Bengaluru, August 6, 2025 — Adding a new chapter to India’s financial research landscape, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) has formally launched the Tony James Centre for Private Equity and Venture Capital (PEVC)—the nation’s first Global Centre of Excellence in this domain.
Named in honour of Tony James, former President and COO of global investment powerhouse Blackstone, the Centre is backed by a landmark endowment from Mathew Cyriac, Chairman of Florintree Advisors and a gold-medallist alumnus from IIMB’s class of 1994.This is reportedly one of the largest alumni contributions in the institute’s history
A Vision for Collaboration and Leadership
At its inauguration, Professor Ashok Thampy, who holds the Florintree Chair in Private Equity and Venture Capital, was named Chairperson of the new Centre.He articulated the Centre’s mission succinctly: to “be a catalytic force in shaping the future of PEVC in India and beyond,” through a blend of research, teaching, and lasting partnerships with industry.
Professor Dinesh Kumar, Director (in charge) of IIMB, underscored the critical role of well-funded research in attracting talent and building infrastructure, reaffirming that the Centre will help IIMB realize its ambition of becoming a globally recognized, research-led institution
Tony James, speaking virtually, emphasized that the Centre could serve as “an open, objective forum” for rigorous research and policy engagement—helping shape informed dialogue among investors, regulators, and media stakeholders.
cholarships and Legacy Classrooms
Beyond setting up the PEVC Centre, Cyriac’s contribution includes the naming of four classrooms in K-Block after inspiring former faculty, and the establishment of scholarships for PGP and doctoral students, especially those focused on finance and related research .
Why This Matters
| Feature | Highlights |
|---|---|
| First-of-its-kind | India’s first global-level academic hub focused solely on PEVC. |
| Industry–Academia synergy | Connects students, researchers, regulators, and investors through lectures, collaborative programs, and forums. |
| Research-led drive | Promotes cutting-edge research, policy discourse, and real-world problem-solving in alternative investments. |
| Institutional legacy | Institutionalizes a vision that transcends classrooms—embedding excellence through infrastructure, scholarships, and mentorship. |
