Sandeep Malik is an accomplished entrepreneur and seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in business growth, leadership, and strategic development. Currently the Founder of iNavigate Partners, he has previously founded several successful startups and held key positions in well-known MNCs such as Just Dial and JP Morgan Chase. Over the years, he has also contributed his expertise as Vice President of Growth at Aliens Arts and Vice President at Caerus3 Advisors & Think-Tank. With a strong background in investment, advertising, marketing strategy, and business consulting, Malik combines innovative vision with hands-on expertise in sales, operations, and team building, making him a versatile leader in today’s competitive landscape.

 

In an insightful conversation, Sandeep Malik reflects on his journey, challenges, and experiences in investment banking and deal-making. With many years of experience across corporates and entrepreneurial ventures, he shares candid perspectives on the evolving finance landscape, critical skills for success, and his personal investment choices.

 

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in investment banking, and how did your professional journey begin?

“I’ve been an entrepreneur and I’ve been in this space for more than 16 years now after being part of some large corporates like Hutchison,” he said.

 

“My first startup came in 2012, so I was always in this circuit. I always knew what’s the process of raising capital, how do we go about it, but it happened two years ago when I joined an investment banking/advisory firm where I was working as a vice president. Then things became very serious about me practicing this as a profession and from there on I’ve been at it,” he added.

 

2. The finance industry is known for being competitive — what were the biggest challenges you faced early on, and how did you overcome them?

“See, I still don’t call myself an investment banker. I think I’m more of a deal maker,” he explained. “My forte is to crack deals through my networks, which is very very strong, and I’ve been successful at that.”

 

He added, “For me, it was pretty smooth because I was already in this space. I knew how the system works and I had the networks on both the sides — founders and funders.”

 

3. How has your role as an investment banker evolved over the years, and what aspects of the job excite you the most today?

“As I said, I don’t call myself an IB. However, people do that,” he remarked. “It’s really exciting. It makes you travel, meet new people, explore new ideas, and add value to many people and their lives.”

 

He said, “When you’re getting funds done for somebody, you’re making such a big change. You’re driving money to that company, and that company is going to grow, generate more jobs, and bring prosperity. At the same time, investors are going to make their money, so it supports the entire ecosystem. I love that part about it the most.”

 

“You get to travel, meet decision-makers, and always be around influential people. You’re making a lot of good change in society,” he concluded.

 

4. From your perspective, how has the investment banking landscape in India (and globally) changed in the last decade?

“I think it was always there, but it has come up in a big way,” he said. “Thanks to the Narendra Modi government, which is pushing across the startup ecosystem a lot. That has really created a lot of opportunities.”

 

He added, “People know what fundraising is now and different channels and structures. So a lot has changed, especially in the last decade.”

 

5. Without breaching confidentiality, can you share an example of a deal or transaction that was particularly challenging or rewarding in your career?

“I can’t put an exact deal out there, but I’m somebody who’s pretty versatile,” he said. “If I’m raising funds for a technology-based startup, I’m also raising funds for something brick-and-mortar.”

 

He added, “I also raise funds for the real estate sector, which is very challenging. Not many people take up construction finance, but I love doing that. I love doing debt deals, equity deals — I don’t say no to anything. I don’t say no to a 2 crore deal, neither do I say no to a 200 crore deal.”

 

6. What are the most critical skills that an investment banker must cultivate to succeed in today’s fast-changing financial markets?

“You need to be adaptive,” he explained. “You need to see what’s happening, understand new structures being formed, and learn how you can facilitate deals using the new things going on.”

 

“You’ve got to be updated,” he added.

 

7. Which sectors or industries do you see as the most promising for investments right now, and why?

He said, “Green energy, technology, deep technology and AI are among the most promising sectors at the moment, given their transformative potential and rapid growth. Investment has been occuring in these different sectors.”

 

“Besides the growth numbers, people also carefully look at the profitablity, as it gives them a clearer picture of long-term sustainability.”

 

8. Which companies or sectors have you personally invested in, and what attracted you to those opportunities?

“Right now, I have been offered equity into an upcoming jewellery brand, which is very promising. I will be taking equity stakes in that,” he said.

 

“These opportunities are attractive because they align with growth potential and my role in adding value,” he added. “People not only invest by seeing the growth but also the profitability.”

 

9. Do you prefer investing as an individual (angel investor) or through structured funds / institutions? Why?

“I’m pretty versatile. I keep it open. I don’t say no to any stage of funding,” he said. “I have networks around angels, structured funds, and large institutions. So that’s how I go.”

 

“At the moment, I’m doing fundraising for technology, AI, and one very interesting Shark Tank deal — an energy drink that featured on Shark Tank. I’m handling their second round of funding,” he explained.

 

“Besides that, I’m also doing fundraising for a retail chain business some construction finance. So yeah, all in all, that’s what it is,” he concluded.

 

Conclusion

Sandeep Malik’s journey reflects adaptability, networking strength, and a commitment to driving growth through diverse deals across industries. His emphasis on versatility, openness to opportunities, and creating value for both founders and investors underlines his role as a true deal maker in today’s financial ecosystem. Importantly, Malik not only evaluates opportunities for their growth potential but also for their profitability, ensuring long-term sustainability alongside expansion.