Pei-fu Hsieh

Co-lead a workshop (with Sumathi my business partner and Komal lath of Tute Consult) on branding and communication and why/how its' strategic & important for the portfolio companies of an early stage growth focused PE fund in Mumbai this noon. very interactive session. lots of takeaways. one of the biggest benefits of doing such workshops with founders and CXOs of growth companies is that you get to first hand understand their pain points and priorities. which makes you realize there is a long road ahead laden with great opportunity for those in PR & comms if we take off our hats and look at it from their perspective.

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The process of getting deeper into the Indian start-up ecosystem as an angel investor and limited partner (2 new hats of mine since 2023) is well on its way. Today spent the day attending Ivycap day 2024 as a special attendee. getting to understand the dynamics of investing, assessing business models and plans, valuation and most importantly founders. should have started a bit earlier but then no regrets. these new hats are part of a larger connecting the dots am attempting.

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🚀 Breaking Ground with VC Grid: India's Venture Odyssey! 🚀 Thrilled to unveil VC Grid, a paradigm shift in venture syndication crafted exclusively for the visionary minds of family offices & UHNIs. With a formidable war chest of Rs 900 crore, VC Grid embarks on a mission to empower 100-120 startups over the next triennium, spanning diverse realms from agritech to financial frontiers, seeding each venture with an infusion ranging from INR 4-16 crore. Powered by the backing of esteemed Indian family offices, entrepreneurs, and UHNIs, VC Grid's helm is steered by Vansh Oberoi, a dynamic VC professional in early-stage investments with an illustrious six-year journey at Venture Catalysts alongside Sidhi Dalmia, former Goldman Sachs executive, captaining our venture towards new horizons. Already carving its mark, VC Grid has infused INR 40 crore into five trailblazing ventures, catalyzing an unprecedented INR 100 crore in follow-on funding. Notable among these are Autocracy Machinery Pvt Ltd, KisanKonnect Safe Foods and Ideal Insurance. But VC Grid isn't just about capital infusion; it's a beacon of collaborative innovation, fostering a nexus of expertise and domestic capital. Our mandate? Backing ventures grounded in research, profitability, and ESG principles, with an eye on delivering over 30% IRR. Join us on this exhilarating venture odyssey as we redefine the contours of India's startup landscape, one disruptive idea at a time! Venture Catalysts++ | India's 1st Multi-Stage VC, 9Unicorns, Anuj Golecha, Anil G Jain, Gaurav Jain, Vansh Oberoi, Sidhi Dalmia, Shreeyesh Chandgothia #VentureCatalysts #AngelInvestor #VC #IndianStartups #StartupFunding #SyndicateFund #FamilyOffices #IndianStartups #ESGInvesting https://lnkd.in/de65Wk9p

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Kapil Hingorani: A visionary leader, mentor, and true inspiration. Glad to have him as our distinguished speaker in Unleash by îårtha capital event. Kapil Hingorani Akash Chandrakar Credence Family Office îårtha capital #Unleash2024 #StartupGrowth #iArthaCapital #Innovation #Networking #StartupEcosystem #BusinessGrowth #InvestorConnections #Mentorship #StartupInvesting #InnovationJourney #entrepreneurship #sustainabledevelopment #entrepreneurship #startup #startupindia #makeinindia #aatmanirbharbharat #indianstartupnews #youngentrepreneurs #digitaleconomy #startuplife #startupnews

