Believe

In the popular series, Ted Lasso, there's a simple yet powerful poster hanging above the coach's office door that reads: "Believe". This mantra, though now a source of inspiration for many, wasn’t always a part of my mindset. Growing up in India in the 80s, I was surrounded by societal expectations that often placed women second. Despite having progressive parents who encouraged my ambitions, the broader societal narrative was clear: women were often expected to play supporting roles.

Every decade of my life has felt like unwrapping a surprise gift - you never know what you're going to get, but you’re sure it's going to change everything. In the early days of my career, if you had told me I would one day be navigating the labyrinthine world of venture capital, I might have laughed, or maybe cried a little. I started as a wide-eyed journalism student, fuelled by a passion for storytelling and a knack for unearthing truths. Little did I know that my journey would take me through the buzzing realms of tech, the intricate networks of telecom, the policymaking corridors, the glamorous yet challenging hospitality sector, and eventually landing me in places I never thought I’d belong - like venture capital.

Let's be honest, walking into the VC world with a background in journalism and PR felt a bit like bringing a pen to a swordfight. There I was, armed with words in a den of numbers and high finance. But every step in this unexpected journey has been less about fitting in and more about standing out - embracing my unique perspective.

Reinvention, especially for women, often comes with the mistaken notion of 'finding a place' in male-dominated fields. It’s as if we need to find a corner where we’re least intrusive, least noticeable. But here’s the twist in my tale: I never truly belonged anywhere I went, and that was my superpower. From tech to insurance, every industry was like visiting a new country. I didn’t speak the language, I didn’t dress the part, but I wasn’t there to blend in; I was there to understand, translate, and narrate the human story behind the corporate gloss.

Venture capital seemed like an exclusive club I didn’t have the membership to, big valuations and high stakes. But when I brought my ‘outsider’ perspective into the IC (internal committee) discussions, something magical happened. I realised that VC isn’t just about capital or the next big tech disruption. It’s about ideas that matter; it’s about making a difference. It’s about using capitalism not as a blunt tool for profit but as a fine instrument to shape a better future.

Who says you need to know the difference between AI and a Series A right off the bat? I didn’t. But I knew stories, I knew people, and most importantly, I knew how those two could drive change. This journey taught me that sometimes, not belonging is how you carve out new paths. It’s how you turn capitalism on its head to champion causes that go beyond the bottom line.

Landing at Merak Ventures has been a testament to how we live our values, even when it comes to selecting the team. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion goes beyond a buzzword to a guiding principle. Fresh perspectives allow us to constantly engage in dialogue, check our biases, and maintain an ever-curious stance towards the status quo.

For all the women stepping into roles or industries where they feel like they’re crashing a private party: Remember, every sector, no matter how complex, thrives on fresh perspectives. Your 'disadvantage' might just be the fresh lens that the industry didn’t know it needed. And if you ever feel stuck or need a chat, feel free to reach out.

So here I am, a former journalism student in the world of venture capital, using stories to unearth not just investments, but impact. Who would have thought? Turns out, not belonging can be quite the adventure.