On August 25, 2024, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) made a groundbreaking move by launching India’s first Global Centre of Excellence dedicated to Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital (VC). This initiative was set in motion through a significant partnership between IIM-B and Mathew Cyriac, an illustrious alumnus and the Executive Chairman of Florintree Advisors Pvt Ltd. This Centre marks a monumental leap forward in enhancing finance education and research in India, aligning the nation with global standards in these dynamic fields.
The formalization of this initiative came through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IIM-B and Mathew Cyriac. The agreement outlines the establishment of a state-of-the-art institution within the IIM-B campus, focusing exclusively on Private Equity and Venture Capital. In a tribute to the industry’s stalwarts, the Centre will be named after Tony James, a renowned investment banker whose contributions have profoundly shaped the global PE and VC landscape.
The primary goal of the Centre is to establish itself as a global leader in Private Equity and Venture Capital. It seeks to create a robust ecosystem that fosters cutting-edge research and sparks innovation in these sectors. Mathew Cyriac’s contribution to this endeavor is not just financial—it is the largest donation ever made by an alumnus to IIM-B—but also symbolic, as he has suggested naming four classrooms after the professors who shaped his academic journey. Additionally, Cyriac’s support extends to the creation of scholarships for students pursuing postgraduate and PhD programs, furthering the Centre’s mission of nurturing the next generation of financial leaders.
The Centre’s mission is to cultivate a collaborative environment that unites academics, industry experts, and regulatory bodies. Its vision is to develop world-class talent in Private Equity and Venture Capital by providing students with unparalleled access to industry leaders, enhancing their learning with practical, hands-on experience. The Centre will serve as a hub for advanced research and educational activities, offering students the opportunity to delve into the latest trends in PE and VC, engage in fieldwork, and receive mentorship from seasoned professionals.
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B), established in 1973, stands as one of India’s premier business schools, renowned for its academic rigor and innovation. IIM-B was the first among Indian Institutes of Management to receive international accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in 2016, underscoring its commitment to excellence. The 100-acre campus, designed by the legendary architect B.V. Doshi, is home to Asia’s largest management library and boasts a strong startup ecosystem, bolstered by initiatives like the NS Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurship.
IIM-B’s pioneering efforts, exemplified by the launch of this Global Centre for PE and VC, continue to set new benchmarks in business education. This Centre is not only a testament to the institute’s visionary approach but also a significant step toward positioning India as a leader in the global financial landscape. As the Centre begins its journey, it promises to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Private Equity and Venture Capital, both in India and beyond.