Hemant Kaul invests in VANS Skilling and Advisory

A financial services veteran, and former MD and CEO, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, Hemant Kaul, has invested an undisclosed amount in VANS Skilling and Advisory, founded by Srinivas Chunduru, former senior advisor, OLA .

In conversation with HR Katha, Chunduru revealed that apart from Hemant Kaul there were 18 more investors participating in the latest round of funding. “The fund has been raised for productising some of the offerings, expanding into new geographies and some key hires,” he shared.

VANS Skilling and Advisory is a platform for interim CXO services, with an eco-system of products and network of B-schools. It has recently closed a pre-series A round, attracting investors, such as Sujan Sinha, ex MD and CEO, Shriram Housing Finance; Sandeep Divakaran, former CEO, OLA Fleet Technologies along with many more CXOs from leading companies and partners from consulting companies.

The boutique firm focuses on helping companies scale. It partners with organisations in their journey and co-owns the outcome through rigour in execution. It has served clients in FMCG, housing finance, chemicals, consumer electrical, manufacturing and new-age internet companies over the last few years. Using its ‘Interim Model’, supported by its state-of-the-art research and knowledge centre in Mumbai, VANS has played a pivotal role as ‘Interim’ (CHRO, CFO, CEO) for its clients.

Kaul was a part of the initial start-up team of UTI Bank (Axis Bank), and was instrumental in setting up its retail banking function. He was the managing director and chief executive officer of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance until 2012. He is presently on the board of OLA Financial Services.

In Kaul’s own words, “Post COVID, we see a huge opportunity across organisations to be agile, cost focused and capabilities centric.” With its unique Interim CXO approach coupled with a complete eco system of indigenously-built products and B schools, the VANS team is able to passionately drive the shift and is “poised to cater to the entire value chain.”

As Srinivas Chunduru rightly points out, Hemant Kaul’s “vast experience in BFSI and Fintech will help VANS’ offerings”, as the team aims to “leverage and scale” its unique model, strong execution muscle and methodologies to grow the platform.”

“Vans future plan is to strengthen its interim CXO offerings, especially CFO, CHRO and COO. Additionally, it hopes to productise some of the unique indigenous methodology, such as institutionalising innovation, coaching and finance for business excellence and objectives and key results (OKRs),” explains Chundru

Additionally, Yugma, an interface for B school students and corporates, was recently launched under VANS, to churn out future-ready talent, enhancing employability of students. In a nutshell, the platformt strengthens the unique eco-system of products, companies and campuses.