10 Startups To Fund In 2016

In 2016, I would like to invest in below interesting sector opportunities:

1) Universal Utilities

With no of mobile devices, multiple OS platforms, different cloud platforms & new available development platforms the complexities are going to increase multi-folds for the internet mobile user. There is a need for universal utility software’s which cut across these multiple data silos to manage identity, search, security, storage & content management challenges. Any startup which can help increase the productivity & simplify lives of mobile internet user will be potential startup to invest.

2) Online FMCG Product Brands

We will see emergence of FMCG product brands which will be manufactured solely to be sold online. These brands will compete & win against the traditional brands on the online marketplaces due to their DNA to serve the digital customer. Online FMCG products do not require investment in distribution channel, huge advertising dollars for the brand to be successful online. Startups with right digital consumer brand assets will be interesting to fund.

3) Medical Devices & Pharma

I am strong believer democratization of healthcare services. Affordable health diagnostics devices are need of hour and entrepreneurs are working on it. I have invested in 3 startups till date and looking to invest more. I am not an expert to evaluate these kind of specialized deals but look forward to invest in right opportunities.

4) Media & Entertainment

Original content will become exclusive & paid. New generation startups that generates engaging original content for niche audiences & own communities will be worth investing. Advertisers will spend their dollars with media & entertainment startup companies which serve the needs of specific communities.

5) Enterprise

Startups that are solving problems of large corporation in field of security, analytic, communication, automation etc. and are revenue generating in SaaS model will be worth investing. These startups might not be as glamorous but has huge potential to grow as enterprises start adopting cloud platforms & pay as you go model. Besides investment, due to my past experience & industry connects the enterprise software startups will be able to benefit a lot with my association.

6) FinTech

Coming years India will see new breed of first time investors who will be adopting technology to invest & save. Till date investments were driven by personal one on one recommendations or research by experts. I am keen to look at startups which will help consumers invest & save better with use of technology. Startups which can convert sophisticated algorithm investment calls mean for financial analyst into simple recommendations for mass consumers will be interesting to fund. Social investing, banking apps are other idea’s worth pursuing.

7) Networks 

Building a captive network of users, agents, members to sell, promote any sort of product or services is difficult. Startups that can leverage SMAC (Social, Mobility, Analytic & Cloud) to create, own large network of connections will be valuable. These kind of networks grow exponentially with ripple effects if initial users find the network as the most prized asset they can monetize. Startups which can get their first user experience right will be winners. Looking forward to see disruptive pitches to invest in this space.

8) Content 

Users love digital content (text, image, audio, video) but everyone hates advertisements & no one likes sponsored content. For brand content will be the only medium of trusted communication with their consumers in coming years. It is important for brands to establish their thought leaderships with right content. With digital content being in so much demand there is a need for specialized software that can source, create, publish, share, analyze & promote content for brands. Looking for innovative startups in content software space.

9) Ad-tech

Startups that can create new possibilities of targeting mobile users with not only showcasing the advertisement but also enabling transactions will be preferred by the advertisers. Ad-Tech platforms which helps brands access their preferred target audience on pay as you go model will be of an interest to fund.

10) Home Interiors & Automation

It’s been an area of interest to invest since last 3 years but have not been able to invest till date.  I am looking for a rock star team with technology solutions solving specific consumer problems which has large addressable market will be of an interest to invest.

People behind the startup are equally important besides the above mentioned sectors of interest. I do not run a fund. I invest my own money. I am not getting paid by anyone for my time to evaluate, review and engage with startups. Only interesting startups will be replied with next steps in 7 days of sending the detailed pitch via email.

Do you have the next big idea? Email the detailed business plan on mehtasanjay@gmail.com

Note: We at Inc42 take our ethics very seriously. More information about it can be found here.