Ujwal Sutaria

Being aware of the industry and being analytical are non-negotiable for a VC. But what really helps the most is when you have the understanding and capacity to help the startups level up and find success.

Nurturing relationships is extremely important in the VC world. I make sure to stay in touch through social media but whenever possible, I meet up with people especially if I am traveling to their area. Nurturing relationships requires efforts but is a wholesome experience.

After attending networking events, I make sure to connect with the people I met and had conversations with on LinkedIn. This has been a game-changer for me. It helps me stay connected with the right people, help them or get help from them whenever needed, and be on top of the industry news.

One of the best ways to maintain focus is to be up to date with everything that's going on in the industry. What works for me is reading the news, going through all the current articles and social media posts around the VC world. This not only keeps me aware about the industry but also keeps me focused. Other methods that also help is delegating tasks and creating a to-do list for daily tasks.

As a VC, making informed investment decisions involves a combination of thorough research, strategic analysis, and a keen understanding of the startup ecosystem. Here are key steps and considerations for the same: -Conduct Market Research -Assess the Team -Evaluate the Business Model -Examine the Product -Check Traction -Do Due Diligence -Market Landscape -Assess Risks -Understand Exit Strategies -Industry Expertise -Network and Relationships -Scalability and Growth Potential -Social and Environmental Impact -Legal and Regulatory Compliance -Diversification -Stay Informed -Exit Options -Investment Terms -Long-Term Vision -Trust Your Instincts

Set clear boundaries - Establishing clear boundaries between work & personal life is very difficult as a VC but at the same time it is important as well. Build a support system - As a solo GP fund, the journey is as lonely as it is for a solo founder! Building and nurturing a good support system around work becomes very critical. You need to have some fellow go to GPs/founders/Domain experts with whom you can chat beyond work as well.