Silicon Valley entrepreneur and technologist Aarthi Ramamurthy has unveiled Schema Ventures, a $20 million venture capital fund aimed at supporting “outsider” founders, particularly in the industrial software and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors.
Aarthi Ramamurthy: A Trailblazer in Tech and Entrepreneurship
Born in Chennai, India, Aarthi Ramamurthy has built an impressive career in the tech industry. She began her journey at Microsoft, contributing to the development of Visual Studio and Xbox Live. Her career trajectory includes significant roles at Netflix and Facebook, where she served as Director of Product, leading initiatives in creator monetization and community governance .
Ramamurthy is also known for her entrepreneurial ventures. She co-founded True & Co., a data-driven lingerie e-commerce company, and Lumoid, a Y Combinator-backed startup offering a try-before-you-buy model for electronics .
In addition to her tech endeavors, Ramamurthy co-hosts “The Aarthi and Sriram Show” with her husband, Sriram Krishnan. The show features conversations with prominent figures in technology and business, including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg .
Schema Ventures: Investing in the Underdogs of Tech
Schema Ventures is designed to support founders who may not fit the traditional Silicon Valley mold. The fund focuses on early-stage investments in industrial software and AI, sectors that are increasingly vital in today’s technology landscape. Ramamurthy’s vision is to provide not just capital but also mentorship and access to a robust network, helping these “outsider” founders navigate the challenges of building successful tech companies .
Market Trends: The Rise of AI and Industrial Software
The industrial software market reached $146 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $355 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 13.5% . Similarly, the industrial AI market is expected to grow from $9.12 billion in 2025 to $48.22 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 51.6% . This growth is driven by the adoption of AI for predictive maintenance, process optimization, and energy management in manufacturing and other industrial sectors.
FAQs
What is Schema Ventures?
Schema Ventures is a $20 million venture capital fund launched by Aarthi Ramamurthy to invest in early-stage startups, particularly those led by “outsider” founders in the industrial software and AI sectors.
Who is Aarthi Ramamurthy?
Aarthi Ramamurthy is a technologist and entrepreneur with experience at Microsoft, Netflix, and Facebook. She co-founded startups like True & Co. and Lumoid and co-hosts “The Aarthi and Sriram Show.”
What sectors does Schema Ventures focus on?
Schema Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in industrial software and artificial intelligence (AI).
Why focus on “outsider” founders?
Schema Ventures aims to support founders who may not have traditional Silicon Valley backgrounds, providing them with capital, mentorship, and access to networks to help them succeed.
Aarthi Ramamurthy’s launch of Schema Ventures marks a significant step in supporting diverse talent in the tech industry. With her extensive experience and commitment to inclusivity, Schema Ventures is poised to make a meaningful impact on the future of technology and entrepreneurship.
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