What Do Investors REALLY Look For? | Manish Verma, AngelBlue | Vaanikaran x ECell | IIM Shillong

What does it take to go from spending nearly 30 years in banking and the automotive industry to becoming a serial entrepreneur and backing the next generation of founders? 🚀 In this episode of the **IIM Shillong Podcast**, we sit down with **Manish Verma, Co-Founder & CEO of AngelBlue Holdings**, for an insightful and refreshingly practical conversation about entrepreneurship, investing, and building businesses that actually work. With decades of corporate experience, multiple entrepreneurial ventures, and a role as an Independent Director on two listed companies, Manish brings a unique perspective to the world of startups. From understanding what investors really look for in a pitch to identifying genuine business problems, navigating the profitability-versus-growth debate, and getting fundraise-ready, this conversation is packed with insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and curious minds alike. *In this episode, we explore:* From corporate leadership to the world of entrepreneurship. What makes an investor say YES to a startup? What it takes to build ambitious businesses like India's emerging space-tech ventures. How to distinguish a real business problem from just a cool idea. The one number every founder should know before raising funds. Growth vs. profitability: What should startups prioritise? How young entrepreneurs can prepare themselves to raise capital. Choosing between a safe corporate career and taking the entrepreneurial leap. Whether you're an aspiring founder, a future investor, an MBA student, or simply someone curious about how businesses are built, this episode is for you! 🎙️ *Guest:* Manish Verma Co-Founder & CEO, AngelBlue Holdings 🎤 *Host:* Atulya Nayar 🏫 *IIM Shillong – Vaanikaran Podcast Club* If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE for more insightful conversations with industry leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers. #IIMShillong #Podcast #ManishVerma #AngelBlue #Entrepreneurship #Startups #StartupFunding #VentureCapital #Investing #YoungEntrepreneurs