Aashish Kalra

Aashish Kalra
Nationality India United States Indian American
Occupation Investor

Aashish Kalra (also known as Ashish Kalra) is a business professional and an equity investor. He currently serves as chairman of Cambridge Technology Enterprises[1] and Cambridge Innovations.[2] Since his appointment, Aashish has made the company into a technology platform focused on the convergence of cloud and big data.[3] and double its revenue in 1 year.[4] He was the Founder and of Trikona Capital.[5][6] He is a socially conscious investor[7][8]

Early life

Mr. Kalra attended The Doon School at Dehradun in India. He also holds a master's degree in international finance from Brandeis University, Waltham, USA, and graduated from St. Stephens College, Delhi with a bachelor's degree in economics (honors). He did his thesis on the Japanese Financial System at Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan.

Career

Cambridge Technology Enterprises

Aashish took over the company formally on the 1 January 2015. Under his leadership, Cambridge Technology Enterprises embarked on two year business plan (January 2015 till December 2016) focused on building the right partnership, invest in talent, expand the company’s service offerings and acquire new customers across key verticals.[9]

Cambridge Technology Enterprises has overseen a 156% growth in net profit and 86% growth in revenue for the quarter that ended January–March 2015.[1] In June 2015, the company also saw a rise in its overall revenue by 109.27% in the quarter ended June 2015 as against during the previous quarter ended June 2014.[10][11] Since then, the company has also seen an incremental growth[12] & is now looking to investing hiring the right talent and training them and upskilling current employees for the future by in setting competency centers[13]

The company has also build several strategic partnerships with leading Fortune 500 companies such as Amazon.com and Oracle.

The success can largely be attributed to Aashish's vision of transforming the company as a sophisticated technology platform based on Big Data, Analytics[21] and Cloud with the focus on building a better incubation model out of India to test technologies that would later be internationalized-a move which has seen the company's stock rise by over 700% over the year.[4]

Strategic Partnerships

Cambridge Innovations

On 16 December[32] Mr. Aashish Kalra also announced that Cambridge Technology Enterprises would be launching an investment hub, Cambridge Innovations[2] -for an early-stage investment in India & US-based start-ups, to tap into emerging technology and innovation, while at the same time address its core problem of getting employees trained in new technologies.[33][34][35]

Cambridge Innovations (CI), is an investor and technology partner to early stage companies leveraging technologies in the area of cloud and big data for disruption.[36]

Cambridge Innovations aims to provide capital, people and technical knowledge to early stage entrepreneurs looking to reach the next level of growth with reduced technology risk.[37] The firm will provide up to 25% of seed capital to launch, a two-year technology plan and the product team to help execute it.[38]

As a long-term partner and investor, CI will accelerate a start-up’s growth and success. Entrepreneurs can expect to:[39]

In a recent interview with Dataquest,[40] Aashish, Chairman, Cambridge Innovations was quoted

“Cambridge Innovations understands the challenges facing entrepreneurs today; a faster-time to market, the ability to scale, the right product development team and the necessary capital are the difference between long term success, or failure. CI will meet these needs and remain committed to each start-up. This benefits Cambridge Technology Enterprises by creating a strong pool of future clients and access to the strongest innovation in the field.”

Under Aashish’s tutelage, Cambridge Innovations has targeted investing in 12 US-based start-ups by March 2017[41] and have plans in place to scale it up to 50 investments[42] over the next three years.[43][44][45][46][47]

Cambridge Innovations currently has three firms in its portfolio:

CTE LLC/IBCC & other technology ventures

Kalra is a Venture Capitalist (VC) and was a partner at Cambridge Technology Enterprises (CTE LLC). CTE LLC established several successful companies in the Information Technology space. At CTE LLC,[48] Aashish Kalra was also one of the co-founders of Cambridge/Samsung Partners, one of the earliest independent venture capital firm in Boston in 1996 in partnership with Samsung of Korea with a vision to provide funding and assistance for seed and early stage IT companies. He was also a co-founder of Cambridge Samsung Resources, a leading Systems Integrator. He also concluded successful partnerships and joint ventures with Hewlett-Packard, Marubeni, NEC and other global 1000 companies. CTE LLC/Cambridge Samsung Partners/IBCC have been associated as founders and investors of several successful technology companies.

Key IPOs include:

Cambridge Energy Holdings (CEH Global), Cambridge Energy Resources (CER Inc) , now known as, Cambridge Clean Energy Limited (CCE)

Aashish Kalra is a Managing Partner at Cambridge Energy Holdings and its subsidiary Cambridge Energy Resources, a leading Renewable Energy/Clean Technology company which specializes in developing energy efficient products and services for the telecom tower industry under every possible grid availability such as off-grid, on-grid and unreliable grid solutions with a focus on EmSaaS (Energy Management Solution as a service) across the globe. Recently Cambridge Energy Resources merged with Clean Power Systems Holdings (CPS) of Africa, resulting in the new venture, Cambridge Clean Energy(CCE).

