In an exclusive interview, Rajesh Singla, Founder & CEO of Planify, delves into the intricacies of investing in the SME sector, highlighting the vision behind the Venture X Fund and its unique value proposition. Throughout the conversation, he emphasises the potential of SMEs to outperform more significant indices and shares Planify’s strategic approach towards identifying, evaluating, and investing in high-growth companies. From discussing the MLVC framework to outlining the meticulous due diligence process that sets them apart, Rajesh provides a comprehensive look into how Planify bridges gaps in the investment landscape for early-stage businesses.

1. Can you briefly explain VentureX Fund's core vision and unique value proposition? What gaps does it address in the current investment landscape?Rajesh Singla: The core vision of our Venture X Fund is to focus on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which are often underrepresented in traditional investment avenues. Our fund targets SMEs that are either about to be listed or are already listed on the Nifty SME Emerge or BSE Small Index, providing a unique opportunity for early-stage investment in high-growth companies. Over the past few years, these indices have consistently outperformed the Nifty 50 and the Nifty Small Cap over the past few years. Our goal is to identify and invest in SMEs that show potential for significant growth, offering investors an entry as anchor investors during IPOs, a strategy that has historically yielded higher returns.