Anisha Patnaik

Anisha Patnaik is a distinguished corporate lawyer, entrepreneur and prolific angel investor with over 21 years of experience. As the founder of LexStart Partners, India’s foremost startup consultancy, Anisha has spent the last decade demystifying the legal maze for the early-stage ecosystem. Her career spans roles as a Law Firm Partner and General Counsel and she is currently pioneering the future of law by running a specialized venture studio for legal tech.

Anisha’s influence is deeply felt in the investment landscape. A sector-agnostic angel investor, her portfolio features high-growth brands. She notably serves as the only female jury member and angel investor for IIT Bombay’s The 10 Minute Million. Her leadership in venture capital is further solidified as a Venture Partner for StrongHer Ventures and Sangam Ventures and as a co-founder of one of India’s first women-focused angel networks.

In addition to her corporate leadership, Anisha is also a philanthropist. She is the co-founder of Ilika, an NGO that provides critical fellowships to undergraduate students from underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring talent meets opportunity.

A recipient of the Woman Lawyer of the Year award and recognized as a Top 100 Women Trailblazer (2024 & 2025), Anisha continues to serve as External Legal Counsel for Acumen. Whether she is structuring complex investment transactions or mentoring the next generation of scholars and founders, Anisha remains a pivotal architect of impact and innovation in India.