UVC: Sheel Mohnot from Better Tomorrow Ventures on whether 1st & 2nd time founders are equally willing to accept their valuations, when they would stop supporting a portfolio startup, and the challenges neobanks face with customer trust
In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Sheel Mohnot, Co-Founder & Partner at Better Tomorrow Ventures, discussed the impact of access to credit on low-income countries like India. He emphasized the importance of a minimum ownership of 10% for startups and the rationale behind it. Sheel also talked about his reluctance to invest in startups that need to raise a lot of funds and how it affects their valuations.
Regarding startup founders, Sheel discussed whether both first-time and second-time founders are equally willing to accept the valuations offered by Better Tomorrow Ventures. He also talked about the circumstances under which he would stop supporting a portfolio startup.
In addition to these topics, Sheel shared his thoughts on the kinds of fintech startups that are expected to succeed in this decade. He also discussed the challenges that neo banks face with customer trust compared to traditional banks and what factors are preventing them from competing with traditional banks. Finally, Sheel shared his plans for scaling Better Tomorrow Ventures in the coming years.
In this episode you will learn:
- How does access to credit impact low income countries like India?
- Why does Sheel insist on a minimum ownership of 10%?
- What are the reasons for Sheel's reluctance to invest in startups that need to raise a lot of funds?
- Are both first-time founders and second-time founders equally willing to accept the valuations offered by Better Tomorrow Ventures?
- Under what circumstances would Sheel stop supporting one of his portfolio startups?
- What kinds of fintech startups are poised for success in this decade?
- Do all neo banks face challenges with customer trust and what factors are preventing them from competing with traditional banks?
- What are Sheel's plans for scaling Better Tomorrow Ventures in the coming years?
About
Sheel Mohnot is a Co-Founder & Partner at Better Tomorrow Ventures, a seed-focused venture capital firm that invests in transformative fintech companies founded by exceptional individuals across the world. With its second set of funds amounting to approximately $225M, Better Tomorrow Ventures is dedicated to investing in innovative ideas that can revolutionize the fintech industry. Sheel's exclusive focus on fintech investment dates back to 2015, following a couple of successful FinTech exits. Sheel has also co-founded the podcast "The Pitch," which was acquired by Gimlet Media / Spotify and attracts around 100k weekly listeners. Additionally, Sheel has co-founded Thistle, a food company that serves tens of thousands of customers every week.
Sheel Mohnot
Co-Founder & Partner at Better Tomorrow Ventures
Sheel Mohnot is a Co-Founder & Partner at Better Tomorrow Ventures, a seed-focused venture capital firm that invests in transformative fintech companies founded by exceptional individuals across the world. With its second set of funds amounting to approximately $225M, Better Tomorrow Ventures is dedicated to investing in innovative ideas that can revolutionize the fintech industry. Sheel's exclusive focus on fintech investment dates back to 2015, following a couple of successful FinTech exits. Sheel has also co-founded the podcast "The Pitch," which was acquired by Gimlet Media / Spotify and attracts around 100k weekly listeners. Additionally, Sheel has co-founded Thistle, a food company that serves tens of thousands of customers every week.
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