The day I cleared Level 3 of the CFA, I was certain about one thing – I wanted to build a career in venture capital. My trajectory seemed crystal clear: finish my stint at EY, pursue an MBA, then dive into venture capital.

But as they say, life had other plans.

When COVID-19 struck, it didn’t just upend the world—it reshuffled my entire roadmap. As I watched my father’s trading business struggle, I faced a choice that would redefine everything. The business desperately needed digital transformation and formalization.

So I shelved my MBA plans and stepped in. That office became my real-world business school—no textbooks, just daily lessons in grit, margins, relationships, and the daily grind of building something that lasts. While my

peers studied strategy, I lived it, learning firsthand what it means to keep a business during unprecedented times.

Working alongside my father was deeply humbling and transformative. I saw the power and limits of legacy operations and the need for change from within. It sparked a deeper hunger: to understand how companies scale, how policy shapes opportunity, and how India’s growth story plays out in real time.

That quest led me to Invest India, where I got a ringside view of how businesses—big and small—navigate India’s complex ecosystem. I worked with data center giants mapping incentives, helped global MNCs set up shop, and supported Indian SMEs chasing scale. Every day was a new crash course in regulatory nuance, policy frameworks, and business-building in the world’s most dynamic market. Every project was a masterclass in understanding what makes businesses tick in our unique ecosystem.

Finding My Tribe

When the Kalaari Fellowship opened up, it felt like a full-circle moment. A chance to return to my long-held VC dream—but now with richer context and lived experience. What stood out in Kalaari’s selection process was its depth. It wasn’t about pedigree—it was about perspective. They weren’t just asking what I’d done—they wanted to know how I thought, what I valued, and how I saw the future.

That’s when I knew: this wasn’t just a firm, it was a tribe. One that valued potential over polish, and authenticity over archetypes. My unconventional path—from finance to family business to policy—suddenly made perfect sense in their framework.

Life at Kalaari

What strikes you first about #LifeAtKalaari isn’t the impressive portfolio or the fancy office—it’s the people. Partners who make time to mentor despite impossibly packed schedules. Colleagues who collaborate. A team that genuinely celebrates every win together

From day one, you’re not just observing—you’re trusted to contribute meaningfully. Whether it’s crafting investment theses, engaging with founders, or supporting portfolio companies through scale and stumbles alike, your perspective is valued.

Building for Bharat’s Future

Today, I spend my time looking for founders who are building for India’s consumption story, particularly those who understand that our tier 2 and 3 markets aren’t just smaller versions of metro markets—they require completely fresh thinking.

What gets me excited? Companies using AI-powered personalization, tech-enabled distribution, and storytelling to build trust and redefine how Indians shop, live, and connect.

My path from that factory floor in Jaipur to venture capital wasn’t linear, but every detour, every unexpected turn, shaped how I see business building today. Every day brings new founders with audacious ideas, fresh perspectives on age-old problems, and innovative approaches to building for India’s next billion consumers.

If you’re building something interesting in the consumer space and believe your solution can transform how India shops, eats, learns, or lives, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s connect at simran@kalaari.com.

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