While many know: Vivek Oberoi as an actor, he has quietly established 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 promising entrepreneurs.
Vivek Oberoi remembers learning about money at 11
Talking about his childhood, Vivek says that financial discipline was introduced to him at a very young age despite growing up in a financially comfortable home.He revealed that his father is an artist Suresh Oberoitaught him concepts like debit and credit when he was only 11 or 12 years old and insisted that he maintain accounts to understand the value of money.Recalling his father’s upbringing, Vivek said the lessons came from the family’s experiences during Partition.“Even though my father was very successful, he was very disciplined about money. My grandfather lost everything during Partition, so my father was taught never to accept wealth,” he told Outlook Business.According to Vivek, those early lessons shaped his belief that money should not only represent past success but be “fuel for future innovation and growth.”
‘Every business’ dharma is profit’
Explaining why he set up a family office when the concept was new in India, Vivek said he wanted to combine financial sustainability with social impact.“I truly believe that every business dharma is profit, but every business dharma must have a purpose,” he said.He added that the goal is not to build a conventional institutional asset-management firm but to support founders, meaningful businesses and contribute to the development of the Indian economy.The actor also revealed that one of the main goals behind the family office is 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, with investment behavior for generations to come,” he said.Vivek shared that investment discussions have become a part of family life, revealing that he often talks to his 13-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter about the companies they invest in and the reasons behind the decisions.
Vivek Oberoi’s investment philosophy
Describing his investment strategy, Vivek said he follows what he calls a “steady and sexy” approach.The “sustainable” part consists of investing in fundamentally strong family-run businesses that can grow through digitalization, AI integration and improved management.The “sexy” segment, on the other hand, is focused on high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, deep tech, life sciences and lifestyle brands.He cited his investment in premium analogue 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 consists of more than 30 companies
According to Vivek, his family office has invested in more than 30 companies while successfully exiting more than 11 investments.He also revealed 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 that his team exited a listed company with almost 300% return in about two years.
Why are family offices different from traditional funds?
Vivek explains 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 him to support businesses that create a meaningful impact even if they do not promise the highest financial returns.“There are times when I know to invest in something where the financial upside may not be the highest possible, but the impact is significant enough for me to do it,” he said.He also emphasized that his team aims to be a long-term partner with the founders rather than just aiming for a quick return.
In India’s startup ecosystem
Talking about the Indian business scene, Vivek described the country as one of the most exciting growth markets in the world.He highlighted the opportunities across AI, MSMEs, technology startups and real estate, while also announcing that India’s regulatory environment is gradually becoming more investment friendly.However, he believes there is still scope to simplify tax rules and governance, especially for startups navigating compliance while trying to scale.
“Investing gives me a different kind of fulfillment”
Despite his growing presence in the investment ecosystem, Vivek says 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,” he said.At the same time, he admits that investing has brought him a different sense of purpose.Seeing young founders succeed reminds him of his own early ambitions, he says, adding that many of the entrepreneurs he’s backed have become lifelong friends after his investment journey with them ends.