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

“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
"eChai is playing biggest role in my personal and professional life together. Its a community where i meet like minded people to share idea and learn from their idea. Even while playing cricket i learn something and i implement something new from that learning. Its my entry point for building network in different countries where my base is not established yet. Personally my only fun activity day in a week is eChai cricket and social."
yash shah - Chairman, ES Group of Companies
yash shah
Chairman, ES Group of Companies
"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

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.