A Journey of Perseverance and Determination
When Urvashi Barooah applied to MBA programs in 2015, she was determined to become a venture capitalist. Despite being rejected from every school, she refused to let her dreams be shattered by the naysayers. Nine years later, at the age of 33, Barooah is getting promoted to partner at Redpoint, one of the top venture capital firms in Silicon Valley.
A Humbling Beginning
Barooah’s journey began far away from the bustling streets of Silicon Valley. Growing up in Guwahati, a small city sandwiched between Bhutan and Bangladesh, she was exposed to entrepreneurship from a young age. Her parents ran their own businesses, with her dad operating a chemical business and her mom designing and selling furniture.
"My parents always encouraged me to forge my own path and start my own company," Barooah said in an interview with TechCrunch. "They asked me what kind of business I wanted to start, just like the most successful people in India did."
However, despite having entrepreneurial roots, Barooah didn’t develop a passion for starting her own business. Instead, she decided that working with founders was the next best thing.
Breaking into Venture Capital
Barooah’s first attempt at breaking into venture capital came when she applied to U.S. business schools again after working as a consultant in 2017. This time, she had better luck, landing a spot at Wharton and tailoring her classes and extracurriculars 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 Primary Venture Partners in 2019."
The Turning Point
Barooah’s internship at Primary Venture Partners led to another opportunity at Redpoint shortly after. She was able to convert that internship into a full-time role and has been with the firm ever since.
While her upbringing didn’t directly introduce her to venture capital, Barooah believes it made her a better VC. Seeing her parents’ day-to-day triumphs and failures helped her understand just how hard it is to run a business and how to roll with the punches when things go wrong.
"They always fought for what they believed in, even when faced with insurmountable odds," Barooah said. "That resilience and determination have stayed with me throughout my career."
The Rise of a Venture Capitalist
Today, Urvashi Barooah is a partner at Redpoint, one of the top venture capital firms in Silicon Valley. Her journey is a testament to perseverance and determination. Despite being rejected from every school, she refused to give up on her dreams.
"I’ve learned that it’s not about where you start or how you begin, but about the path you choose to take," Barooah said. "And for me, that path has been filled with twists and turns, but ultimately, it has led me to where I am today."
Lessons from a Venture Capitalist
Barooah’s story offers several lessons for entrepreneurs and aspiring venture capitalists:
- Perseverance is key: Barooah’s determination in the face of rejection is a testament to the importance of perseverance.
- Networking is everything: Barooah’s ability to build relationships with entrepreneurs and VCs helped her secure internships and full-time roles.
- Learning is a lifelong process: Barooah’s commitment to learning about the venture industry has been instrumental in her success.
Conclusion
Urvashi Barooah’s journey from rejected MBA applicant to venture capital partner is an inspiration to anyone who has ever felt like giving up on their dreams. Her perseverance, determination, and willingness to learn have made her one of the top venture capitalists in Silicon Valley today.
