About us

A foundation built on quiet conviction.

At Towards Equal Foundation, we believe that every individual deserves an opportunity to thrive, and every community can be empowered through access to resources and opportunities.

Our mission

Founded by Mahendran Balachandran and Sangeeta Prabhu Mahendran, Towards Equal is a private foundation with a profound commitment to creating a more equitable world. Previously known as Antraprerna Ventures, we extend strategic grants and program-related investments to organisations doing meaningful work on the ground.

From 2021 to 2026, TEF has supported over 36 organisations across 7 states, and over 40 students directly with tuition fees — benefiting underserved communities, tribal populations, students, patients, animals, and caregivers.

Our vision

Our vision is clear and unwavering — to contribute tirelessly to improving lives and fostering communities. We are dedicated to the creation of opportunities and the facilitation of resources that empower individuals and communities to reach their full potential.

Our core values

What we stand for.

Ethics

We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our endeavours, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in everything we do.

Empathy

We deeply understand and empathise with the challenges faced by individuals and communities, and we are committed to making a positive impact.

Collaboration

We believe in the power of collaboration. Together, we can achieve more, and we actively seek partnerships that enhance our ability to create change.

Innovation

We are relentless in our pursuit of innovative solutions that drive measurable impact. We believe that creativity and forward-thinking can transform lives.

Meet our team

The people behind the foundation.

Mahendran Balachandran

Founder, Trustee

With over 34 years of experience, Mahendran has held leadership positions in renowned technology companies including Apple and Tektronix. A pioneer in the Indian venture capital ecosystem, he is the Founder Partner of Accel and an alumnus of NIT Warangal and IIM Bangalore.

Passionate about paying it forward, Mahendran champions projects in education, healthcare, livelihood and sports — supporting initiatives like People for Animals, Swasthya Swaraj, and more. In 2019 he established the Crow Trust, fully subsidising the education of children of caddies at Bangalore Golf Club. His vision of improving lives and empowering communities through opportunity creation is the driving force behind Towards Equal Foundation.

Sangeeta Prabhu Mahendran

Founder, Trustee

With over 27 years of corporate experience, Sangeeta is an Engineer, Sales Leader and Social Entrepreneur. She is passionate about women's empowerment, fostering partnerships and building communities. As a Business Mentor, she is deeply involved in supporting women entrepreneurs globally.

Sangeeta is an investor in social enterprise, a Certified Diversity Professional, and the Founder of Antraprerna Ventures and MyBoTree. Her dedication lies in providing platforms, opportunities and resources to youth, women and the disenfranchised.

Santosh Prabhu

Trustee

With more than 25 years of corporate experience as a Computer Graduate and Engineering leader, Santosh combines technological expertise with a strong passion for animal welfare, sports, wellness and travel.

He now leverages his experience, networks and insights from the corporate sector to support social enterprises and foundations in scaling their impact. His venture Antraprerna empowers enterprises innovating for social good by fostering an ecosystem of technology experts and resources. Santosh actively engages in and supports projects related to animal welfare and environmental protection.

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