Forgoing formal attire and presentations for sports gear, the firm gathered founders, investors, and limited partners in a setting that exemplifies a larger trend in venture capital—prioritizing long-term partnerships alongside capital deployment.
“I believe this is our first cricket event. Why cricket, you ask? The ambition associated with this sport aligns well with the country. We truly believe our founders share similar aspirations,” remarked Anurag Srivastava, Founding Partner at Jungle Ventures.
For the firm, selecting cricket was intentional, symbolizing its approach to building startups. Managing Partner David Gowdey noted that the sport reflects the patience essential for creating lasting companies. “Cricket embodies the patience necessary for building companies that endure over time. In fact, we should probably be engaging in Test cricket rather than T20,” he stated.
This novel format also underscored the shifting expectations from venture capital firms, as founders increasingly desire more active involvement. Srivastava acknowledged that while investors often play the role of commentators or critics, there is a need for them to evolve. “I wish VCs would become coaches… I would love to see VCs transition into real coaches, maybe even acting as captains… but we are not quite there yet,” he expressed.
Nonetheless, some founders already perceive investors as adopting a hands-on approach. “They act like coaches by guiding you when you need it most and supporting from the sidelines, just like a coach would,” said Abhinav Pathak, Co-founder and CEO of Escape Plan.
The unique environment also fostered more meaningful interactions among stakeholders. “This is an intriguing and innovative twist on an AGM… it’s a fantastic way to come together in a fresh setting,” noted Robin Staszek of Hasso Plattner Foundation, who was experiencing India and cricket for the first time.
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Participants from various regions, including Europe and Southeast Asia, seized the chance to network beyond formal discussions, drawing parallels between sports and entrepreneurship. “It’s akin to running a marathon… whether it’s raining or shining, persistence is key,” said Francis Sebastian Anugerah, Founder and CEO of BRIK.
The key takeaway from the event was unmistakable: in the current venture landscape, merely writing a cheque no longer suffices. Firms are increasingly expected to provide strategic support, partnership, and long-term commitment as the investor-founder dynamic evolves.
