Sonal Biyani - Co-Founder, Basic Roots

Sonal Biyani

Co-Founder, Basic Roots

More about Sonal Biyani

Basic Roots | Raising funds for technology startups and capital advisor to Founders | Board-Level Strategy

I’m a serial entrepreneur, investment banker, and early-stage angel investor with hands-on operating experience across both traditional industries and technology-led ventures. I began my career at Lehman Brothers and ENAM, leading IPOs, M&A, and private equity transactions for some of India’s largest companies. I’ve also worked with global teams, including my time at Banker without Boundaries, a UK-based climate finance advisory firm, where I collaborated on sustainable finance and infrastructure mandates across emerging markets.

Later, I moved to Surat, where I built a textile trading and manufacturing business from scratch and launched one of the city’s first coworking spaces. These ventures gave me a deep understanding of tier-2 markets—their potential, limitations, and the realities of scaling outside the metro lens.

Today, I co-lead Basic Roots, a strategic advisory and investment firm focused on early to growth-stage companies in consumer, fintech, SaaS, and B2B commerce. I work closely with founders, investors, and boards on fundraising, M&A, and long-term growth strategy.

I’m also a regular voice on Bloomberg TV, speaking on macro trends, startups, and capital markets. Recognized as an Emerging Female Entrepreneur by Union Minister Smriti Irani, I remain deeply committed to supporting more women in business and leadership.

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Featured speaker at previous eChai events:
Surat Startup Day : November Edition
Fundraising Masterclass
Friends of eChai Social in Surat
Startup Growth Stories from Surat
Founders and startup folks who joined past eChai startup events

The eChai Effect - In Their Words

"If there’s one phrase that sums up my journey, it’s truly ‘The eChai Effect.’ Six years ago, I simply walked into my first eChai event, not knowing what to expect. The honest conversations, energy, and inspiration from founders and entrepreneurs struck a chord within me. That eChai spark became the catalyst for everything to follow. I proudly say: my entrepreneurship journey started—and keeps evolving—because of eChai. Redicine Medsol’s story is integrally linked to this community. I’ve gained so much, not just as a founder but as a forever volunteer and grateful member of the eChai family. With all my heart, thank you Jatin Bhai and everyone at eChai for shaping, guiding, and supporting my dreams. The eChai Effect will always be a part of my story."
Kush Prajapati - Founder, Redicine Medsol
Kush Prajapati
Founder, Redicine Medsol
"I have evolved from role of Community Builder to Startup Consultant to Startup Ecosystem Enabler to Angel Investor and now launching a Venture Studio and eChai has been a catalyst in my overall journey as Startup Evangelist since 13 years."
Mehul Shah - Co-Founder at Counselvise & Ivy Growth
Mehul Shah
Co-Founder at Counselvise & Ivy Growth
"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

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