Neha Singh, a graduate of IIT Bombay, has become a key figure in India’s startup scene.
Using her strong academic background and business skills, she co-founded Tracxn, a company that has gained support from major investors, including Ratan Tata.
Education and Professional Journey
Neha Singh graduated from IIT Bombay with a dual degree in Technology, specializing in Computer Science and Engineering.
She excelled academically, earning a reputation as a top student in her field.
To further her expertise, Neha pursued a Master’s in Business Administration from Stanford University, one of the world’s leading business schools.
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Neha gained valuable experience working as an Associate at Boston Consulting Group (India) Private Limited and as an Investment Analyst with Sequoia Capital India Advisors Private Limited.
These roles provided her with a deep understanding of the business landscape and the investment ecosystem.
The Birth of Tracxn
In 2015, Neha co-founded Tracxn, a B2B platform designed to provide intelligence and research for venture capitalists (VCs) and investors.
The platform combines data analytics and research to offer insights on thousands of privately held companies, making it a critical tool for identifying investment opportunities.
Tracxn’s value proposition attracted early interest from high-profile investors. Among them was Ratan Tata, one of India’s most respected industrialists, whose investment significantly boosted Tracxn’s credibility.
Other notable investors include Flipkart co-founders Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, as well as Delhivery co-founder Sahil Barua.
Achievements and Recognition
Neha’s leadership has been instrumental in Tracxn’s rapid growth. As of 2022, the platform had over 1.84 million listings across 58 countries.
The company’s success led to a ₹309 crore IPO in August 2022, with the stock listing at a premium.
Although the IPO was considered early by some market watchers, Neha explained that the timing was driven by Tracxn’s strong financial performance, including achieving cash flow positivity two years prior and bottom-line profitability in FY22.
In recognition of her achievements, Neha has been featured in several prestigious lists. In 2016, Outlook Business profiled her as an outstanding woman in business, and Mint included her in “The 40 Who Matter in the Indian Startup Ecosystem.”
She was also named in Fortune India’s 40 under 40 lists in 2018 and 2019 and was recognized in the “Rising Stars” category among powerful women by Business Today in 2019.
Also Read: Meet Radha Vembu: The Richest Self-Made Woman, ₹47,000 Crore Net Worth
Insights on the Data Industry
Neha is a strong advocate for the potential of the data industry. She often highlights the significant opportunities it presents, drawing parallels to companies like Bloomberg, which continues to grow and dominate the market even after four decades.
Neha notes that data companies typically enjoy high margins and substantial operating leverage, making them indispensable to their clients.
At Tracxn, the focus is on providing enterprise-grade data for decision-making, particularly for high-paying professional clients.
Neha emphasizes that the digital footprint of companies is expanding, and with it, the demand for sophisticated data solutions across various industries.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Neha advises early-stage entrepreneurs looking to enter the data business to ensure that the market opportunity is large and growing.
She stresses the importance of understanding the potential for data to become a critical part of decision-making in a sector and urges founders to deeply connect with the problem they aim to solve.
According to Neha, having a strong affinity for the market is crucial. It takes time to become proficient in the data business, and a founder’s connection to the problem can drive the company forward during challenging times.
She also highlights the importance of predictability in business operations and organizational maturity, noting that these factors are key to long-term success.
Personal Life: From Co-Founders to Life Partners
Beyond the boardroom, Neha Singh and her co-founder, Abhishek Goyal, have also embarked on a personal journey together.
The couple tied the knot on April 26 at a beachside ceremony in Goa, attended by close family and friends.
The wedding reception, held at the Ritz Carlton in Bengaluru, was a star-studded event, with attendees including some of the biggest names in India’s startup ecosystem.
From Inception to IPO: The Tracxn Story
Tracxn’s journey from inception to IPO is a testament to the power of innovation and strategic leadership.
The company’s B2B platform, which blends data analytics with research, has become a vital resource for investors worldwide.
Despite some skepticism about the timing of its IPO, Neha remains confident in Tracxn’s future, focusing on unlocking the company’s full potential in the public market.
Early investors, like Amit Ranjan, co-founder of SlideShare, have expressed confidence in Tracxn’s long-term prospects.
With a current annualized run rate (ARR) of $10 million, there is significant room for growth, and Tracxn is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the data industry.
Conclusion
Neha Singh’s journey from an IIT Bombay topper to a successful entrepreneur with backing from Ratan Tata is inspiring.
Her story is one of resilience, vision, and a deep commitment to leveraging data to drive business decisions.
As Tracxn continues to grow and evolve, Neha’s leadership will undoubtedly remain a key factor in its success.
