Nothing is impossible: Gopichand Hinduja on investing in early-age startups, group surviving world's economy for 104 yrs

Diversification can be a good hedge to safeguard one’s business during a slowdown. The Hinduja Group, which has been in existence for over a century, has survived many a market cycle, owing in part, to their collective decision to have a hand in many pies, and that too across geographies.

“We brothers have been watching the world economic scenes for many years. The group has existed for 104 years. I was very much involved when crude oil sold for $2.30 per barrel. Then it jumped to $10, and later to $34. I also saw $150, and now we are lingering at around $80.

“There were so many ups and downs during this period that our late father, the founder, made some principles and values for the family (business). One of the most important ones was to be geographically divided all over the world. We are in 48 countries of the world. He didn’t want the family to be in one business. We have over 11 verticals directly, and indirectly, we are in many start-up businesses,” said Gopichand Hinduja, Co-Chairman - Hinduja Group, at the India Economic Conclave in Mumbai.

On the outset, it might appear that the Hindujas maintains a conservative portfolio, but their eagerness to foray into emerging fields and markets has shored up the Group’s revenues. They have invested in many early-stage start-ups from technology to sports. “Wherever we find some promising young entrepreneurs wanting to do something, we jump in. I always believe that nothing is impossible,” Hinduja said.

He is optimistic of the Indian government’s target of $5-trillion GDP can be achieved with a few structural tweaks and a positive attitude. “$5 trillion is not a very large figure. It is achievable. If go back 10 years and look at the economy, we were at around $900 million. When we could achieve $2.7 trillion (in a decade), there is no reason why we cannot reach $5 trillion.

“You have to see what is going wrong and focus on how to correct it. In India, we have the most talented people of the world – with the highest culture that you can find anywhere in the world. I have travelled all around the world, and believe me, I am proud of being Indian. I am proud of working in India, and when I work with an Indian, I find a lot of talent, skills, entrepreneurship… If you leave any Indian in any desert, he will know how to make money,” Hinduja said.