Welcome to our June review

So what have we been up to?

Aruna Seshadri was invited by WE Hub, A Government of Telangana Initiative to be on the jury to review pitches by women entrepreneurs in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. She was part of the WEHub delegation that collaborated with @Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Project. The jury members provided feedback and insights, to the women entrepreneurs to level-up in their respective enterprises. We wish all these these entrepreneurs the best and hope they make significant contributions to their industries and communities.

Kalaivani Mattern 'Vani' has been working on expanding our diversity topics like generational diversity at workplace. She was the keynote speaker on generational diversity at an event for one of the largest German manufacturing company in Bavaria, Germany. Lower birth rate coupled with aging population has created a big need in European countries to invest more in equity driven diversity programs. Superbloom hopes to be able to create awareness and provide assistance where required to support such programs.

Rajashree 'Raji' Baskaran Ph.D. is on a very short break pursuing a passion project spearheading safety in AI-driven space.

Interview with Bhargavi V.

We were thrilled to be able to interview Bhargavi, who has now joined our ever increasing group of supporters of Superbloom.

Bhargavi is an experienced finance professional and venture capitalist who currently runs Java Capital, a venture capital fund focused on Climate tech and Deep-tech. She co-founded Java Capital four years ago with Vinodh Shankar and Karthik. Bhargavi holds a B.Com from the University of Madras and an MBA from the Indian School of Business. Her extensive private sector career includes roles at Novartis, Ernst & Young, and ITC Limited. Eight years ago, she left Novartis to engage fully in the startup ecosystem, initially starting an advisory firm before founding Java Capital in 2020.

Read the excerpts from the interview here:

How did you get your start in this field of startups and venture capital?

Getting into the world of startups was an unexpected but incredibly rewarding journey for me. It all started when a female founder reached out to me during my corporate finance days for help through LinkedIn for her Agri-tech startup. Her request sparked something in me—I saw an opportunity to apply my financial expertise in a new and exciting context. I decided to take a leap of faith and quit my corporate job to dive headfirst into the startup ecosystem. Over the next year, I immersed myself in networking with founders, investors, legal experts, and other professionals in the startup space. Ultimately, what drew me into startups was the chance to make a tangible impact and work closely with passionate founders who were driving innovation and change. It wasn't just about financial; it was about supporting their vision and helping them navigate the complexities of scaling a business.

Over time in your career, it's clear you’ve moved up through the corporate ladder. What would you say is your biggest piece of advice to women in on the topic of career growth and progression??

My biggest piece of advice to women aiming for career growth and progression is to cultivate a strong sense of self-belief and resilience. Throughout my career journey, I've learned that confidence in your abilities, combined with perseverance in the face of challenges, is crucial. It's essential to identify your strengths and areas for development early on. Understand what sets you apart and capitalize on these strengths.?

Java Capital focuses on funding Indian-origin investors who develop disruptive technology in the Climate and Deep-tech space. Tell us about your choice to invest within this vertical??

We focus on disruptive technologies within climate tech. For instance, we invested in Ailo Aerospace, a solar-enabled UAV company. Their innovation in harnessing solar power during UAV flight and storing it in batteries is a significant disruption. Additionally, they are innovating on solar panels and cells, optimizing them to fit limited space on drones. This broader application of technology is what we seek in clean tech. By concentrating on deep disruptive climate technologies, we can not only support ventures that mitigate environmental impact but also drive technological advancement and market transformation. This strategy aligns with the broader vision of fostering innovation that addresses climate challenges comprehensively and sustainably.

What advice would you give women who are looking to pursue a field in finance today???

Finance is a great field for women, as we are naturally prudent in financial management. To advance, demonstrate your skills confidently. Don’t shy away from showcasing what you bring to the table. If you can't fit into a boys' club, let your work speak for itself. Make yourself a key member in your organization and they’ll recognize your talents.?

Thank you Bhargavi for your time!

Artist of the month

Meet young Abhinav Shankar, a budding Superbloomer. We love this painting of a Bengal tiger - even while taking a break to sip water, you can feel its coiled power. Even in times where diversity seems like it is taking a break, it remains powerful.