V. (Paddy) Padmanabhan

Overview

V. (Paddy) Padmanabhan is the Unilever Professor of Marketing at INSEAD in Singapore. He has held previous positions at Washington University's Olin School of Business and Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. His research focuses on applied microeconomics, game theory, pricing, retailing, distribution channels, and supply chain management. He has advised and consulted for numerous multinational corporations and startups across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. In addition to his academic and consulting roles, he is an active angel investor, focusing on sectors such as technology, healthcare, and consumer goods. His investment strategy emphasizes early-stage companies with innovative solutions in marketing and supply chain management. He has invested in various startups, including Circus Social, a digital data analytics and marketing technology firm. His extensive experience in both academia and industry informs his investment decisions, aiming to support ventures that align with his expertise and interests. Throughout his career, Padmanabhan has been recognized for his contributions to research and education. His work has been acknowledged in the Ten Most Influential Papers of Management Science’s First Fifty Years of Publication. He has also been awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award by The University of Texas at Dallas in April 2025. His philanthropic efforts include serving as a founder donor at the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM), reflecting his commitment to social impact and education. His diverse roles as an educator, researcher, and investor underscore his dedication to advancing knowledge and supporting innovative ventures in the fields of marketing and supply chain management. Padmanabhan's approach to investing is informed by his extensive academic background and industry experience. He seeks to identify and support startups that offer innovative solutions in marketing and supply chain management, aiming to foster growth and transformation in these sectors. His investments are characterized by a strategic focus on early-stage companies with high potential for impact and scalability. His dual role as an academic and investor allows him to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application, providing valuable insights and guidance to the startups he supports.

Investment Focus

• Innovative solutions in marketing and supply chain management
• Early-stage companies with high growth potential
• Alignment with academic and industry expertise in marketing and supply chain management

Portfolio Companies