-Rachit Poddar, Co-Founder, IVY Growth Associates

Team 100X interviewed some of the top investors across the globe about their venture investing journeys, startups, and India. Here, Rachit Poddar, Co-Founder, IVY Growth Associates shares his responses.

Q1. What is your motivation to be in venture investing business?

My motivation for being in venture investing business stems from my passion for entrepreneurship and desire to build a full stack global startup ecosystem from incorporation to funding covering equity and debt. As a second-generation entrepreneur, I understand the challenges and opportunities that come with building a successful business, and I am committed to helping other entrepreneurs achieve their goals.

Q2. Describe your workday and leisure day, how does it look like?

My workday typically involves meeting with founders, evaluating new investment opportunities, and working closely with his portfolio companies to help them grow and succeed. In my leisure time, I enjoys travelling, exploring new places, and pursuing hobbies like skydiving and scuba diving.

Q3. What is your view on the future of India as a market?

I believe that India has a tremendous potential as a market, particularly in the areas of technology and innovation. I am optimistic about the growth prospects for Indian startups and am committed to helping them succeed in a global market.

Q4. Help describe your investment thesis and ideas you would like to back?

My investment thesis is to support innovative startups that have the potential to create scalable and sustainable business models. I am particularly interested in startups that are working on solutions that can solve real-world problems, and that have the potential to disrupt existing markets.

Q5. What are your 5 key learnings from your experience as a venture investor?

Through my experience as a venture investor, I have learned the importance of:
- Building strong relationships with founders and portfolio companies
- Staying focused on the long-term goals of the business
- Embracing innovation and being open to new ideas
- Taking calculated risks and learning from failures
- Being patient and persistent in pursuing success

Q6. Mention top 5 consumer/industry/technology trends in India and globally?

The top five consumer/industry/technology trends in India and globally are:
- E-commerce and online marketplaces
- Fintech and digital payments
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Healthtech and telemedicine
- Sustainability and social impact

Q7. Top 5 advice you would give to startup founder?

My top five pieces of advice for startup founders are:
- Focus on solving a real-world problem
- Build a strong team and culture
- Stay lean and agile
- Be open to feedback and pivot when necessary
- Stay persistent and never give up

Q8. How do you support your portfolio companies?

I support my portfolio companies by providing them with strategic guidance, access to networks, and resources to help them grow and succeed. I work closely with founders to help them refine their business models, improve their operations, and scale their businesses.

Q9. Which of your portfolio company you are very excited about and why?

I am excited about all of my portfolio companies, but one that stands out to him is Zypp, an electric scooter rental platform. I believe that Zypp has the potential to revolutionize the way people commute in India and other emerging markets, and I am excited to be a part of their growth story.

Q10. When you started your career what were your ambitions?

When I started my career, my ambition was to become a successful entrepreneur and to build a global business empire. I was driven by a passion for innovation and a desire to create value for society through my work.

Q11. What inspires you in life and what keeps you awake at night?

I am inspired by the possibility of creating something new and innovative that can make a positive impact on people's lives.

About Rachit Ppoddar:

He is a second generation Entrepreneur at Rachit Group headquartered in Surat predominantly into the textiles industry since 1992. They are one of the market leaders in manufacturing wide range of textile fabrics and designer ethnic wear for women, serving to premium retailers and wholesalers across PAN India and 10+ countries. His mission is to build a full stack global startup ecosystem right from Incorporation to funding covering equity and debt. He is a Co-Founder at IVY Growth Associates, which is sector agnostic Angel Network & MicroVC having 30+ Shareholders and 300+ Angel Investors with over 65+ Investments. He is also Director at MI Capital based in Dubai, which is a comprehensive financial services & a boutique investment banking firm supporting businesses globally. He has been recognized by Times 40U40 Surat award, Entrepreneurs Today 30U30, Indian Achievers Award 2021.