# Neeraj Gupta

> Neeraj Gupta is a Co-Founder and General Partner at Cervin Ventures, a Palo Alto-based early-stage venture firm he co-founded with Preetish Nijhawan. Cervin has deployed capital across 50+ companies focusing on enterprise software, data & AI, cybersecurity, DevOps, and cloud - with over $335M in assets under management after closing a $162M flagship fund in September 2023. Before venture, Gupta ran two companies: Cymbal Corporation, a telecom consultancy he sold to Patni Computers, and Nexient, a digital experience consulting firm. He holds a MSEE from the University of Alabama, a BS from Punjab University, and is a Kauffman Fellow (Class 20). Outside the office he hikes, travels, and reads widely on Stoicism and public policy.

- **Role:** Co-Founder and General Partner at Cervin Ventures
- **Organizations:** Cervin Ventures, Indiaspora, Kauffman Fellows Program
- **Nationality:** Indian-American
- **Education:** Bachelor of Science, Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Punjab University (Panjab University), Master of Science, Electrical Engineering (MSEE), University of Alabama, Venture Capital Executive Education, Class 20, Kauffman Fellows Program
- **Known for:** Co-founded Cervin Ventures, growing it to $335M+ AUM across 5 funds, Closed $162M fund in a challenging 2023 VC market, Backed LaunchDarkly at seed; company went on to raise $330M+

## Career timeline

- **early career** — Engineering and product management roles at Octel Communications (acquired by Lucent) and Genesys Telecom (acquired by Alcatel)
- **2000s** — Founded Cymbal Corporation, a telecom consultancy; served as CEO until successful exit to Patni Computers (NYSE: PTI) / Cap Gemini
- **2000s-2010s** — Joined Patni as executive, leading global sales and marketing with ~$700M top-line responsibility; served as General Manager for telecom, media, and growth industries
- **2009** — Founded Nexient, a digital experience consulting firm, and served as CEO
- **2013-2014** — Co-founded Cervin Ventures with Preetish Nijhawan; completed Kauffman Fellowship (Class 20) mentored by Nijhawan
- **2014-2018** — Led early-stage investments including Punchh (Series A/B), LaunchDarkly (Seed 2015), Bedrock Analytics, and ClientSuccess
- **2023-09** — Cervin closes $162M 5th flagship fund, largest to date; total AUM exceeds $335M; launches portfolio services team
- **2026-03** — Leads Series A investment in Qurrent ($15M)

## Achievements

- Co-founded Cervin Ventures, growing it to $335M+ AUM across 5 funds
- Closed $162M fund in a challenging 2023 VC market
- Backed LaunchDarkly at seed; company went on to raise $330M+
- Backed Punchh, which was acquired by Par Technologies; one of Cervin's marquee exits
- Founded and successfully exited two companies: Cymbal Corporation and Nexient
- Kauffman Fellow, Class 20
- Cervin portfolio includes 50+ companies with 12+ successful exits including EdCast and Tynker
- Member of Indiaspora, connecting and empowering the Indian diaspora globally
- Served on boards or as observer at LaunchDarkly, Zephyr, Punchh, ArmorText, ClientSuccess, AiFi Inc., and Bedrock Analytics

## Latest updates

- **2026-03** — Led Cervin's Series A investment in Qurrent ($15M)
- **2023-09** — Cervin Ventures closes $162M 5th flagship fund and launches portfolio services team led by Scott Brown
- **2023-11** — Cervin expands investment team following successful fund close

## Links

- Website: https://cervinventures.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neerajgupta123/
- Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/cervinventures
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cervinventures

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/neeraj-gupta
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-05-17