Bengaluru has just taken a significant step forward on India’s investment landscape. On August 7, 2025, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) inaugurated the Tony James Centre for Private Equity and Venture Capital, making it the country’s first Centre of Excellence wholly devoted to private equity and venture capital (PEVC).
This landmark initiative is backed by one of the largest alumni endowments in IIMB’s history, thanks to Mathew Cyriac—PGP Class of 1994, Institute Gold Medallist, recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award, and Chairman of Florintree Advisors. His contribution funds not just the Centre, but also scholarships for PGP and doctoral scholars, and recognizes faculty leaders by naming four finance classrooms after eminent professors.
The Centre is named in tribute to Hamilton “Tony” James, former President, COO, and Vice Chairman of Blackstone, reflecting its ambition to become a top-tier global knowledge hub and industry bridge for PEVC research, learning, policy development, and collaboration.
More Than Capital: Building a Knowledge Platform
While traditional venture capital firms focus on backing promising startups for financial gain, the IIMB Centre stands apart with a bigger mandate. Its core purpose is to produce impactful research, develop skilled professionals, and inform policy to strengthen India’s broader investment ecosystem.
Instead of simply funding startups, the Centre will engage in academic research, offer industry training, organize policy discussions, and host events connecting students, investors, and regulators. Funding comes from institutional support—endowments and grants—rather than limited partners, and its work benefits not just investors and portfolio companies, but also students, researchers, policymakers, and the entire PEVC community.
At the Launch: Alumni Spirit and Academic Vision
During the launch ceremony, Professor Sourav Mukherji, Dean (Faculty, Alumni Relations & Development), said:
“It is heartening to see an alumnus return in such a meaningful way, especially in a field vital to both academia and industry. This Centre will inspire future generations by driving cutting-edge research and strengthening our institutional culture.”
Professor Dinesh Kumar, Director In-charge, added:
“High-impact research demands strong capital. This endowment will help IIMB attract global talent, invest in essential infrastructure, and expand our research footprint. It’s a major step towards establishing IIMB as a research-focused institution with global reach.”
Why It Matters: Shaping India’s PEVC Future
India’s private equity and venture capital scene has boomed over the past decade, but critical research and thoughtful policy have lagged. Placing a dedicated Centre inside one of the country’s top management schools gives IIMB a chance to fill that gap—building insights, skilled talent, and practical frameworks to support both deal-making and strong governance.
The Tony James Centre aims to bridge real-world investment practice with academic analysis—engaging investors, founders, policymakers, and experts. Its work could significantly impact how early-stage funding is structured and how smart policies can foster sustainable capital flows for India’s fast-moving innovation economy.
