The Economic Times Startup Awards 2026 highlight India's premier investors in the Midas Touch category, showcasing key figures behind successful early-stage investments and major exits in the country's dynamic startup ecosystem.
- Midas Touch Award rewards top exits by Indian startup investors.
- Nominees have notable public listings and high-growth investments.
- Investors bring diverse strategies from early-stage bets to follow-on funding.
What happened
The Economic Times Startup Awards 2026 announced nominees for the Midas Touch Award, which recognizes investors behind the most lucrative startup exits within the year. The selection considers both the volume of deals and the size of the exits.
Notable nominees include Shailesh Lakhani of Ambition Capital, known for early investments in companies like Zetwerk and Truecaller, some of which have gone public; Manu Chandra of Sauce VC, who focuses on consumer startups with a disciplined follow-on investment approach; Anu Hariharan of Avra Capital, previously with Y Combinator Continuity Fund and a backer of Groww, Meesho, and Razorpay; and Mukesh Bansal, an angel investor and former entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio including fintech and aerospace startups.
Why it matters
These nominations spotlight the vital role of Indian startup investors in scaling companies to successful exits, fueling innovation and economic growth. The investors' varied strategies—from operator-driven angel investments to structured venture capital—reflect the maturing venture ecosystem in India.
Recognizing such investors underscores the importance of capital and mentorship in propelling early-stage companies towards public markets or high-value acquisitions, signaling confidence and opportunity within the Indian market. Their exits also set benchmarks for future investment trends and entrepreneurial success.
What to watch next
The winner of the Midas Touch Award will be decided at the main Economic Times Startup Awards event, taking into account recent exit activities and deal metrics. Observers should watch for announcements regarding which startup exit ultimately stands out in 2026.
Additionally, following these investors’ portfolios and strategies can provide insights into promising sectors and emerging companies within the Indian startup landscape. The evolving approaches by investors like Sauce VC’s small cheque focus or Ambition Capital’s public market successes may influence funding dynamics moving forward.