Investor
Ishika Chawla
AIInfrastructureSaaS
As an investor at Menlo Ventures, Ishika focuses on investment opportunities in AI/ML, SaaS, and cloud infrastructure. She looks for companies with strong fundamentals and founders who have clear, ambitious visions for their businesses.
Ishika joined Menlo from Goldman Sachs TMT, where she worked on a variety of transactions across software infrastructure, consumer internet, electronic system design, and more. During this time, she also supported several Fortune 500 tech companies in managing complex financial transactions and strategic endeavors, as well as helping private companies with sell-side M&A strategy—piquing her interest in the inner workings of fast-growing startups and leading her to venture capital.
Ishika grew up in the Bay Area and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a minor in Data Science. During her free time, you can find Ishika hiking, traveling, caring for her plant collection, and cooking for friends and family.
Supported by: Marcus Lampley, [email protected]
Aurascape
Aurascape enables businesses to innovate fearlessly in the age of AI, by transforming how companies safeguard themselves with the world’s most advanced AI security platform.
Good Job Games
Good Job Games builds fun, challenging, and creative games that are crafted with attention to perfection, offering players a radiant gaming experience.
q&a
Investment Approach
I go all in on founders who have a contagious energy and a bold vision for the future—but just as importantly, a clear, practical roadmap to get there. The best founders balance ambition with execution, pairing big ideas with a deep understanding of the details that drive success. Their passion is inspiring, but it’s their ability to translate vision into action that truly sets them apart.
During my 11th-grade summer internship, the CEO introduced me to the concept of antifragility—the idea that some systems grow stronger through stress and uncertainty. This mindset has shaped my approach to challenges, from studying abroad and working at a quant startup in Prague to transitioning from investment banking to VC. Just as the best technologies emerge stronger from disruption, I believe embracing volatility leads to growth and innovation.
The best part of being a VC is how it channels my curiosity into meaningful work. Every day, I get to dive into cutting-edge technologies, explore innovative business models, and learn from brilliant founders shaping the future. Venture is this incredible learning flywheel—each conversation and investment deepens my understanding of where the world is heading. I especially love how the role rewards intellectual curiosity across disciplines, from AI to supply chain infra to cybersecurity, making pattern recognition and spotting transformative opportunities even more exciting.
