1. Introduce yourself and describe your current role at Incofin.
I am Shubham Kothari, who joined Incofin in Feb 2020 as a Finance Controller and currently working as an Investment Manager focusing on private equity investments in financial services and agri-food in India.
2. What was your background before joining Incofin?
Before Incofin, I worked in Private Equity at TVS Capital Funds, executing a USD ~30 million investment in an Indian General Insurance company, and in management consulting at Boston Consulting Group on growth and strategy projects across sectors. By qualification, I am a Chartered Accountant with All India Ranks at CA-Inter and CA-Final.
3. What attracted you to join Incofin?
I was attracted to Incofin after hearing positive feedback from Ritesh Modi, a colleague from my CA internship days. He spoke highly of the company’s work-life balance, career growth opportunities, global reputation, and the chance to gain cross-country exposure.
4. How has your career developed since you joined Incofin?
My career at Incofin has seen significant growth. Initially joining as a Finance Controller despite my background in Management Consulting and Private Equity, I was able to transition to an Investment role when the opportunity arose with full support from the leadership team.
5. Can you share a significant project or achievement you’ve been involved in?
Immediately upon transitioning to the investment role, I executed my first financial services deal at Incofin, which was the third for IPF. Additionally, my first agri deal involving a player in the apple farming value chain was a tremendous learning experience, providing deep insights into the agri and apple farming industry in India. These deals have significantly sharpened my investment thesis around Incofin’s focused sectors. The guidance from leadership has been instrumental in shaping my investment journey at Incofin.
6. What skills have you developed or improved during your time here?
During my time at Incofin, I have developed and improved various skills including fund accounting, investor reporting, managing audits, equity valuation, communication and presentation, financial modelling, sector research, negotiation, and people management.
7. Can you describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it?
Setting up the Incofin India Progress Fund from a finance perspective was my major goal when I first joined as a Finance Controller. This was new territory for me, but with the support and autonomy provided by my managers, I successfully completed the project.
8. What do you enjoy most about working at Incofin?
I enjoy the entrepreneurial mindset, freedom, and project ownership at Incofin, creating a dynamic work environment. I also value the flexible working policy and work-life balance.
9. What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Incofin?
Incofin is an amazing place to work at if you are looking for a great career in impact investing across the globe. The team truly lives by its values. The career growth is immense for hard working & self-driven individuals and there are many examples of people who have shifted teams or regions with full support of management.