Dinika Mahtani: From Operator at Uber to backing early-stage startups at Cherry Ventures

Dinika Mahtani: From Operator at Uber to backing early-stage startups at Cherry Ventures

Author: JBM, James Mitra February 26, 2025 Duration: 37:15
40 Minute Mentor
Business
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Dinika Mahtani, Partner at Cherry Ventures, the early-stage VC firm led by a team of entrepreneurs with experience building fast-scaling companies, such as Zalando and Spotify.  Prior to her move into VC, Dinika was an Operator, working across Banking, UberEats EMEA and Uber’s JUMP e-bike product in the UK. She also served as Director of Finance and Operations at ClimateTech startup, Kaluza.  Today, we take a trip back down memory lane, discussing those fundamental years as an Operator and how she made the move into VC.  It’s a conversation filled with mentorship for Founders and anyone considering the VC route as their next career step.  📚 Episode Chapters:  ➡️ From Banking to Uber [06:30] ➡️ Key lessons from her time at Uber [11:30]  ➡️ Moving into VC [15:30]  ➡️ More about today’s sponsor [23:30]  ➡️ Looking for raw ambition [24:30]  ➡️ Going from Principal to Partner [27:30]  ➡️ Promoting and hiring more diverse talent [30:00]  ⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Dinika here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinika-mahtani-0a2494158/ ➡️ Learn more about Cherry Ventures: https://cherry.vc/  📣 Learn more about today’s sponsor:  Today’s episode is sponsored by ECAP Financial, your trusted partner for fractional CFO services for companies looking to fundraise or go through an M&A process.  Whether you’re a Founder looking to raise investment, planning for an exit, or navigating financial challenges, ECAP Financial, led by the brilliant Corinne Thompson, helps scaleups secure the right funding at the right time.  💡 Check out their latest fundraising course here: https://fundraising-academy2.teachable.com/p/fundraising-academy  💡 Don’t forget to follow them on YouTube for even more advice: https://www.youtube.com/@ecapfinancial/videos  ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review at https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  🎧 You may also enjoy:  Masha Bucher: Harnessing the power of storytelling in VC with Day One Ventures From Operator To VC – Busting Industry Myths with Rosie Barnett, Principal at Delin Ventures VC & Fundraising Advice – Series 6 Best Bits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what a conversation with a truly groundbreaking founder or an elite performer actually sounds like? 40 Minute Mentor captures exactly that, offering intimate, structured dialogues designed to unpack the real journeys behind extraordinary success. Hosted by James Mitra, this podcast operates on a simple but powerful premise: profound insight doesn't require hours of your time. Each episode is a focused, forty-minute session with a different leader, from purpose-driven entrepreneurs building unique companies to Olympic athletes who have mastered their craft. The conversations move beyond theory, delving into the pivotal decisions, personal challenges, and practical lessons that have shaped their paths. You'll hear not just about their triumphs, but the resilience required during setbacks, providing a honest look at what building a brilliant career or venture genuinely entails. As one of the UK's prominent business podcasts, it serves as a direct source of mentorship, aiming to elevate ambitions by sharing these powerful career narratives. Tune in for a regular dose of inspiration and actionable wisdom, all within the span of a single commute or workout.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Official website RSS
youtubelinkedin
40 Minute Mentor
Podcast Episodes
Bonus: Reinventing expert networks through AI with James Lo & Ethos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:34
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor bonus episode, we’re introducing our brand new partnership with Ethos, the next-generation expert network using AI to match industry leaders with earning opportunities. Tune in to find out why…
Adrienne Adhami: How to make decisions in a world of endless choice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:54
To kick off 40 Minute Mentor’s Season 13, we’re joined by Adrienne Adhami, leading wellbeing coach, podcast host and author. Listed as one of the ‘Top 25 Black Entrepreneurs to watch’ by HSBC and UKBBS, Adrienne is a tra…
Season 13 Trailer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:30
Ahead of launching Season 13 of 40 Minute Mentor next week, we thought we'd give you a preview of some of the pocket-sized mentorship you have to look forward to. Haven't subscribed yet? Make sure you do so now to be the…
Vegard Medbø: Building a portfolio valued at $4.8B with Antler [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:15
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by Vegard Medbø, Co-Founder and COO at Antler, the global early-stage fund helping entrepreneurs go from zero to one. Before founding Antler, Vegard spent his early caree…
Bonus: The checklist for your next fundraise with Corinne Thompson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:16
In this final 40 Minute Mentor VC bonus episode, we’re joined by Corinne Thompson, Founder of Ecap Financial. Today’s episode follows a slightly different format, with Corinne sharing a quick-fire checklist for you next…
George Robson: Becoming a Partner at Sequoia at the age of 25 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:17
In today’s 40 Minute Mentor episode, we’re joined by George Robson, Partner at Sequoia, the fund helping daring Founders build legendary companies from idea to IPO and beyond. From Investment Banking to Revolut and becom…

«1234567...10»