350+ talks, which you view on YouTube. Convanto has a core portfolio of over 185 investments in more than 40 countries and have helped 5 VC funds with fundraising. Recently she got featured in Times of India, Hindustan Times and Gurgaon Times.
Advices for the startups:
Vandana’s diverse background in finance and entrepreneurship is showcased through her leadership at Convanto. Her role as a venture advisor and partner in global initiatives highlights her involvement in shaping the startup ecosystem. She also states the importance of building genuine relationships (networking). It is important to raise funds, you need resources to turn your ideas into reality.
The coming of the “Gift City” would help the startup ecosystem.
“We advise small, medium and large enterprises to raise capital, create their information memorandum, business plans, financial models & valuations, equipping them to be investor-ready. We help change-makers with their dreams by the means of investments, and strategic services.” says Vandana.
Global Connectivity and Awards:
Connected with 700+ investors globally, Convanto’s sector-agnostic approach and ticket size of $1-$100 million reinforce their dedication to supporting a diverse range of businesses. Featured in prestigious publications and awarded for contributions to the STEM society, Convanto’s impact resonates on a global scale.
Accolades and Recognitions:
Vandana has a wide array of achievements. Taking Convanto to new heights, they also have a lot of affiliate partners around the world and pick global deals and Indian deals as well.
Awards:
1.Top 10 Women Leaders in Wealth Management 2021
2.Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 and 2023
3.Top 10 Women Entrepreneur Brands along with NYKAA
4.Top 10 Consulting Firms by a Female Founder
5.The Best Financial Institution for Supporting Start-Ups -2022 by Kiran Bedi
6.Indian STEM and Robotics Council and Automation for contribution to STEM society
7.Awarded with “Global Woman Leader” by World Women Congress
8.Recognized by Times of India under “15 Dynamic Entrepreneurs of 2023”
9.Hindustan Times covered her on National Startup Day 2024
10.Spoke to the Gurgaon Times sharing her financial insights
11. Awarded by Hema Malini with “The Pioneering Woman Leader in Investment Banking”
Vision and Mission:
Convanto’s unwavering vision is to empower visionary leaders and forward-thinking enterprises, creating a future where innovation and opportunity know no bounds. The company is dedicated to providing the necessary resources, guidance, and support for partners to realise their boldest aspirations, fostering a world of limitless possibilities and enduring success.
Some More Stories
Problem Solving and Comprehensive Advisory Services:
Convanto works in raising capital for startups through fundraising initiatives, retaining a success fee as compensation. The startup provides advisory services to businesses of all sizes, assisting in securing capital and developing essential documents. The expertise offered equips them to present themselves as attractive investment opportunities, sinking the realisation of their financial goals. Additionally, Convanto collaborates with visionary change-makers, offering investment solutions and strategic services to turn aspirations into reality.
“We specialise in making pitch decks, sales decks, financial models, valuations and business plans”.
CONCLUSION:
Convanto’s impact, accolades, and commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity exemplify the positive change that visionary leaders can bring to the industry. Vandana’s story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with passion, expertise, and resilience, one can create a lasting impact and redefine success in the ever-evolving world of finance.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
What is Convanto’s investment range to support growing enterprises?
Convanto’s investment range is from $1million to $100 million, aiming to encourage the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
How did Vandana’s professional journey contribute to the founding of Convanto?
Vandana’s journey, which included leading a Family Office and roles in investment banking and advisory in Singapore and Jakarta, played a crucial role in the founding of Convanto as one of India’s leading boutique investment banks.
What global engagements and awards has Convanto received, and how does it connect with investors globally?
Convanto is connected with 700+ investors globally, with a sector-agnostic approach and a ticket size of $1-$100 million. It has been featured in prestigious publications and received awards, such as being named among the Top 10 Women Entrepreneur Brands and Best Financial Institution for Supporting Start-Ups in 2022 by Dr. Kiran Bedi.
What is Convanto’s vision and mission for empowering visionary leaders and enterprises?
Convanto’s unwavering vision is to empower visionary leaders and forward-thinking enterprises, creating a future where innovation and opportunity know no bounds. The company is dedicated to providing resources, guidance, and support for partners to realise their boldest aspirations, fostering a world of limitless possibilities and enduring success.
