Karan Gupta

About Karan Gupta

Serial entrepreneur at heart, now empowering the next generation through VC* Building Thriving Businesses, Now From Both SidesI built & scaled a CPG brand before shifting gears to invest in audacious founders as a VC. My 10+ years of operational experience & 30+ investments give me an intimate understanding of the startup ecosystem & its challenges. Now, I leverage this knowledge to identify high-potential ventures & help them thrive through strategic guidance & investment.My superpowers:• Sharp eye for disruptive opportunities across industries and stages.• Deep dive into business models & meticulous due diligence.• Structuring deals for maximum returns at entry & exit.• Mentoring founders on growth strategies & operational excellence.• Building resilient, inclusive businesses fueled by innovation.Deal Architect: Securing Wins for Founders & InvestorsMy journey taught me that a watertight investment deal protects everyone. I go beyond identifying promising ventures, leveraging my legal expertise to craft win-win documents safeguarding both founders & investors.How I ensure everyone wins:• Founder Focus: I understand the founders & work closely with them to draft agreement that protect their vision, intellectual property & control.• Investor Confidence: My proven track record of structuring deals maximizes return potential & minimizes risk. I meticulously analyze potential roadblocks & negotiate terms ensuring long-term value creation.• Future-Proofing Success: My legal expertise anticipates future scenarios. I craft provisions that facilitate seamless follow-on investments & exits, paving the way for sustainable growth.More than just legalese:• Collaborative Approach: I believe in open communication & transparency throughout the deal-making process. • Creative Problem-Solver: I thrive on finding innovative solutions to complex legal challenges. • Long-Term Advocate: I\'m not just your dealmaker; I\'m the choice of partner as the journey unfolds.More than just an investor:• Strong communication & interpersonal skills, fostering valuable relationships.• Data-driven & analytical approach to decision-making.• Ability to think strategically & adapt to changing market dynamics.• Lifelong learner, constantly seeking new knowledge & growth opportunities.Beyond the boardroom:• Reading, writing, exploring new places & getting hands dirty in the garden.• Fueling competitive spirit with adventure activities & national-level swimming/boxing.• Connecting with dynamic leaders for problem-solving & growth strategizing.

Experience

1. Principal

   Auxano Capital

   Nov 2022 — Present · Gurugram, IN

   Auxano launched ‘Auxano Entrepreneur Trust’ Cat - 1 (Angel) AIF in Nov’19. In 2021, launched 2nd scheme under the Cat I AIF and in 2022, launched \'Auxano Dawn Fund - Cat II AIF. The funds have been deploying capital across seed and series stage start-ups across sectors. Responsibilities:1. Investments: Managing entire lifecycle of the investment made by Auxano from sourcing to exit including due diligence, deal structuring, negotiations, portfolio management & growth, follow-on fund raise, M&A and secondary market transactions.2. Portfolio Management: Growth, Marketing, Product & Fund Raise Strategizing for portfolio companies. Working with them closely to ensure financial, legal and regulatory hygiene. Corporate Management: Fund Raising, Team Building, Partnerships, Productization, Fund Management & Deployment Strategy, Thesis Building and Stakeholder Management.

Education

• Mayo College, Ajmer

  Business/Commerce, General

  2001 — 2010

• SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies

• Dyal Singh College

  B.Com (H), Business/Commerce, General

  2010 — 2014

Skills

• Public Speaking
• Teamwork
• Customer Service
• Management
• Business Strategy
• Market Research
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Powerpoint
• Research