Arvind Shandilya is an investment associate here at Calculus and recently we asked him some questions relating to his views on the industry, his role here and more about him!
Can you tell us a bit about your role at Calculus?
Sitting within the Investment team, I work on all aspects on the investment process – from sourcing and considering new investment opportunities, writing investment memos, to supporting our brilliant set of portfolio companies. I frequently engage with the broader ecosystem of founders/advisors looking for any support. We have an active deal flow and among a small group of investment team members we review 600+ opportunities in a year.
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position?
Over the last decade I have held various strategic roles across operations & strategy, digital transformation, and business innovation. I have driven the implementation of data-centric enterprise software in Fortune 500 corporates such as Reliance and Fluor. And most recently, I worked with a Series A Prop Tech scaleup from US on identifying their growth levers. Through these years, I have built a passion for technology and an understanding of range of sectors making me a great fit with Calculus as a generalist investor. I hold a Bachelor of Technology from Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), and an MBA from University of Cambridge Judge Business School where I focused on Finance and Entrepreneurship.
Which of our portfolio companies is your favourite and why?
Among my favourite portfolio companies are eConsult and Spectral MD. eConsult works as a digital gateway to a GP practice, allowing clinicians to determine the right care pathway more efficiently for patients. Spectral MD produces predictive analytics, proprietary AI algorithms and imaging systems to assist with medical treatment. Intersection of healthcare and technology has been a key focus area for Calculus for a long time. And with the increasing penetration of AI and digitalisation, I believe this space will bring novel solutions to changes people’s lives.
What most interests you about working with early-stage companies?
Supporting inspired, determined, and talented entrepreneurs in their growth journey. It’s not easy to be an entrepreneur – there are a lot of naysayers and possibly rejections and disappointment. As an investor, it’s a privilege to be able to support these capable founders and be part of their adventure.
How does the pipeline look at the moment and does this reflect wider activity in the UK VC market at present?
With a broad focus on growth areas such as Technology, Healthcare and Creative Content, Calculus’s pipeline looks healthy with exciting new investment opportunities on the list.
What do you most like about working with Calculus?
I am passionate about scaling disruptive solutions and value a constant learning journey. This is what a day-to-day look like working with Calculus and meeting highly driven founders who are always looking for creative ways to build their businesses.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Travelling – I very much enjoy exploring cultures and cuisines.
Favourite Book and Podcast?
Speed and Scale by John Doerr is one of my favourite books (being a climate advocate!). Not an expert in podcasts but Global Scalpels caught my attention. It was started by one of my alumni, a surgeon, who dedicated it to 5 billion people without safe and affordable surgery.