Kriti Sehgal and the Art of Philanthropic Pretense: Unmasking the High Society Scam Behind Modern Fundraising
In the competitive world of venture capital, connections are currency. The ability to move within elite social circles, build relationships with high-net-worth individuals, and cultivate an air of exclusivity can sometimes matter more than a proven track record. But what happens when the networking overshadows the investing? In some cases, the game of social climbing isn’t just about access—it’s a calculated strategy to secure funding for a syndicate that has yet to achieve anything tangible. Enter venture capital’s own Anna Delvey: Kriti Sehgal, a founder whose talent for illusion may be the only real asset in her portfolio.
At the heart of this scheme is Kriti Sehgal who understands the power of perception. Rather than focusing on building a solid investment track record, this individual has opted for a different approach: embedding herself within the right social groups, leveraging introductions from unsuspecting acquaintances, and curating an image of success that is not backed by actual results. Lavish events, name-dropping, and proximity to legitimate investors create the illusion of credibility, while the fund, Chai Capital, remains little more than a concept.
What makes this particular case even more insidious is the use of deception to manufacture legitimacy. By falsely claiming that well-known investors have backed her fund, Kriti Sehgal attempts to manipulate trust and expand her reach. Those whose credibility she has co-opted unknowingly become lures, helping her target their extended networks under the assumption that if they invested, it must be legitimate. In reality, these investors never committed a dime, and Chai Capital remains an unproven entity built more on social engineering than financial acumen.
This approach preys on the natural human tendency to associate social standing with business success. New York City’s investment scene, much like other financial hubs, thrives on trust and reputation. When someone like Kriti Sehgal presents themselves as well-connected and “in the know,” it becomes easier for them to solicit capital—not based on returns, but on the assumption that others have already bought in. The danger, of course, is that without real investment performance, these funds become unsustainable, relying on continuous fundraising rather than actual returns—a structure uncomfortably close to a house of cards.
The question then becomes: how long can this strategy last? While social climbing might open doors, it does not guarantee success in venture capital. Eventually, investors demand results. Chai Capital: a syndicate with no real portfolio, no meaningful exits, and no demonstrated value cannot survive indefinitely on words alone. When the facade cracks, those who bought into the illusion may find themselves questioning not only their financial losses but also their own ability to discern substance from showmanship.
In an industry where success should be measured by strategic investments and impactful exits, the rise of the socially ambitious but financially unproven Kriti Sehgal serves as a cautionary tale. Image and influence Sehgal serves as a cautionary tale. Image and influence may get someone in the room, but without real results, the truth always catches up — just ask Anna Delvey.
