Written by Mae Cornes
Investing in technology startups has become increasingly important in recent years. In 2023, close to $315B was invested in technology companies globally. The United States and India accounted for the lion’s share of this funding, and the partnership between these two countries is only going to grow. Both countries are driven by mutual interests in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
“Tech dictates market rhythms. The US-India corridor is more than just a route of trade, it’s an indicator of the future,” states Aman “Kai” Sidhant, an investor at WestBridge Capital. With his engineering and venture capital background, Sidhant is at the forefront of this international shift, using his skills to invest in infrastructure SaaS companies and helping his portfolio companies prepare for their next phase of growth.
A Technologist in Venture Capital
Sidhant’s acuity allows him to identify promising companies with the potential for growth in the US and India. These tech startups create new solutions that can make a big difference worldwide. By investing in them, firms like WestBridge Capital support individual businesses and help elevate the global technological ecosystem.
One of the most important technological developments in recent years has been cloud computing and AI. Sidhant focused most of his education at UC Berkeley diving deeper into these fields, which culminated in winning an international robotics competition. His experience at Microsoft Azure and SAP Research Labs further taught him about the latest trends in cloud computing and AI, with his field of expertise extending to infrastructure SaaS covering fields like cybersecurity, AI, and financial technology startups.
Balancing Technological Development with Security
Companies are using advanced AI for foundational use cases like improving cybersecurity and preventing fraud. Sidhant’s focus on investing in AI and cybersecurity comes at the right time, as these areas are growing and changing quickly.
Still, using AI in practice has its challenges, like the need for solid risk management and a unified approach to AI-related cybersecurity threats. One report by IBM states that the global average cost of a data breach in 2023 was USD 4.45 million, spelling the damage poor cybersecurity can create without the guidance of experts.
Sidhant acknowledges these challenges: “While AI offers big growth opportunities, it also means we must be more careful and active in our cybersecurity efforts. Investing in a better future is also about anticipating bad circumstances.“
However, the barrier to understanding cybersecurity can be artificially high for many people. Cybersecurity is replete with jargon and complicated terminology. The use of such terminology can create a divide between cybersecurity experts and other stakeholders, such as executives and end-users, who may struggle to grasp the essential concepts necessary for informed decision-making.
To bridge this gap Sidhant authored an in-depth overview of the Cyber Defense Matrix, a framework to understand the big picture of cybersecurity. His work was picked up by The Times of India, India’s most popular English language newspaper.
The US-India Collaborative Future
The strategic partnership between the US and India, as emphasized by Sidhant, is not just about economic gains—but about building a resilient framework for the future through mutual support and security. This collaboration is expected to drive advancements in technology and industry, supported by both nations’ commitments to an open and secure tech ecosystem. The San Francisco Bay Area is a key fixture in US-India cross border events and conferences, and Sidhant has been invited to speak at several of these, including TiEcon.
“We see the partnership between the US and India as one of the most important geopolitical relationships of the 21st century,” Sidhant explains. “With my associates at WestBridge Capital, my goal is to strengthen this bond for the betterment of both nations.”
The economic relationship between the United States and India is of paramount importance, serving as a cornerstone of global economic stability and growth. This partnership not only fosters mutual prosperity but also strengthens geopolitical stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States, as one of the world’s largest economies, offers India access to advanced technology, investment opportunities, and markets, while India, with its burgeoning middle class and rapidly growing economy, provides American businesses with vast opportunities for expansion and collaboration.
Bilateral trade between the two nations has surged, encompassing a wide array of sectors including technology, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy, underscoring the complementary nature of their economies. Furthermore, collaborative efforts in research and development, particularly in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, highlight the innovative potential of this partnership.
The strategic importance of US-India economic ties is also evident in their joint commitment to addressing global challenges, such as climate change and sustainable development, through shared initiatives and investments. Overall, the robust economic relationship between the United States and India not only enhances the economic prospects of both nations but also contributes significantly to global economic resilience and innovation.
