Thesis-driven sourcing and red flags

Rajeev emphasizes thesis alignment, mentions fast decisions for matched teams, and avoids misfit startups.

Play episode from 25:47

chevron_right

Transcript

chevron_right

Transcript

Episode notes

In this episode, we sit down with Rajeev Ranka from Incubate Fund, a Japanese Venture Capital firm managing over $1.5 Billion in AUM, to understand the bold decisions behind building generational companies.

Rajeev breaks down the Japanese Way of investing which involves thinking in 100 year cycles. He shares why they backed Captain Fresh during the first month of the COVID lockdown and the massive decision to kill a profitable domestic arm to build a global giant.

We also dive into why he believes Quick Commerce will eventually be bigger than E-Commerce, the untapped potential of Middle India, and what it takes to get a Day Zero investment from a Japanese VC.

⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com

We talk about:

- How a Japanese VC views the Indian startup ecosystem.

- The Japanese Way: Why they plan for 100 year timelines.

- The Captain Fresh Pivot: Moving from a domestic player to global seafood exporter.

- Why Yulu dominates 90% of the last mile delivery market.

- The Middle India opportunity that most VCs are ignoring.

- Red Flags & Green Flags: How to pitch Incubate Fund.

Connect with Rajeev:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeevranka

Incubate Fund Asia: https://incubatefund.in/

SMBC Asia Rising Fund - https://www.smbc-asiarising.vc/