VINOD JOSE
Welcome! A bit about me...
My name is Vinod Jose
Imagine being on the ground floor of India's tech revolution, navigating one of the world’s most dynamic startup ecosystems with the confidence of having deep local knowledge and the right connections. That’s exactly what I offer: access to the Indian market’s explosive potential, along with the experience and network to capitalize on it.
As a cross-border investor focusing on Indian startups, I’ve faced significant hurdles—from identifying scalable tech solutions to navigating India’s opaque regulatory environment and ensuring startups meet the rigorous vetting process required by international investors. The Indian market is brimming with opportunity, but also presents complexities that can be overwhelming for investors unfamiliar with the nuances of emerging markets.
To address these challenges, I co-founded Konglo Ventures in 2013, a global angel network with more than 150 individual investors, primarily from the Indian diaspora and my international network. Through Konglo Ventures, we not only source deals but leverage our collective expertise to technically vet startups and add strategic value by connecting portfolio companies with potential customers and follow-on investors.We transformed the challenges of early-stage investment in India into opportunities, learning from our experiences and sharing insights across the network. This has become the foundation of a strong investor community that continues to be active.
The proof? We successfully syndicated $7M into over 20 companies, securing 4 exits with >31% realized IRR. Building on this track record, I launched Callapina Capital in January 2023—a $4M venture capital fund uniquely positioned to bridge the startup ecosystems of India and the US. In the first 18 months, we have invested in over 10 companies, proving that our model works across borders and industries.Curious about why now is the perfect time to invest in India’s booming tech landscape? Schedule a call with me to explore how we can help you tap into this unprecedented opportunity.
Along with venture investments, I spent over a decade in management consulting, leading 60+ growth strategy and M&A engagements in the natural resources sector (mining & metals, water & wastewater), working with corporates, private equity funds, and family-owned businesses across 10 countries. I have worked in 10+ countries across India, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the US; working for private equity funds, corporates, sovereign wealth funds and family offices, largely in natural resources (mining & metals, water) and industrial goods sectors.
From 2012-19, I was part of the Singular Group, an international boutique consulting firm based in Switzerland. In 2020, I joined Amane Advisors, a niche consulting and advisory firm focused on the global water sector where I help major players in the water sector with their growth strategy as well as provide support on acquisitions. My expertise includes conducting asset due diligence (buy side and sell side), market studies, feasibility studies, business case, growth strategy, commercial excellence and go-to-market strategy.
My startup journey began in 2011 when I joined 21Diamonds, a Rocket Internet-funded e-commerce startup, where I helped scale operations across Europe, overseeing both Business Development and Finance.
Over the years, I have realized my Ikigai is in problem solving, investing, sharing my learnings and motivating others as a way to create a broader impact in the world. I love talking to entrepreneurs and staying close to them as I believe their enthusiasm, boundless energy and creativity is a critical force in building the future we need. I am happy to talk to anyone who wants to learn about getting started with investing or entrepreneurship and to share some of my learnings from the last 10 years.
I hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering from National Institute of Technology, Calicut, India and MBA from European Business School, Germany. I started my career with Accenture and subsequently worked with SDI Management Consulting, Germany.
What I believe in
What I do
What I like to read
- Books about investment philosophy, principles and approach based on learnings from successful investors
- Autobiographies and biographies of successful entrepreneurs and investors
- Books that explain how humanity, society and economies have evolved from a historical perspective
- Books that give insights on how humans think and take decisions
Check out some of the books that I have read that you may want to add to your reading list
Interviews I have given
Interview with Amane Advisors, leading strategy consulting and advisory firm focused on the global water sector