From Rejection to Success: Urvashi Barooah’s Journey to Becoming a Venture Capitalist
Urvashi Barooah’s path to becoming a partner at Redpoint was not an easy one. In 2015, she applied to MBA programs with dreams of entering the venture capital industry, only to be rejected by every school. Despite being told that her goal was unrealistic, Barooah refused to let that deter her.
Growing up in Guwahati, a small city in India, Barooah was influenced by her entrepreneurial parents who ran their own businesses. While she initially considered starting her own company, she realized that she was more passionate about working with founders. In 2017, she applied to U.S. business schools again and was accepted into Wharton. Determined to learn everything she could about the venture industry, Barooah tailored her classes and extracurricular activities to that goal. She reached out to entrepreneurs, developed an investment thesis, and even cold-called VCs to pitch it.
Persistence paid off when Barooah landed an internship at Primary Venture Partners in New York in 2019. Shortly after, she secured another internship at Redpoint, which eventually turned into a full-time role. Since then, she has been an integral part of the firm.
Barooah believes that her upbringing gives her a unique perspective as a VC. Watching her parents navigate the challenges of running their businesses taught her the importance of perseverance and resilience. She understands that setbacks are part of the journey and can be overcome.
As an investor, Barooah has built an impressive portfolio that includes companies like Dune Analytics, Offchain Labs, and The Rounds. She is particularly excited about her investments in vertical SaaS startups utilizing AI. She recognizes that being a successful VC requires adaptability and the willingness to follow market trends.
In her new role as partner at Redpoint, Barooah is eager to continue expanding her portfolio and supporting founders when they need help. She acknowledges that her journey in venture capital is still a work in progress, but her growing successes have given her the confidence to take on more contrarian bets.
Urvashi Barooah’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Despite facing rejection and skepticism, she remained steadfast in pursuing her dreams. By staying true to herself and constantly learning, Barooah has proven that anyone can achieve their goals, even in the face of adversity.