Ozi Amanat is an international investor, venture capitalist and founder at K2 Global.
Our choices are influenced by our history—from how we engage in our environment to the relationships we build. Each investor’s decisions are based on their worldview, which is molded by their own environment.
I’m the grandson of an Indian farmer, was born in the U.S. and am an established Singapore venture capitalist. Each of these parts of my life has created a sense of being both an outsider and an insider. In today’s interconnected world, the boundaries that once confined us are fading away, giving rise to a new era of global collaboration and innovation.
When I embarked on my journey as a venture capitalist, I was driven by a deep curiosity about the world and a desire to understand the global potential of capital allocation. Venture should not be limited to a single country or region. This restricts the potential for growth and innovation.
Establishing a venture capital firm in Singapore offered me a window to the east: a vibrant hub of international business and innovation, exposure to diverse markets and the opportunity to forge connections with entrepreneurs from around the globe, especially throughout Asia. When I’m reflecting on my personal history and path as an investor, I see the impact of having spent many of my years in a country that was not my own. I was already born at the intersection of cultures, and this global perspective has become intrinsic to who I am. K2 Global was founded in Singapore in an epicenter of great wealth, but I came from two countries, India and the U.S., that experience both immense wealth and poverty. The cultures of each of these countries have forced a recognition in me of the need to invest in technology solutions to benefit society.
The interconnected cultures are parallel to how I view the technology industry. The technology industry knows no borders. It is an ever-evolving ecosystem that thrives on collaboration and knowledge exchange. A global perspective is essential when it comes to tech investing. Especially given the role of AI in today’s world, we must build models, businesses and solutions that cater to a diverse range of cultures and markets. To do so responsibly, we need to have an understanding of local perspectives and nuances. We should not build large language models using only the perspectives of those in Silicon Valley. In an era of rapid globalization, it is crucial to strike a balance between maintaining a global perspective and embracing cultural relevance. Tech investors should not fall into the trap of a myopic singular nationality view, but should rather stay open to the diverse range of insights and ideas that arise from different cultures. By doing so, we can tap into a wealth of untapped potential and foster innovation that truly addresses the needs of various communities worldwide.
A global perspective goes beyond just investing capital — it also involves nurturing networks and partnerships that transcend borders. By actively seeking out collaborations with entrepreneurs, experts and thought leaders from different corners of the world, venture capitalists can leverage the collective wisdom and expertise that these diverse ecosystems offer. Such relationships can lead to cross-pollination of ideas, enabling the creation of groundbreaking solutions with a global impact.
My global perspective is more than just investing. With one child born in the U.S. and another in Singapore, I know my children must also foster a curiosity for the world. My children are both descendants of a farmer on one side and a president of India on the other. It is my responsibility as a parent to teach them about the world and the duality of wealth and poverty. It is my responsibility as an investor with fiduciary duty to look for innovation and understand the risks in every crevice of every culture. Only by doing so can we unlock the true potential of technology, build businesses that resonate with people worldwide and make a meaningful impact in the ever-evolving landscape of venture capital.
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Read the full article here
