In this episode of View from the Top, Ganesh Nayak of Avataar Ventures sits down with Lee Tilghman, Managing Director at The Dietrich Foundation — one of the most respected U.S. foundations investing substantially in VC and PE.

With over 15 years of experience leading manager selection and portfolio strategy across continents, Lee brings a long-term allocator’s lens to investment.

They discuss what conviction-driven investing looks like in practice, and how India is being places in global capital conversations.

This conversation goes beyond the typical LP-GP dialogue — exploring how long-term institutions assess risk, patience, and performance in markets that are still evolving.

Lee shares how The Dietrich Foundation approaches manager selection, the qualities that separate enduring partnerships from short-lived ones, and how mentorship, military discipline, and process-driven decision-making have shaped his approach to investing.

Together, Ganesh and Lee dive into:

• How long-term investors balance conviction and patience across illiquid portfolios
• What separates exceptional GPs from the rest — passion, curiosity, and humility
• How allocators like The Dietrich Foundation built conviction in India long before consensus
• Lessons from military leadership that apply to investing: initiative, accountability, and ownership
• Why “getting on the plane” remains a time-tested diligence principle for global LPs

Candid, and deeply human, this episode offers an inside look into how one of America’s leading foundations thinks about global capital deployment — from Pittsburgh to Bangalore.

For founders, VCs, and investors alike, Lee’s perspective is a masterclass in long-term thinking, conviction, and how disciplined capital fuels the next generation of global category leaders emerging from India.

In this episode of View From The Top, Ganesh Nayak sits down with Amit Chandra, managing director of 57 Stars — an independent global asset manager.

With deep experience across emerging markets, they unpack the forces shaping India’s rise as one of the world’s most efficient capital markets.

This wide-ranging conversation explores why India is increasingly viewed as a preferred destination for global investors, how regulatory discipline and governance have evolved over the last decade, and what separates India’s growth trajectory from other emerging economies.

Amit also challenges some long-held assumptions about emerging markets. He offers a balanced and evidence-based perspective on what has changed, what remains misunderstood, and where global investors need to update their mental models.

Together, Ganesh and Amit dive into:

• Why India is becoming one of the most attractive IPO hotspots globally
• The evolution of India’s regulatory and tax environment — and how it directly impacts investment outcomes
• How ESG and governance are reshaping capital allocation decisions
• What drives India’s consumer markets to outperform — and why certain segments still underdeliver
• How LBO-style financial engineering sharpens returns in emerging markets
• Which outdated notions about emerging capital markets no longer hold true
• Why India increasingly stands out as one of the most efficient long-term capital bets

Grounded, clear, and rich in practical insight, this episode offers a rare macro-to-micro view on India’s ascent from regulatory depth to consumer behavior, while correcting the misconceptions that often cloud global understanding of emerging markets.

Whether you’re a founder, investor, or operator, Amit’s perspective provides a sharp, evidence-based understanding of India’s position in the global economy and the structural strengths driving its next decade.