About the Winpe Leadership Awards 2025

The 2025 edition once again highlighted the exceptional efforts of firms and individuals leading the way with innovative, inclusive policies in the Private Equity and Venture Capital sector. This prestigious event celebrated high-performing leaders committed to driving sustainable change and fostering diversity across the sector.

The awards ceremony recognized 11 outstanding winners who have demonstrated dedication to creating better opportunities for all. The distinguished jury of global leaders with deep industry expertise honored those whose actions are paving the way for more inclusive and forward-thinking business practices. By recognizing these trailblazers, the Winpe Leadership Awards continue to build momentum for broader industry reform, inspiring others to follow suit and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future for all in Private Equity and Venture Capital.

2025 Winners

Deal of the Year
Venture Capital

Deal of the Year
Private Equity

Private Equity Backed Company of the Year

Venture Capital Backed Company of the Year

Firm of the Year
Private Equity

Firm of the Year
Venture Capital

Richa Bajpai,
Campus Fund
Leader of the Year
Venture Capital

Nithya Easwaran,
Multiples Alternate Asset Management
Leader of the Year
Private Equity

Vishal Tulsyan,
Motilal Oswal Alternates
Changemaker of the Year - Private Equity

Manish Kheterpal,
WaterBridge Ventures
Changemaker of the Year - Venture Capital

Shweta Jalan,
Advent International
Special Acknowledgment
-Leadership

2025 Jury

Debbi Sutuntivorakoon

Partner,
Axiom Asia Private Capital

Pamela C. Fung

Managing Director,
Morgan Stanley

Ralitsa Rizvanolli

Partner and Head of Investments,
Sarona Asset Management

Sunil Mishra

Partner - Primary Investments,
Adams Street Partners

Thomas Kronsbein

Director Private Equity,
Global Markets DEG

2024 Winners

Firm of the Year
Private Equity

Firm of the Year
Venture Capital

IT Clean Mobility
Deal of the Year
Private Equity

Evolve
Deal of the Year
Venture Capital

PeopleStrong Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

PE Backed Company of the Year

NIRAMAI Health Analytix Private Limited

VC Backed Company of the Year

Ashley Menezes,
ChrysCapital

Changemaker of the Year
Private Equity

Vineet Rai,
Aavishkaar Capital

Changemaker of the Year
Venture Capital

Shivani Bhasin Sachdeva,
India Alternatives Investment Advisors
PE Leader of the Year

Padmaja Ruparel,
Indian Angel Network

VC Leader of the Year

Alka Goel,
Alkemi Growth Capital

Here to Win

2024 Jury

Amit Sachdeva

Managing Director, Co-Investments,
AlpInvest

Kunal Sood

Managing Director,
Pantheon’s Asia Investment Team

Ralph Keitel

Head of Fund of Funds,
responsAbility's

Rebecca Xu

Co-Founder & Managing Director,
Asia Alternatives

Yar-Ping Soo

Partner,
Adams Street

2023 Winners

Asian Footwears
Deal of the Year
Private Equity

String Bio
Deal of the Year
Venture Capital

Hyperface
Deal of the Year
Venture Capital

Firm of the Year
Private Equity

Firm of the Year
Venture Capital

Nithya Easwaran,
Multiples Alternate Asset
Management Private Limited
Investor of the Year
Female - Private Equity

Sushma Kaushik,
Aavishkaar Capital
Investor of the Year
Female - Venture Capital

Ashley Menezes,
ChrysCapital
Private Equity Leader of the Year - Male

Kanwaljit Singh,
Fireside Ventures
Investor of the Year
Male - Venture Capital

PeopleStrong
Portfolio Company of the Year
Private Equity

Omidyar Network
Portfolio Company of the Year
Venture Capital

2023 Jury

Harisha Koneru Haigh

Managing Director, Private Investments & Real Assets,
Northwestern University Investment Office

Hemal Mirani

Managing Director,
HarbourVest Partners

Kanchan Samtani

Managing Director & Senior Partner,
India Leader – Principal Investors & Private Equity,
Boston Consulting Group

Maninder Saluja

Partner, Head of Private Equity Funds & Co- Investments, Executive Committee Member,
Quilvest Capital Partners

Mei Ni Yang

Managing Director,
Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan

Steven Evers

Managing Director & CEO, Head Office,
Triple Jump