Shaping Ventures and Synergies: The Journey of Tarun Verma

From being a management student at Apeejay School of Management (ASM), Dwarka  to Corporate Venture Capital, Tarun Verma’s inspiring story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and a problem-solving mindset. In a quick chat with the alumnus, we learn about his key takeaways from his college days and how he applies that knowledge in his present workplace projects. Read edited excerpt:

Tarun, could you give us a peak about your work life?
I am currently working at Somany Impresa Group as a part of the Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) team. We focus on scouting startups that align with and complement our group companies, which include AGI Greenpac, and Hindware Home Innovation Limited, and Hindware Limited.

That seems interesting. So what does a typical day at work look like for you?
My day involves identifying synergies between startups and our existing businesses. I analyse their use cases and explore how these ventures could enhance our operations. This includes visiting top-tier incubators like IIMs and IITs to scout promising startups.

And what inspired you to pursue this line of work?
I’ve always been drawn to the investment banking domain. Before this, I worked as part of a bulge-bracket investment bank team. My passion for finance and strategy deepened when I completed my second postgraduate degree in strategic management.

Tell us about your key learnings at ASM?
 Coming from my hometown after completing my B.Com, I found Apeejay to be an excellent environment for learning. The professors were incredibly supportive, providing real-world insights into management and finance. Beyond academics, I built lasting friendships and gained invaluable knowledge that shaped my career.

What’s one key lesson from ASM that still helps you today?
Managing tight deadlines. At ASM, the emphasis on meeting project deadlines and maintaining discipline was instrumental. Attendance policies taught us punctuality, which is a critical skill in the corporate world.

So, what advice would you give to current Apeejay students?
Stay curious about the market. Make it a habit to read newspapers like The Financial Express or The Economic Times to gain an edge. Focus on building skills and pursue what genuinely interests you rather than chasing what’s glamorous. Lastly, strive to be a problem solver—this is what makes you indispensable.