Pankaj Mecca provides a rare degree transparency when speaking about his investment philosophy. “I have always believed that investing in a company is like getting married,” Experienced investors say. ,Creature Early growth, long term Investors are originally becoming professional life partners for founders, ” Since its inception in 2012, the veterans who have been leading the Bartelesman India Investments (BII) have been described.
What does a transient enterprise separate from a market leader? Often, it is the presence of a patient investor who prefer permanent growth on short -term returns.
Unlike most series B investors, which usually exit within 5-7 years, BII maintains a holding period of 10–15 years. ,We come early, we live for a long race, and we help the businesses prepare for rapid expansion and long -term success, ” Makkar explains.
Investment with intentions: A decade-fila playbook
Since the establishment of BII in 2012, Mecca has carried forward the fund towards a patient-numerous, long-term investment philosophy-one that has given remarkable results. Under the Boost 25 strategy of bertelsmann, BII has deployed more than $ 500 million in India, supporting the category-defined enterprises such as Unicorn’s Eruditus, Shiprocket, and LIKOUS. About $ 1 billion in property under management, BI India’s investment scenario has established himself as an important player, providing both the capital depth and strategic guidance required for long -term trade building.
Designing for India, Silicon Valley
“From the first day, we have built funds for India, not by re -establishing the American enterprise model,” Makkar says. This localized approach marks a clear departure from the traditional VC playbook and defines the specific position of BII in the ecosystem.
How is a major discrimination BI Officers on follow -up capital. ,We usually reserve our first check for follow-on three to four times. Most fund caps are on one-to-one“Makkar says.
Why? Because the building takes time in India. ,You can’t hurry it. Initial years are not enough – the United States requires capital assistance beyond three years, ” He adds.
This long view also shapes the exhaust strategy of BII. “We are recovering in five to eight years if it makes sense,” Makkar explains. “But if the business is growing and the founder wants us, we can live 10 to 15 years. We are created for it.,
“In India, big results take time – and we are here to help the founders to make for a long race.”
More than Capital: A long -term partner and sounding board
In BII, investment is as much about relationships as it is about capital. ,We are balance sheet investors – we return the ideas that solve real, complex problems, ” Says makkar. ,As long as there is vision and a committed team, we are for a long race in it. ,
The philosophy has shaped a portfolio that has been raised more than $ 2 billion in follow-on capital and includes brakeout leaders such as Shiproacket, Eruditus, and Lyssius. BII’s approach- The patient anchored in capital and long-term thinking- forming permanent companies when chased out exit.
“Our strength lies in the founder alignment,” Makkar says. “We do not take short-term decisions that endanger long-term results. And we are involved-only as investors, but as boards.”
It is a scene that is echoed by the founders itself.
,The response you gave to us were very valid and creative, which is why we came back for the second meeting,“Ashwin Dememera, CEO and co-founder of Eruditus.
,Even beyond the capital, what we have learned from Bartelesman in our journey online and global has been tremendous.,
“Burtelsman allowed us to find our way instead of boxing in a predetermined mold“Saahil Goel, CEO and Co-Founder of Shiprocket say.
“They pushed us to ask hard questions – about the impact, scale and strategy of the network – exactly when it matured.”
Makkar did it best: “We play the game, share food, sometimes argue – but like any strong partnership, we show when it matters. This creates real companies.,
Strategic global expansion: insight from financial front
Jayesh Baway, CFO et Bertelsmann india investmentsEmphasizing the importance of priority when considering global expansion. He advised the founders to assess if he had bandwidth and capital to score internationally.
,It is not only about launching the same product in a separate country – this includes localization, plan and strategy“He said. Bawail also said that companies should find adjacent markets – either product fit or operating capabilities – to reduce the expansion process.
Betting on India: Construction for next Arab
Where is BII looking next? Makkar and Sood indicate Bharat-Andia’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities – as the next frontier.
,These sectors contribute more than half of India’s GDP, but are in disqualified on a large scale.“Makkar says. “The next wave of category leaders will come from here by changing Indian problems uniquely for Indian consumers.”
“There is very little opportunity in rural India,” Rohit Sood said.
A subject that stands out: Rural India. “This is not a 2-3 year story. It will take a decade to mature – and that is why it requires the patient’s capital.“Pankaj says.
Healthcare is another area on his radar. ,These businesses take time to manufacture, but once they do, the results are large and durable, ” Makkar notes. ,It is a natural fit for India-and the kind of long-term capital we bring. ,
Made for India. Supported for long race
In the world of rapidly getting out and fleeting trends, Bii is doing different things-Stay close to founders, long-term thinking and by betting on businesses who take time but tolerate.
,As investors, we are not just writing checks“Makkar says.”We are traveling – with founders, through ups and downs, with real skin in sports“With assets of about $ 1 billion under management, already over $ 500 million in India, and through a global network Bartelesman InvestmentBII has been designed to support the next generation of Indian Startup Champion – in India, for India and long -term.
Disclaimer: This is an AI-borne live blog that is done as a collaboration and has not been edited by Livemint Staff.