IVCA Launches #VC101 Learning Programme for First-Time Fund Managers

The Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) launched a one-of-a-kind learning and knowledge-sharing programme on fund management - #VC101, for emerging venture fund managers. It is one among several initiatives by IVCA which aims to strengthen the environment for venture capital in India and push India as the leading fund management hub in the world. 

In India, the private financing market has emerged as a strong wall of support for the homegrown start-up ecosystem. The recent Bain & Co.- IVCA report suggests that Micro VCs (MVCs) became significantly more present across the landscape in 2022 with the base of active MVCs growing from 65 to 80+ over 2021–22. Micro VCs and domestic funds and other small funds (CVCs, family offices, and new funds) also accounted for a salient share of investments in 2022. 

As more limited partners and family offices look to invest in alternatives viz-a-viz public equity, the sector is on the road to witness an explosion in venture-backed companies. In continuation of this trend and with alternative investment funds growing at an annual rate of 20 per cent over the past decade in India, the meteoric rise of micro-VCs (with an active fund size of less than $30 million) and first-time fund managers has been inevitable.

"The growth of entrepreneurship in India has been accompanied by the rise of private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC), both of which have contributed substantially to the country’s rapid economic progress. IVCA’s #VC101 Series, with sessions led by seasoned venture capital investors, should be of great value to budding venture capitalists in India” said Rajan Anandan, managing director, Sequoia India and Southeast Asia, and Surge and Chair, VC Council, IVCA. 

#VC101 is an exclusive learning and development programme curated for first-time fund managers, micro-VCs, and active or new family offices by seasoned fund managers from IVCA’s VC Sector Council Members, who have raised multiple funds, have enabled exits and now wish to give it back to the ecosystem, IVCA said, adding that it will feature sessions by industry veterans - GPs, Knowledge Partners, Limited Partners, Government leads, etc. by equipping emerging players with the knowledge to tackle the unique challenges faced by this alternate asset class. 

Participants will get the opportunity to receive mentorship from and network with limited partners, leading general partners, family offices, and Government of India officials.

“The process of evaluating and investing may be daunting for new Fund Managers as they are expected to identify and take a call on companies with great potential which also involves significant risk. However, by employing the appropriate strategies, it can be a very disciplined and effective process. The #VC101 programme looks to help Fund Managers build both financial and operational strength. By sharing the best practices in PE-VC investing by seasoned practitioners and industry experts, the programme will accelerate the development and maturation of the venture capital asset class in India,” observed Rahul Khanna, co-founder and managing partner, Trifecta Capital, and co-chair, VC Council, IVCA.