The Next Generation of Venture Capitalist in the "Great 38" - Introducing Sanjana Bharadwaj

Investing in diverse tech-enabled startups while fostering future leaders through hands-on fellowship experiences in venture capital

At DVRGNT Ventures, our mission is to invest in tech-enabled startups across the most economically and culturally diverse region of America, known as the "Great 38" states, formerly called Middle America. But our vision goes beyond investment—we are dedicated to expanding knowledge of the venture capital industry by creating pathways for aspiring investors through our fellowship program. This program offers hands-on exposure to financial analysis, due diligence, portfolio management, and more. In the coming weeks, we’ll spotlight our fellows, sharing their backgrounds, goals, and motivations for pursuing a career in venture capital.

Meet Sanjana Bharadwaj

If there’s one thing that defines my roots, it’s the startup energy. Growing up in Bangalore, India—often dubbed the "Silicon Valley of India"—conversations about startups, funding, and stealth mode were as common as chai breaks. These topics seamlessly became part of my everyday life, with at least one friend in every group who was “building something big” or “working in stealth mode.” That environment shaped me, pushing me toward the startup world from an early age.

I first dipped my toes in the startup ecosystem as a Community Manager at ClayWorks Spaces Technologies. It wasn’t just about fostering relationships; it was about learning the intricacies of managing chaos. As the company scaled, I transitioned into more strategic roles and eventually found myself at the Founder’s Office, where I played a crucial part in transforming people-driven chaos into an organized, process-driven environment. Witnessing firsthand how cross-functional teams come together to build something truly meaningful was exhilarating. This experience taught me the importance of collaboration, founder resilience, and the art of juggling strategy with execution.

While being part of the startup journey back home was exciting, I wanted to broaden my horizons. I pursued a Master of Engineering Management at Duke University—affectionately known as the “engineer’s MBA.” At Duke, I gained valuable insights into the business side of technology through courses in strategy, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurial management. However, it was my time as a student consultant and my work with innovation-focused organizations that solidified my passion for venture capital and startups.

At DVRGNT Ventures, where I serve as a Venture Associate Fellow, I’ve had the opportunity to dive deeper into this world. One of my key projects has been developing a resource hub for founders—a space that provides access to valuable content on fundraising, business building, and growth, all sourced from across the web. This initiative ensures founders have the tools they need at their fingertips. I’ve also evaluated startups and founder teams, developed investment memos, and gained a solid understanding of how due diligence works in the investment process.

Working with the DVRGNT team has been an incredible learning experience. Konstandinou has been a constant source of guidance, B has encouraged me to explore my interests and speak up, and Jeremy has kindly taken the time to help me shape my career path. I’ve met remarkable founders and investors, each conversation providing new perspectives and deeper insights into this dynamic space.

Beyond DVRGNT, I currently work with the Center for Entrepreneurial Development in North Carolina. The Center focuses on supporting and scaling high-growth startups in the Triangle region and beyond by connecting them with resources, mentorship, and investment opportunities.

What truly excites me is the intersection of venture capital, innovation, and impact. I’ve always wanted to drive innovation—not just through funding but by nurturing founders and helping them forge their paths. I’m deeply committed to creating access for diverse, pioneering innovators and enabling them to bring their ideas to life. For me, venture capital is more than just investments; it’s about empowering changemakers, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring that great ideas don’t get lost due to a lack of resources or access.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about giving back. Volunteering with children and animals allows me to connect with the community and find purpose beyond my career. It reminds me of the importance of nurturing potential at the right stage, much like the work I do with entrepreneurs. This involvement keeps me grounded and instills values I strive to live by: empathy, commitment, and care. You’ll also likely find me enjoying a good book, trying out new recipes, or engaging in spirited conversations over coffee or at a local brewery.

In both my personal and professional life, I believe in creating inclusive, diverse spaces where people—and ideas—can flourish. I look forward to growing in this field, fostering environments where innovation thrives, and championing access for those who need it most. My aspiration is to become a thought leader who helps develop emerging talent and pioneering ideas. There’s a lot of work to be done, and I’m excited to be part of a movement that not only funds innovation but also cultivates it.

Here’s to building, innovating, and making an impact!