Exclusive: Lightspeed to hire Blume Ventures’ Rohit Kaul as marketing head

By StartupStory | May 30, 2026

Lightspeed Venture Partners is strengthening its marketing leadership team with a senior hire, according to sources aware of the development.

The venture capital firm has appointed Rohit Kaul as marketing head, sources said. Kaul is expected to replace former VP of Marketing and Communications Mansi Chugh, who recently exited the firm after spending nearly four years in the role.

Kaul was previously serving as Vice President of Marketing at Blume Ventures, a role he held since February 2023. Prior to Blume, he worked with firms including Sacra and HCL.

The appointment comes at a crucial time for Lightspeed as the venture capital firm sharpens its India and Southeast Asia focus amid a broader slowdown in startup funding and increased pressure on portfolio performance. Over the past few years, the firm has backed several prominent startups across fintech, ecommerce, SaaS, and consumer internet.

Queries sent to Kaul and Lightspeed did not elicit response until publication of the story.

Lightspeed has been one of the most active global investors in the Indian startup ecosystem, with investments in companies including OYO, Udaan, ShareChat, PhysicsWallah, and Pocket FM.

The firm has also seen multiple senior-level changes in its communications and marketing function in recent years. Earlier, Carina Chopra had stepped down from the firm after a stint of around three-and-a-half years.

The development also comes as Lightspeed is said to be in the market to raise its fifth India and Southeast Asia-focused fund, reportedly targeting around $500 million.