Although many know it Vivek Oberoi as an actor, he has quietly built a significant presence in the investment world. In a recent interview, the actor talked about his journey from learning the value of money as a child to creating a family office focused on generational wealth, impact investing and supporting up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
Vivek Oberoi remembers learning about money at the age of 11
Talking about his childhood, Vivek said that financial discipline was instilled in him at a very young age despite growing up in a financially comfortable household.He revealed that his father, an actor Suresh Oberoihe taught her concepts like debit and credit when she was only 11 or 12 and insisted she keep accounts to understand the value of money.Recalling his father’s upbringing, Vivek said the lessons emerged from the family’s experiences during Partition.“Although my father was very successful, he was extremely disciplined with money. My grandfather lost everything during the partition, so my father was taught never to take wealth for granted,” he told Outlook Business.According to Vivek, these early lessons shaped his belief that money should not only represent past success, but should become “fuel for future innovation and growth.”
The dharma of “every enterprise” is profit”
Explaining why he set up a family office when the concept was still relatively new in India, Vivek said he wanted to combine financial sustainability with social impact.“I sincerely believe that the dharma of every company is profit, but the dharma of every entrepreneur should be purpose,” he said.He added that the aim was never to build a conventional institutional asset management company, but to support founders, meaningful companies and contribute to India’s economic growth.The actor also revealed that one of the key goals behind the family office was to create and preserve generational wealth.“When I set up the family office, the idea was to create generational wealth and create a structure to preserve it, along with the investment ethos for generations to come,” he said.Vivek shared that investment discussions have become a part of family life, revealing that he regularly talks with his 13-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter about the companies they invest in and the reasons for those decisions.
Vivek Oberoi’s investment philosophy
Describing his investment strategy, Vivek said he follows what he calls a “steady and sexy” approach.The “constant” part is investing in fundamentally sound family businesses that can grow through digitization, AI integration and improved governance.The “sexy” part, on the other hand, focuses on high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, deep technology, life sciences and lifestyle brands.He cited his investment in premium analog watch startup Rotoris, saying the company generated about $600,000 in revenue in its first year and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
The portfolio includes more than 30 companies
According to Vivek, his family office has invested in more than 30 companies and has successfully exited more than 11 investments.He also disclosed that the current year is expected to bring another six or seven liquidity events, including three public listings.Talking about one of his successful investments, Vivek said his team exited a listed company with almost 300% returns in about two years.
Why family offices are different from traditional funds
Vivek explained that one of the biggest advantages of a family office is the flexibility it offers.Unlike venture capital or private equity funds, where investors have fiduciary obligations to limited partners, a family office allows you to support companies that create significant impact even if they don’t promise the highest financial returns.“There are times when I consciously invest in something where the financial upside isn’t as high as possible, but the impact is significant enough that I still do it,” he said.He also stressed that his team aims to become long-term partners with founders rather than simply chasing quick returns.
About India’s startup ecosystem
Speaking about India’s business landscape, Vivek described the country as one of the most exciting growth markets in the world.He highlighted opportunities across AI, MSMEs, tech startups and real estate, while noting that India’s regulatory environment is becoming increasingly investment-friendly.However, he believes there is still room to simplify tax and governance rules, especially for startups navigating compliance as they try to scale.
“Investing gives me a different kind of fulfillment”
Despite its growing presence in the investment ecosystem, Vivek said acting continues to hold a special place in his heart.“The joy I get when I’m in front of the camera … that passion is something else,” he said.At the same time, he admitted that investing has given him a different sense of purpose.Seeing young founders succeed reminds him of his own early ambitions, he said, adding that many entrepreneurs he’s backed have become lifelong friends long after he’s finished his investment journey with them.