VC Q&A: Anis Uzzaman of Pegasus Tech Ventures

Anis Uzzaman Ph.D. is the General Partner of Pegasus Tech Ventures. He is CEO and leads investment, management, and operations. Pegasus Tech Ventures manages 25 investment funds, totaling US$1.5 billion in assets under management. The firm has seen 30+ successful exits, including eight IPOs.

As a serial entrepreneur in the retail and technological sectors, Anis provides mentorship in fundraising, operations, and exit strategies to entrepreneurs. Anis has invested in more than 170 startups in the U.S., Japan, and Southeast Asia. Prominent U.S. portfolio companies include Quibi, SpaceX, 23andMe, SoFi, and Bird. Southeast Asia investments include GoJek, Bukalakapak, and Tech in Asia.

Anis is on the board of Affectiva, Asteria, Lark, and Tech in Asia — the largest tech media blog in Southeast Asia. He is also the Chairman of Startup World Cup, a global startup pitch competition with 50+ regional events across six continents, leading up to a $1 million in investment prize.

— What is Pegasus Tech Venture’s mission?

Our mission is to accelerate the success of our portfolio companies by connecting them to our network of multinational corporate partners. This creates opportunities for business development, manufacturing, distribution, and global expansion.

— What was your very first investment? And what struck you about them?

My first investment, during the company’s 2011 seed round, was a Y Combinator company called Rap Genius. It’s now known as simply Genius — a digital media company, originally allowing users to provide annotations and interpretation of song lyrics, news stories, sources, poetry, and documents. Genius’ founders struck me as creative and energetic, having the right attitude to succeed. Interestingly, the actor Ashton Kutcher also invested in the seed round. He provided a unique Hollywood perspective on why Genius was innovative.

— What’s one thing you’re excited about right now?

I’m excited to manage a billion-dollar growth fund, which enables Pegasus to invest in innovative startups such as Quibi, SpaceX, 23andMe, SoFi, and Bird. We’re excited to help these companies build corporate relationships, access new customers, and grow sustainably.

— Who is one founder we should watch?

I’m very impressed by Rana el Kaliouby, the CEO and co-founder of Affectiva, a company that brings emotional intelligence to technology. She’s one to watch as a top female founder. Rana is creative and hopeful about technology improving the world. She also wrote the book Girl Decoded, providing an in-depth view of her personal transformation.

— What are the 3 top qualities of every great leader?

Every great leader should first communicate clearly and in a sophisticated way — to employees, peers, and external audiences. They should be optimistic yet realistic, dreaming about the future in an accurate way. Finally, a great leader should lead by example; act as a role model and demonstrate admirable behavior.

— What’s one question you ask yourself before investing in a company?

I always ask myself: What am I missing? Is there something that I should investigate further? Even with solid technology and strong founders, it’s still important to conduct thorough due diligence.

— What’s one thing every founder should ask themselves before walking into a meeting with a potential investor?

I believe that it’s critical for every founder to be confident and prepared, since investors might ask any type of question. Have a positive attitude and show your enthusiasm for the company.

— What do you think should be in a CEO’s top 3 company priorities?

First, people: You need the right talent to execute the company’s business plan. Second, finances: Enough money — or a plan to get it through revenue or fundraising — to operate successfully. Third, customers: Make sure that customers demand your product or service; have a strong marketing plan to reach them.

— Favorite business book, blog or podcast?

My favorite book is Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. She explains how women — and everyone in business — can show leadership and take on new challenges to succeed.

— What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?

Despite my love of investing and technology, I have an English Garden at my home and like to free my mind by working outdoors.

— Who is one leader you admire?

Barack Obama. He’s a strong leader who explains ideas clearly without complicated language.

— What’s one interesting thing most people won’t know about you?

I love traveling, especially to Maui in Hawaii. It’s an amazing place with interesting people, so I typically go there several times each year.

— What’s one piece of advice you’d give every founder?

Be determined by your goal to succeed. Don’t fall apart even when you are rejected or face harsh criticism. That’s the time to be more determined than ever.

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