Amit's Blog

Trump’s Tariffs: A High-Stakes Rewiring of Global Trade In 2025, Donald Trump’s second term unleashes a bold mix of tariffs and defense spending demands, aiming to reshape global trade and assert U.S. dominance. Tariffs—25% on Canada and Mexico, 10–20% on China and the EU—target the $971 billion trade deficit, aim to reshore manufacturing, and generate revenue, while pressure on NATO allies to hit 5% GDP on defense ties economic leverage to geopolitical goals. Energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and semiconductors see gains, but services exports, especially tech (AI, cloud computing) and financial services, emerge as the real growth engines, projected to grow 7% and 5% annually. The military-industrial complex (MIC) faces mixed prospects due to tariff-driven cost hikes and allies’ push for self-reliance. While tariffs deliver $26.6 billion monthly and spur steel jobs, they risk an 8% GDP drop and recession. We explore the objectives, sector impacts, and global effects, questioning if...

Samara Capital: Pioneering Buyouts and Sustainable Value Creation in the Indian Mid-Market Samara Capital, an India-focused private equity firm founded in 2007 by Sumeet Narang and Gautam Gode, has emerged as a leader in control-oriented transactions within the Indian mid-market. With nearly $2 billion invested across over 30 companies, Samara distinguishes itself through an "owner-operator mindset," focusing on deep operational engagement and thematic roll-up strategies in consumer, healthcare, digital/technology, and financial services. Its commitment to embedding ESG principles and a rigorous 40-point control mechanism across portfolio companies underscores its long-term value creation approach. Samara's track record of 22 successful exits, including multi-baggers like Sapphire Foods, showcases its ability to deliver compelling risk-adjusted returns and shape industry leaders in India. I. Firm Overview & Strategy Samara Capital, established in 2007 by co-foun...

True North: Building Businesses 'The Right Way' in India's Mid-Market Private Equity True North, formerly known as India Value Fund Advisors (IVFA), was founded in 1999 as a pioneering homegrown private equity firm in India. With a vision to invest in and transform mid-sized, profitable, India-centric businesses into world-class industry leaders, True North has successfully raised six separate investment funds with a combined corpus of approximately $3 billion, including co-investments. The firm is distinguished by its philosophy of "doing things 'The Right Way'," emphasizing long-lasting partnerships, deep operational engagement, and a commitment to building universally admired and socially responsible businesses. Focusing on consumer products and services, financial services, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, and technology products & services, True North has driven significant growth and realized value through numerous exits, solidifying its positio...

Everstone Capital: Forging Mid-Market Champions and Sustainable Value in India and Southeast Asia Everstone Capital, the private equity business of the Everstone Group, founded in 2006 by Sameer Sain and Atul Kapur, has emerged as a prominent investor focused on mid-market, control-oriented growth opportunities with a strong nexus to India and Southeast Asia. With assets under management exceeding $8 billion across its various platforms, Everstone has built a diverse portfolio spanning technology, healthcare, financial services, industrials, and consumer sectors. The firm distinguishes itself through a hands-on operational approach, deep sectoral and regional expertise, and a strong commitment to responsible investing. Having returned over $2 billion to investors in the past five years, Everstone continues to deliver compelling returns, making it a significant force in the region's private equity landscape. I. Firm Overview & Strategy Everstone Capital is the private equi...