We sat down with startup investor Kiran Mehta from VC firm Mercia Ventures to explore his unique journey into venture capital, his philosophy on investing, and his take on the ever-evolving startup ecosystem. Kiran’s candid LinkedIn profile reveals a refreshingly non-traditional path, and his insights shed light on what’s behind the VC doors.
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Q&A
Q: Kiran, thank you for joining us! Can you start by sharing a bit about your journey? Your LinkedIn profile stands out as honest and a bit unconventional. How did you get to where you are today?
Kiran: Absolutely! I’ve had several people comment on that LinkedIn bio, and it’s true – it’s a bit tongue-in-cheek. I think when you’ve been in a field for a decade or two, your profile naturally gets polished over time. But I took a different approach, partly because I’ve only been in venture for about four years. I didn’t have a traditional VC background when I joined Mercia. Honesty and credibility were my assets, so I went with that angle on my profile.
Before venture, I worked in banking and then for a real estate fund. It gave me a fantastic foundation, though I like to joke that I joined banking about 10–20 years too late to ride the high-risk, high-reward wave.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your journey? What inspired you to get into the world of investing in the first place?
Kiran: I’ve always been fascinated by building things from the ground up. For me, the idea of supporting a business and helping it grow was really exciting. My journey into investing started with a passion for entrepreneurship, and over time, I realised that investing is another way to be part of that creation process.
Q: How has your background outside of venture shaped your perspective as an investor?
Kiran: Great question. Coming in without a “typical” VC background has given me a unique lens.
I didn’t have a finance degree or years in Investment Banking, so I naturally leaned into what I did bring: curiosity and a fresh outlook. It’s a huge advantage in some ways because I’m not limited by the traditional playbook. I’m constantly learning, and I think that’s essential in venture.
Q: What drew you to venture capital initially? Was it a career path you’d envisioned?
Kiran: The startup ecosystem always attracted me, especially the idea of supporting founders who are breaking new ground. So, when the opportunity with Mercia arose, it felt like a perfect fit, even if it wasn’t a pre-planned career move.
Q: For founders out there, what qualities do you look for in the startups you back?
Kiran: First and foremost, it’s the founder’s mindset. It’s cliché, but I look for resilience, adaptability and genuine passion.
I want to know that a founder can pivot when necessary without losing sight of their overall mission. It’s also important that they have a deep understanding of their product and market, along with a clear vision of where they’re headed.
Markets and technologies evolve, but the drive and adaptability of a founder are what keeps the company moving forward. So I look at how well they know their market, too. Are they solving a real problem? Do they understand the competitive landscape? Those insights are crucial.
Q: What advice would you give to founders when they’re pitching to investors?
Kiran: Be authentic. Investors can tell when you’re trying to fit a square peg into a round hole versus when you genuinely believe in what you’re building. And make sure you understand your market inside and out.
Overpromising or being unrealistic about your projections is one of the most common mistakes I see. Instead – Know your story inside out. Funding isn’t just about having a great product; it’s about communicating your vision clearly and persuasively. Investors want to understand your passion and how you see the future. Authenticity is magnetic—don’t try to fit a mold. Be yourself, and back that up with a solid plan.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the investment world?
Kiran: Start small and learn from every deal. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and surround yourself with experienced people who can offer guidance. Always keep learning—the market is constantly changing, and staying curious is crucial to success. Lastly, be patient and focus on long-term value. This advice applies to founders, too.
Q: What would you say has been your most valuable lesson since starting in VC?
Kiran: I’d say patience. Things don’t move as quickly as you expect, and startups often face challenges that require flexibility. You’re there to support, not just with capital, but with guidance and an understanding that pivots and failures are part of the journey.
Q: Lastly, what trends are you excited about in the startup world?
I think sustainability-focused tech is one to watch. More founders are approaching their ideas with an eye toward long-term impact, and that’s exciting. Also, AI applications across various sectors are opening doors for startups to revolutionise traditional industries in ways we haven’t seen before.
Learn more
Want to connect with Kiran? Explore his LinkedIn profile to find out more.
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