IIMB Launches India’s First PEVC Centre of Excellence, Honoring Investment Veteran Tony James

Visionary Endowment by Alumnus Mathew Cyriac Establishes Landmark Initiative

Bengaluru, August 7, 2025 – The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) has unveiled the Tony James Centre for Private Equity and Venture Capital, the country’s first Centre of Excellence dedicated to advancing research, education, and collaboration in the PEVC sector. The landmark initiative, made possible by a generous endowment from distinguished alumnus Mathew Cyriac (PGP 1994), aims to position India as a global hub for private equity and venture capital innovation.

The Centre, named in honor of Hamilton Evans “Tony” James, former President and COO of Blackstone, was officially launched at a ceremony attended by industry leaders, academics, and finance veterans. An MoU formalizing its establishment was signed on August 24, 2024, marking one of the largest individual alumni contributions in IIMB’s history.

A Philanthropic Milestone for Research and Education

The endowment will fund the Centre’s operations, name four classrooms after esteemed finance faculty, and provide scholarships for PGP and doctoral students.

Professor Dinesh Kumar, Director In-charge of IIMB, emphasized the significance of such contributions in fostering high-quality research. “The reality is that high-quality research is capital-intensive. To attract and retain world-class talent and invest in critical resources like data and infrastructure, significant funding is required,” he said. “Mr. Cyriac’s contribution is not only generous but also instrumental in helping IIMB build a globally competitive research ecosystem.”

Professor Sourav Mukherji, Dean of Faculty and Alumni Relations, highlighted the broader impact of alumni giving. “It is always a wonderful occasion when an alum comes back to support the institute in an area relevant to both industry and academia,” he remarked. “This initiative serves as an inspiration for others to contribute to indigenous research and nurture a sense of responsibility toward the institution.”

Bridging Academia and Industry

The Centre aims to be a nexus for cutting-edge research, policy engagement, and talent development in private equity and venture capital. It will collaborate with students, young professionals, PE firms, academic researchers, and limited partners (LPs) who fuel investment funds.

Mathew Cyriac, Chairman of Florintree Advisors and Co-Founder of Yali Capital, shared his vision behind the initiative. “As the Indian investing market evolves, it will need innovation and sophistication tailored to its unique nuances,” he said. Reflecting on the Centre’s inception during IIMB’s golden jubilee celebrations, Cyriac added, “I wanted to reinforce IIMB’s position as a top-ranked B-school in finance and seed an idea of global stature by associating it with a leader like Tony James.”

Honoring a Legacy, Shaping the Future

Tony James, a towering figure in global finance, expressed his appreciation for the recognition. The Centre will focus on:

• Research: Producing actionable insights for the PEVC industry.

• Education: Offering specialized courses and executive programs.

• Industry Collaboration: Facilitating partnerships between academia and investment firms.

• Policy Engagement: Contributing to regulatory and economic discussions.

The launch event underscored the growing importance of alternative investments in India’s economic growth. With the Tony James Centre for Private Equity and Venture Capital, IIMB is poised to nurture the next generation of investment leaders while driving innovation in the financial sector.

About IIM Bangalore

The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is a premier management institute known for its academic excellence, research contributions, and industry-aligned programs. Consistently ranked among the top B-schools in India and globally, IIMB continues to shape business leaders and thought leaders across diverse sectors.

Key Quotes

Tony James (Honoree, Former Blackstone President & COO):
“India’s PEVC ecosystem holds immense potential, and this Centre will play a pivotal role in shaping its future. I’m honored by this recognition and excited to see the innovative research and talent it cultivates.”

Industry Leader (Anonymous PE Firm Partner):
“This initiative fills a critical gap—India needs more homegrown research and expertise in private capital. IIMB’s Centre will elevate the entire investment landscape.”

IIMB Student (PGP Finance Specialization):
“Having a dedicated PEVC Centre means access to cutting-edge curriculum, industry mentors, and research opportunities. This is a game-changer for aspiring investors.”

Q&A: [Mathew Cyriac on the Vision Behind the Centre]

Q: Why focus on PEVC education in India?
Cyriac: “India’s startup and investment boom demands sophisticated strategies. Global models don’t always apply here—we need local research and talent trained for our market’s nuances.”

Q: Why name it after Tony James?
Cyriac: “Tony embodies excellence in private equity. His legacy inspires the rigour and global mindset we want this Centre to represent.”

Q: How will students benefit?
Cyriac: “From scholarships to industry partnerships, we’re creating pathways for students to engage with real-world investing challenges.”