Patient capital in an impatient world | Company Business News
Pankaj Makkar offers a rare degree of transparency when talking about his investment philosophy. “I’ve always believed to invest in a company is a lot like getting married,” says the experienced investor. “After they are early growing investors, long -term investors become basically professional spouses for founders,” the veteran explains, who has led the Bertelsmann India Investments (BII) since the inception in 2012. What distinguishes a short -lived business from a market leader? Often, it is the presence of a patient investor that prioritizes sustainable growth over short -term returns. Unlike most investors B investors who usually go out within 5-7 years, Bii maintains a 10-15-year holding period. “We come in early, we stay for the long time, and we help businesses prepare for rapid expansion and long -term success,” explains Makkar. Investment intentionally: A decade-exciting playbook since the establishment of BII in 2012, Makkar has led the fund to a patient capital, long-term investment philosophy-one that made significant outcomes. Under Bertelsmann’s Boost 25 strategy, BII has deployed more than $ 500 million in India, with the backup of category definition such as Unicorns Eruditus, Shiprocket and Licious. With about $ 1 billion on assets under management, BII has established itself as a significant player in the investment landscape of India, providing the capital depth and tactical guidance needed for long -term building. Designed for India, not Silicon Valley “From the first day we built the Fund for India, not by putting back an American business model,” says Makkar. This localized approach is a clear deviation from conventional BC playbooks and defines Bii’s clear position in the ecosystem. One important distinction is how BII approaches follow -up capital. “We usually discuss three to four times our first check for follow-up. Most funds have one-on-one,” says Makkar. Why? Because the building in India takes time. “You can’t chase it. The early years are not enough; Opportunities need capital support for three years three, ‘he adds. That long view also forms Bii’s exit strategy. “We’re going well in five to eight years if it’s meaningful,” Makkar explains. ‘But if the business grows and the founder we want, we can stay for 10 to 15 years. We are built for that. ‘ “In India, big outcomes take time – and we’re here to help founders build in the long time.” More than capital: A long -term partner and sound board at BII, investment is just as much about relationships as about capital. “We are in balance sheet investors – our ideas that solve real, complicated problems,” says Makkar. “As long as there is vision and a dedicated team, we are in the long time.” The philosophy formed a portfolio that raised more than $ 2 billion in follow -up capital and which includes leaders such as Shiprocket, Eruditus and Licious. Bii’s approach anchor in patient capital and long-term thinking-promoting the construction of lasting companies over the chase quickly. “Our strength lies in the founding alignment,” says Makkar. ‘We do not make short -term decisions that endanger long -term outcomes. And we stay involved-not just like investors, but as sound boards. ‘ It is a view by the founders themselves. “The feedback you gave us was very valid and constructive, which is why we returned for a second meeting,” says Ashwin Damera, CEO and co-founder of Eruditus. “Even outside the capital, what we learned from Bertelsmann in our journey to go online and worldwide, was great.” “” Bertelsmann allowed us to find our way, instead of boxing us in a pre-defined form, “says Saahil Goel, CEO and co-founder of Shiprocket.” They forced us to ask hard questions about networking effects, scale and strategy-act when it matters. ‘Makkar best sums it up:’ We play games, share meals, sometimes argue – but like any strong partnership, we appear when it counts. This is what builds real businesses. “Strategic Worldwide Extension: Insights of the financial front Jayesh Bavle, CFO of Bertelsmann India, emphasized the importance of prioritization when considering the global expansion. Adjacent markets – whether the expansion process, which has the expansion process in Bharat, is to make the next billion.” “The opportunity in the rural India is greatly valued,” Rohit Sood said. It will take a decade to mature-and that’s exactly why it needs patient capital, ‘adds Pankaj. Healthcare is another sector on their radar. ‘ These businesses take time to build, but once they do, the outcomes are great and sustainable, “Makkkar recordings.” It is a natural fit for India and for the kind of long-term capital we bring. ‘Building for India. With about $ 1 billion in assets under management, more than $ 500 million already deployed in India, and a global network by Bertelsmann Investments, Bii is ready to keep the next generation of Indian startup champions, for India, and for the long term.