About me
Arjun Rao, a General Partner at Speciale Invest, brings a wealth of technical expertise, strategic insight, and an entrepreneurial spirit to India's technology startup ecosystem. With over 20 years of experience, he has emerged as a key figure in nurturing and scaling tech startups, making significant contributions to this dynamic field.
Arjun's influential role at Speciale Invest allows him to leverage his deep understanding of technology and markets to identify startups with the potential to disrupt industries through Deep Tech. His sharp eye for innovation and ability to anticipate market trends enable him to guide early-stage companies towards substantial growth and success.
Arjun's entrepreneurial journey includes co-founding two startups, including Travelyaari, a pioneering travel technology startup that revolutionized India's online travel booking space under his leadership. Before co-founding Travelyaari and joining Speciale Invest, he honed his skills at prominent companies such as Yahoo! Inc. and Ibibo, gaining valuable insights into technology and market needs.
Arjun's educational background, including a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the National Institute of Technology, Karnataka, and an MBA from the Indian School of Business, has provided him with a solid foundation in technical and business disciplines. This education has been instrumental in his successful career, equipping him with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the venture capital and startup ecosystems.
His comprehensive understanding of the startup lifecycle and his ability to lead tech and product teams through various growth phases underscore Arjun's multifaceted contributions to India's tech startup scene. Beyond his professional endeavours, Arjun enjoys watching football and cricket, as well as playing poker with friends when not spending time with his young son.