Accel, one of the leading venture capital firms, has announced the promotion of Pratik Agarwal and Rachit Parekh to Partner. Having been with the firm for six years, both Agarwal and Parekh have been instrumental in shaping Accel’s investment strategy and fostering strong relationships with founders and portfolio companies.
Their leadership has been key in supporting early-stage startups, with a particular focus on identifying investment opportunities and guiding portfolio development. This promotion highlights Accel’s commitment to scaling its operations with seasoned investors who deeply understand the firm’s goals and values.
In a recent post on X, Accel emphasized that the promotions align with its strategy of reinforcing its India and Southeast Asia operations with experienced leaders who can continue to drive innovation and success in the venture capital space.
Accel’s portfolio in India is rich with high-profile companies like Flipkart, Freshworks, and Swiggy, to name just a few, underscoring the firm’s influential role in shaping the Indian startup ecosystem.
These promotions are part of a broader trend at Accel, as the firm has a history of promoting talented individuals within its ranks. Notably, in 2019, three principals—Abhinav Chaturvedi, Prayank Swaroop, and Barath Shankar—were elevated to partner positions.
In a bold move earlier this year, Accel unveiled its eighth fund, committing $650 million to support the growth of early-stage startups in India and Southeast Asia. With Agarwal and Parekh stepping into their new roles, Accel’s seasoned leadership team is poised for continued success in backing the next wave of innovative startups.
