Investment and business development is a fast-paced and often rapidly changing world. As an investor myself, I know the thrill—and uncertainty—of making strategic choices. No matter how thorough the research or how much experience you hold, there’s always the element of chance in the equation. I’ve come to terms with the fact that luck plays a role in success, but relying on luck alone won’t get you far. For me, success has been rooted in research, perseverance, and keeping a keen eye on emerging opportunities.
Start with Quality, Then Think About Price
Warren Buffett’s advice has always stuck with me: it’s better to buy “a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.” That principle has guided my approach to venture capital. Dive deeper.
For me, the process starts with assessing the fundamentals: How does the company treat its employees? Are their products and services designed to stand the test of time? What’s their approach to innovation and product creation—reactive or forward-thinking?
A good investment isn’t just about short-term profits; it’s about long-term sustainability and adaptability. Making sure the company has staying power isn’t an easy task, but it’s well worth the effort.
Understanding and Evaluating Trends
Emerging trends are exciting, especially in dynamic sectors like technology. But they come with their share of risks.
Take artificial intelligence for example, it’s an incredibly promising field, but a lot is still unknown and regulations and rapid advancements can make it difficult to predict which companies will emerge as leaders. With this in mind, I believe the best approach is to engage with industry leaders and stay informed through meaningful conversations. Being invited to attend conferences or networking events is just as valuable as research when navigating uncertain territory.
Diversification Is Key
If there’s one rule I live by, it’s this: don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversifying your portfolio helps reduce exposure to sector-specific downturns and builds resilience.
Spread investments across multiple industries—and keep sectors close that tend to show steady growth and are less susceptible to the kind of volatility we see in tech. Balancing high-risk, high-reward opportunities with more stable investment is essential to creating a portfolio that can weather any economic storm.
The Power of Self-Belief
No matter how much research you do or how diversified your portfolio is, one factor will always influence your success: self-belief. Markets fluctuate, opportunities fall through, and plans change but if you stay confident in your abilities and your judgment you’ll go far.
Early in my career, I had my fair share of setbacks, but I stayed motivated because I had a clear vision of what success meant to me. Keeping that purpose front and center has helped me stay driven, even during tough times. I also believe in the power of celebrating small wins and sharing your success with your close circle. Recognizing those moments keeps me inspired and reminds me why I love what I do.