Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Sons, passed away, leaving behind a powerful legacy in the Indian startup ecosystem. Beyond being a financial investor, Tata was known for his mentorship and guidance, helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses. He invested not only money but also shared his expertise and vision with founders to ensure their long-term success.
Lenskart: More Than Just an Investor
One of the most famous examples of Tata’s mentorship is his investment in Lenskart, a leading online eyewear retailer. In April 2016, Tata invested Rs 10 lakh in the company. While his financial contribution was small, his role as a mentor was invaluable. According to media reports, Lenskart officials once said that Tata’s influence was more about advising and mentoring than just providing funds. Today, Lenskart is valued at USD 5 billion, highlighting the strong foundation Tata helped build.
Urban Company’s Growth with Tata’s Support
Another successful startup Tata supported is Urban Company (formerly UrbanClap). In December 2015, Tata made an undisclosed investment in the company. Urban Company provides local services like plumbing and beauty treatments. One of the co-founders recalled Tata’s belief in their vision: “What you are building is something India needs,” Tata had said. His encouragement fueled their determination to grow.
FirstCry: A Trusted Advisor
Tata also played a key role in the success of FirstCry, an e-commerce platform for baby products. Supam Maheshwari, the founder of FirstCry, mentioned that Tata’s involvement gave them confidence and validation in their business model, leading them on the path to profitability.
Ola and Paytm: Early Support and Guidance
Tata’s early investments in Ola and Paytm were also crucial in their development. In 2015, Tata personally invested in Ola and later in Ola Electric. Bhavish Aggarwal, Co-founder and CEO of Ola, spoke about Tata’s impact on shaping the company’s journey. Similarly, Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma praised Tata’s support, which helped Paytm transform from a mobile recharge platform into a financial services giant.
Ratan Tata Legacy
The legacy of Ratan Tata as a mentor, advisor, and visionary leader will forever be celebrated in India’s startup ecosystem. His unique approach to investing, which prioritized mentorship over profit, has inspired countless entrepreneurs. While he is no longer with us, his values, mentorship, and contributions will continue to inspire future generations of Indian startups.
