Rajat Agarwal

Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, I was immersed in the world of business from an early age. Dinner table conversations often revolved around building and scaling businesses, tackling real-world challenges, and finding innovative solutions. These experiences instilled in me a deep understanding of what it takes to create and grow successful enterprises.

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Three pivotal institutions have shaped my perspective: IIT Delhi, McKinsey, and ISB. At IIT Delhi, I honed my analytical and problem-solving skills. My time at McKinsey gave me a front-row seat to the complexities of consumer and financial services businesses, and I also worked with private equity clients, sharpening my strategic and operational expertise.

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It was at ISB that I first discovered the dynamic world of venture capital and investing. This exposure, combined with my family's entrepreneurial legacy and professional experiences, naturally drew me to venture capital. Today, I’m passionate about partnering with visionary founders to help them build enduring businesses

Early-stage investing is where you can make the most meaningful impact on a company’s trajectory. Building a business is much like raising a child – the early years are crucial. It’s during this time that foundational decisions are made, cultures are shaped, and strategic directions are set.

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I’m drawn to the excitement and potential of this stage, where every decision can be a turning point. Partnering with founders at this critical juncture allows me to contribute to their growth journey, helping them build strong foundations and scale with confidence. It’s incredibly rewarding to see an idea transform into a thriving business.

Early in my investing journey, I was incredibly hands-on—sometimes even helping founders scout store locations. While this approach stemmed from my enthusiasm, I quickly realized that great founders don’t need someone to do the work for them. What they truly need is a thoughtful partner who can provide clarity, guidance, and support through their challenges.

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Over time, I’ve refined my approach to focus on being adaptable to what founders need at different stages of their journey. Sometimes that means strategic brainstorming to solve complex problems; other times, it’s about helping them build high-performing teams or access the right networks. And sometimes, it’s simply being a trusted sounding board—someone who understands the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial path. My goal is always to empower founders to succeed on their terms.

India’s consumption story is at a pivotal inflection point. As the country transitions from $2,500 to $5,000 per capita income, discretionary spending is undergoing a profound transformation. This shift is unlocking opportunities for innovative products and services that cater to the evolving aspirations of Indian consumers.

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In this dynamic environment, we focus on two critical factors: unique product differentiation and an efficient go-to-market strategy. However, the real game-changer lies in the founder’s insight into their customers—something deeply personal or uniquely understood.

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This combination of insight and execution creates businesses that truly resonate with India’s diverse and rapidly changing market.

Z47 is more than just an investment firm—it’s a platform built to empower founders and help them succeed. Over time, my role has evolved from simply identifying promising startups to building an ecosystem of support for the exceptional founders we back.

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At Z47, we’ve created a collaborative platform where talented individuals—both within our team and across our portfolio companies—come together to create something meaningful. Our specialized teams in human capital, marketing, finance, and legal are always on hand to provide founders with the resources they need, exactly when they need them.

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Every decision we make at Z47 begins with one guiding principle: How does this help our founders? Whether it’s offering strategic guidance, unlocking operational expertise, or simply being a partner through the ups and downs, everything we do is centered around enabling founders to achieve their vision.

'Business Breakdowns' podcast for understanding how great companies are built. Essential reads: 'Multipliers' by Liz Wiseman for leadership insights and 'Hacking Growth' by Sean Ellis for scaling strategies.