Ishani Thakur Is Helping Startups Win the Talent War in AI

Ishani Thakur is part of a new generation of venture capitalists who are deeply embedded in the technical and operational side of startups. A graduate of MIT with a degree in computer science, she was previously a partner at Index Ventures before co-founding Hanabi Capital in 2024.

At Hanabi Capital, Thakur focuses on early-stage AI companies, working closely with founders on product strategy and technical hiring—two areas that increasingly define success in today’s startup ecosystem.

Her perspective is shaped by a major shift in the industry: the rapid rise of AI has led to an explosion of new startups, creating intense competition not just for customers—but for top-tier talent.

Thakur believes that the best companies are those that obsess over hiring the right people, especially in highly technical domains. But she also sees a crucial role for investors in this process. Beyond funding, she emphasises that venture capitalists must actively help their portfolio companies identify, attract and secure exceptional talent.

This hands-on involvement can make a significant difference in early-stage companies, where a few key hires can shape the trajectory of the entire business.

Her approach reflects a broader evolution in venture capital, where success is increasingly tied to how well investors can support company-building at a granular level—not just through capital, but through expertise and networks.

Because in the AI era, the real competitive advantage isn’t just the idea—it’s the people building it.