20+ Years of Exp in Cross-border Tax & Legal in US-UK-India-Singapore-UAE |Founder & Managing Partner at TMG. Group | Investing in Startups via ProfitboardVC | Sharing Productivity & Mindset Insights with Entrepreneurs
This Bangalore-based firm was founded by two brothers in 2015, and their portfolio had a unicorn giant in just 7 years. In the fast-paced world of venture capital, where many firms seek to invest in promising ventures, 3one4 Capital stands out with its unique approach to early-stage investing. Having known Pranav Pai and Siddarth Pai for years, it's incredibly inspiring to see the remarkable success of their venture, 3one4 Capital. They embarked on an entrepreneurial journey inspired by their father, TV Mohandas Pai, to reshape India's early-stage investment landscape. Observing the rapid growth of the nation's startup ecosystem, they identified an opportunity to fill a void: the scarcity of venture capital firms willing to back innovative and unconventional startups. Starting with a corpus of ₹100 crore, their goal was to identify and support disruptive startups in traditional industries. While many VC firms chased the usual suspects—food delivery platforms, payment wallets, and horizontal e-commerce ventures—3one4 Capital chose a different path. In 2023, it raised $200 million for its fourth early-stage fund, its first offshore vehicle. This brought their total committed capital to ₹3,710 crore ($510 million) and AUM to over ₹6,000 crore ($750 million) as per LiveMint. As someone acquainted with both brothers, I notice a striking similarity: their mutual enthusiasm for investing in India's homegrown startups and their inclination towards unconventional bets. Their notable investments include: Licious(a present unicorn), Yulu Darwinbox and more. Factors contributing to its success: ✅Unconventional focus: 3one4 Capital's differentiation lies in its emphasis on non-mainstream startups, tapping into overlooked opportunities in the VC sphere. ✅Sector-agnostic strategy: By investing across diverse sectors, the Pai brothers diversified their portfolio, reducing risks and capitalising on varied market potentials. ✅Founder-centric approach: Success stems from their close collaboration with founders, offering tailored guidance, mentorship, and access to an expansive network, nurturing startup growth. What resonated with me is their steadfast commitment to supporting startups that others might overlook, and it reflects a deep belief in the potential of groundbreaking concepts. What do you think was one of the biggest reasons for their success? PS: Pranav, bro, we surely need to click more pictures next time we get to catch up :)
