Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, June 2026 — Karan Sharma has been elevated to the position of Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking at Avendus, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished career spanning investment banking, mergers and acquisitions, digital technology, and financial advisory services.
Karan assumes leadership of the investment banking business from Gaurav Deepak, Co-founder and CEO of Avendus Group, who has successfully led both the investment banking franchise and the broader organization for many years. In his new role, Karan will set the strategic direction of Avendus’ investment banking business, drive its growth priorities, and further strengthen the firm’s institutional capabilities for the future.
Having spent nearly 15 years at Avendus, Karan has been instrumental in building and scaling the firm’s highly successful Digital and Technology Investment Banking franchise. Most recently, he served as Managing Director and Co-Head of Digital & Technology Investment Banking, leading advisory mandates across sectors including consumer internet, payments, enterprise technology, and SaaS. His deep client relationships, proven leadership capabilities, and role in nurturing Avendus’ entrepreneurial and collaborative culture have made him the natural choice to lead the investment banking franchise.
Prior to becoming Managing Director, Karan held several leadership positions at Avendus, including Director, Co-Head of Digital & Technology Investment Banking, Vice President, and Associate Vice President. Notably, he was a founding team member of the firm’s Digital & Technology practice, playing a pivotal role in establishing Avendus as one of India’s leading advisors to technology and digital businesses.
Before joining Avendus, Karan spent over four years at Cipher Capital Advisors, where he held roles including AVP, Senior Associate, and Associate. During his tenure, he specialized in private equity and M&A advisory, leading transactions and sector coverage across internet, e-commerce, payments technology, software products, digital media, and consumer businesses.
He began his investment banking career at JP Morgan Chase as a Senior Analyst, where he focused on investment banking finance and business management initiatives across mergers and acquisitions and equity private placements.
Throughout his career, Karan has built a strong reputation for advising entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses in high-growth sectors, while demonstrating exceptional capabilities in transaction execution, strategic advisory, and team leadership. His appointment comes at an exciting stage in Avendus’ journey as the firm continues to deepen its sector expertise and expand its advisory capabilities across India and global markets.
About Avendus
Avendus, founded in 1999, partners with high-performing entrepreneurs, institutions, and wealth creators to unlock potential and create long-term value. The firm offers bespoke solutions across Investment Banking, Institutional Equities, Wealth Management, Asset Management, and Credit Solutions.
With more than 600 professionals across 12 cities in India, the United States, and Southeast Asia, Avendus operates at the intersection of leading pools of capital and some of India’s most dynamic businesses. Supported by strong networks across private and public funds, strategic investors, and family offices, the firm combines deep sector expertise, market insight, and flawless execution to deliver transformative outcomes for its clients.
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