VC fund Accel's Prashanth Prakash awarded Padma Shri in trade and industry category

Prashanth Prakash, founding partner of Accel India, has been conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in the Trade and Industry category.

As a key figure in developing the country’s startup ecosystem, Prakash has helped shape companies such as Flipkart, Swiggy, BookMyShow, Infra.Market, Bluestone, Freshworks, Zetwerk, and Urban Company.

“We’re proud to share that Prashant Prakash, partner at Accel, has been awarded the Padma Shri. He has been instrumental in India’s startup ecosystem, a steadfast believer in the power of founders, and a supporter of ideas that transform industries. His leadership has helped shape some of the most successful startups in the country, and his passion for driving social and climate impact continues to inspire us all,” the venture capital firm stated in a LinkedIn post.

Prakash’s entrepreneurial journey began with founding two companies in the Internet and multimedia publishing sectors. He later cofounded Erasmic, one of India’s early-stage investment funds. He joined Accel in 2008, specialising in consumer, online marketplaces, and SaaS companies.

Ahead of the Union Budget, ET reported that Prakash advocated for enhanced support for deeptech ventures, as well as thematic financing for critical technology domains at the National Startup day event.