Hemant Taneja, Managing Partner and CEO of General Catalyst

Venture capital must evolve from a model of serendipitous funding to one of intentional, long-term collaboration to address profound global shifts in technology, geopolitics, and industry structure. Hemant, CEO of General Catalyst, emphasizes that modern investment requires embedding responsible innovation directly into business processes, moving beyond standard ESG checklists to focus on systemic, purpose-driven outcomes. This approach is critical in sensitive sectors like healthcare and defense, where technology acts as a change agent for societal resilience. As AI accelerates, the industry faces a significant trust gap, necessitating deeper engagement between Silicon Valley and policymakers to ensure innovation aligns with democratic values. Furthermore, the decoupling of US-China trade relations is catalyzing a strategic shift toward an India-US innovation corridor, positioning India as a pivotal third power in the global technology landscape.