The Neon Show Starting as an angel investor, developing an understanding of spaces and sourcing potential deals with Arun Venkatachalam
In this episode, we chat with Arun Venkatachalam, who comes from the Murugappa Group - family, and is also an active Angel Investor.
Arun has invested in 25+ companies including Posist, ZoomCar, ZestMoney, AdPushup among others. And he has also got successful exits from companies like Innov8 CoWorking (acquired by OYO Rooms), Yourbus (acquired by Naspers/Ibibo Group), Endless Robotics (acquired by Mojay) etc.
During the podcast, he also shares how he initially invested in equity markets to build his own capital, which he later invested in his studies and his portfolio companies.
For anyone looking to start up as an Angel investor, this conversation can be of great value. From gaining a deep understanding of a particular space, to sourcing potential deals, to making your first investment, this podcast will really help you start and build.
Notes -
00:55 - Belonging to Murugappa Group (Family Enterprise); starting in Investment Banking
04:56 - Initial investments as an Angel investor
07:42 - “In order to be an expert down the line, someone has to start somewhere.”
12:50 - Creating an impact on Cap-table
25:21 - Investing in Recykal; creating impact because of ESG
28:01 - Advice for a first time Angel investor
32:12 - Having a conservative approach as an Angel investor
34:32 - “Opportunity isn’t in running with the herd, it's always in running against the herd.”
36:51 - Finding investment deals as a first-time investor
39:17 - Having a nuanced view while investing in Fintech