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Celebrating One Year at Elev8 Venture Partners! What started as humble beginnings at co-working spaces like Axilor and WeWork, has finally culminated into our second home at Elev8 VP. Exactly one year ago, we inaugurated our new office on 12th Main in Indiranagar, marking a significant milestone in our journey. Initially, I was hesitant about large offices or high rentals, especially on the high street. However, thanks to Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Anuj Golecha, and Gaurav Jain, Anil G Jain, we took the plunge. We secured an office space that was more than I initially thought we could afford. Today, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions for Elev8 Venture Partners. In the world of venture capital, office location and décor surprisingly play a crucial role, especially for a first-time fund. It's not about extravagance or lavish spending but about creating a welcoming, professional environment. Our beautifully done office, complete with lush plants, has greatly contributed to building a positive external perception. This perception & vibe, is our reality. Home is not built by bricks but by memories. Over the past year, we've made incredible strides. Our investments in IDfy and Astrotalk have been pivotal, marking the beginning of our journey to support high-quality tech companies at the growth stage. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without my incredible team, whose dedication and hard work have turned our office into a second home. Here’s to many more years of growth, innovation, and impactful investments. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey with Elev8 Venture Partners. #Elev8VP #Anniversary #VentureCapital #Investment #TechStartups #GrowthStage #Teamwork #Innovation #Success Divy Chopda, Ashwini Khemka, Aman Ahmed, Abhisekh Shah, Parth Doshi, Mayank Jajoo, Komal Vichoor, Zaveria Mohammad, Mitali Rai, Eric (Jung Ho) Yoo, Donghyun Kim

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Thrilled to have participated in the Start-up Ecosystem & Investors Networking Meet at PHD House. Engaging in discussions about the critical role of fund managers and our approach to delivering substantial returns was truly energizing. It’s through such engagements that we continue to drive innovation and support the next generation of startups. I am excited to see the impact of these investments on the future of entrepreneurship. #Entrepreneurship #InvestorNetworking #StartupGrowth #StartupEcosystem

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𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩. Most often, founders of early-stage startups feel that it is too early for them to start defining culture for their company. They feel that culture is something that needs to be built when the company matures. However, in this insightful session that Sandeep Sinha conducted for our portfolio companies, he emphasised the need and importance of creating a culture right at the onset of an entrepreneurial journey and at the very beginning of a startup's life. Read a summary of this insightful session on this link https://bit.ly/3ZRoYHv Sandeep Sinha Pankaj Bansal (पंकज बंसल) Karann Mittal

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"AI will take over almost everything" Someone said this to me the other day, convinced that the main jobs we know today will be taken over by AI not too long from now. While another told me that AI will help scale the efforts of those already doing a good job on their own. So where does AI fit in marketing, and how do AI-driven ecosystems shift the way we create, communicate, deliver, and exchange offerings that have value for our customers and partners? Thank you SP Jain School of Global Management - Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore & Sydney for inviting me to deliver a keynote on the power of AI-driven ecosystems for marketing. I will be sharing my observations on how some startups have quickly leverage Generative AI capabilities in this ecosystem, what has worked, where are the areas of friction that impede rapid adoption and what possibilities we can look forward to. I invite my friends to join me and the esteem panelists in this Business Conclave on 6th December (next friday). Check out the registration link below before seats run out. I look forward to seeing you and having a vibrant discussion! #AI #AIformarketing #strategy #marketing

