Exclusive Interview: Sushanto Mitra, CEO of Lead Angels on Democratizing Private Market Investments in India

India’s private investment landscape is undergoing a massive transformation, with early-stage and private market investments becoming increasingly attractive beyond the traditional circle of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. At the heart of this shift is the growing accessibility of curated, transparent platforms that make these opportunities available to a wider base of investors.

To decode this trend, Faiz Askari of SMEStreet caught up with Sushanto Mitra, CEO of Lead Angels and Lead Invest NextGen, who has been at the forefront of empowering investors to participate in India’s thriving startup ecosystem. Here are the highlights of our conversation:

Private Market Investing Boom in India

Faiz Askari: Why do you see growing interest in private market investing in India?

Sushanto Mitra: Over the past couple of decades, private market investing — especially in startups and early growth companies — has started to outperform public markets. Investors increasingly realize that getting in early, before a company hits the mainstream or goes public, can deliver much higher potential returns. India’s startup ecosystem is maturing fast, and savvy investors don’t want to wait for the IPO stage. They want to be part of the journey while these businesses are still building their foundations.

Faiz Askari: Traditionally, private equity and venture investing have been seen as the domain of UHNIs and large institutions. Has that changed?

Sushanto Mitra: That’s how it was for a long time. Early-stage investing was mostly the playground of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, or big institutional investors. The entry ticket was high — large cheques, opaque deal flows, complex legal hurdles. Even those interested often couldn’t access these opportunities in a structured, compliant way. But this is finally changing.

Breaking Barriers: How Technology and Regulation Are Democratizing Startup Investments

Faiz Askari: What is driving this new accessibility?

Sushanto Mitra: Two major factors. First, technology has made the entire process much smoother. Platforms today can offer curated opportunities, digital onboarding, real-time updates, and transparent tracking. Second, SEBI and other regulators have evolved the ecosystem. Structured vehicles like angel funds and AIFs (Alternative Investment Funds) now make it easier and safer for a broader set of investors to participate. The result is a more level playing field — early-stage investing is no longer reserved just for the ultra-wealthy.

Faiz Askari: But private market investing still carries risks. What should people watch out for?

Sushanto Mitra: Absolutely — let’s not sugarcoat it. Early-stage investing involves real risks. These are young companies, and not all of them make it. There is also the issue of liquidity, as investments are typically locked in for years. And if you invest without proper due diligence, or through informal, unstructured setups, your risk goes up even more. That’s why a trusted, transparent, and compliant platform is critical.

Faiz Askari: How is Lead Invest NextGen addressing these challenges?

Sushanto Mitra: Lead Invest NextGen is a tech-enabled platform designed to give investors access to high-quality, capital-efficient startups — businesses focused on sustainable growth, not just flashy valuations. We look for strong fundamentals, real revenues, and founders who are disciplined in their approach.

Our deals undergo an independent and transparent vetting process, and investments are routed through SEBI-compliant structures. What’s more, we have reduced the minimum investment size so that you no longer need to commit huge amounts to get started.

Faiz Askari: Why emphasize capital-efficient and sustainable startups?

Sushanto Mitra: Because that is where the market is going, especially during uncertain times. Gone are the days of burning cash just to chase hyper-growth. Today’s investors are seeking startups with robust unit economics, real customers, and sensible growth. Capital efficiency isn’t about penny-pinching — it’s about being smart with money. Such startups have a higher chance of surviving market cycles and delivering steady, long-term returns. That is precisely the sweet spot we focus on.

Faiz Askari: Do you think private markets really outperform public markets?

Sushanto Mitra: If you get in early and choose well, absolutely. Historically, early-stage private market investments have significantly outperformed public markets. You’re investing before the full upside is priced in. That’s where true wealth is built. The only challenge is access — but with Lead Invest NextGen, we are solving that by bringing curated, high-quality opportunities to more investors in a structured and secure manner.

Lead Invest NextGen: Making Early-Stage Deals Accessible and Safer

Faiz Askari: Who is the ideal investor for Lead Invest NextGen?

Sushanto Mitra: We are best suited for HNIs, family offices, and professionals who want to diversify beyond stocks and mutual funds. Maybe you don’t have the time to scout deals or conduct deep diligence on your own, but you still want to participate in India’s startup story with professional guidance. If you’re seeking long-term value through private market exposure and prefer a transparent, well-managed process, Lead Invest NextGen is built for you.

Faiz Askari: Any cautionary advice for new investors entering this space?

Sushanto Mitra: That’s a great question. Private market investing is not for everyone, and it should never be your entire portfolio. We recommend allocating no more than 10% of your overall equity exposure to this asset class. Even then, start small, diversify across a few opportunities, and build your exposure over time. Don’t jump in with a large amount all at once.

At Lead Invest NextGen, we help investors take a steady, sensible approach so they can capture the upside without unnecessary risk. It’s all about maintaining balance.