The Neon Show Investing Lessons from Anjali Bansal, Founder, Avaana Capital and The next Decade in VC
With so many Indian startups achieving unicorn status in 2021, the situation begs an answer to the question:
# Is this growth sustainable or are we in a bubble?
# What does this mean for foreign and Indian investors?
#What does this mean for the next decade of VC and Startups?
To understand this better, in today’s episode, we’ve brought Anjali Bansal, founder of Avaana Capital, that invests in innovation-led start-ups creating sustainability and impact at scale while delivering outsized returns.
Previously, Anjali has been Global Partner and MD with TPG Growth PE and a strategy consultant with McKinsey and Co. in New York. She’s also the former non-executive Chairperson of Dena Bank, where she successfully led the resolution of the stressed bank.
She has invested in and regularly mentors various successful start-ups including Delhivery, Nykaa, Alpha Vector, Lenskart, Urban Company, Darwinbox, Coverfox and FarMart.
She is closely associated with NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform and Digital Solutions and is on the Expert Advisory Committee for the Start Up India Seed Fund Scheme.
She has been appointed as President, Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and serves as an independent director on several leading boards including Tata Power, Kotak AMC, and Piramal Enterprises.
During the episode, Anjali talks about the volatility in the Indian startup ecosystem, the opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors; she also shares learnings from her portfolio and much more.
Notes -
00:40 - Intro and background
02:55 - Working at ISRO and early career
04:59 - Ideology behind Avaana Capital
08:22 - Is the Indian startup ecosystem in a bubble?
17:21 - Common patterns and learnings from the winners
20:50 - Mistake: Investing in the idea and not the team
22:44 - Ability to move quickly as a fund
34:49 - Learnings from early-career at Mckinsey
36:29 - Potential in Indian startups
41:01 - What all she prefers to read on a daily basis