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Game On, India: A VC Perspective on the Untapped Potential in Sportswear (Beyond Jerseys) 🇮🇳 The Indian sportswear market is poised for a major leap, fuelled by a growing passion for fitness and exploring the great outdoors. But let's talk beyond the ubiquitous cricket jerseys for a moment and delve into a hidden gem – the booming market for outdoor gear! 💸 A VC's Perspective: Why I am Bullish on Outdoor Sportswear in India As a Venture Capitalist, the Indian outdoor sportswear market presents a compelling investment opportunity for several reasons: 💹 High-Growth Market: The market is projected to reach a staggering USD 1.93 billion by 2029, with a growth rate exceeding 16% annually (source: Maximize Market Research). This significant growth trajectory signifies a large and rapidly expanding consumer base. 🥇 Untapped Potential: Unlike cricket jerseys, the outdoor segment lacks a centralized and organized retail experience. This fragmentation creates a prime opportunity for innovative brands and platforms to capture market share. 📯 Shifting Consumer Preferences: Growing participation in activities like running, cycling, trekking, and adventure travel is driving demand for specialized outdoor gear. Consumers are increasingly seeking high-quality, functional products that enhance their outdoor experiences. 🇮🇳 Rise of Domestic Brands: This market shift presents a golden opportunity for Indian brands to offer high-quality, affordable options alongside established international players. This approach can resonate with cost-conscious Indian consumers while fostering domestic innovation. 🦋 Experience-Driven Retail: The rise of experience-based travel and adventure sports opens doors for brands to connect with customers beyond just products. VCs are looking to invest in companies that curate a holistic outdoor experience, fostering brand loyalty and customer engagement. 🚵‍♂️ The REI Model for India? The current market lacks a comprehensive online or physical store similar to REI in the US or Outdoor Goat internationally. A platform that curates a selection of established international brands alongside promising domestic ones, offering expert advice and a focus on the entire outdoor experience, could revolutionize the Indian market. 🔊 Calling All Outdoor Enthusiasts and Industry Leaders! Share your thoughts in the comments. What exciting possibilities do you see in the Indian outdoor sportswear market? #sportswear #india #outdoors #entrepreneurship #marketresearch Khyati V Bhinde Joanne Kiara Fernandez Lakshmi Naga Potluri Abhay Vashistha Amisha Vashistha Garima Vashistha

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Sow Seeds of Financial Abundance At ODIGITAL Startup Drivers, we know that investing in early-stage, high-growth, technology-driven startups is a proven way of sowing seeds of future financial abundance and wealth. This is an asset class that delivers great returns on investment (ROI) for stakeholders and has consistently outperformed hyperinflation and local currency weaknesses in global markets. We have partnered with Tekedia Capital to give you the opportunity to co-invest a minimum of $250 in their early-stage, technology startup investment deals. We have an ongoing investment round that will close on November 10, with a rigorously selected group of 15 of the world's best investment deals. And you have the opportunity to get your equity in any of these ventures and position yourself for future profitable exits. These ventures operate in varied sectors and markets such as B2B Commerce for African fashion, B2B Export for Africa, AI operating systems for chemical manufacturing, construction, property management, hardware design, insurance infrastructure with carriers license, supply chain management, medical billing as well as AI Infrastructure for non Nvidia Chips and Quantum Chip design, Diversified global investing for Indians, global payments for travellers in China and South East Asia and Stablecoin based remittance. If you want to join us to sow seeds that will deliver a future of financial abundance and wealth for you and your generations, then hurry and connect with us via any of the options below to get started. * Send me a direct message * Email - [email protected] * Click - https://lnkd.in/dHd8K9ZN - to join our WhatsApp group. Share and repost for the benefit of your network. And follow me for more posts like this.

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Dive into the investment SECRETS to learn from Blume Ventures! Discover how this VC firm reimagined startup financing in India, backed 100+ transformative startups, and continues to empower revolutionary founders. From their unique evaluation criteria to the secrets behind their portfolio's success, there's a lot to learn! Read my full article on Medium to uncover their game-changing insights and actionable advice. Karthik B. Reddy | Sanjay Nath - After going through your story, you guys have become a whole another level of inspiration for me. Thank you so very much for starting Blume Ventures and revolutionizing the Indian VC landscape. #VentureCapital #StartupInvestment #BlumeVentures #IndianStartups #Entrepreneurship #InvestmentStrategies #VCInsights #TechInnovation #StartupSuccess #FounderEmpathy

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Trifecta Capital has launched its largest venture debt fund yet, totaling a whopping ₹2,000 crore, with an additional ₹500 crore greenshoe option. This fund is sector-agnostic, targeting: ✅ Electric mobility ✅ SaaS ✅ Fintech ✅ Enterprise tech Founded in 2015 by Rahul Khanna and Nilesh Kothari, the firm has already invested in over 30 unicorns and numerous high-value companies like Zepto, Meesho, BlueStone, and Urban Company. While staying clear of riskier sectors such as cryptocurrencies, gaming, and P2P lending, Trifecta Capital has successfully deployed ₹6,000 crore from its three funds, including recycled capital. For enquiries, drop an email to [email protected] #VentureCapital #Investment #ElectricMobility #SaaS #Fintech #EnterpriseTech #Startups #Unicorns #TrifectaCapital #Funding #BusinessGrowth

