“You must be crazy” was something I heard all the time in 2023.
Looking in from the outside, it seemed like I was living a dream life: After graduating from UCLA, I got a great job as a consultant in Los Angeles. But deep down, I felt this nagging sense of unfulfillment and the guilt that came along with it. Every day, scrolling through LinkedIn, I stumbled upon innovative tech startups in India making moves that seemed lightyears ahead. I just knew I wanted to be part of that world, so I began searching for opportunities in India to dive into the world of startups and venture capital.
The most common question I received in interviews and from peers was, “Why give it all up and head back?” But for me, ‘it all’ was about connecting with family and learning from the founders and investors behind innovative products and platforms in the Indian market.
A friend told me about the Kalaari Capital Fellowship program. It sounded too good to be true – a two-year deep dive into venture capital where selected fellows learn to craft investment theses, provide portfolio support, conduct research, and master marketing.
Securing a spot in the Kalaari Capital Fellowship was no walk in the park. It demanded a thorough application process and three rounds of nerve-wracking interviews. I threw myself into preparation, devouring every bit of knowledge available, engaging with industry experts, and practising for those make-or-break interviews.
Day One as a Kalaari Fellow
Finally, after months of anticipation, the email arrived welcoming me to Kalaari Capital. A homegrown VC fund led by the formidable and inspiring Vani Kola, where my decision to move back was met with a warm welcome, not skepticism.
Kalaari Fellows celebrating Holi
Joining a cohort of 12 diverse Kalaari fellows, I plunged into an intensive yet thrilling induction week. The highlight? Speed dating on day two, where I got 15 minutes to connect with each team member, delving into everything from backgrounds to future aspirations. I had a chance to speak with industry luminaries in the team—from early Paytm leaders to The Good Glamm Group Co-founder, Deloitte India alumni, and Kalaari’s Managing Director. This was quite the departure from the corporate world, where small talk reigned supreme and senior management stayed out of reach.
In conversation with Kiran Vasireddy, Partner, Kalaari Capital
Kalaari is a space where original thought is not just welcomed but encouraged, where your take on industries, investment theses, and startups is given due consideration. The supportive, inclusive and innovative culture at Kalaari still blows my mind.
Most importantly, I’ve found fulfilment in being near my parents in my newfound ‘home.’ I’m savouring every masala dosa and filter coffee in sight while diving into work that both challenges and fulfills me to my core.
As a Kalaari fellow, each day is a new opportunity for growth and learning. It’s been seven months since I started on this journey. I’ve had the privilege of organizing Women’s Day celebrations at the office, sitting in on investment committee meetings, drafting investment memos, learning from industry leaders like the founders of Ola and Rapido, analyzing MIS reports, and engaging with early-stage founders daily.
My journey at Kalaari has just begun, and I am excited about the future. I advise anyone considering a similar path to follow their heart, embrace the challenges, and never stop learning. Are you curious about life at Kalaari? Drop your questions in the comments or contact me at sana@kalaari.com—I’d love to share more about this incredible journey!
Sana Gupta, Kalaari VC Fellow
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