Every year, thousands of new startup ideas are born in India. Only a few grow into lasting businesses. The difference is rarely the idea alone. It is usually the person behind it, someone who can keep going when plans change, money is tight, or the first version does not work. This belief sits at the heart of how Dr. Saarthak Bakshi approaches angel investing.
Why Founders Matter More Than Ideas
As the Founder and CEO of Risaa IVF, Dr. Saarthak Bakshi knows what it takes to build a business from the ground up. Risaa IVF started in 2012 and has grown into a network of 14 centres across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Building it showed how much depends on steady leadership and strong execution, not just a good plan.
Today, he also runs Neos Angels, an angel network where he has backed more than 30 early-stage startups in healthtech, edtech, consumer brands, and social impact. He has often spoken about backing people who are actively building, not just thinking. In his words, the future “is built today, by doers.”
What Dr. Saarthak Bakshi Looks for When Investing
Taking into consideration his public talks, there are some traits, which become apparent when he evaluates the founder:
- Taking action: Founders, who are already in the process of creation and learning, rather than planning and talking
- Ability to adapt: Teams that can quickly adjust their strategy to meet new market conditions or customer needs
- Clarity of mind: A clear understanding of the problem they are addressing and the people who face it
- Resilience: Ability to withstand setbacks, because any startup experiences them
They are important, since no business plan remains the same from its initial stages due to changing markets, customers, and delays in funding. A founder who keeps learning and moving forward through these changes has a much better chance of building something that lasts. That is why, for Dr. Saarthak Bakshi, the person leading the idea is often as important as the idea itself.
Beyond the Cheque: Guidance for Young Talent
For Dr. Saarthak Bakshi, money is only one part of angel investing. In many of the companies he backs, he stays involved as an advisor or board member, helping leadership teams sharpen their business models and prepare for growth. Startups often need more than funds. They need honest advice, useful connections, and someone who has walked a similar path.
Moreover, he encourages young entrepreneurs to share their ideas before the time comes. The philosophy “fail fast and rise early” is all about that. Early failure is not an excuse to quit but an opportunity to learn. He regularly joins student programmes, startup events, and mentorship sessions to share his experience with emerging founders.
When experienced founders give their time and trust to young talent, more good ideas get a real chance to become sustainable businesses, especially in important areas like healthcare.
About Dr. Saarthak Bakshi
Dr. Saarthak Bakshi is the Founder and CEO of Risaa IVF, started in 2012 with his mother, Dr. Rita Bakshi, Chairperson and Senior IVF Specialist. He studied computer engineering, began his career at Infosys and Ernst & Young, and completed his MBA from the Indian School of Business in 2017. In addition, he works on Neos Angels, where he funds and advises early-stage companies. He gained many accolades for his contributions, such as Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, Entrepreneur 35 Under 35, AsiaOne 40 Under 40, BW Healthcare World 40 Under 40, Entrepreneur of the Year, Startup Summit 2022, and India Entrepreneurship Excellence Award 2016.
