TiE Delhi-NCR & Binary Semantics Launch 2nd Startup CFO Awards

When we think of startups, the names and faces that come to mind are usually the founders, the bold visionaries with breakthrough ideas. But behind every pitch deck, every investor update, every scaling decision, and every pivot—there’s a financial mind that keeps the gears running. And now, for the second year in a row, these unsung heroes are being celebrated.

The TiE Delhi-NCR Startup CFO Awards, in collaboration with Binary Semantics, is back with its second edition—bigger, sharper, and even more meaningful.

After a successful debut at TiEcon 2024, the 2025 edition of the Annual Startup CFO Awards is set to take center stage at India Internet Day 2025. The initiative aims to honor the game-changing role of Chief Financial Officers in India’s booming startup space—a role that’s no longer limited to number crunching but has evolved into a strategic powerhouse of vision, risk management, innovation, and sustainable growth.

TiE - Binary Startup CFO Awards

In the new-age startup world, a CFO isn’t just a finance gatekeeper. They’re co-pilots. They decode investor expectations, safeguard financial health, lead governance, optimize resources, and offer data-backed strategic direction. Whether it's steering a startup through a funding winter or maximizing capital efficiency—CFOs today are as vital as the founders themselves.

“The future of business will not be defined by those who merely adapt to change but by those who drive it,” says Srijan Choudhary, Director at Binary Semantics. “The Startup CFO Awards do the same—honoring young leaders who embody the spirit of innovation, positive change and transformative thrive to propel Bharat forward.”

Binary Semantics, known for its AI-driven scalable tech solutions, sees this partnership with TiE as a celebration of change-makers. Through their platform and awards, they are bridging the narrative gap around financial leadership in startups—an area that has long operated behind the scenes.

CFO Award Category

This year, the awards are spread across seven powerful categories, each crafted to reflect the diversity and depth of the CFO's role:

• 🏆 B2B & Cleantech Startup CFO of the Year

• 🏆 Consumer Startup CFO of the Year

• 🏆 Governance, Compliance & Reporting Startup CFO of the Year

• 🏆 AI & Digital Enablement Startup CFO of the Year

• 🏆 Fintech Startup CFO of the Year

• 🏆 Most Capital-Efficient Startup CFO of the Year

• 🏆 Fastest Growing Startup CFO of the Year

From regulatory rigor to capital frugality, and from tech-driven strategy to sector-specific excellence—these categories aim to capture the many dimensions of startup financial leadership.

TiE - Binary Startup CFO Awards Jury

The nominations will be judged by a high-caliber jury that brings years of practical experience and insight. The panel includes:

• Mandeep Mehta, Group CFO, PB Fintech

• Mayank Gupta, Seasoned CFO

• Rohit Sabherwal, Founder & Managing Partner, Integra Solutions LLP

• Siddhartha Khaitan, CFO, ESME Consumer Pvt. Ltd.

• Sandeep Gupta, Managing Partner, SRGA & Co.

Returning jury member Mayank Gupta reflects, “These awards rightly spotlight the backbone of every ambitious venture—the strategic and steady hand of a startup CFO. Honoring them is both timely and well-deserved.”

Perks Beyond Recognition

Besides the spotlight, shortlisted applicants will receive a six-month complimentary subscription to GSTrobo®—Binary Semantics’ flagship GST compliance and e-invoicing solution. It’s a value addition that directly supports CFOs in one of their core responsibilities: ensuring seamless tax compliance and automation.

The collaboration between TiE Delhi-NCR and Binary Semantics is more than just an award partnership—it’s a thought leadership initiative. TiE Delhi-NCR has been at the forefront of nurturing India’s startup ecosystem with its rich network of entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors.

Atul Dhawan, President of TiE Delhi-NCR and Former Chair at Deloitte South Asia, puts it best, “With the second edition of the Startup CFO Awards, we proudly recognize the CFOs who form part of the core team of startups. Their financial acumen, strategic insight, and steady leadership are fuelling innovation and sustainable growth.”

A Call to Celebrate the Brains Behind the Balance Sheets

As India’s startup ecosystem grows more complex and competitive, the need for sound financial leadership has never been more critical. Amid economic uncertainties and a sharper focus on profitability, CFOs are no longer the unsung heroes—they are the architects of long-term success.

Entries for the awards close on April 15, 2025, and the winners will be unveiled during India Internet Day 2025—a landmark event that brings together India’s most influential startup voices.

Nominate Now

About the Organizers

Binary Semantics

Established in 1986, Binary Semantics is a global technology player offering solutions across AI, IoT, TaxTech, Insurtech, and digital transformation. With over 2500+ clients and 5000+ person-years of expertise, they continue to empower businesses with future-ready tools.

TiE Delhi-NCR

A flagship chapter of TiE Global, TiE Delhi-NCR is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship. Through events like TiEcon, India Internet Day, D2C Summit, and She Women’s Summit, the organization nurtures startups through mentorship, investment connects, and collaborative platforms.

Visit: www.delhi.tie.org / www.iday.in

As we spotlight founders, let's also take a moment to cheer for the financial minds who quietly shape the destiny of startups. The Startup CFO Awards 2025 is more than just a trophy—it's a tribute to leadership, resilience, and vision. After all, it’s the numbers behind the narrative that keep the dream alive.