While many know Vivek Oberoi as an actor, he has quietly built a significant presence in the investment world. In a recent interview, the actor spoke about his journey from learning the value of money as a child to creating a family office focused on generational wealth, impact investing and backing promising entrepreneurs.
Vivek Oberoi recalls learning about money at 11
Speaking about his childhood, Vivek said financial discipline was introduced to him at a very young age despite growing up in a financially comfortable household.He revealed that his father, actor Suresh Oberoi, taught him concepts like debit and credit when he was just 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 stemmed from the family’s experiences during the Partition.“Even though my father was very successful, he was extremely disciplined about 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, those early lessons shaped his belief that money should not merely represent past success but should instead become “fuel for future innovation and growth.”
‘Every business’ dharma is profit’
Explaining why he established a family office when the concept was still relatively new in India, Vivek said he wanted to combine financial sustainability with social impact.“I genuinely believe every business’ dharma is profit, but every businessman’s dharma should be purpose,” he said.He added that the objective was never to build a conventional institutional asset-management firm but to support founders, meaningful businesses 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 investing ethos for generations to follow,” he said.Vivek shared that investment discussions have become a part of family life, revealing that he regularly speaks with his 13-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter about the companies they invest in and the reasons behind those decisions.
Vivek Oberoi’s investment philosophy
Describing his investment strategy, Vivek said he follows what he calls a “steady and sexy” approach.The “steady” side consists of investing in fundamentally strong family-run businesses that can grow through digitisation, AI integration and improved governance.The “sexy” side, meanwhile, focuses 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 around $600,000 in revenue during its first year and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Portfolio spans more than 30 companies
According to Vivek, his family office has invested in more than 30 companies while successfully exiting over 11 investments.He also revealed that the current year is expected to bring another six or seven liquidity events, including three public listings.Speaking about one of his successful investments, Vivek said his team exited a listed company with nearly 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 towards limited partners, a family office allows him to back businesses that create meaningful impact even if they don’t promise the highest financial returns.“There are times when I knowingly invest in something where the financial upside may not be the highest possible, but the impact is meaningful enough for me to still do it,” he said.He also stressed that his team aims to become long-term partners for founders instead of simply chasing quick returns.
On India’s startup ecosystem
Talking about India’s business landscape, Vivek described the country as one of the world’s most exciting growth markets.He highlighted opportunities across AI, MSMEs, technology startups and real estate, while also noting that India’s regulatory environment is gradually becoming more investment-friendly.However, he believes there is still scope to simplify taxation and governance rules, especially for startups navigating compliance while trying to scale.
‘Investing gives me a different kind of fulfilment’
Despite his growing presence in the investment ecosystem, Vivek said acting continues to hold a special place in his heart.“The joy I get when I face the camera… that passion is something else,” he said.At the same time, he admitted that investing has brought him a different sense of purpose.Seeing young founders succeed reminds him of his own early ambitions, he said, adding that many entrepreneurs he has backed have gone on to become lifelong friends long after his investment journey with them ended.
