Inside India's Startup Boom: A VC's Insights | Nao Murakami @ Incubate Fund Asia

Ever wonder how someone goes from staring at spreadsheets to scouting the next big unicorn? Meet Nao Murakami, a venture capitalist at Incubate Fund Asia, who's living proof that life can take you on the wildest rides.

From Banker to Startup Adventurer

Nao's story begins in the buttoned-up world of investment banking at Nomura. But let's face it, staring at numbers all day isn't everyone's cup of matcha. So, what did Nao do? He ditched the suit, grabbed a backpack, and set off to explore the world with his wife. But just as he was about to embrace his inner wanderlust, a call from a college buddy changed everything.

The Indian Startup Scene: A Rollercoaster Ride

His friend, knee-deep in India’s startup scene, convinced Nao that India was the next big thing. So off he went in 2014, diving headfirst into the chaotic yet exhilarating world of Indian startups. His first venture, a service commerce platform, was like Urban Company but with more curry. It faced tough competition and eventually closed shop, but hey, who said the road to success was a straight line?

The Venture Capitalist Transformation

Back in Japan, while sipping sake at a friend's wedding, Nao bumped into Akauura-san from Incubate Fund Japan. A quick chat later, Incubate Fund Asia was born in 2016. Fast forward, and they’ve got three funds under their belt, with the latest being a cool $30 million. Talk about a plot twist!

The Secret Sauce: Founder Quality

So, what’s the secret sauce for Nao? It’s all about the founders. He believes in backing those who can pivot faster than a Bollywood dance number. Strong founders are key, especially in a market as vast as India, where opportunities and challenges are as common as street food vendors.

The Future: IPOs and Beyond

And what about exits? Well, the Indian IPO scene is heating up faster than a summer in Delhi. With more startups going public, the exit strategy is no longer a mystery.

Nao’s journey from banker to venture capitalist is a testament to taking risks and embracing change. So, for all you budding entrepreneurs out there, remember: dream big, be bold, and who knows? You might just be the next big thing.

Listen to Nao as he shares his insights on the entrepreneurship and funding

Check out the full conversation on YouTube

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Until the next founder's thesis📕,

Your host, AD