When Urvashi Barooah applied to MBA programs in 2015, she was on a mission to become a venture capitalist. Despite facing rejection from every school she applied to, she refused to give up on her dreams. Nine years later, Barooah is getting promoted to partner at Redpoint, a Silicon Valley-based firm with a $650 million ninth fund.
A Journey of Resilience
Barooah’s determination and perseverance are traits that have served her well in the venture capital industry. In an interview with TechCrunch, she shared her story of overcoming rejection and achieving success.
"I wasn’t deterred, but it did feel kind of impossible at one point," Barooah said. "I was so removed from it. I didn’t know the reality on the ground. I just knew what people wrote about in the papers."
Growing Up with Entrepreneurial Parents
Barooah grew up in Guwahati, a small city in India, where her parents ran their own businesses. Her dad had a chemical business, while her mom designed and sold furniture.
"My parents, growing up, asked me, ‘what kind of business do you want to start?’" Barooah said. "That is what the most successful people in India did. They always encouraged me to forge my own path and start my own company. I thought about that for a long time but there was nothing that excited me. If there was no idea that I was passionate about, the next best thing I could do was work with founders."
The Right Education
Barooah reapplied to U.S. business schools after working as a consultant and landed a spot at Wharton in 2017. She catered all of her classes and extra-curriculars around learning everything she could about the venture industry.
"I started talking to entrepreneurs, developing an investment thesis, and cold-calling VCs to pitch it," Barooah said. "After an estimated 50 cold calls, I landed an internship at New York-based Primary Venture Partners in 2019. I got another at Redpoint shortly after and was able to convert that into a full-time role."
The Value of Experience
Barooah’s experience working with her parents’ businesses has given her a unique perspective as a venture capitalist.
"Seeing their day-to-day triumphs and failures helped show me just how hard it is to start and run a business," Barooah said. "It also taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and having a strong support system."
A Successful Career in Venture Capital
Today, Barooah is a partner at Redpoint, where she focuses on investments in India and the United States.
"I love working with founders who are passionate about solving real-world problems," Barooah said. "As a venture capitalist, I feel like I’m making a difference by supporting entrepreneurs who are changing the world."
Conclusion
Urvashi Barooah’s journey from rejection to partnership is an inspiring reminder that determination and perseverance can overcome even the most daunting challenges. As a venture capitalist, she has found success through her hard work, resilience, and commitment to supporting entrepreneurs who are making a difference.
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