New Delhi, April 14 -- Pankaj Makkar offers a rare degree of transparency when speaking about his investment philosophy. "I have always believed investing in a company is pretty similar to getting married," says the seasoned investor. "Being early-growth, long-term investors is basically becoming professional spouses to founders," explains the veteran who has been leading Bertelsmann India Investments (BII) since its inception in 2012.

What distinguishes a transient venture from a market leader? Often, it's the presence of a patient investor who prioritizes sustainable growth over short-term returns.

Unlike most Series B investors who typically exit within 5-7 years, BII maintains a holding period of 10-15 years. "We come in early, we s...