Anil Joshi, founder and managing partner of Unicorn India Ventures, discussed the evolving landscape of investments in the age of AI and digital growth. According to him, AI is currently one of the most exciting areas attracting investors. However, alongside AI, other sectors gaining attention include space tech, defense tech, and the evergreen fintech industry. These sectors are seen as key areas of growth and innovation in the coming years.
What Investors Look for in a Company
As an early-stage investor, Joshi emphasized the importance of evaluating the quality of the founding team when considering investment opportunities. For him, the problem a startup is solving and the size of the market they aim to address are also critical factors. Additionally, the potential for exit opportunities and intellectual property (IP) are important, but the most crucial aspect is the team’s quality and the scale of the opportunity.
Active Involvement in Startups
Unlike passive investors, Unicorn India Ventures takes an active approach. Joshi explained that they don’t engage in day-to-day operations but play a vital role at the board level and in shaping the strategic direction of the startups they invest in. Their hands-on approach helps guide startups toward success without micromanaging operations.
Advice to Startup Founders
For startup founders seeking investment, Joshi offers valuable advice: Stay focused on your goals, maintain strong compliance standards, and most importantly, build a great product. A quality product will always find its place in the market, provided the founders stay committed and focused on their long-term vision.
