In the dynamic landscape of fundraising, entrepreneurs often grapple with the intricacies of securing essential capital. Recognizing the critical need for specialized assistance in this challenging terrain, Marquee Equity emerges as a strategic partner dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs at every stage of their fundraising journey. By providing comprehensive support, including the creation of robust data rooms encompassing pitch decks, financial models, and business plans, as well as facilitating access to the most relevant investors, Marquee Equity ensures that entrepreneurs can optimize their fundraising efforts and unlock the full potential of their ventures.

At the forefront of Marquee' is Nikita Garg, who not only initiated the domain but also adeptly manages it toward success. As a Director, Nikita oversees various aspects of Marquee's operations, from setting goals and strategies to managing the leadership team and driving revenue growth. Her ability to address challenges, maintain open communication, and emphasize ethical decision-making has been instrumental in her success and her success mantra revolves around setting ambitious goals and unwavering dedication towards achieving them.

What are some important facets of your life and professional journey?

I've been drawn to challenging games since childhood, fostering a deep passion for them as a source of mental stimulation. Engaging in these games involves identifying problems, finding solutions, and assessing the feasibility of these solutions for all parties involved—traits that have become a driving force in my professional life. Joining Marquee as an associate responsible for customer acquisition when it was just a team of three, I navigated numerous challenges, from structuring the organization to managing operations.

Tell us about your educational background and the prior industry experience.

I completed my bachelor's degree in economics at Delhi University and pursued my master's degree in economics at NMIMS Mumbai. My professional journey commenced with Marquee, marking my initial foray into the industry. Joining Marquee exposed me to a merit-driven culture, where I thrived and earned promotions, eventually stepping into leadership roles. Despite being early in my career, I've shouldered significant responsibilities, creating processes, managing a substantial team and handling profit and loss statements.

Introduce us to Marquee Equity. Tell us about the role you play within the organization.

At Marquee Equity, we function as a service provider, supporting founders and entrepreneurs in their fundraising endeavors. Our comprehensive assistance covers various aspects, from structuring deals and evaluating valuations to guiding founders through decisions about funding types— whether debt or equity financing. We specialize in identifying suitable investors, facilitating connections, and aiding in deal closures. Serving as a dedicated partner throughout the fundraising journey, our goal is to empower both early-stage founders and late-stage entrepreneurs by acting as an extension of their team, allowing them to focus on core operations.

In my role as a Director, I oversee the business aspects of Marquee's operations, setting short and long-term goals, devising strategies, and shaping the company's vision. As the custodian of leadership, I recruit, select, and supervise our leadership team, ensuring they are equipped to deliver excellence. Additionally, I manage revenue growth, handle performance evaluations, address conflict resolution, and fulfill various other responsibilities.

What key business challenges do you encounter, and how do you address them?

When dealing with a sizable team and operating in a dynamic environment, challenges emerge consistently. One major challenge involves balancing the diverse needs of various stakeholders, including my employees and customers. Ensuring their happiness and satisfaction is paramount given their significant roles in our environment. To address this, I maintain open channels of communication with all stakeholders. Additionally, I focus on preserving the team's culture, emphasizing the value each member brings to Marquee and how their contributions are respected and supported.

I proactively handle issues by emphasizing ethical decision-making, promoting meritocracy within the organization, and fostering open communication. Despite my position at the top, I make it a point to remain accessible and approachable, even to those working at the ground level. This approach has been my guiding principle and has proven effective in managing such a large and complex operation.

Share your key professional milestones and your success mantra.

I consider transitioning a small three-person team into a thriving organization with 200-plus members over a span of five years as a significant achievement in my career journey. The experience has been both enjoyable and enlightening, with continuous learning being a cornerstone. Despite the milestones achieved, I believe there is still a long journey ahead, and I cherish every moment. A mantra that has proven effective for me is setting ambitious goals and ensuring I achieve them with unwavering dedication. This approach has served me well in my professional endeavors.

How do you foresee India’s funding landscape evolving?

Similar to others well-versed in India's funding landscape, I am highly optimistic about its future. To illustrate, from 2014, there has been a staggering investment of around 141 billion dollars in Indian startups, resulting in a combined valuation exceeding 500 billion dollars. This unprecedented growth is remarkable. I foresee a diversification in investors, with not only traditional venture capitalists and angels but also sovereign wealth funds, corporate VCs, and family offices stepping in, expanding funding avenues for startups. Additionally, while Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai have been prominent startup hubs, I observe promising developments in Pune, Chennai, and Hyderabad, indicating a broader geographical reach. I firmly believe that even more remote regions of the country will soon join the entrepreneurial landscape.

What advice would you offer to aspiring women leaders or entrepreneurs?

I consider myself an aspiring woman leader, and a few principles that have proven effective for me include persistence, authenticity, self-belief, and a willingness to take risks. Don't hesitate to seek assistance when needed, and embrace resilience in your journey. Stay true to these principles, and you'll navigate your path successfully. I admire Melanie Perkins, the Founder and CEO of Canva. Like any entrepreneur, she has experienced both successes and challenges. In one of her blogs, she mentioned that building a company is akin to raising a child; it takes a village, or perhaps even a city. This statement resonated with me deeply because I recognize that Marquee's success is solely attributable to our fantastic team.

Nikita Garg, Director, Marquee Equity

Nikita Garg, Director of Marquee Equity, is a seasoned leader with a proven track record in transforming teams and organizations. Her dynamic approach to problem-solving and commitment to fostering growth make her a driving force behind Marquee's success.