From the offices of Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC) to the bustling media corridors of NDTV, and later, the boardrooms of venture capital firms, Saurav Banerjee's journey is marked by several pivots making him the media entrepreneur that he is today. Trained as a chartered accountant, and now not only as the managing director and founder of MyyTake but also as a venture capitalist, his career trajectory offers a perspective on how his expertise helped redefine success in diverse industries.
Banerjee's professional odyssey began at the age of 21. His early career focused on facilitating the listing of Indian companies on global stock exchanges, a role that honed his financial acumen and strategic foresight.
The Early Media Days
One of his first pivotal moments arrived when NDTV sought to list on the New York Stock Exchange, presenting him with an opportunity he "couldn't refuse". Joining NDTV in 2003, he found himself in the company of industry luminaries such as Narayana Murthy and Tarun Das, an experience that shaped his approach to business.
"In 2005, my journey took a significant turn. I was appointed CFO of NDTV, becoming one of the youngest CFOs of a listed Indian company at the time. It was daunting, managing financials in a high-profile media environment, but it was also a tremendous learning curve," Banerjee reminisces.
Under his leadership, NDTV expanded beyond news into entertainment and digital domains, navigating challenges such as the 2008 global financial crisis. "The crisis was a turning point. It showed the importance of resilience and adaptability in business," he reflects.
A big step that has contributed to Banerjee's growth was also when he took an Advanced Management Program at Harvard, an experience that according to him broadened his global perspective and ignited his entrepreneurial spirit. "Returning to India, I pivoted from CFO to leading digital initiatives within NDTV. This shift already was in the direction of embracing the role of an intrapreneur."
The Entrepreneurial Bug
His entrepreneurial drive eventually led him to venture capitalism, where he joined Kalaari Capital as a partner. "Venture capitalism exposed me to diverse industries and innovative startups. It highlighted how technology and innovation drive business transformation, evident in companies such as Dream11," Banerjee explains.
Reflecting on India's economic future, he outlines his vision for fostering growth through entrepreneurship. "India's startup ecosystem is poised for exponential growth. By harnessing technology and mitigating investor concerns, we can catalyse this potential into creating future industry leaders," he asserts.
Amidst his entrepreneurial pursuits, Banerjee remains committed to upholding corporate governance standards and this is where he sees his own background as a CA or how CAs themselves contribute to companies and industries in a significant way. "Corporate governance isn't just about compliance. It is about ethical leadership, transparency and integrity. These are all qualities that enhance long-term business value," Banerjee says.
Surging Ahead
Discussing the role of technology in modern business, Banerjee also reflects on its impact. "Technology is not just a tool but a strategic enabler. From predictive analytics to enhancing user experiences, it revolutionises how we do business," he says.
For him, innovation too is not just a buzzword but a philosophy that drives successful ventures. "Media, for example, thrives on content and technology. By integrating user-generated content with technology, we can democratise media and amplify its influence. There is so much to do in this space," says Banerjee.
His advice to media professionals and younger CAs on CA Day is continuous learning and also embracing risks. He says, "It is about pursuing passions and minimising regrets, even if that means pivoting multiple times in your career."
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