At Entrepreneur Bulletin, we had the pleasure of speaking with Vandana Tolani, a seasoned entrepreneur and the visionary behind Convanto, a boutique investment advisory firm. In this insightful conversation, Vandana shares her journey, challenges, and the philosophy that drives her mission to empower startups and businesses globally.​

From International Finance to Entrepreneurial Leadership

Entrepreneur Bulletin: Vandana, could you share your professional journey and what led you to establish Convanto?

Vandana Tolani: My professional journey has been shaped by a deep passion for identifying potential, nurturing businesses, and enabling them to scale with the right resources and strategies. I began my career in investment banking, working extensively with family offices and angel investors across Singapore and Jakarta. Over 15 years in international markets, I gained invaluable insights into how capital flows, what investors truly seek, and the intricate challenges startups face in securing funding. During this time, I collaborated with businesses across diverse sectors—FinTech, B2B tech, consumer brands, and more—helping them not only raise funds but also build strong financial and operational foundations.​

When I returned to India, I identified a critical gap in the startup ecosystem—many promising ventures struggled not only to access capital but also to obtain the strategic mentorship needed to scale sustainably. This realization led me to found Convanto, a boutique investment advisory firm focused on early-stage fundraising and business growth. What started as an effort to guide startups through their fundraising journeys soon evolved into a much larger vision: Convanto became a trusted platform where investors and entrepreneurs can connect meaningfully, beyond mere transactions.​

Today, as Founder and CEO, I work closely with startups to refine their business models, optimize their fundraising strategies, and build long-term investor relationships. I firmly believe that securing capital is just one piece of the puzzle—the true differentiator lies in strategic execution, adaptability, and a robust support system. Through Convanto, my mission is to bridge this gap, ensuring that high-potential startups receive not only funding but also the guidance and networks necessary to thrive in competitive markets.​

Over the years, my journey has afforded me the opportunity to mentor numerous entrepreneurs, speak at global forums, and contribute to the evolution of India’s startup ecosystem.convanto

Lessons from the Journey

Entrepreneur Bulletin: What key lessons have you learned throughout your career?

Vandana Tolani: One of the most significant lessons is the importance of adaptability. The business landscape is ever-evolving, and being open to change is crucial. Additionally, building genuine relationships, rather than transactional ones, has been instrumental in my journey. Trust and integrity form the foundation of successful collaborations.​

Navigating the Digital Landscape

Entrepreneur Bulletin: What do you see as the biggest challenges for brands in the digital space today?

Vandana Tolani: The digital space is saturated, making it challenging for brands to stand out. Authenticity is key. Brands need to convey their unique value proposition clearly and consistently. Moreover, understanding and leveraging data analytics can provide insights into consumer behavior, enabling more targeted and effective strategies.​Entrepreneur Bulletin.in

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Bulletin: What advice would you give to those aspiring to become entrepreneurs?

Vandana Tolani: Believe in your vision, but remain flexible in your approach. Seek mentorship and surround yourself with a supportive network. It’s also essential to understand the financial aspects of your business thoroughly. Lastly, resilience is vital; challenges are inevitable, but perseverance will see you through.​

Conclusion

Vandana Tolani’s journey from international finance to leading a boutique investment advisory firm exemplifies the resilience and innovation that define successful entrepreneurship. Through Convanto, she continues to empower startups and businesses, fostering growth and sustainability in the global market.