Aditi Kumar is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur. She is Assistant Vice President at Indian Angel Network Pvt. Ltd.
I hail from the small town of Muzaffarnagar nestled in the western part of Uttar Pradesh. My educational journey commenced at a convent school where I completed my schooling until the tenth grade. Subsequently, I transitioned to Noida to pursue my eleventh and twelfth-grade education.
The pivotal moment that sparked my interest in Biotechnology dates back to my time in the eleventh grade when I had to select an optional subject. Presented with choices including computer science, sculpture, economics, among others, I initially opted for computer science, influenced by my sister. However, it took a little while for me to realize that computer science wasn't my calling.
I always wanted to be a Doctor since childhood but then realized the long years of study and hard work it would take to become one was something I didn’t want. Therefore, I chose engineering and made a shift towards exploring Biotechnology. Engaging in captivating experiments like blood testing, DNA isolation, and gel electrophoresis during my high school years further fuelled my interest.
While many students typically encounter such hands-on experiences in Biotechnology during their college years, my early exposure served as a catalyst, solidifying my resolve to pursue Biotechnology engineering. Thus, I embarked on my academic journey, getting a B. Tech in Biotechnology from Lovely Professional University and ultimately graduating with an M.Tech degree from IIT Kanpur, with the thesis supervised by Professor Amitabha Bandopadhyay. Subsequently, I ventured into the professional realm, joining the Startup Innovation and Incubation Center (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur in July 2017, marking the commencement of a fulfilling chapter in my career.
My interest in venture capital evolved from a journey that initially seemed destined for academia and research. During my B.Tech days, like many aspiring biotech students, my vision was to pursue a Ph.D. abroad and eventually join esteemed companies in pharmaceuticals or food technology. The prospect of becoming a professor never appealed to me. After graduating from Lovely Professional University and qualifying for GATE, securing a position at IIT Kanpur was a significant step towards realizing my academic aspirations.
However, an unexpected opportunity arose when Professor Amitabha told me about a role at the SIIC, which promised extensive travel—a concept that intrigued me, especially in the context of the increasing trend of solo travel in India. Despite initially intending to pursue further studies abroad, I decided to take a detour and explore the startup ecosystem within the country.
The startup world ignited my passion from day one, presenting a boundless opportunity for learning and growth. Through my work, I came to realize that life extends far beyond the realms of patent filings and research publications. Startups are pioneers in innovation, tirelessly working to transform intellectual ideas into commercially viable, scientifically driven products. What excited me most was the profound societal impact these ventures could have, whether through preventive diagnostics, novel drugs, or other groundbreaking solutions.
During my tenure at the incubation center, I immersed myself in various aspects of startup operations beyond traditional fund management. This hands-on experience allowed me to intimately understand the challenges faced by founders, not only on a technical level but also in navigating the complexities of the business landscape. I discovered my strength in relationship management and the ability to translate complex deep-tech concepts into language understandable to non-technical stakeholders.
So, there I found my niche—I witnessed the real-time impact of my work unfolding before my eyes. That's what truly excited me. You see, typically, a startup embarks on its journey within an incubation center, where it receives support and guidance to lay the groundwork for success. Eventually, these startups spread their wings, securing funding and establishing their own operations. Inspired by this trajectory, I realized I wanted to follow a similar path.
While I was well-versed in the realm of grants—writing them, securing them, and allocating them—I felt compelled to broaden my expertise to include the investment side of the equation. I aspired to become a well-rounded professional capable of not only providing technical guidance to startups but also offering real-time insights into the mindset of investors. Moreover, I saw an opportunity to catalyze a mindset shift among seasoned investors, igniting their enthusiasm for the rising biotech sector in India.
You see, when you talk to investors from the US or Europe, their perception of Indian biotech startups may not always be favorable. They may question the quality and quantity of innovation emerging from India. But therein lies the challenge and the joy—I am driven to handpick the top 1% of startups working on cutting-edge deep tech solutions and showcase their potential to the world. I want to be a trusted ally for these startup founders, offering guidance not only in technical matters but also in navigating the complexities of securing private investment in the biotech space.
In essence, my motivation to join the world of venture capital stems from a desire to empower startup founders, to be a beacon of support and mentorship as they navigate the tumultuous waters of entrepreneurship. I am driven by the prospect of showcasing India's capabilities in the biotech domain and reshaping the narrative surrounding Indian innovation on a global scale. This is what excites me about the journey ahead in venture capital.
During my travels, I traversed nearly all the Indian states and union territories, with the exception of Bihar. My aim was to ensure that people across India were aware of the impactful work being carried out at IIT Kanpur, beyond the conventional engineering achievements commonly associated with institutions like IIT Bombay or IIT Delhi.
Thanks to the concerted efforts led by individuals like Professor Amitabha, we were able to restore some of the recognition and relevance of IIT Kanpur, especially during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our collaborative initiatives, such as the ventilator project and oxygen support, showcased the institution's commitment to making a meaningful impact on society and revitalized its reputation.
1. Focus on Communication Skills: Regardless of the field or industry you choose, strong communication skills are essential. Learn to convey complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Remember, "less is more" when it comes to scientific communication. Developing effective communication skills will greatly enhance your ability to succeed in any endeavor, whether it's academia, entrepreneurship, or venture capital.
2. Engage with the Startup Community: Take advantage of opportunities to engage with the startup community, whether it's within your academic institution(SIIC) or outside. Understand the needs and challenges faced by startups and seek out translational projects that create real-world impact. By immersing yourself in the startup ecosystem, you'll gain valuable insights into industry trends and skill requirements, positioning yourself for success in the future.
3. Embrace Translational Projects: Pursue projects that bridge the gap between academia and industry, focusing on creating tangible solutions to real-world problems. Translational projects not only provide valuable hands-on experience but also demonstrate your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical applications. This experience will be highly valued by potential employers and investors.
4. Embrace Challenges and Opportunities: Recognize that pursuing a career in venture capital or entrepreneurship requires resilience and a willingness to embrace challenges. While the journey may be difficult at times, remember that India is brimming with opportunities, especially in emerging sectors like biotechnology. Have faith in your abilities and seize the opportunities that come your way.
I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and guidance of my family, whose encouragement has been the bedrock of my journey thus far. In particular, I owe a debt of gratitude to Professor Amitabha, whose role as a mentor has been nothing short of transformative. His visionary leadership, bold approach, and unwavering belief in my potential have propelled me to new heights. Professor Amitabha's ability to expose me to a myriad of opportunities has broadened my horizons and enriched my experiences in ways that I could never have imagined. It is through his mentorship that I have gained invaluable insights and acquired the kind of experience that sets me apart from my peers. For this, I am profoundly thankful.