RootBridge Talks

In this episode of the RootBridge Talks, Louisa Clark sits down with Nayan Srivastava, Co-Founding Managing Partner at RootBridge, to explore the personal journey behind Zurich's only private equity firm with a sole investment focus on India. Nayan grew up in Germany, shaped by Indian parents who built businesses on evenings and weekends. He went on to study Management and Finance at Warwick Business School, before joining UBS, first in equity research and later on the trading floor. When the global financial crisis hit, he realized that the opportunity cost of setting up one's own firm would never be lower. In 2008, he joined forces with Alpesh Patel and Dr. Ajay P. Singh, and together they built their first asset management company out of the UK, investing in India from day one. In 2023, Nayan Srivastava and Dr. Ajay P. Singh co-founded RootBridge, with the mission of bringing the opportunity that India currently represents to the Swiss investor. At the heart of the conversation is a conviction Nayan returns to throughout: what used to be the American dream is now the Indian dream. He describes the unique energy in India, a “buzz,” as he calls it, where ambition is both visible and contagious. He looks at India through an investment lens: explains why the real growth sits in the SME space, the importance of family in business, and unpacks RootBridge's investment thesis. Note: This episode is not intended as investment advice.

This episode of RootBridge Talks features a conversation with Alpesh Patel, RootBridge’s Managing Partner in the UK and lead for the firm’s large-cap strategy, exploring how experience across markets, policy and capital informs his view on India’s public equities. Alpesh studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Oxford, alongside a degree in law at King’s College London and training as a Barrister with the Inns of Court School of Law, before pivoting into finance. He later became a familiar media voice through his Financial Times columns, more than 300 appearances on Bloomberg TV on his own show, and regular commentary as CNBC co-host and BBC Newspaper reviewer to a global audience in millions. He reflects on his years advising Prime Minister Tony Blair through the UK–India Roundtable, a small group tasked with strengthening political and economic ties between the two countries. Today, he continues to serve the UK as a government dealmaker, helping high-growth technology companies expand into the British market. Turning to India, Alpesh argues that sustained growth, a deep talent pool and senior leaders returning from firms such as Amazon, Alphabet, Infosys and Tata are creating conditions similar to the United States in the 1950s and 60s, when capital-efficient, often family-run businesses grew steadily alongside a rapidly expanding economy. He closes with a simple but provocative observation: tariffs are estimated to reduce India’s growth by less than one percentage point. If they barely move the needle on growth, what does that suggest about India’s economic strength? Note: This episode is not intended as investment advice.

In this episode of the RootBridge Podcast, Louisa Clark sits down with Dr Ajay Singh, Principal at RootBridge, to explore the bold thinking behind the firm’s new India-only fund. From his early life to his current role shaping cross-border investment strategy, Ajay shares the personal journey and professional convictions that led him to believe India is the opportunity of the decade. The conversation opens with Ajay’s roots — his upbringing, early influences, and the first signs of his curiosity for finance and problem-solving. Louisa explores how his family life today anchors his decisions, and how becoming a parent has deepened his perspective on risk, purpose, and growth. Ajay speaks openly about his connection to India — both personal and professional — and how that relationship has evolved over the years. He discusses why now is the right time to launch an India-focused strategy from Switzerland and how the fund’s structure, which spans public and private markets, reflects his long-term investment philosophy. The episode delves into how Ajay operates: his disciplined yet bold approach to decision-making, what “diligence” means to him, and the kinds of people he trusts when building teams. He also shares how RootBridge is working to demystify India for European investors — and how the firm aims to bring more than just capital to the Indian ventures it backs. Looking ahead, Ajay reflects on legacy — what success would mean ten years from now, and what kind of imprint he hopes to leave as an investor and a leader. The episode wraps with Louisa’s signature question on happiness, as Ajay shares his personal definition of fulfillment in this exciting chapter of his journey. Note: This episode is not intended as investment advice.

In this episode of the RootBridge Podcast, Louisa Clark sits down with Per Dybwad, a visionary leader with deep experience navigating business landscapes in China and beyond. From his early career to his ventures today, Per shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey and the unique insights he has gained from working in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. The conversation explores his approach to problem-solving, the evolution of his business model, and how his time in China influenced his perspective on growth, innovation, and adaptability. He reflects on the challenges of scaling businesses across different regions, the importance of cultural intelligence in global expansion, and the mindset that has fueled his success. Per also offers his perspective on leadership, decision-making, and staying ahead of the curve in competitive and fast-moving industries. Louisa wraps up the episode with her signature question on happiness, inviting Per to share his personal definition of fulfillment and how he continues to find joy in his work. Note: This episode is not intended as investment advice.

In this episode of the RootBridge Podcast, Louisa Clark sits down with John and Emma, the visionary co-founders of YesColours, a company redefining the paint industry through creativity and bold innovation. From their diverse backgrounds to the founding of YesColours, John and Emma share the experiences that inspired their journey and the unique perspective they bring to their work.

In this episode of the RootBridge Podcast, Louisa Clark sits down with Guy Sandelowsky, co-founder and co-CEO of Omni, a trailblazer in sustainable pet nutrition. From his early days as a veterinarian to his journey as an entrepreneur, Guy shares the pivotal experiences that shaped his career and fueled his passion for animals. He discusses his motivations for building Omni and the values he carries from his veterinary background into leading a consumer goods startup. Guy offers a candid look at the challenges and goals driving Omni forward, from expanding the product line to scaling internationally. He opens up about his co-leadership with Shiv, Omni’s co-founder, and how they navigate differing viewpoints to keep Omni growing. Louisa also explores Guy’s perspective on innovation, sustainability, and the ambitious goals he has for Omni’s future. The episode wraps up with Louisa’s traditional closing question on happiness, where Guy reflects on what happiness means to him and how he pursues it. Note: This episode is not intended as investment advice.

In this episode of Boardroom Insight: Steering Companies in Today’s World, Louisa Clark sits down with Sunny Karkhanis, Chairman of the Investment Committee at RootBridge Capital. Sunny shares his journey through 25 years at UBS, his transition from executive roles to board positions, and the lessons that have defined his leadership style. He offers practical advice for aspiring board members, insights on navigating cultural nuances in Asia, and his approach to mentoring today’s leaders. In closing, Sunny reflects on the future of RootBridge, discusses the biggest opportunities and risks, and shares his perspective on happiness—a tradition at the end of each episode. Note: This episode is not intended as investment advice.