From Dream to Reality: Urvashi Barooah's Journey to Partner at Redpoint
Introduction
Urvashi Barooah's path to becoming a partner at Redpoint, a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm, was not without obstacles. Despite facing rejection from MBA programs in 2015, she persisted and is now being promoted to partner at the age of 33.
Early Life and Background
Barooah grew up in Guwahati, India, where both of her parents were entrepreneurs running their own businesses. This upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and a desire to succeed on her own terms.
Pursuit of Venture Capital
After initial setbacks, Barooah decided to pursue her passion for venture capital. She applied to U.S. business schools in 2017 and secured a spot at Wharton. There, she immersed herself in learning about the venture industry, networking with entrepreneurs, and developing her investment thesis.
Breaking into Venture Capital
Through perseverance and determination, Barooah landed internships at Primary Venture Partners and later at Redpoint. She leveraged these opportunities to gain valuable experience and eventually secured a full-time role at Redpoint.
Lessons Learned from Entrepreneurial Background
Barooah credits her parents for teaching her valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges. Their experiences running businesses helped her navigate the ups and downs of the venture capital world.
Investment Portfolio
Barooah's portfolio at Redpoint includes investments in companies like Dune Analytics, Offchain Labs, and The Rounds. She has a keen eye for emerging technologies and is constantly looking for innovative startups to back.
Evolving Investment Strategy
While initially focused on blockchain and crypto companies, Barooah has shifted her attention to vertical SaaS startups utilizing AI. She believes in staying flexible and adapting to market trends to make successful investments.
Future Outlook
As she takes on the role of partner at Redpoint, Barooah is excited to continue expanding her portfolio and supporting founders in their entrepreneurial journeys. Her experience and successes in the venture capital space have given her the confidence to take on more challenging and contrarian investments.
In conclusion, Urvashi Barooah's journey from aspiring venture capitalist to partner at Redpoint is a testament to her perseverance, dedication, and passion for supporting innovative startups. Her story serves as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors looking to make their mark in the business world.
