Gayatri Sarkar, the founder and CEO of Advaita Capital, is a trailblazer in the venture capital industry, focusing on deep tech investments that propel the human race forward, with a keen eye on decarbonization and the energy transition. As one of the few women-owned, person-of-color-led venture capital firms, Advaita Capital stands out in an industry that has historically lacked diversity. Despite some positive changes, representation remains a challenge, particularly for Black employees. Women account for 26% of the VC workforce, a 50% growth from 2016, but there is still work to be done to achieve greater diversity in the sector.
Sarkar’s journey towards venture capital was unexpected, as she initially pursued a career in physics and worked at various prestigious organizations before starting her own podcast and eventually founding Advaita Capital. The firm’s focus on growth-stage investments sets it apart from early-stage venture capital, with a team that boasts expertise from institutions like Harvard, MIT, Wharton, and Yale. Sarkar’s fundraising efforts primarily involve institutional limited partners, and she emphasizes the importance of backing extreme outliers, championing founders, and investing in the team itself.
As an investor, Sarkar sees immense potential in AI, deep tech, and sustainability, predicting transformative shifts over the next 25 to 30 years. She believes that the era we are in now will see significant advancements in areas such as quantum computing, chip design, and interplanetary travel. Advaita Capital’s investment decisions are driven by a desire to understand macro-level shifts and their impact on infrastructure, fostering collaborative interactions between humans and robots. Through ethical and sustainable investing practices, the firm aims to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse future in venture capital.
Despite the progress made in the VC industry, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, particularly when it comes to supporting women founders in transitioning from early-stage to growth-stage funding. Sarkar acknowledges the hurdles faced by women in securing funding for Series C and D rounds and emphasizes the importance of providing stronger support for their growth. She also highlights the need for a broader shift in mindset to recognize and accommodate the professional journeys of women, particularly in terms of childcare responsibilities and career transitions.
Recently, Gayatri Sarkar was appointed as a crown patron for the Princess Grace Foundation, joining an esteemed group of influential figures committed to empowering underserved artists and addressing climate change through ocean technology. She sees this opportunity as a way to explore how AI can disrupt various industries, including the film industry. With a dedication to reshaping venture capital towards a more inclusive and sustainable future, Sarkar remains optimistic about the potential of deep tech investments to drive positive societal impacts and bring about meaningful change in the industry.
