Ankita Vashistha is a global leader who has defied all boundaries and limitations in her life. She is a force to be reckoned with, and from her early years has been driven to learn, travel, and meet people from all walks of life. “It’s so important to travel and meet people and expand our horizons. Without either, we will never be able to tap into the infinite opportunities out there.” This thirst to explore and discover has taken her across the world, from the United States to the United Kingdom; and from Asia to California. 

 

Ankita's diverse experiences have given her a unique perspective on the world. She is keenly aware of the challenges facing different cultures. She is committed to making a positive impact in their lives giving special emphasis on women from all walks of life. Her passion for education and innovation has inspired her to launch several initiatives aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs and leaders. 

 

One of Ankita's defining traits is her love for her family. She has been blessed with supportive and inspiring parents, ambitious siblings, and a loving husband. “I realise how a mother believes in you, supports you and helps you embrace your strengths and weaknesses as you build the determination to move forward.” 

 

Ankita's exciting journey in private equity and venture capital has taken her all around the world. She has met driven women who are investors, founders, creators, and mothers and has learned from their commitment to executing their ambitious visions with tenacity and skill. She also feels fortunate to have worked with ambitious global women leaders. These women inspired her to launch the first women’s entrepreneurship fund, Saha Fund, which provides capital, networks, and support to female founders and companies working to create a thriving ecosystem for women to participate as economic contributors. 

 

Ankita’s mentors and idols embolden her ‘never say never spirit’. They motivate her to be the passionate and innovative visionary she is. Global leaders like Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and Zia Mody have been a great inspiration to her in starting her own women entrepreneurship fund.  

She believes in taking action and thus believes that true impact can only happen when one acts and implements one’s thoughts.  

 

Ankita's passion for empowering women is notable. “How can we get 50% of the population actively involved in the working ecosystem? How can we bring in all the amazing innate qualities a woman has and inculcates in the multiple roles she takes on during her lifetime to the workplace?”. These are the questions Ankita strives to answer. Her sense of excitement, urgency, and energy is contagious, and she is inspiring more leaders, entrepreneurs, enterprises, and investors to get involved.  

 

Her goal of true diversity and inclusivity led her to launch the non-profit MyStepUp Entrepreneurial and Innovation Foundation with the mission of impacting more women entrepreneurs to get funded, more women entrepreneurs-in-residence across VC funds, and more women in leadership positions. She also launched StrongHer Ventures, the largest and most impactful venture capital fund platform for women entrepreneurs, investing in Femtech, Fintech, and Future of Work.  

 

Ankita’s background, journey, and character traits have shaped her into the passionate, driven, and visionary leader she is today. She is a shining example of how education, experience, and a supportive family can help someone achieve their dreams and make a positive impact in the world.