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Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) is on the rise globally, with India hosting over 150 CVCs. This trend reflects corporations' recognition of the innovation startups bring and their desire to stay competitive. By investing in startups, corporations gain access to innovation, value-adding technologies, and financial incentives. CVCs play strategic roles by investing in startups within their industries, offering benefits like industry networks and expertise, while also providing general support such as access to experienced professionals and relaxed return expectations. The significance of corporates investing in the startup ecosystem is continually growing globally, with many Southeast Asian corporations turning their attention to South Asia, particularly India. Read More Here: https://bit.ly/4a8vsTJ #Restaurants #Hospitality #Technology #Business #Innovation #AI #investing #venturecapital Branded Hospitality Ventures Noah Stern

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Disruption: The Key to Building Consumer Brands in India A founder's journey is akin to navigating uncharted waters, where every decision is a delicate balance between probabilities and possibilities. Sometimes, the founders are at the right place at the right time when disruptive waves are manifesting primarily in three formidable forms: regulatory, technological, and demographic. 1. Regulatory Disruption: Regulatory changes often appear as a vast blue ocean, promising untapped opportunities. Yet, one must tread carefully. The very nature of regulation implies that what is granted can be swiftly taken away. And many times, what is generally not specified also treads towards an eventual "No." 2. Technological Disruption: Technological advancements offer a compass for our voyage. Leveraging emerging technology platforms to create breakthroughs can unlock tremendous growth. 3. Demographic Disruption: India, a nation teeming with youth, stands at the precipice of never before seen disposable income that can be monetised digitally at scale. By meticulously segmenting markets, one can craft products and services that not only sell but seamlessly integrate into the lifestyle narratives of the emerging consuming class. At Endurance Capital, we work with early stage founders to be leaders in India's consumer revolution. As founders, the opportunity is immense. It's time to disrupt the old guard and innovate with an India-first approach. Let's craft consumer brands that aren't just loved but become a legacy for the generations to come. 🚀🇮🇳

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🚨 Important for Investors: Mobikwik & LendingBox Violate RBI Guidelines on P2P Lending 🚨 It’s deeply concerning that Mobikwik and LendingBox are playing the blame game while investors are left completely in the dark about their funds. Bipin Preet Singh Ekmmeet Singh Jatin Malwal Bhuvan Rustagi, as founders, it’s your responsibility to communicate with your users, rather than leave them uncertain. We expect a clear and public explanation instead of actions that appear fraudulent. You need to provide transparency and take accountability. One of the main issues: Mobikwik and LendingBox have consolidated all existing schemes into a single ID and invested capital without informing investors—violating RBI guidelines. Investors are unaware of who the borrowers are and are being denied proper communication. RBI’s regulations state that investors must be informed about borrower mapping and any reinvestment decisions. However, this has not been followed. The guidelines also mandate that any reinvestment requires investor consent, which did not happen. Furthermore, borrower details, including identity, credit score, and interest rates, should be disclosed. Has this been happening? It doesn’t seem like it. MobiKwik's Xtra investors are struggling with withdrawals, with Lendbox making policy changes without notice. Users have even reported unauthorized transfers of their investments to other borrowers. 💡 Key Takeaways: Investors have the right to be informed, as per RBI guidelines, and should have been asked for consent before reinvestment. Lendbox and Mobikwik’s actions raise serious concerns about compliance and investor protection. ⚠️ Investors Beware: It is advised to avoid investing in Lendbox's alternate product called Per Annum where they claim that P2P Lending has become more transparent and robust post the revised RBI Guidelines. They mention that a new user journey has evolved on the platform where lenders can now select their own borrowers. Per Annum suggests a list of borrowers based on historical data, but the final decision is said to rest with the lender. However, recent actions indicate a lack of compliance with this statement. Kudos to Arti Singh for covering this issue in detail when many other digital platforms chose to ignore it. Investors deserve transparency and respect for their capital. #P2PLending #RBI #Mobikwik #Lendbox #Investing #Compliance #InvestorRights #Fintech

