Shwetank Verma: General Partner, Leo Capital

Venture capital is evolving, and nowhere is this more evident than in the dynamic markets of India and Southeast Asia. This week, we sit down with Shwetank Verma from LEO Capital to pull back the curtain on how capital is really moving behind the scenes.

We dive deep into the critical differences between investing through a traditional venture fund versus a family office, and why the rise of direct investments and SPVs is changing the game. Shwetank breaks down LEO Capital's focused investment strategy, revealing what they look for in founders, how they assess early traction, and why team dynamics can make or break a deal.

From the boom in insurtech and healthcare to the massive opportunities in financial inclusion, this is a masterclass in navigating the post-pandemic investment landscape in the APAC region. Plus, we cap it off with invaluable life advice Shwetank has gathered from top industry leaders.

Key Takeaways:

• Family Office vs. Venture Fund: The key strategic differences, advantages, and trends in direct investing from the front lines.
• The APAC Opportunity: A focused look on the hottest sectors—insurtech, healthcare, and financial inclusion—in India and Singapore.
• Inside the Deal Room: How VCs like LEO Capital truly evaluate founders, assess team strength, and measure early traction beyond the pitch deck.
• The Secondary Market: Understanding the growing role of SPVs and secondaries in providing liquidity and structuring deals.
• Wisdom for the Journey: invaluable life and career advice for investors and entrepreneurs navigating the world of high-growth startups.