EP#22 Priya Mohan – Lessons from an entrepreneur turned VC, key considerations when evaluating an exit and importance of maintaining mental wellbeing for VCs & founders

In this episode, Priya Mohan, Startup Sensei @Venture Highway, joins our host Digjay, to talk about her learnings as an entrepreneur and a VC, selling to Byju’s, evaluating exit opportunities, choosing the right VCs, embracing vulnerability and the importance of maintaining mental wellbeing for VCs and founders.

Venture Highway is an early-stage VC fund that invests in tech-enabled startups across different sectors. Before Venture Highway, Priya co-founded Vidyartha, an educational technology platform for students in grades 6-12, which she exited successfully to Byju’s - an Indian edtech unicorn. Prior to her operating role at Vidyartha, Priya spent 9 years working as a sell-side investment banker and equity research analyst, where she helped high-growth companies raise private equity, structure and execute complex transactions. These included private investments, secondary sales, and buyouts. Priya is a Chartered Accountant and has a Masters of Business Administration from the Indian School of Business (ISB). You can connect with her here on Linkedin / Twitter

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Show notes –

1. (01:21) Priya’s background and path leading up to venture capital

2. (02:41) Building Vidyartha – a K12 edtech startup; Lessons from being a first-time entrepreneur

3. (08:53) Key considerations when evaluating an exit opportunity

4. (15:41) Why entrepreneurs should be radically honest with themselves and ask tough questions when deciding between the next fundraise and an exit opportunity?

5. (19:36) About Venture Highway; How startups can benefit from the Silicon Valley connect

6. (23:38) Pros & Cons of having VCs with an operating background; What should founders be cognizant about when choosing VCs to pitch for their fundraise?

7. (27:53) Economic benefits of maintaining mental wellbeing for VCs and founders?

8. (31:39) Rapid fire and closing remarks