The VCCircle Limited Partners Summit 2024 in Mumbai provided a platform for industry leaders like Kajal Ilmi, Founder and Managing Director of Aviom Housing Finance, to share invaluable insights into building impact-oriented enterprises and navigating the evolving landscape of private equity and venture capital.
Ilmi’s journey with Aviom Housing Finance, backed by equity capital from prominent investors such as Gojo & Company, C4D Asia Fund, Sabre Partners, Nuveen, and others, exemplifies the convergence of social impact and financial sustainability in today’s business environment.
During a fireside chat with Srini Nagarajan, Managing Director and Head of Asia at British International Investment (BII), formerly CDC, Ilmi underscored the pivotal role of development finance institutions (DFIs) in shaping India’s market dynamics. She highlighted how DFIs set the agenda for addressing critical social issues, thereby influencing the direction of investment flows and fostering innovation in sectors like climate solutions.
While acknowledging the importance of social impact, Ilmi emphasized the imperative of profitability and sustainability going hand in hand. She emphasized the significance of consistency in performance, advocating for a focus on steady, average profits over erratic high returns. According to Ilmi, companies that prioritize consistent profits can establish robust processes, policies, and governance structures, laying the foundation for long-term success and resilience.
In a panel discussion alongside industry stalwarts like Neha Grover from IFC, Sampath Reddy from Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, and Akhil Awasthi from Tata Capital Growth Fund, Ilmi delved into the evolving dynamics of investor commitments and the importance of direct communication with limited partners (LPs). She highlighted the shifting investor imperatives and the need for transparent, proactive engagement with LPs to align interests and drive mutual success.
Ilmi’s insights shed light on the changing contours of the investment landscape, where the integration of social impact, financial performance, and effective stakeholder engagement emerges as a hallmark of sustainable business practices. As businesses strive to navigate complex challenges and seize emerging opportunities, Ilmi’s perspectives serve as a guiding beacon for building resilient, impact-driven enterprises that create lasting value for stakeholders and society at large.
The VCCircle Limited Partners Summit 2024 served as a catalyst for meaningful conversations, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in the realm of private equity and venture capital. As leaders like Kajal Ilmi continue to drive positive change and shape the future of finance, the summit remains a cornerstone event in shaping the trajectory of the industry.
