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Not yet a high school graduate but eager to make bigger and better things. Now back at school in New Jersey.
In the summer of 2015, I was given the opportunity to intern at Lightbox, a venture capital firm located in Mumbai, India. Being a second year high school student, I had no idea what to expect of the company, let alone the radical business world of India. I had come to learn about the business world, witness in real time how a company works and how to survive in that world. This trip was the first time I had stayed away from home or even been to India for more than a month so as you can imagine, it was slightly terrifying.
As I walked in on my first day, I immediately noticed the open and unique flow to the office. Unlike the stereotypical cubical offices, this layout, as I realized throughout the weeks, prompted open discussions and group collaboration as we worked. This unique, start up mentality carried on in everything that took place. I was introduced to many people then immediately put to work. One of my first tasks was to deep dive into three companies and understand the ins and outs of each. Next, provide insight on how to improve the companies and their app interface.
I worked on these assignments for the next three weeks and truly experienced the magnificent environment that Lightbox has created. As I developed my presentations, everyone was so open and willing to help. No question was off limits and I was encouraged to ask whenever I needed help. They taught me how research, look, think and analyze companies effectively and efficiently.
Most importantly, though, Lightbox changed my view of the world and taught me to push my limits by going above and beyond. How to take my work one step further and better succeed in any environment I was put in. To think in different ways, from different perspectives and with different objectives. The experience changed me for the better in a million ways.
The Lightbox family is exactly that - a family. Throughout the trip, I became part of it. We bonded as a team and with every presentation, conference, discussion, thought and idea we became stronger. Lightbox as a company has succeeded so well because of this. Its internship program exceeded every expectation I had and has prepared me so well for the real world. I am truly honored to have been a part of it.
I came to Lightbox looking for a taste of the real world but instead, I got the experience of a lifetime, a real, up-close look at business in Asia and a chance to work aside the greatest family ever.
Q&A
What are you doing now? Right now I am developing an app and launching my own company. I'm also applying to colleges for next year.What is venture capital to you? Investing in ideas and concepts that have the potential to succeed. It's about helping and growing with your portfolio companies, providing them with the knowledge they need to make smart decisions for their future. How do you see technology changing India in the next 10 years?Technology is the future. In every industry whether it be transportation, agriculture, or even medicine, technology will play a key role in its' evolution. India's industries are no exception. Technology is opening new doors and creating new innovations that are faster, smarter and more efficient than previous solutions. In my opinion, India is just beginning to see the power technology has and it will be growing exponentially over the next ten years. What’s the best insider tip you'd give a new intern?Find out what you are passionate about and work hard at it. Understand your strengths so that you may add value to the project or company. Don't be afraid to put in the extra hours and constantly seek to improve on what you have. Think outside of the box, show others how you think differently than them and use that to your advantage. Lastly, and most importantly, approach everything with an open mind. Be confident in preparation but open to the world you are being exposed to. Many people that you will be working with have experience and knowledge in their field. Providing you with the opportunity to gain that knowledge will be the greatest gift Lightbox can do for you.What’s the wisest thing anyone has ever said to you?"Give me 6 hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening my axe", understand that whatever you do in life, if focus on your preparation, the execution becomes simple.
Born in Bombay and fashion-schooled in London, she switched to the other side to build Down to Dash, an activity based network for college students.
Every bit the New Yorker she is. A Yale graduate, bulletproofed at McKinsey, now in her second year at Harvard Business School. Bedazzled by Bollywood, she spend the summer with us in Mumbai to understand what's next in content and media.
The phenomenal team, amazing office and interesting, changing work keeps are only a few things on a very long list of why my summer at Lightbox made interns everywhere jealous!
Mathematician and magician in equal parts. Now conjuring tricks at Harvard. A quote he lives by: "Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.
The first thing which comes to my mind about this internship is – Couchez moins bete chaque soir. Sleep a bit more intelligent every night.
Any VC can teach you about the industry. Only Lightbox can teach you passion.
One of the ways you gauge how good a company is how much you miss it after you leave. Somehow everything comes together in an amazing work place – the work, the people and the vibe.
Lightbox had a tremendous impact on me. I was slated to attend a Master’s program in the US but due to the experience and frank inputs of the people I worked with and met, I was able to make a more informed and well thought out decision. Today, I am working on my own project, for which, Lightbox deserves credit.
It was an experience I desperately needed to change my outlook towards life. I thought that startups and VCs are mostly about making quick money before things eventually fall apart. At Lightbox, I realized that VCs can also be agents for change that could impact the future of humanity in much more positive way and this way of thinking makes things so inspiring.
Rooms lined only by windows, open gardens, fresh light pouring in. The office itself is a Lightbox! The array of clientele that visited and worked with Lightbox was fascinating. With a portfolio that ranges from mobile apps to solar energy, there really was a story behind the monthly Income statements.
The team has a ‘beginners mindset’ that creates a humbling atmosphere where everyone was constantly willing to learn.
They say, we are the people we meet. Lightbox definitely has left a lasting impression on me.
AI in Indian education technology is probably the most advanced in the world. It is challenging traditional western models particularly in integrating effectively with public and private systems in the country.
It was during the LP week that I realized that Lightbox is a firm and an environment in which even a day or two is enough to change your perspective on company building but more importantly, improve your vision on your own aspirations.
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