Cambridge Clean Energy (CCE) has raised over $21 million in Series A funding led by technology-focused venture capital firm Amadeus Capital Partners.[53][54] Cambridge Clean Energy is currently working towards expanding their operations across India and Africa with an aim to become the largest distributor of renewable power in emerging markets.[55] CCE will also strive to adhere to the Cambridge Energy Resources vision of being socially conscious by achieving the lowest cost per kWh of energy.[55]

Trikona Capital

He was one of the earliest Private Equity(PE) investors in India and responsible for raising one of the largest funds dedicated to the Indian infrastructure and real estate markets. As a co-founder and one of the principals of Trikona Capital,[56] the manager for a USD $500 million India-focused private equity fund called Trinity[57] listed on the London Stock exchange’s AIM market in 2005, Mr. Kalra was principally responsible for the creation of the Trikona platform in India[58] including buildup of the in-country team and partnerships with a number of India’s premier public/private development vehicles such as IL&FS[59] and HUDCO. During this time, Mr. Kalra worked closely with IL&FS and IL&FS Investment Managers and was the key member of the investment committees of the joint ventures that invested in excess of USD $500million[60] together.

Mr. Kalra was also a key member of Trikona’s Investment Committee, which invested in some of the most successful Indian real estate and infrastructure transactions[61][62] over the past decade. Some key exits were IPOs of Pipavav Shipyard Ltd., IL&FS Transportation Networks Ltd., and D B Realty Ltd. The combined asset value of the IL&FS and Trikona portfolio was in excess of USD $10 billion.[63] Over the investment period between 2005 and 2008, Trikona executed over 5 exits, achieving IRR’s of over 95%; the fund also grew its AUM to approximately USD $1bl. by 2008. Mr. Kalra stepped down from running Trikona following the purchase of a controlling stake in Trinity by hedge fund investors[64] in 2009[65][66][67]

Spydre LLC

Aashish Kalra established Spydre LLC a global hi-tech venture catalyst, where he grew the portfolio to over $50 mm and a client base of over 25 companies spread across three continents (Europe, North America, South America) and established strategic relationships whilst maintaining a profitable business model.

Key Strategic Investors include:

He is a socially conscious[7] investor who has built one of the largest platforms for institutional investors looking to invest in Indian infrastructure and real estate.[68]

Television and public speaking

Aashish has been often quoted[69] in leading Indian & international media and was featured in the Young Turks program on CNBC.[70][71] Having led Cambridge Technology Enterprises to numerous milestones, Aashish has been interviewed a number of times by India’s leading business media.[72][73][74][75][76] Following recent success with Cambridge Technology Enterprises and launching Cambridge Innovations –he was featured on CNBC-TV18[77][78] and Bloomberg TV India.[79] Aashish Kalra was also featured on TV5 (India)[80] where he shared his thoughts on a healthy forecast for Cambridge Technology Enterprises[81] and with Bloomberg TV India where he spoke about his plans for the company's growth.[4] He has also written a number of industry articles, most recently on "Is big data a sound investment?", published on [India Infoline][82] and was also recently quoted on "How a blend of technology and human touch can help HR to manage their quantitative information and'human capital' more effectively".[83]

He is a frequent international speaker and has participated in industry events in America, Europe, India, China and the Middle East. In 2008, he was named one of the "Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business"[84] and also a panel speaker at the One Globe: Uniting Knowledge communities conference where he discussed "Digital India: Can e-commerce entrepreneurs drive digital adoption in India?"[85]

