Maria Ben

Maria Ben

Investment professional with a proven track record in venture capital, M&A, and strategic advisory. Skilled in originating and executing high-impact investments, conducting sector research, and collaborating with global consulting firms and ecosystem stakeholders to unlock scalable solutions. Adept at translating market insights into actionable strategies, building founder relationships, and driving capital deployment that delivers both financial returns and systemic impact.

Work Experience:

4.2 Years

Industry:

Banking Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI)

Function:

Finance | Investments

Work Experience

Omidyar Network India (Impact fund with ~$700M AUM supporting mission-driven startups) | Bangalore

  • Investment Analyst
    • Played a key role in investments across agritech, financial inclusion, B2B commerce, and climate tech, totalling ~$6.5M.
    • Co-led a collaborative agritech study with Boston Consulting Group, engaging 30+ ecosystem stakeholders to identify scalable capital solutions for enhancing smallholder farmer incomes.
    • Led sector research in Agritech and Climate Tech. 
    • Evaluated 150+ startups raising $0.5–5M. 
    • Conducted deep-dive sector analyses and identified fund-level investment theses. 
    • Engaged with founders, incubators, and co-investors to refine pipeline and strategy.
    • Developed investment memos, financial models, sector research and impact assessments across early-stage transactions.


Aavishkaar Capital ($400M impact fund investing across emerging markets) | Mumbai

  • Investment Analyst
    • Sourced and evaluated 100+ startups across Agritech, Financial Inclusion, and Essential Services, including Circularity, EV & Logistics, B2B Marketplaces, and Consumer.
    • Progressed 4 deals to advanced stages, including:
      • A ~$3M investment in a full-stack EV infrastructure company offering charging hardware and SaaS solutions for charge point, fleet, and battery swap management.
      • A ~$5M digital-first insurtech simplifying access to microinsurance products through embedded channels.
      • A ~$5M fundraise for a B2B commerce platform connecting Indian artisans to global buyers.
      • A ~$3M investment in an EV components player specializing in battery management systems and safety-critical electronics.
    • Built sector-specific investment primers, including an Agritech landscape report mapping 60+ startups and identifying thematic opportunities and whitespace.
    • Supported business model evaluation and contributed to due diligence, valuation, and impact thesis development.
    • Led monthly MIS and strategy calls for portfolio companies, supporting budgeting, performance tracking, and business planning.


PwC (Global firm offering audit, consulting, and M&A advisory)

  • Investment Banking Analyst
    • Undertook fund raising and M&A mandates across sectors including Industrial Products & Services, Pharma, Logistics and Startups.
    • Prepared 35+ teasers for potential business opportunities and 10+ investment proposals.
    • Some of the key mandates include: 
      • Advising a leading Indian apparel brand on a fund-raise mandate worth ~$3.5M.
      • Acquisition of a pharma company under liquidation for a reserve price of ~$65M by a global biotech player 
      • Advisory for an integrated steel manufacturing facility under divestment for a buy side mandate of ~$220M.
         

KPMG (Leading professional services firm across audit and advisory)

  • Risk Analyst
    • Part of the Governance, Risk & Compliance Services practice, working across clients in FMCG, Media, and Manufacturing sectors.
    • Conducted Internal Audits, IFC testing, and process reviews across functions like Procurement-to-Pay, Payroll, Marketing, and Accounts Payable.
    • Analyzed and tested 150+ internal controls for a leading Paints & Coatings firm (~$350M), covering multiple core and support functions.
    • Identified 25+ potential risk areas and developed mitigation plans for a top Indian media conglomerate.
    • Redesigned a Risk Control Matrix (20+ reforms) to streamline the acquisition process for a major FMCG company (~$450M transaction value).
Accomplishments
  • Selected from 150+ students for Global Accelerator Program 2019 (GAP) at National University of Singapore (NUS)
  • Secured multiple competition wins at Ashoka University including: Best Pitch Award at Ashoka Business Conclave 2019; First Prize at Startup Ashoka 2018; Best Pitch Award at Ashoka Leadership Summit
Education
  • MBA - PGPX (One year Full time) - Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad
  • BSc. (Hons) Economics and Finance, Ashoka University | Sonipat
Certification
  • ⁠ New York Institute of Finance: M&A Concepts and Theories (Advanced) Certification
  • ⁠ Lean Six Sigma, Green Belt Certification
  • ⁠ Research Analyst Certification Exam, National Institute of Securities Market (NISM)
  • ⁠ Securities Operations and Risk Management Certification, NISM
  • ⁠ Excel Skills for Business: Advanced, Coursera
Extra-curricular
  • Elected as Career Affairs Secretary for PGPX 2025-26; Part of 61st Student Council at IIMA
  • President of Ashoka University's Investments Club leading a team of 30+ finance enthusiasts; Co-founded Bodhi Capital - a student managed investment fund with focus on value investing (2019-20)