When Urvashi Barooah applied to MBA programs in 2015, her dream of becoming a venture capitalist seemed improbable to many. Rejected by every school she applied to, Barooah was told her ambitions in the venture industry were unrealistic. Nine years later, at the age of 33, Barooah has proven her skeptics wrong, recently being promoted to partner at Redpoint Ventures.
Journey to Silicon Valley
Barooah’s path to venture capital was far from conventional. Hailing from Guwahati, India, she grew up in a small city, far from the tech hubs of Silicon Valley. Despite her distance from the epicenter of the tech world, her entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured by her parents, both business owners. Her father ran a chemical business, while her mother designed and sold furniture. This environment instilled in her a foundational understanding of business challenges and successes.
“My parents always encouraged me to forge my own path,” Barooah recalled. “They asked me what kind of business I wanted to start. That’s what successful people in India did. I thought about it for a long time but didn’t find any idea I was passionate about. The next best thing was to work with founders.”
Breaking Into Venture Capital
In 2017, Barooah reapplied to U.S. business schools and was accepted into Wharton. She dedicated her studies and extracurricular activities to learning everything about venture capital. She networked with entrepreneurs, developed an investment thesis, and cold-called VCs to pitch her ideas. Her persistence paid off when she joined Redpoint as an associate four years ago, quickly climbing the ranks to principal by late 2021.
Silicon Valley-based Redpoint Ventures is currently investing out of its $650 million ninth fund, with Barooah now one of the firm’s three partners focused on early-stage investments. Her rise in the firm reflects her determination and adaptability in the fast-paced world of venture capital.
Personal Insights and Professional Growth
Barooah attributes much of her resilience and perspective to her upbringing. Watching her parents navigate the ups and downs of their businesses gave her valuable insights into the realities of entrepreneurship. “They always fought against the odds and did what was necessary to keep their business going,” she said. This mindset has proven beneficial in her role as a VC, helping her support startups through their own challenges.
Her portfolio includes companies like Dune Analytics, Offchain Labs, and The Rounds, reflecting her initial focus on blockchain and crypto companies. However, Barooah has since shifted her attention to vertical SaaS startups utilizing AI, demonstrating her flexibility and responsiveness to market trends.
The Path Ahead
Barooah’s promotion to partner marks a significant milestone in her career, yet she remains humble and forward-looking. “I started my journey in venture four years ago knowing nothing,” she said. “Over these four years, I’ve shaped my judgment on what makes a good company. It’s not perfected, but I have more successes now, which gives me the confidence to take on more contrarian bets.”
From my point of view, Barooah’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability. Her ability to navigate rejections and pivot her focus in response to market changes underscores the qualities essential for success in venture capital. Her journey offers a compelling narrative for aspiring VCs, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds, showing that with determination and strategic learning, breaking into the industry is possible.
As Barooah steps into her new role, her unique blend of resilience, strategic insight, and willingness to take risks will likely continue to drive her success. Her journey from a small city in India to a partner at a prestigious Silicon Valley firm serves as an inspiring example of overcoming adversity to achieve one’s dreams.
