Vishal Katariya

Establishing a deep-tech focused VC fund would greatly benefit entrepreneurs at the idea, seed, pre-Series A, and Series A stages. Moreover, startups also require grants, joint investment opportunities with deep-tech vendors (both public and private), mentorship, orders, timely payment of invoices, prompt approvals, and access to a global knowledge-sharing platform. These supports enable them to build upon existing foundations rather than starting from scratch. Indian entrepreneurs are currently emphasizing the development of consumer-centric products such as food brands and cosmetics, rather than investing to build deep-tech assets that could enhance production capabilities. We anticipate that this will change with the backing of all stakeholders. Startup India | Invest India | Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India | MeitY Startup Hub | SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd | SiriusOne Capital | Angel Scions | O2 VC Fund (fund under process)| o2 Angels Network https://lnkd.in/dtfBpWUF?

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India's deeptech landscape is at a crucial point. Nasscom’s latest report shows that 70% of deeptech startups are worried about not having enough capital for computing operations. On the flip side, over 70% of investment firms are hesitant because these high-potential ventures need patient capital due to their long gestation periods. It's a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation! To really support our deeptech startups and their groundbreaking innovations, we need to rethink our funding approach. This is where we hope the government can step in with some help. Co-investment programs, grants, and tax credits for R&D could make a huge difference. By working together, we can ensure our deeptech startups have the support they need to push boundaries and lead the way in technological innovation. #Deeptech #StartupEcosystem #Innovation #Funding #VentureCapital #GovernmentSupport #IndiaTech #RnD

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ARE YOU STEALING JOBS OF #contentwriters ? asked Karan Goyal Was I offended? I answered him over a long discussion because... We met on Linkedin and Saloni introduced me to the DevLearn_com community, fully managed by a student body. It was a candid "Chai pe Charcha" conversation that I thoroughly enjoyed. 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁: - Using Stories to grow on #Linkedin - Busting the myths of GenAI. - Understanding the true power of tools like ChatGPT and more. - Why we get stuck with poor prompts? - Bringing together networking and storytelling #GenAI, #StorytellingTips, #LinkedInGrowth FULL STORY HERE: https://lnkd.in/ezaRxF9A

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Why IIT undergrads do well in tech? It’s a written exam focused on math, physics, chemistry. That's it. No interviews, no subjective evaluation of resumes, no influence of whether your parents studied at IIT or not. It's very competitive so people who clear it are effectively demonstrating the combo of work ethic + passion to do well + IQ level in the cleanest possible way. Equally, since there’s no such thing as legacy admissions, the IIT entrance exam is the great leveler for anyone growing up in India. Do well in the written exam and you have a chance to change your life.

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The poor placement record of India’s top engineering schools this year has received much attention. What went unnoticed are dismal placements at top economics schools. One reason is the growing caution among employers that face multiple global uncertainties. The other is a reassessment of the need for economic analysts in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). While there is a cyclical element to this downturn, it is worth asking if the training that economists receive needs an upgrade. Over the past four decades, they have gained more from computerization and digitization than other social scientists. Rising computing power made it increasingly easy to run econometric models on large data-sets. Over time, economists began taking the data-generating process for granted. Whatever appeared on their computer screens was viewed as an accurate description of reality. Now, a faster breed of analysts has appeared. AI models today can produce as good or as bad a forecast as an average graduate, and in a much shorter span of time. Unless they re-examine their relationship with economic statistics, economists are likely to lose jobs to AI-driven bots. Writing more than half a century ago, the famous game theorist Oskar Morgenstern pointed out that most economic statistics are built on a number of simplifying assumptions and judgement calls. But economists often use these statistics as if they were error-free measures of socioeconomic realities. In The Accuracy of Economic Observations, Morgenstern argued that economics students to be trained to question the ‘facts’ put up before them, so that they learn “how terribly hard it is… to find out what truly is a ‘fact’.” Morgenstern’s observations hold true for all geographies, but more so for data-deficient poor countries such as India. In post-independent India, the first generation of economic statisticians and economic practitioners were deeply conscious of this problem. The limited access to high-speed computers meant that they couldn’t run endless regression models even if they wanted to. Some of the most prominent economic studies of that era, including Bhagwati’s 1971 critique of India’s ‘licence raj’ regime and Raj’s 1975 report of Kerala’s human development model were essentially case studies. They relied on both quantitative and qualitative evidence to build their arguments. Today’s generation of young economists need to relearn the skills that the old masters possessed. They need to acquire the lost art of scrutinizing economic statistics while avoiding the temptation of high-speed and low-insight econometrics. If tomorrow’s practitioners understand economic statistics better, it will enable us to have saner debates on the economy. It will also lead to more nuanced debates on statistical issues. Full article here:

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In this live conversation, we discuss upon the theme of ‘Climate Communication and Social Protection in the Indian Heat Wave,’ in conversation with Professor Sohini Sengupta and Professor Manish K Jha. Access here: https://lnkd.in/gSvH3aPE

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In this live conversation, we discuss upon the theme of ‘Climate Communication and Social Protection in the Indian Heat Wave,’ in conversation with Professor Sohini Sengupta and Professor Manish K Jha. Access here: https://lnkd.in/gSvH3aPE

