Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi has quietly built a formidable business portfolio through his family office, reportedly achieving returns of up to 300% on some investments. Oberoi's approach transcends traditional wealth management, focusing on a unique blend of profit and purpose.
Profit and Purpose: Oberoi's Investment Philosophy
Oberoi's core philosophy can be summarized: “Every business’ dharma is profit, but every businessman’s dharma should be purpose." He revealed that his family office has invested in over 30 companies, successfully exiting 11 with significant returns. The primary goal is not merely chasing money but creating generational wealth by backing meaningful businesses and contributing to India's economic growth.
Early Lessons in Financial Discipline
Oberoi credits his father, veteran actor Suresh Oberoi, for his early financial education. At just 11 or 12, he was taught the principles of debit and credit. His father's disciplined approach to money, shaped by his own family losing everything during the partition, instilled in Vivek the belief that wealth should be a catalyst for future innovation and growth, not just a measure of past success.
A "Steady and Sexy" Investment Strategy
The family office employs a dual investment strategy, which Oberoi describes as "steady and sexy."
- Steady Investments: This arm focuses on robust, family-run businesses that show potential for growth through digital transformation, AI integration, and improved governance.
- Sexy Investments: This side targets high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, deep tech, life sciences, and emerging lifestyle brands. An example cited is Rotoris, a premium analogue watch startup, which generated approximately $600,000 in revenue in its first year.
Oberoi's family office model offers greater flexibility than traditional venture capital or private equity firms, allowing him to support impactful businesses even if they don't promise the absolute highest financial returns. He anticipates 6-7 more liquidity events this year, including three public listings, further solidifying his investment track record.
Outlook on India's Startup Ecosystem
Vivek Oberoi views India as one of the most dynamic growth markets globally, highlighting opportunities in AI, MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), technology startups, and real estate. While acknowledging improvements in the regulatory climate, he suggests that taxation and compliance processes for startups still require simplification.
Despite his significant success in the investment world, Oberoi maintains that acting remains a profound passion. He finds a different kind of fulfillment in investing, but the joy of performing continues to be special to him.