2nd in VCIC

In the ISB finals, my team finished 2nd. It was a close fought contest but the winning team did a very good job. They in fact had 2 VCs in the team itself, which helped I guess. But it was a wonderful experience, evaluating actual business plans of 3 real entrepreneurs, performing due diligence and negotiating term sheets. We were judged by actual VCs from some top VC firms as well.
Last week at ISB was quite relaxing (apart from the VCIC experience) as my parents had come down. It was good to spend a few days wit them. Term 6 also started last week, Looking forward to some interesting classes. Intl plcmt are also in full swing. So quite an interesting next few days ahead.

Venture Capital Investment Competition and placements

My team made it to the ISB finals of Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC), an international B-school competition hosted by University of North Carolina (UNC). Regional rounds are held in Europe and USA and for the first time this year in Asia by ISB. 33 teams at ISB participated in the 1st round and top 10 chosen for the ISB finals. More information at: http://www.vcic.unc.edu/. Students step into the shoes of a VC evaluating actual startups and other entrepreuners. The judges are actual VCs.

In the first round, we were evaluated on the basis of a investment case analysis of a telecom based startup in USA. The winner in next round (nov 28) will compete against other Asian B-schools in Feb and the winner will go to USA for the finals.

I personally don't have much interest in the VC space but the competition seemed very interesting. I got together a very diverse team - an entrepreneur, a doctor, an investment analyst, an oil and gas maverick and me. That should come in handy in the next rounds.

Since this is a personal blog, let me also touch upon something in the MBA life. There are times when the journey seems arduous. The competition here is deadly and it is very easy to get frustrated. But as one of our professors say, 80% of ISB grad (and I guess all MBA grads) change jobs within first 2 years. And that change happens through the people you meet at ISB. And I have met some wonderful people here. Some true geniuses. With the placement season already starting, things are heating up and everyone and everyone is beginning to step up a gear. Interesting months ahead.

Chance to win Rs 3000 by participating in ISB survey

As a part of an academic project at ISB, I am conducting the following survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=p9NSBbODPRSBSZGaf6cR7w_3d_3d
One lucky respondent stands to win a Rs 3000 gift check.
The survey seeks to understand the preferences of Indian consumer in the small cars segment.
I would request any visitor to this blog to kindly respond to this survey. It would take less than 15 minutes of your time, I promise.
The deadline is Friday, 6-Nov-2009 midnight.
Important Note: Please select the ISB Group name as "Ramgarh" (NOT Ramgarh_D) in the dropdown for question 13 in the last screen of the survey.
Since this is an academic survey, full confidentiality regarding respondent information (names and mail IDs) will be maintained.

Do forward this message to anyone who you think might be interested in taking this survey.

Thanks in advance.

2nd prize winner in Sectorama - Sector analysis competition at IIMA

The much awaited results of the competition are finally out and my team comprising 2 other ISBians won the 2nd prize at Sectorama. ISB also won the first prize, third going to IIM Kozhikode. Our paper was on Indian Education sector. Prizes and certificates on the way - woohoo