I am proud to be part of the fourth cohort of Kalaari Capital’s Fellowship program. Launched in 2016, this apprenticeship-focused initiative aims to nurture the next generation of venture leaders.
After completing Level III of the CFA, I oriented my career towards venture capital—a field I have long aspired to join. To establish a solid foundation, I gained insights into the Indian ecosystem through my role at Invest India, the National Investment Promotion Agency, as part of the Make in India team. This experience allowed me to analyze businesses from a macroeconomic perspective, which proved invaluable. However, my true passion lies in delving deeper into the startup ecosystem. Having made this transition eight months ago, I would like to share a glimpse into how my typical day unfolds.
My first day at Kalaari
The Morning Routine
My day at Kalaari begins well before I arrive at the office, starting at 6:30 AM with an hour dedicated to yoga and meditation. This quiet, reflective time serves as my sanctuary—a moment to center myself before the excitement and challenges of the day ahead.
Kicking Off the Day
Navigating the initial struggles of Bangalore’s heavy morning traffic, I feel fortunate to live close to the office, allowing me to dedicate more time to my passions. By 9:00 AM, I am fully charged and ready to engage. Mondays at Kalaari are particularly energizing, thanks to our “Zero Hour” sessions. Unlike typical Monday morning meetings, these sessions bring together brilliant minds eager to share insights and learn from each other’s experiences.
Collaborative Brainstorming at Breakfast
Every Thursday, we engage in mid-week brainstorming sessions fondly referred to as ‘brown bag’ meetings. These sessions create a collaborative environment where potential deals are carefully dissected and debated. These interactions are not solely about business; they offer valuable insights into our team’s collective thought processes and evaluation methods.
After our Thursday morning meetings, we gather in the lounge for breakfast, an experience that is anything but ordinary. At Kalaari, we take our food seriously. Oftentimes, I order from brands we are evaluating or (sometimes) from their competitors. This provides a prime opportunity to gather unfiltered feedback from my colleagues, who remain blissfully unaware of my subtle market research.
Effective communication with founders is key to our mission of empowering entrepreneurs. As part of the #KalaariFamily, we all play a vital role in building meaningful relationships with our founders. Every Monday evening, we get together for a ‘Chai Break’. Kalaari Fellows exchange notes on founder conversations with our partners and associates offering us a fantastic platform to learn from their experiences. To make it more hands-on there are fun, practical activities like pop quizzes and mock investor pitches, where Fellows are presented with unexpected scenarios and challenging questions. For us, as aspiring VCs, this is an invaluable opportunity to gain feedback and ensure we engage effectively with founders in alignment with Kalaari values and culture.
Calling It a Day
As my workday concludes, there are always follow-up emails to send, calls to schedule for the next day, and ongoing research to update. I often take this time to reflect on what I have learned throughout the day, noting successes and areas for improvement.
After a long and fruitful day, I prioritize unwinding. Cooking my own dinner is a cherished routine (unless work commitments take precedence). Fridays are traditionally reserved for game nights and socializing with friends.
My #LifeAtKalaari as a Consumer VC
My role at Kalaari is far from limited to sitting at a desk and chasing the next big idea. It encompasses a dynamic mix of tasks aligned with three key goals: stimulating the mind to provide meaningful support and value to the entrepreneurs we engage with; fostering and deepening connections within the Kalaari community, and continuously growing—both professionally and personally—through enriching conversations and hands-on experiences, ensuring we bring our best selves to work each day.
Mastering Multitasking
In the role of a Kalaari VC Fellow, mastering multitasking is essential. My mornings often commence with in-depth market research, engaging in founder calls, or collaborating with portfolio companies on critical projects.
While deal sourcing might appear to be a tedious task, it is, in fact, one of the most enjoyable aspects of my role. I have always been fascinated by brands, scrutinizing elements ranging from product quality to storytelling. Now, I am fortunate to pursue this professionally echoing the words of the late Captain Vikram Batra: “Yeh dil always maange more!”
Identifying and learning about various brands—whether those used by friends, family, or colleagues—has become second nature to me. Whenever I discover a new product, my instinct is to document it by snapping a picture with my phone. For those who know me, this enthusiasm will certainly resonate! I relentlessly explore diverse sources for new deals in consumer brands—whether browsing retail stores, scrolling through social media, analyzing consumer reports, or even watching TV commercials. The search for innovation is continuous, and I find immense fulfillment in it.
The Impact of Storytelling
An insightful anecdote I encountered resonates deeply: “Facts are boring; stories are interesting.” Initially, this aphorism eluded my comprehension. However, my experiences at Kalaari have illuminated its significance. Daily, I engage with remarkable entrepreneurs who are masterful storytellers, weaving narratives of innovation and potential. Their ability to bring visions to life is profoundly inspiring and has highlighted the profound impact of a well-told story. These high-energy conversations leave me invigorated and brimming with fresh ideas—my favourite part of the day.
As the day progresses, I shift my focus to managing internal projects—whether organizing upcoming events, developing content pieces, or working on portfolio initiatives. This balancing act contributes to the dynamic nature of my role.
Ultimately, the life of a VC Fellow at Kalaari is both demanding and immensely rewarding. Each day presents new challenges, valuable lessons, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the startups of tomorrow. In the ever-evolving world of venture capital, no two days are alike, but each one brings me closer to becoming a skillful investor and an integral part of India’s vibrant startup ecosystem.