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

"eChai has played a truly pivotal role in HummingBird’s journey — even before Day Zero. From ideation to establishment and into growth, it’s been a constant source of support. It connected me with incredible people who’ve become more than just friends. One of the biggest reasons I chose to stay in Ahmedabad is because of the eChai community. It has shaped my growth — both personally and professionally — in ways that are hard to articulate. Honestly, words fall short when I try to express what eChai means to me. I’m deeply thankful and forever grateful to eChai for being such an integral part of my journey."
Harsha Bhurani - Founder, HummingBird Consulting Group
Harsha Bhurani
Founder, HummingBird Consulting Group
"For me, eChai is a second home. I've been associated with it since the early days, when it was already setting a different tone for how startup communities could work. As a traditional business owner entering the new-age D2C space, eChai supported me in every direction. Over the years, it became my window to the startup world — and also gave me lifelong friends who continue to show up, for business and beyond."
Pankaj Bhimani - Founder, 58miles
Pankaj Bhimani
Founder, 58miles
"From late-night brainstorming over chai to early morning founder calls, eChai has been more than just a network for me; it’s been home base for ideas, impact, and inspiration. What started as a simple meetup years ago turned into a powerful movement, connecting founders, creators, and dreamers. I’ve had the privilege of seeing startups find product-market fit, marketers (like me) find unexpected collaborations, and most importantly, people finding their tribe. संगच्छध्वं संवदध्वं – Let us move together, speak together. It’s not just a verse from the Rigveda — it’s how Jatin and the entire eChai community truly operate. We don’t just network, we grow together. Forever grateful to be a part of the eChai Effect.
Jaydip Parikh - Chief Everything Officer at Tej SolPro
Jaydip Parikh
Chief Everything Officer at Tej SolPro

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.