The Indian startup ecosystem mourns the sudden and untimely demise of Neeraj Tyagi, cofounder and CEO of We Founder Circle, who passed away on Saturday, August 16, at the age of 50. The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed publicly.
A prominent name in India’s entrepreneurial and investment landscape, Neeraj Tyagi was more than just a startup enabler. His career was a testament to visionary thinking, bold investments, and an unwavering belief in the potential of Indian startups. Over the years, he became one of the most influential angel investors in the country, backing more than 60 startups across various sectors.
Neeraj Tyagi co-founded We Founder Circle (WFC) in 2020 with a mission to create a strong community of founders and strategic angel investors. Under his leadership, WFC quickly rose to prominence, investing in over 150 startups, including well-known names like Pixxel, Clensta, Mugafi, and ParkMate. The platform helped startups scale from seed to Series C, offering not only capital but also crucial mentorship and networking support.
Beyond WFC, Tyagi also co-founded Avinya Ventures and Invstt, both focused on early-stage investments. His keen eye for identifying high-potential ventures helped fuel the growth of companies such as Zypp Electric, Oben Electric, and Garuda Aerospace, all of which have become notable players in their respective sectors.
His contributions significantly shaped India’s angel investment ecosystem, helping first-time founders get access to capital, guidance, and go-to-market strategies. Tyagi’s professional journey was marked by his deep commitment to empowering innovators and building sustainable businesses that could compete on a global stage.
Industry peers, entrepreneurs, and investors across the country have expressed shock and sorrow over the sudden loss. Tributes have poured in on social media, describing Tyagi as a visionary, a mentor, and a passionate supporter of India’s startup dreams.
“Neeraj was a true believer in the Indian startup story. His energy, vision, and empathy were unmatched. He will be deeply missed,” one startup founder posted on LinkedIn.
With over two decades of experience in the investment and startup space, Tyagi was known not only for his financial acumen but also for his ability to connect with founders on a personal level. He frequently participated in startup panels, investor summits, and mentorship bootcamps, always advocating for founder-first approaches and inclusive growth.
As the ecosystem reels from this loss, Tyagi’s legacy will continue through the startups he supported, the founders he mentored, and the community he helped build. His impact on Indian entrepreneurship is undeniable and will resonate for years to come.
Neeraj Tyagi is survived by his family, colleagues, and an expansive network of entrepreneurs who will carry forward his vision of a stronger, bolder, and more collaborative startup ecosystem.
