More about Hari Balasubramanian

Hari is an active angel investor focussed on innovative startup teams.

He practices lean startup principles and encourages founders to think global , act local and build a organisation culture suitable  for innovation in startups.

He has led several deals in Indian Angel Network , led exits for IAN investors other than providing fund raising support for portfolio companies .

He is a member of the advisory Board of Ivy Cap ventures , a Rs. 2500 crore PE fund . Hari has been an entrepreneur since 1987. He was one of the early adapters of the internet and his portal Calcutta Online ( www.calonline.com) was acquired by a NASDAQ listed company in 1998 .

He co-founded Ontrack Systems Limited in 1988 . He is the past President of TiE- Kolkata , COMPASS , CIITA and has held key positions in trade bodies , trusts and non profit organisations.

Hari now spends his time supporting innovative entrepreneurs , learning and researching on lean startup methodologies , disruptive business models and frugal innovation .

AngelList profile: https://angel.co/p/hariontrack

Signing up on our website is completely free! If you encounter any issues with profile or notice something unusual, please don't hesitate to report it to us. We're here to help ensure a smooth and secure experience.
Featured speaker at previous eChai events:
Fundraising for Startups: Panel Conversation with Founders & Investors - Bengaluru Edition
eChai Startup Demo Day in Bangalore
Founders and startup folks who joined past eChai startup events

The eChai Effect - In Their Words

“You don’t plan to build a company via eChai. You just keep showing up … and one day, you realize you did.” I’ve known Jatin since 2012, when I was still deciding what kind of second innings I wanted to play as an entrepreneur. Over the years, through events, chai breaks, intros, and seemingly small conversations, eChai helped shape not just Upsquare but also refined the lens through which we see collaboration. At Upsquare, we’ve hired talent, met partners, discovered co-investors, and built lifelong friendships. One of our joint ventures exists today only because a casual eChai memory sparked a deeper trust. Now, as we build House of Starts — our venture builder — eChai continues to fuel our mission: co-creating a shared future. eChai isn’t just a startup network. It’s a trust network. And for business builders like me, that makes all the difference."
Utpal Vaishnav - Founder @ Upsquare & House of Starts • Angel Investor + LP
Utpal Vaishnav
Founder @ Upsquare & House of Starts • Angel Investor + LP
“I have no hesitation in saying that my association with eChai has been a gateway into the startup ecosystem. Through this platform, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many young and dynamic entrepreneurs. These interactions have been immensely enriching - I’ve learned a great deal and have always tried to offer guidance whenever approached. It’s a truly symbiotic relationship that I deeply value, and it wouldn’t have been possible without eChai.”
Syed Nadeem Jafri - Founder, Hearty Mart
Syed Nadeem Jafri
Founder, Hearty Mart
"The eChai platform has been super valuable for me - it has helped me gain a deeper understanding of domains in the startup and tech ecosystem. What stands out most is the celebration of knowledge, professional growth, and entrepreneurship - it’s one of the best for the Indian ecosystem. Along the way, I’ve also been fortunate to make some great friendships and connections too."
Shalin (Shawn) Parikh - Founder, MyCPE One
Shalin (Shawn) Parikh
Founder, MyCPE One

eChai Partner Brands

eChai Ventures partners with select brands as their growth partner - working together to explore new ideas, open doors, and build momentum across the startup ecosystem.