Akari has been with Suzuki Motor Corporation Japan since 2018. She was initially in the Marine Global Marketing Department; and later joined Suzuki Innovation Centre in Hyderabad, India when it first started out in 2022. Currently she is part of Next Bharat Ventures, an impact fund set up by Suzuki Motor Corporation, to support socially impactful businesses. In the 4 weeks spent at Aavishkaar Group, she absorbed and understood the intricacies of impact investing and also made some great friends!
Pankhuri Mishra is a recent MBA graduate from IIM Ahmedabad and a development sector enthusiast. Prior to MBA, she was working with Pratham Education foundation and built a strong understanding of the Indian rural and informal sector. Building socially impactful and sustainable business models is an exciting proposition for her, and she looks forward to replicating Aavishkaar’s experiences of building strong relationships with the portfolio companies and enable impact creation at scale!
Akari & Pankhuri share their learning experience with the Aavishkaar Group in this narrative blog here.
Aavishkaar Capital has been a trailblazer in impact investing, long before the term gained traction. Their unwavering commitment to businesses that create social impact isn’t merely a strategy; it’s a fundamental belief that drives their mission. This vision is all about closing the opportunity gap for the emerging 3 billion people.
During our month-long immersion with Aavishkaar Capital at their Mumbai office as part of Next Bharat Ventures, we experienced an eye-opening bootcamp. The experience was rich and immersive, offering us profound insights into the realm of impact investing.
As we embarked on this journey, our excitement was palpable. We were eager to dive deep into their investment thesis and processes while connecting with their dedicated team.
Here are our 3 key learnings from Aavishkaar:
1. Understanding Aavishkaar’s Investment Thesis & Impact Measurement:
Aavishkaar’s approach is profoundly contextual. They don’t just rely on numbers to gauge impact; they consider each enterprise’s unique social context, tailoring their impact definitions accordingly. This nuanced strategy allows Aavishkaar to excel in impact forecasting and risk management, which has significantly influenced our own development of an impact thesis and strategies for mitigating risks.
2. Insights on Exit Strategies, Including SME IPOs:
Aavishkaar’s extensive experience in the ecosystem proved invaluable in understanding potential exit strategies for the Next Bharat fund. Notably, we gained insights into SME IPOs as a viable exit route. The senior partners shared their wealth of knowledge on how this strategy aligns with our investment thesis and focus areas.
3. Building Relationships with Portfolio Companies:
One of Aavishkaar’s standout features is the strong relationships they cultivate with their portfolio companies. During visits to these enterprises, we witnessed the deep trust and emotional bonds formed with Aavishkaar Capital. For many, Aavishkaar was the first investor, paving the way for further opportunities and long-term success. The emotional connection was palpable; one founder even became teary-eyed discussing Vineet Rai’s empathetic approach during challenging times.
The Next Bharat Approach
At Next Bharat, we resonate deeply with Aavishkaar’s “Impact First” philosophy. Our mission is to bridge economic disparities worldwide by enhancing incomes in rural and informal sectors.
We are committed to supporting intentional impact entrepreneurs at the early stages of their journeys. Our approach revolves around the 3Cs: Community, Cause, and Contribution. We aim to foster a robust community of impact-driven entrepreneurs dedicated to making a difference.
This vision will be realized through the Next Bharat Residency Program, launching its first cohort in October 2024.
We firmly believe that this cohort will feature enterprises that synergize with Aavishkaar’s portfolio. By nurturing early-stage communities, we can enhance collaboration and drive greater impact across various sectors.
Our time at Aavishkaar Capital illuminated both the challenges and rewards of impact investing while highlighting the joy of working within a collaborative and supportive environment. The frameworks for impact screening and measurement we acquired are not just tools; they are essential for driving meaningful societal change. As we move forward, these insights will guide our approach at Next Bharat, ensuring our commitment to building a sustainable future through impactful investments.