Amit's Blog

Tiger Global Management: The High-Octane Architect of Indian Unicorns Tiger Global Management, while a global investment firm, has profoundly impacted the Indian startup ecosystem over the last two decades with its distinctive, often aggressive, investment strategy. Known for its rapid deployment of capital at growth stages and its willingness to pay higher valuations, Tiger Global has played a crucial role in the creation of numerous Indian unicorns. Its portfolio includes industry giants like Flipkart, Ola, Zomato, and PhonePe. Despite recent global market corrections and a more cautious approach in 2023-2024, the firm's strategic exits, such as from Flipkart and the anticipated Ather Energy IPO, demonstrate significant returns. Tiger Global's influence extends to shaping competitive landscapes, attracting follow-on investments, and accelerating the growth trajectories of Indian tech companies, cementing its reputation as a formidable player in the region's venture capita...

  India-Israel Defense Synergy: A Decade of Innovation and a Future of Strategic Power The India-Israel defense partnership has evolved into a strategic powerhouse, with Israel as India’s fourth-largest arms supplier, exporting $1.5–2 billion annually in drones, missiles, radars, small arms, and avionics for Sukhoi Su-30 MKI jets. India, Israel’s top arms market, imports systems like Barak-8, Hermes 900, Tavor rifles, and Litening pods, while co-producing them via joint ventures (JVs) like Adani-Elbit and KRAS. Israel imports $2.32 billion in diamonds, petroleum, chemicals, and Hermes 900 drones from India. From $4.2 billion in arms trade (2001–2021) to $10.77 billion in total trade (2022–23), the partnership thrives on technology transfer, joint R&D in AI and cyber, and shared threats like terrorism and China. By 2030, expect $15 billion in trade, expanded co-production, and space-tech collaboration, despite ethical and geopolitical challenges. Let’s talk about the India-I...

Lightspeed Venture Partners India: Global Vision, Local Impact Lightspeed Venture Partners India has cemented its position as a significant early-stage investor in India, demonstrating a keen eye for disruptive opportunities since its inception in 2007. With a dedicated focus on India and Southeast Asia, the firm recently raised its largest fund for the regions, a $500 million vehicle for India and Southeast Asia in July 2023 , bringing its total managed capital globally to over $18 billion. Lightspeed's portfolio boasts prominent unicorns like BYJU'S, Udaan, ShareChat, and Razorpay, showcasing its ability to back companies that achieve massive scale. The firm's strategic focus on emerging sectors such as AI, climate tech, and electric mobility, coupled with its commitment to a "highly selective" and founder-first approach, positions it as a crucial player in nurturing India's next generation of innovative enterprises. I. Investment Activity & Scale 1....