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Stats here speak the story. Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani has truly provided a great launchpad for entrepreneurs. I can say this with pride because I have had my skin-in-game. BITSian entrepreneurs find support from brilliant peers and alumni - many of who interestingly end up choosing to work in sectors hardly related to their academic pursuits, and yet more often than not, stir their respective domains along the way to make for an unforgettable story! #ProudToBeBITSian

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It's been a year since I began exploring a career in venture capital (VC). Initially, I talked to people outside the industry, which didn't lead me anywhere. However, I soon started building meaningful connections with those who've successfully navigated this path. I made an invaluable connection with Maulik Mehta, a Senior Associate at Arc Ventures in New York. With his extensive experience in VC and a genuine passion for supporting innovative startups, Maulik has been a dynamic friend and mentor, guiding me with insights and advice on breaking into the VC world. This interview discusses how to break into the venture capital industry. We talk about what makes you stand out, share tips for getting started, and highlight the importance of internships. We address common challenges and offer advice for overcoming them, especially for those from non-traditional backgrounds. We explore the skills VC firms look for and the role of mentorship. We also touch on emerging trends in VC and share valuable lessons learned. Give it a listen; I hope it helps those navigating the VC journey: https://lnkd.in/e8aKTqWJ #venturecapital #careers #vc #startupinvesting

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Indian VCs offer comprehensive resources for fundraising and hiring, including investor lists, templates, job boards, and networking events. Check the link in the comment #venturecapital #fundraising #startup

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Managing a VC fund is not as easy or glamorous as it might seem. While there are opportunities, there are also many challenges. Here's a candid conversation with Dr. Srikanth Sundararajan general partner at VenturEast Investing since 1997! Dr. Sundararajan has experience in both the US and Indian startup ecosystems and has witnessed the evolution of the venture capital industry. He shares valuable insights on how to improve the investment landscape, focusing on policy and regulatory changes. Link to the video in the first comment. #venturecapital Excluto

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Very well put and pertinent to today's fluid, volatile and dynamic world

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🏥 The Global Health Tech Boom: A VC's Playbook for US & India In the US, the consumer health tech market is expected to reach a whopping $400 billion by 2027, while India is experiencing a similar surge, with its consumer health tech market projected to hit a staggering $32 billion by 2025. As a VC actively investing in innovative health tech startups across both continents, here is what gets me excited: 🚥 Seed Funding ($0.5M-$5M): Focus on validation, not chasing unicorns. Early traction is crucial – think $300K-$2M in annual sales depending on your niche. Demonstrate efficient customer acquisition (sub-$30 CAC) and cultivate loyalty (lifetime value exceeding CAC). Most importantly, show product-market fit. A passionate user base willing to pay a premium is a winning formula. 🚥 Valuation: Seed-stage valuations are concept-driven. Expect a range of $3M-$15M, with a typical multiple of 5x-10x revenue. This considers market size, innovation, and team experience. 🚥 Series A ($10M-$20M): Scale-up time! We look for 2x-4x YoY revenue growth and a minimum of $2M in annual sales. This validates your customer acquisition strategy and a repeatable sales engine. Retention remains king! High customer retention signifies a strong brand connection and sustainable growth. 🚥 Valuation: Early traction and a clear path to profitability are essential. Series A valuations can range from $10M-$30M, with a typical multiple of 4x-8x sales. Revenue growth, market potential, brand strength, and team expertise influence this multiple. 🚦 Decoding Valuation in Global Health Tech: ⚡ Market Potential: A large addressable market with room for significant brand capture is key. Think millions of potential customers! ⚡ Profitability Path: Growth is exciting, but we need a data-driven roadmap to profitability, consider factors like insurance reimbursement models, pricing strategies etc. ⚡ Brand Strength: Show us metrics like social media engagement, brand mentions, and positive user sentiment. A strong brand can command a premium valuation. ⚡ Customer Empathy: Consumers are value-conscious and diverse. Deeply understand your target audience and tailor your product accordingly. ⚡ Passion is Key: Demonstrate your passion for transforming healthcare delivery on a global scale. 🚥 Key Areas of Opportunity: These areas hold immense potential: ⚡ Telehealth & Remote Patient Monitoring: Simplifying access to quality healthcare for remote populations. ⚡ Chronic Disease Management: Offering personalized solutions for managing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. ⚡ Mental Health & Wellness: Address growing need for mental health support through accessible and affordable solutions. ⚡ AI-powered Diagnostics & Treatment: AI to improve healthcare accuracy, efficiency, and affordability. ⚡ Preventive Health & Personalized Medicine: Fostering proactive health through personalized preventive care and wellness solutions. 🗣 Love to hear from HealthTech Startups! 🏥

