Founder to VC transition as a mother of two super active kids has been an incredibly amazing journey for me.
Has it been demanding? Yes. But it’s been equally rewarding in terms of learnings, growth and new fun challenges.
Thus, thought I would share my experiences and insights on balancing these dual roles and what I've learned along the way.
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First up, managing time effectively has been crucial.
Balancing investor meetings, due diligence processes, and strategic discussions with school runs, homework help, and playtime requires meticulous planning and prioritization.
I've learned to be present in the moment, whether I’m at a pitch meeting or attending my kids’ PTMs.
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Also, raising young kids, especially a teenager and a young child, teaches you patience and empathy. Especially because children are unpredictable.
But, so is the startup world. The ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances has been a valuable skill in both my personal and professional life.
Flexibility and resilience are key to navigating the ups and downs of both parenting and investing.
Thus, as they say, I’m exploiting synergies :)
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But, most important thing of all?
Setting clear boundaries and priorities.
Knowing when to step back from work to focus on family and vice versa ensures that neither role suffers. This balance is a continuous process and requires constant adjustment.
And here, having a strong support system has been invaluable. My husband, family, and a network of supportive friends have played a critical role in helping me manage my responsibilities.
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However, my biggest motivation has been my kids.
Being a role model for my children is important to me.
Demonstrating that it’s possible to pursue a demanding career while being there for them sends a powerful message.
It’s about showing them the value of hard work, dedication, and the importance of pursuing one’s passions.
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No doubt, there’s immense joy in watching my daughter navigate her teenage years and my son’s boundless energy.
Similarly, there’s a unique satisfaction in helping startups grow and succeed. Embracing and finding joy in both aspects of my life has been incredibly fulfilling.
And, the transition from founder to VC has been a transformative journey, enriched by my role as a mother.
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All of that said, we at Dexter Ventures ($50k-$500k early-stage investments) and Dexter Capital Advisors (advise $3MM-$100MM) are always eager to work with like-minded founders, angels and other members of the PE/VC/Family Office ecosystem.
Do reach out to us at deals@dexter[dot]ventures keeping anuradha@dexter[dot]ventures in CC if there is anything we can help you with :)
Best,
Anuradha
Tags: Devendra, Jayant
