He is the former head of portfolio value at 500 Global where he works with hundreds of companies including dozens of unicorn startups. He led a global team helping 2,800 portfolio companies in over 80 countries, and their founders develop connections, raise capital, and create a thriving community. Previously, he led a venture studio for a global bank, was a startup founder in fintech and ecommerce, and was a management consultant focused on international business strategy.
Had the fortunate opportunity to work directly with Vijay. He is an exceptional leader with an ability to motivate and structure the team to achieve excellence. Vijay is endowed with knowledge of multiple industries and numerous business cases which makes his approach very unique and impactful.
The clarity in thoughts, innovative approach, and trust in his team provided me an opportunity to take ownership and work towards the organization's vision.
AS
Apoorv SharmaLead Market Strategy, South Asia, 500
Vijay was a pleasure to work with. His ability to dig in to the details while always keeping in mind the big picture is a powerful combination, allowing him to develop strategic insights for companies that span a range of industries. Vijay's hard work ethic, analytical skills and patience make him an asset to any team.
MS
Michelle ScheinmannSenior Business Analyst, Kearney
Work
B2B Sales Strategy for Startup Founders by Vijay Rajendran on Maven
Explore Venture capital as an asset class, with a diverse range of Firms from various sectors and themes.
Access comprehensive details on featured VC firms: historical performance, fund size, sector focus, regions, investment stages, fees, and core team members. We are also happy to furnish any additional information upon request.
Azlo, a BBVA-backed digital banking platform targeting the fast-growing army of freelancers and self-employed Americans who make up the gig economy, has opened its virtual doors.
With a foundation built on the synergy of experience, successful climate tech investments, and a passion for addressing the climate crisis, Climate Angels aims to empower the climate tech investing leaders of tomorrow.
500 Startups recently announced the results of the largest corporate venture capital survey of its kind to date. Based on insights from more than 100 unique CVC units worldwide, we're unveiling our findings and helping corporations, startups, and others understand the challenges and opportunities within the space.
As a founder, advisor, and investor, I have developed a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem and the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs.
Why can I help you? I led the portfolio value team that supported one of the largest early stage venture capital portfolios in the world: 500 Startups. I've supported many founders and helped them on their journey to becoming CEOs. I have also developed relationships with investors and executives and understand how to help them develop professional and organizational success they want
Partnering with CEO to unblock milestones and unlock the potential of them and their teams.
Nov 2022 — Present
Climate Capital
Climate Capital Syndicate Investor and Advisor
Angel investor in Climate startups and instructor in the Climate Angels educational program with members of the Climate Capital Team.
Launched Climate Angels Fellowship program in 2024 to bring more angel investors into the Climate Tech Field
Aug 2022 — Present
Maven
Course Instructor, Business to Business Sales Strategy for Startup Founders
Get the right strategic footing
Be more strategic when it comes to market size and sectors, find the best industries and decision makers who need their products, then understand how these prospects think.
Solve Valuable Problems for your Future Customers
Conduct world class customer development. Everyone's got problems in big companies. So are you good at identifying them? That's the secret to great customer development that makes your product better and creates new channels for your business.
De-Risk your Solution for Decision Makers
How do you ask people to take a bet on you? I'll share the importance of building a pilot program. Together, we'll go create one. You will de-risk your startup's product/service for decision-makers so they will advocate for you.
Develop Results that Produce Momentum
You'll need social proof to succeed. Turns that first win into a compelling case study for others to follow
Showing founders that corporate partnerships are about selling and pitching, it’s really about listening, planning, and collaborating.
Positioning pre-seed startups to work with corporates and win that first pilot, proof-of-concept, or deal.
Nov 2021 — Sep 2023
500 Startups
Head of Portfolio Value
Helping 1800 startups and their founders develop customers, raise capital, and create community at leading global venture capital firm. I also connected the most promising startups with the executive leadership of innovative companies that want to understand the venture ecosystem, navigate partnerships, and make new investments.
Provided 166 fundraising introductions to raise $13 million and partnerships for global portfolio.
Developed a startup sourcing program in mobility for a Tier 3 supplier and oversaw GM mobility track in 500 Startups flagship accelerator, investing in 10 companies since 2018.
Led fintech accelerator and sourced Series A and B startups for Visa in the Asia-Pacific region.
Sourced and diligence of fintech, SaaS, and marketplace startups to invest in our Accelerator.
Feb 2016 — Jan 2017
A
Azlo
Interim CEO
As part of my role at BBVA, I led new business concepting and secured internal seed investment as interim CEO of one of the first digital banks for small business: Azlo (previously Noet Inc.).
Compliance-approved onboarding for business bank accounts.
Nov 2013 — Aug 2015
jump associates
Project Lead
Launched new products and businesses for a leading design and innovation strategy consulting firm.
Created product roadmap for an e-commerce client’s new strategy set to transact over $50 billion.
Developed financial model for omnichannel customer experience concept evaluation and new store experiments for a retailer to add $200 million sales lift in the home improvement category.
