Is Getting Unicorn Status Important For Startups?

In today's fast-paced and highly competitive startup landscape, achieving unicorn status has become a coveted milestone for entrepreneurs. 

Unicorn status refers to a privately held startup company valued at over $1 billion. It represents a remarkable achievement and often attracts significant attention, funding, and validation. To gain deeper insights into the importance of this elusive status, we spoke with Lavanya Ashok, a veteran growth stage VC investor and the founder of Trifecta Capitals. 

With 17 years of investment experience under her belt, Lavanya shared her valuable perspectives on the funding environment, investment criteria, and the role of unicorn status in the ever-evolving startup ecosystem.

Do you also wish to become a unicorn startup? Let's find out if its really worth or not!

The Funding Landscape: Growth Amidst Challenges

When questioned about the prevailing notion of a startup funding winter, Lavanya provided a nuanced perspective. While acknowledging temporary funding pauses in specific sectors, she emphasized the resilience and vibrancy of the overall venture ecosystem. India has witnessed a remarkable surge in private funding, soaring to a peak of nearly $70 billion in 2021 from a meager $1.6 billion two decades ago. Lavanya highlighted the transformative power of venture capital, which has emerged as a critical driver of economic growth in the country.

Investment Criteria: A Holistic Approach

Drawing from her extensive experience, Lavanya outlined the top three factors she considers when evaluating investment opportunities. Founder quality takes center stage, as she recognizes that the true champions of success are the entrepreneurs themselves. Lavanya values founders who possess the ability to build competent teams, allocate capital wisely, and demonstrate maturity in decision-making. Secondly, she focuses on identifying startups aligned with long-term growth themes, where substantial potential exists. This proactive approach enables Lavanya to engage with companies operating in sectors projected to thrive in the coming decades. Lastly, she conducts a comprehensive analysis of a startup's financials, including revenue, growth projections, and unit economics. Lavanya seeks assurance that these companies are well-capitalized and possess the potential to deliver on their growth ambitions.

The Allure of Unicorn Status: Balancing Ambition and Sustainability

Addressing the buzz surrounding unicorn status in the Indian startup ecosystem, Lavanya acknowledged the aspiration of founders to achieve substantial valuations. However, she cautioned against becoming fixated on valuation as the ultimate goal. While it is natural to aspire for a high valuation, Lavanya emphasized the importance of building sustainable value through strong business fundamentals. She advised founders to prioritize focusing on their business models, sustainable growth, and profitability rather than solely chasing artificial metrics. By doing so, founders can ensure the long-term success and viability of their ventures.

The Evolution of Investment Approach: Navigating Changing Landscapes

Reflecting on her extensive investment journey, Lavanya underscored the need for adaptability in the face of evolving market dynamics. Over the years, new asset classes have emerged, presenting fresh opportunities for investors. Lavanya discussed the rise of growth stage venture capital as a distinct asset class, which was virtually nonexistent when she began her investment career. As India's economy continues to grow and purchasing power increases, founders and investors must stay nimble and identify emerging trends and investment avenues. Lavanya also emphasized the crucial role of founders in executing their business plans with unwavering passion and commitment.

The pursuit of unicorn status continues to captivate the Indian startup ecosystem, with entrepreneurs striving to create innovative and scalable businesses. While unicorn status signifies a remarkable milestone, Lavanya Ashok's insights emphasize the need for a holistic approach to entrepreneurship. Founders must prioritize sustainable value creation, focusing on strong business fundamentals, rather than fixating solely on valuation metrics. For investors, staying adaptable to changing market dynamics and identifying emerging opportunities is vital. By striking a balance between ambition and sustainability, founders and investors can navigate the ever-evolving startup landscape, fostering long-term success and contributing to India's dynamic and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Check out the video below to hear it from Lavnya Ashok.