Los Angeles, California: At the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference, prominent Silicon Valley venture capitalist and philanthropist, Founder and President of Motwani Jadeja Family Foundation, Asha Jadeja in an exclusive interview with South Asian Hearld discussed her growing focus on strengthening U.S.-India relations through investments in technology, AI regulation, and defense startups. 

She highlighted her shift toward Indian markets, the launch of the Motwani Women Entrepreneurs Fellowship with TiE Global, and her philanthropic efforts through her Foundation. She also emphasized the critical role of the Indian diaspora, soft power initiatives like the Kochi Art Biennale, and academic partnerships with top U.S. think tanks and universities to shape long-term bilateral cooperation.

Can you please tell us about your participation in the Milken Institute’s 2025 Global Conference?

I’m here at the Milken Institute because I’m actively working to strengthen U.S.-India relations across several key areas such as technology, startups, AI regulation, defense tech, and the next generation of geostrategic companies. This conference offers a valuable opportunity to connect with the right people and organizations to further those goals.

You’re one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent venture capitalists, with investments in over 100 well-known tech startups. Do you plan to diversify into other areas?

Most of my investments have been in U.S.-based companies, particularly in the Bay Area. However, I’m increasingly focusing on expanding into India. I see tremendous potential there; the next wave of unicorns is likely to emerge from that market. With the U.S. gradually shifting its strategic and economic focus from China to India, American companies are investing heavily in India. For me, it makes sense to align with that momentum and increase my investment footprint there.

The Motwani Jadeja Family Foundation was established in 2012 to support entrepreneurship in underserved communities across the U.S. and India. Recently, you launched the Motwani Women Entrepreneurs Fellowship in partnership with TiE Silicon Valley. Could you share more about these initiatives?

The Motwani Jadeja Family Foundation is focused on philanthropic investments that foster entrepreneurship, especially in underserved areas. We support entrepreneurs in both the U.S. and India, with a strong focus on women-led startups. In partnership with TiE Silicon Valley, we identify and support women founders across the U.S., India, and the MENA region. With more women graduating with top qualifications and bringing unique perspectives to market needs, we believe many of these women-led companies have the potential to become the next big success stories in consumer tech and software.

You’ve also invested in U.S. think tanks and universities to help strengthen U.S.-India cooperation on technology, security, and trade. Can you elaborate on that work?

Yes, we work closely with think tanks like the Hudson Institute, the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), and we’re now engaging with RAND Corporation. At the university level, we fund programs at the Hoover Institution at Stanford and at UC San Diego. These initiatives include exchange programs and research collaborations that enable scholars and experts from both countries to work together. It’s a generational investment designed to produce impactful policy and academic work that can shape U.S.-India relations for decades to come.

You’ve also been involved in India’s soft power initiatives, such as the 2021 collaboration with UC Berkeley and the Kochi Art Biennale. Can you tell us more?

I’ve supported the Kochi Art Biennale for many years because of the profound impact it has on the global art community. Our collaboration with UC Berkeley’s art school is part of what I call the “India Soft Power Initiative.” The Indian art scene has matured, and the art market has grown, with more Indians participating in global auctions and buying significant works. By showcasing Indian art and culture on international platforms, we help elevate India’s soft power and global influence.

How do you see the future of U.S.-India bilateral trade relations?

I think we are very close to signing off on US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement between the Trump and Modi administrations. I’m hopeful it will be concluded soon. I expect trade and investment between the two countries to grow significantly. It’s also important that more Indian companies invest in the U.S. and contribute to job creation here.

What role does the Indian diaspora play in strengthening U.S.-India relations?

The diaspora is critical. Without the diaspora, the acceleration will not happen. Indian Americans are driving innovation, investment, and policy influence in both countries. They’re building bridges not just between businesses, but also between governments and communities. 

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