Avendus Group has announced the appointment of Karan Sharma as Head of Investment Banking, marking a key leadership transition as the financial services firm enters its next phase of growth and expansion.
Sharma succeeds Gaurav Deepak, Co-founder and CEO of Avendus Group, who has led the investment banking division for several years while overseeing the broader organization. The move is expected to provide dedicated leadership for the investment banking business while enabling Deepak to focus on the company’s long-term strategic priorities.
The appointment comes at a significant time for Avendus, following the announcement that Mizuho Securities agreed to acquire a majority stake of more than 60% in the company, a transaction that will allow investors including KKR to exit their holdings.
Karan Sharma Takes Charge of Investment Banking Division
Prior to his promotion, Karan Sharma served as Managing Director and Co-Head of Digital, Technology, and Consumer Investment Banking at Avendus.
Over the past 15 years, Sharma has played a crucial role in building the firm’s technology-focused investment banking franchise and strengthening relationships across India’s startup, digital, and consumer sectors.
In his new role, he will be responsible for:
- Leading the investment banking business
- Driving growth and expansion strategies
- Strengthening client relationships
- Enhancing sector expertise
- Building institutional capabilities
- Supporting advisory services across key industries
His appointment reflects Avendus’ commitment to strengthening leadership as it expands its position in India’s evolving financial services landscape.
Strategic Leadership Transition at Avendus
Commenting on the appointment, Gaurav Deepak stated that Avendus has reached a stage where the investment banking business requires dedicated leadership to support its future growth ambitions.
He highlighted Sharma’s long-standing contribution to the organization, citing his leadership abilities, client relationships, team-building skills, and deep understanding of the business.
According to Deepak, the transition will allow him to devote more time to broader strategic initiatives, deepen client engagement, and help guide the next chapter of Avendus’ growth.
Focus on Strengthening Client Partnerships
Speaking about his new role, Karan Sharma described the appointment as an exciting opportunity during a transformative period for the company.
He emphasized that his priorities will include strengthening client relationships, deepening sector expertise, and reinforcing Avendus’ position as a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, startups, growth-stage companies, and established businesses.
As India’s startup ecosystem continues to mature and capital markets evolve, investment banking firms are increasingly playing a critical role in fundraising, mergers and acquisitions, strategic advisory, and capital market transactions.
Mizuho Acquisition Signals New Growth Phase
The leadership change follows a major corporate development for Avendus.
In December 2025, Japanese financial services giant Mizuho Securities agreed to acquire a majority stake in Avendus Group. The transaction is expected to strengthen Avendus’ global reach while providing access to Mizuho’s extensive international network and financial capabilities.
The deal also represents one of the notable cross-border investments in India’s financial services sector, reflecting continued international interest in the country’s investment banking and wealth management markets.
Industry observers believe the partnership could help Avendus expand its advisory capabilities and support Indian businesses seeking global capital and strategic opportunities.
Avendus’ Role in India’s Startup Ecosystem
Founded in 1999 by Gaurav Deepak, Ranu Vohra, and Kaushal Aggarwal, Avendus began as a platform connecting entrepreneurs with investors.
Over the years, the company evolved into a diversified financial services institution offering:
- Investment Banking
- Wealth Management
- Credit Solutions
- Institutional Equities
- Alternative Asset Management
- Strategic Advisory Services
Today, Avendus is widely recognized as one of India’s leading financial services firms, particularly within the technology, digital economy, startup, and growth-stage investment ecosystem.
The firm has advised on numerous high-profile fundraising, merger and acquisition, and capital market transactions involving some of India’s most prominent startups and emerging enterprises.
Strengthening Position in a Growing Financial Services Market
India’s investment banking sector continues to benefit from rising startup activity, increasing private capital flows, public market listings, and strategic acquisitions.
As businesses seek access to capital and growth opportunities, advisory firms with deep sector expertise are expected to play an increasingly important role.
With Karan Sharma taking charge of the investment banking division and the company entering a new phase under Mizuho’s majority ownership, Avendus is positioning itself to capitalize on emerging opportunities across technology, consumer, financial services, healthcare, and other high-growth sectors.
The leadership transition underscores the company’s focus on strengthening its institutional capabilities while continuing to support entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses navigating India’s dynamic economic landscape.
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Ruchi Kumar is the associate editor at Entrepreneur News Network and TVW News India, where she leads editorial strategy, brand storytelling, and startup ecosystem coverage. With a strong focus on innovation, business, and marketing insights, he curates impactful narratives that spotlight India’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape. She has written extensively on fintech, AI and emerging startups.