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How accurate are the recent exit poll predictions by various agencies and media outlets that project a resounding victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), potentially securing around 365 seats out of 543? I’ve been diving into the fascinating world of exit polls in Indian elections and wanted to share how AI is revolutionizing this space. Traditionally, exit polls relied on manual surveys and human analysis, but now, with AI in the mix, we’re seeing a level of precision and scale that’s mind-blowing. #AI enhances data collection and analysis, utilizing sources such as social media, news outlets, and direct voter feedback. Natural Language Processing (#NLP) enables AI systems to understand sentiments across India's diverse languages and dialects, providing nuanced insights. Machine learning (#ML) algorithms improve predictive accuracy by identifying patterns in historical and current voter behavior that human analysts might miss. AI also offers real-time insights, allowing media houses and political parties to adjust strategies promptly during elections, as seen in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. #AI #GeneralElections2024 #ArtificialIntelligence #NLP, #yourstory, #exitpolls

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One evening, my co-founder and I were sitting in our room at BITS, bouncing around ideas for our startup’s name. The excitement was palpable, and the importance of getting the name right was clear to both of us. We spent hours discussing various options, each name carrying its own promise and potential. One thing we learned quickly is that a good name needs to tick several boxes. First, we checked the domain name availability. Having the good domain, along with other key extensions, is crucial for your online presence. We then verified with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to ensure the name wasn’t already taken by someone in our industry. Otherwise, getting a No Objection Certificate would be a headache. Next, we did a trademark search. We didn’t limit it to India; we looked at other countries where we might expand in the future. This step was essential to avoid any legal issues down the road. We also made sure the name didn’t have any unwanted meanings in other languages. Imagine launching your product only to find out its name is offensive or silly in another language! Lastly, we tested the name with friends and potential customers. We wanted to ensure it was easy to read, pronounce, and remember. Their feedback was invaluable in making our final decision. A fun story that always comes to mind when thinking about names is how Zepto got its name. Zepto wanted to be the fastest. Delivering groceries as soon as possible. They were thinking of names. And it struck them, 'Whats the shortest unit of measurement of time?' And this is how ladies and gentlemen, Zepto became 'Zepto.' That evening at BITS, we knew we were onto something special.

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What happens when a Founder leaves after raising funds or for some reason can't continue? What Happens to Investor Money in that case? This is a genuine concern, and the answer lies in a term you might find in your term sheet - Reverse Vesting. Reverse vesting happens when founders already own their shares from day one but agree that the company can buy back these shares at a nominal price if they leave early. Typically this reverse vesting is of four-year period with a One-year Cliff. So if any founder leaves before one year(cliff), he has to sell all his shares to the company at nominal prices. This is generally a good practice to prevent startups from failing because of cofounder issues or early founder exits. Share your thoughts, and ask doubts about anything related to startups

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Join us at the Symposium on "Strengthening Atmanirbhar: Securing Domestic Industry and Technology" at R&I Park, IIT Delhi on May 16th and 17th! Exciting news for professionals and students in public policy! Registration is now open. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from with government officials, renowned academics and industry leaders. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gKWzU9Eb 📅 Date: May 16th and 17th, 2024 📍 Location: Research and Innovation Park, IIT Delhi 🔍 Theme: Economic Security The objectives of the Symposium are as follows: a. To highlight the shifting geo-economics post Covid-19, affecting domestic industries and technological sovereignty. b. Addressing specific issues and foreseeing challenges hindering the growth of Indian technology-led industries. c. Proposing actionable steps for government bodies, industries, and academia to tackle evolving geo-economics. d. Identifying areas of policy research crucial for supporting proposed actions. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in your career, the Symposium offers something for everyone. Sanjeev Sanyal S Krishnan Lt. General Vinod G. Khandare PVSM, AVSM, SM Rajeev Chawla IAS Anil Kumar Lahoti Alkesh Kumar Sharma Ashwani Mahajan T Koshy Sachin Chaturvedi Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar M Sasikumar Sanjay Bhattacharyya Pritam Banerjee Abhijit Das Madhvendra Singh, FCIArb Dr. Parashram Patil Vikram Mahaan Cairae Jaijit Bhattacharya Forum for Integrated National Security (FINS)

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I concluded my series on elections in India for Tech Policy Press with a deep dive into key lessons the Indian elections offered us and their implications for India and abroad. I am summarizing the key points below: 1. These elections demonstrated the scale of electioneering digital infrastructure that political parties in India, particularly the BJP, wield. Mobile phone and Internet usage will continue to expand to rural and remote parts of the country. This suggests that as extensive as the organized digital infrastructure of political campaigns may be currently, it is only a fraction of what we may witness over the next decade. 2. In this election, alternative media in the form of YouTube channels was extremely influential. We have already seen regulatory efforts from MIB towards curbing them and we need to watch out for the new broadcasting bill. 3. India's existing regulatory oversight for paid political online advertising is sorely inadequate and better application of pre-certification guidelines is needed 4. Poor privacy protection of demographic, household and electoral data is the single biggest contributor to the use of digital technologies for the manipulation of voters. This needs political will to regulate. 5. As much as generative AI was in the news, its adversarial uses were limited. We need to pay more attention to the impact of machine learning in recommender systems of platforms which prioritise extreme speech and in analysis of data from diverse sources. Thanks so much to the Tech Policy Press team for their support through this series, particularly Benjamin Lennett for his editorial guidance. Prithvi Iyer Justin Hendrix #elections #India #BigTech #AI #privacy

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