References

  1. 1 2 Sunitha Natti. "CTE registers 156% increase in net profit in first quarter".
  2. 1 2 "Cambridge Technology Enterprises launches Cambridge Innovations for early stage entrepreneurs".
  3. 1 2 "Cambridge Tech up 1800% in 1 year: What's making it tick?".
  4. 1 2 3 Aashish Kalra Chairman of CTE Live Interview with Bloomberg TV on 11th August, 2015.
  5. "New York-based Trikona Capital to enter into realty biz in India".
  6. "Trikona May Invest $10 Billion in Indian Property Over a Decade".
  7. 1 2 "Investor Aashish Kalra Talks About Shaping a New India".
  8. "Hall Monitors".
  9. "CTE is focused on building the partnerships and talent base".
  10. "Cambridge Technology Enterprises reports consolidated net profit of Rs 1.20 crore in the June 2015 quarter".
  11. "Cambridge Technology revenues double in June quarter".
  12. "Company is in a high growth mode: Cambridge Technologies".
  13. "Cambridge Tech to hire 300 in a year".
  14. "Cambridge Technology Enterprises consolidated net profit rises 1020.00% in the September 2015 quarter".
  15. "Cambridge Technology Enterprises standalone net profit rises 896.00% in the September 2015 quarter".
  16. "Cambridge Tech net rises to ₹2.8 cr; to increase focus on hiring talent".
  17. "Cambridge Tech Enterprises: Stock Up 1800% In 1 year - Oct 8".
  18. "Cambridge Tech up 1800% in 1 year: What's making it tick?".
  19. "Cambridge Tech up 1800% in 1 year: What's making it tick?".
  20. "Cambridge Tech up 1800% in 1 year: What's making it tick?".
  21. "Analytics The Mobile Way". Express Computer.
  22. "Cambridge Technology Enterprises Becomes Oracle Gold Partner Cambridge Technology Enterprises becomes Oracle Gold Partner in the U.S.".
  23. "Cambridge Technology Enterprises becomes Oracle Platinum Partner".
  24. "Cambridge Technology Enterprises partners with ForgeRock".
  25. "CTE Announces Partnering Agreement with ForgeRock".
  26. "Cambridge Technology Enterprises Announces Partnership with Apica Systems".
  27. "CTE Obtains Alliance Partner Status with Tableau".
  28. "Cambridge Technology enters into partnership with New Relic".
  29. "Cambridge Technology Enterprises Ltd Joins New Relic's Partner Program Latest project fueling CTE's access to software analytics".
  30. "Cambridge Technology Enterprises enters into contract with I D Systems".
  31. "Cambridge Technology Enterprises Announces Contract with I.D. Systems".
  32. "Cambridge Tech eyes US startups".
  33. "Cambridge Technology Enterprises launches Cambridge Innovations for early stage entrepreneurs".
  34. "Cambridge Tech launches Cambridge Innovations for early stage entrepreneurs".
  35. "Cambridge Technology Enterprises to expand startup investment portfolio to 12".
  36. "Cambridge Technology Enterprises Launches Cambridge Innovations For Early Stage Entrepreneurs".
  37. "India-US-Based Investment Vehicle Aims to Nurture Early-Stage Tech Startups".
  38. "Cambridge Tech to invest in 50 US-based start-ups".
  39. Aashish Kalra, Chairman - CTE, live interview announcing launch of Cambridge Innovations.
  40. "Cambridge Technology Enterprises launches Cambridge Innovations for early stage entrepreneurs".
  41. "Cambridge Innovations completed 10 investments towards a target of 12 investments by March 2017".
  42. "Cambridge Innovations to invest in 50 companies by 2019".
  43. "Cambridge Innovations will have a portfolio of 50 companies over 3 years: Aashish Kalra".
  44. "Cambridge Innovations invests in Valetanywhere".
  45. "Cambridge Innovations invests in Ourly.help".
  46. "Cambridge Innovations funds two US-based startups".
  47. "Cambridge Innovations expands portfolio with Valet Anywhere investment".
  48. "IBCC Corp".
  49. "Media 100 Continues Buying Spree With ICE Acquisition".
  50. "Pretzel Logic Meets Intense Demand for Change Management for E-Businesses With Aggressive Company and Solutions Expansion".
  51. "Wave Systems Acquires N*ABLE Technologies".
  52. "Cambridge Technology Enterprises Ltd".
  53. "Amadeus Capital invests in India-focused energy management firm".
  54. "Amadeus Capital Partners invests in Cambridge Clean Energy".
  55. 1 2 "Cleantech firm Cambridge Clean Energy raises $21M from Amadeus Capital, others".
  56. "Real Estate Raj".
  57. "Trinity takes AIM at $1 bn more".
  58. "Indian Real Estate: Investors Are Shopping, but Are They Buying Hype?".
  59. "IL&FS arm targets $900m mop-up for realty sector".
  60. "Trikona Capital plans a realty check with second public issue".
  61. "Asia focus: India's big build begins ground level up".
  62. "Asia focus: Trinity Capital to invest £11 m in luxury hotels in India".
  63. "Trinity Capital lines up $10 bn to develop 3 metros".
  64. "Activist property investor QVT financial bays for Trikona's blood".
  65. "Advantage Hedge Funds: Trikona Trinity Capital To Sell Assets".
  66. "AIM-Listed Trinity Capital, Trikona Advisers Reach Settlement".
  67. "Hedge Fund QVT Financial: UK Activist Portfolio".
  68. "Extra: Building Opportunity in India".
  69. "Budget 2015: IT Industry's Expectations".
  70. "Dollar flow to realty mkt to grow over 3x by 2010".
  71. Aashish Kalra on CNBC's Young Turks.
  72. "Aashish Kalra, Interview with Techcircle,announcing latest investments".
  73. "Aashish Kalra on dealstreetasia announcing CI's valetanywhere and ourly.help investments".
  74. "Aashish kalra on dealstreetasia speaking on CI, Bigdata & Analytics".
  75. Aashish Kalra Interview with Sarder TV, Learning from CEO.
  76. Aashish Kalra Interview with ET Now.
  77. Cambridge Tech Enterprises: Stock Up 1800% In 1 year - Oct 8.
  78. Aashish Kalra, announces latest investments of Cambridge Innovations on CNBC TV18.
  79. "Aashish Kalra, Chairman - CTE, live interview announcing launch of Cambridge Innovations".
  80. Aashish Kalra interview with TV5 Now.
  81. 18th July 2015 Business Weekend.
  82. "Is big data a sound investment?".
  83. "Is HR losing its'human' aspect?" (PDF).
  84. "Outstanding Asian Americans in Business".
  85. "One Globe 2015 Speaker".

External links

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