How Rahul Chowdhri spots 'stellar' needles in India's startup haystack | Stellaris Venture Partners
How Rahul Chowdhri spots 'stellar' needles in India's startup haystack | Stellaris Venture Partners
If you want to understand the evolution of the VC ecosystem in India, then there is no one better than Rahul Chowdhri to explain it.
As one of the earliest venture capitalists in the country, he was pitched Flipkart in its nascent stage when it started out as an online bookseller.
His journey continued as he became a partner at Helion Ventures, one of India’s earliest VC firms.
During his tenure of close to 9 years at Helion, he made impactful investments in companies such as Simplilearn, BigBasket, and Livspace, shaping categories in the Indian startup landscape.
Driven by his experience and vision, Rahul subsequently founded Stellaris Venture Partners, which has earned the reputation of being one of the most respected Indian venture capital firms.
Based in Bengaluru, Stellaris focuses on early-stage ventures and has made 37 investments across various sectors, backing notable companies like MamaEarth, Whatfix, and Zouk.
In our conversation, Rahul talks about his learnings across his 17-year journey as an investor.
He shares insights on the importance of actively listening to both customers and founders, his approach to identifying promising startups in a crowded market and seizing opportunities in consumer products, edtech, and gaming sectors.
Rahul also discusses the key traits he looks for in founders, the changing landscape for traditional businesses, and how investing during tough times can lead to resilient ventures.
Whether you're just starting a business or you've been investing for a while, Rahul's advice will help you do better!
Other Ways to Listen:
Apple Podcast | Amazon Music | Google Podcast
Watch the entire conversation on YouTube
Additional readings:-
1.In good times or bad, Stellaris Venture Partners has a steady startup investment strategy
3.Early Partners of Fearless Founders With Audacious Goals
5.We do not suffer from FOMO: Stellaris Venture Partners
6.Stellaris Venture Partners' chosen path: Make contrarian bets, but with deep conviction
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Mail me at ad@thepodium.in with your comments & feedback or if you just want to hear my comments on your startup idea - I love getting your emails!
Until the next founder's thesis📕,
Your host, AD