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When you find a practical use of AI in an area that has strong tailwinds in the India growth story, you know this is a venture that has a high potential not just for value creation but for job creation in the country. Delighted to back TraqCheck founders Jaibir Nihal Singh, Armaan Mehta and @rishabh jain as they make it easier for over 200 corporations to embrace the new way of work. Traqcheck's Ai-enabled background checks of employees is way, way faster and far more reliable than traditional methods of background verification. Pankaj Bansal (पंकज बंसल)Karann Mittal Danish Dogra Aman Khan Yukta Kelkar Atreyi D.

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We've been part of this journey with Vidur Kataria Sidhanth Madan & Radhika Mittal since the pre-seed round in 2020 (also closer to heart since this was the first deal from Fund II). The investment thesis for us was always very simple - we tried cooking Chinese food at home during Covid, and all that was available was "Ching's Secret Schezwan Fried Rice Masala" & it was surprising that the second most enjoyed cuisine in the country is Chinese & we have just one brand that catered to this audience. Then we ended tasting the Masterchow sauces & we were just floored to see the difference in quality and taste. Having said that, the thesis that we believed in, didn't ring a bell with a lot of folks that we spoke to in the last 4 years. These were the top reasons why VCs hesitated -> 1) Market size is not large enough - Our belief was that the market appeared to be small, because the only brand available thus far was Ching's. Then Ching's got sold to Tata for ~5500cr, then noone questioned the market size any more. 2) Products are too expensive - Their sauces which was the first category they got into - was priced at ~Rs.240. Lot of people thought that this was expensive for India. But that was just the first category, after that in just last 2 years the founders have innovated on the product (Cup Noodles, Ramen, Chilli oil) and made products cheaper (Masterchow Staples, Chowmein, Schezwan). But I'm glad we got some believers along the way in the form of Anicut Capital LLP & Surge. And now, Tanglin Venture Partners. The founders continue to surprise everyone & I believe they'll do so in the future as well! #startup #funding #fmcg https://lnkd.in/g2wdAvmx

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Merak MeetStreet in Gurgaon was one for the books! 💯 Reflecting on our journey with MeetStreet, we've now hosted 5 events across 5 different cities, shortlisting 52 businesses from a large pool of registrations. Each edition has highlighted the innovative spirit of early-stage founders, yet some challenges resonate universally. A few key hurdles we've observed: ➡️ Hiring: The first few hires are crucial lifelines for any business. Founders often find this process daunting as these early team members can significantly influence the trajectory of the business. Are there any firms (or even better, early-stage businesses) that specialise in assisting with these critical early hires across multiple functions? ➡️ Working Capital & Supply Chain Financing: A perennial challenge for businesses (more so, B2B ones), which we have observed getting mitigated with time (and scale). Despite its importance, solutions remain limited for early-stage companies. Founders, how have you navigated this tightrope? ➡️ Tech Roadmap & Development: For non-tech founders, establishing a tech foundation can feel like navigating unchartered waters. Until you find a permanent tech co-founder, where do you start? Are there any consultants who specialise in guiding early-stage startups? ➡️ Fundraising: The classic conundrum! It's often why many founders attend MeetStreet, hoping to unlock funding opportunities. But let's face it, early-stage fundraising might be more of an art than a science. How are you creatively approaching fundraising beyond the traditional VC route? MeetStreet isn't only about funding; it's about building a community where founders can share insights & explore solutions together. The learnings from these sessions have been tremendous & there's so much more to uncover as we continue this journey with many more gatherings to come. ✨ Merak Ventures #VentureCapital #Business #Startups #India #EarlyStage #Founders #MerakMeetStreet #VC

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